zob95 Reviews

The Surface (I) (2014)

Disappointing

[3/10 · 22 December 2015]

I normally love survival and man vs. nature films. I think you can break down events in these kinds of movies into several categories:

*Man vs. Craft - Troubles with the mode of transportation (a small boat in this case) *Man vs. Nature - Troubles with weather, predators, etc. *Man vs. Man - Troubles with the other survivors *Man vs. Potential Rescuers - Often not seen by potential rescuers or they can be hostile

This movie offered up very few interactions within these categories, settling instead for some average dialog.

Another big problem is that the movie failed to make you care about the characters enough to really root for their survival. Also the dialog between the two suddenly became more intimate and personal with no transition to ease the viewer along.

The dialog between the two characters covered some decent ground but was not well-written. The characters will not built out enough for you to sympathize or even fully understand their issues soon enough to cement your interest in their survival.

It's a shame because survival movies are generally a good watch.

Reasonably well filmed.

Read some Jack London to experience the genre at its peak.

Foxcatcher (2014)

Vastly overrated

[4/10 · 6 August 2015]

Without Mark Ruffalo, this film would have been a failure. He holds it together through sheer force of will. Carell is competent but nothing surprising, just another case of a good comedic actor shocking everyone with an average dramatic performance

Tatum looks like he's going into a coma at times. The story is a good one but the film fails to set up the ending, by failing to develop the characters sufficiently.

It's well directed. Leaves you wanting more in terms of seeing the actual bouts. Does a decent job of making wrestling interesting.

Could have been better with a different actor in the Tatum roll and more character development. Maybe they were worried about length.

Watch it for Ruffalo but for no other reason...

Paycheck (2003)

Good start and then gets a bit silly

[7/10 · 17 February 2010]

Paycheck starts out very solid, with an interesting premise and great early plot development. This is "cashed in" late in the movie by burdening a great sci-fi mystery/suspense plot with a typical Hollywood action movie climax. And that's a real shame, because the first half of the film is stellar. I found myself playing catchup to an intricately woven storyline that probably stays relatively true to the novel that inspired it. But once I caught up and figured out what was going on, suddenly it was like the movie had run out of tricks.

Not knowing where to go next, the producers settled for a silly action ending. But still; great plot, good acting, good cinematography, make for a solid film overall - the latter part of the movie isn't so terrible as to ruin the great work done early.

Worth a look.

The Conversation (1974)

Thought provoking, has a lasting effect

[10/10 · 17 February 2010]

What makes a great film great? When days later you are still thinking about it. The Conversation is such a film. There were times during the film that I grew a little bored, but I think that is inevitable when dealing with a film that builds suspense in a subtle way such as this one does.

But the true mark of greatness is that days later, I find my thoughts still drifting back to moments from The Conversation. It has made a strong impression on me, changed me in ways I can't even understand. When you watch a movie that is highly entertaining, it is a fun experience but quickly fades away. That, to me, is inferior to watching a great film such as this that provokes so many feelings, thoughts, and questions in its viewers.

The film is beautifully shot and has such a graceful way of developing. Cast is superb. Highly recommended.