I just watched this film today at school. The professor brought it out to cheer the class up since it had been raining and cold all day. He labeled it as the funniest Canadian movie of all time and he really wasn't far from the truth. The beginning of the film is a bit weird and campy, and it's hard to imagine that it will actually produce real laughs. By the end of the first scene, however, you'll have laughed out loud and will be in anticipation for what will happen next. This continues for th entire movie. Every scene has at least a few great moments in it that are really funny (mostly in strange, sometimes uncomfortable, and unexpected ways). Some of the greatest moments happen while Kim reads the "middles" that have been discarded. The Halloween party is also fantastic. When the film ended the effect on the entire class was clear. Everyone was smiling, laughing, and making comments about the very last joke in the film. The rainy day had been forgotten and some students were even whistling the music that had accompanied the end credits. The film is a must see at any time, but even more so when you need something to bring a smile to your face.
Reviews
3 Reviews
Double Dare
(2004)
Empowerment for all viewers, and thanks to the kindest cast and crew I've ever met.
11 October 2004
I had the pleasure of seeing this film at Toronto's International Film Festival in 2004. Not only was I impressed by the film, but so were the two guys I saw it with. "I'm a guy, and I feel empowered!" is what one of them said to Zoe as we scrambled after the Q&A session to get autographs. That is easiest way for me to sum up how that film made everyone I knew feel that saw it. It is a documentary that, because of it's pacing, feels like an action feature. This film was able to get across to the audience how truly important the role of a stunt double, female or otherwise, is. I would recommend this film to anyone and hope that it gets picked up soon for release onto DVD.
On a side note: Thank you to all the cast and crew my friends and I met at the film festival for being so kind and gracious to a group of flustered film students. Especially Amanda Micheli for giving us posters and letting us borrow her Sharpie.
On a side note: Thank you to all the cast and crew my friends and I met at the film festival for being so kind and gracious to a group of flustered film students. Especially Amanda Micheli for giving us posters and letting us borrow her Sharpie.
Pi
(1998)
a little imagination required
17 September 2003
Warning: Spoilers
If you have not seen "Pi", please beware that some things mentioned in this commentary are spoilers.
Some people say that "Pi" is too out there and too unrealistic and that it is religiously inaccurate. So. Maybe "Pi" can be a little unrealistic at times. I don't see how a movie made about a fictional story can't be a little unrealistic at some points. That is not a fault, it is artistic expression.
I liked this movie, a lot. I have a respect and admiration for the work that went into making a movie that was directoraly innovative. It has wonderful acting, and the soundtrack completes the images perfectly. Although i have to recommend that it be viewed in the light of day and not at night with many lights turned off. You may experience some headaches due to the black and white filming that is in extreme and bright contrast.
Some people say that Max was crazy, that he was overwhelmed by his headaches, halusinations, and perscription drugs. I can understand that. Max is looking for the ultimate order in chaos. A way to understand the stock market, something that is supposed to be completely random. Something that no one should reasonably have the answers to.
I feel that Max is not crazy. Let's say that the 216 digit number is the name of God. Would Max knowing it not give him the ability to address God by name. Allowing him to speak to Him. You could interpret Max's delusions as a form of religous visions (like Joan of Arc, but freakier).
Now, about computers reaching a level of conciousness through the realization of the number, and then dieing. Would it not be reasonable that if you happened to be a computer, and you became concious of yourself, that you too would not want to stay being a computer. Maybe the computer chooses death. Or, maybe in it's death, it realizes conciousness. This may not be realistic, but it the world of movies it can happen.
The experiences of Max could be viewed as a complex religious experience, or the delusional and dangerous life of an obsessed mathmitician. My suggestion is that you let "Pi" do what any other movie does, let it tell you a story.
Every movie must be watched with the possability of what if? Movies are our dreams acted out in front of us. Without the imagination, movies would not exist.
Some people say that "Pi" is too out there and too unrealistic and that it is religiously inaccurate. So. Maybe "Pi" can be a little unrealistic at times. I don't see how a movie made about a fictional story can't be a little unrealistic at some points. That is not a fault, it is artistic expression.
I liked this movie, a lot. I have a respect and admiration for the work that went into making a movie that was directoraly innovative. It has wonderful acting, and the soundtrack completes the images perfectly. Although i have to recommend that it be viewed in the light of day and not at night with many lights turned off. You may experience some headaches due to the black and white filming that is in extreme and bright contrast.
Some people say that Max was crazy, that he was overwhelmed by his headaches, halusinations, and perscription drugs. I can understand that. Max is looking for the ultimate order in chaos. A way to understand the stock market, something that is supposed to be completely random. Something that no one should reasonably have the answers to.
I feel that Max is not crazy. Let's say that the 216 digit number is the name of God. Would Max knowing it not give him the ability to address God by name. Allowing him to speak to Him. You could interpret Max's delusions as a form of religous visions (like Joan of Arc, but freakier).
Now, about computers reaching a level of conciousness through the realization of the number, and then dieing. Would it not be reasonable that if you happened to be a computer, and you became concious of yourself, that you too would not want to stay being a computer. Maybe the computer chooses death. Or, maybe in it's death, it realizes conciousness. This may not be realistic, but it the world of movies it can happen.
The experiences of Max could be viewed as a complex religious experience, or the delusional and dangerous life of an obsessed mathmitician. My suggestion is that you let "Pi" do what any other movie does, let it tell you a story.
Every movie must be watched with the possability of what if? Movies are our dreams acted out in front of us. Without the imagination, movies would not exist.
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