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stevenfancy
Reviews
Almost Adult (2006)
Well crafted and under appreciated
This film is not groundbreaking in its storyline, characters, or visual effects. That being said, it is something completely fresh and well made. Mise-en-scene is often thought of as merely props, setting, and costumes, but this film adds an aspect that this film fan has never seen. Using a lack of acting experience to add more to the Miss-en-scene, blends beautifully with the storyline. One of the young stars is actually a refugee like her character and she has never been in film before. The awkward but stunning performance adds a feeling of authenticity seldom reach in mainstream films. Her dialog is delivered in a way you would expect from someone in a new country that is frightened and alone but this is done without effort or training and presents itself as authentic by truth instead of by acting skill.
Adding a final layer to the story is the poor video quality produced by the DV CAM which highlights the conditions we expect those coming from poverty to appreciate even though they are much like their previous accommodations.
This film educates and reminds people that to achieve diversity a struggle on the part of the new arrival is large and cannot always be accomplished because of cultural difference and barriers that we locals do not consider.
This film is well made with and interesting story and should be viewed with an open mind and not merely considered for its clichéd story and characters. They will surprise you in their uniqueness.
Death Sentence (2007)
Bacon really takes out the trash in this piece of garbage
Kevin Bacon and John Goodman give disappointing performances in this film that has more holes in it than the characters do by the closing credits. Continuity mistakes and leaps of faith expectations from the crowd aside, this film is a let down to say the least.
The film starts off strong, enticing us into emotional attachment to the characters by creating a narrative through home videos. The camera work that follows allows the audience to stay sutured to those emotions by having the cameras move like camcorders and leaving the colors washed out. This feeling of reality soon falls apart as an actuary (Bacon) becomes a new age Punisher and begins to take out the trash that killed his son.
The dialog is over the top and completely unbelievable. The speeches and emotion portrayed rip you from the story and plant you squarely in your seat. The world of reality is shattered and you find yourself laughing at and questioning every decision the characters make. Cops that tell victims to do everything the gangs tell then to do and watching a man die with multiple bullet wounds instead of administering fist aid and calling for help.
The last thing I must warn you all of is the reference to a fantastic film. There are multiple references to "Taxi Driver". This is not the new "Taxi Driver"! Even though the lead character buys every gun put in front of him and dramatically cuts his hair the film is still not good. The scenes are forced and ridicules. I'll let you decide what you think of then. This movie is worth seeing if for no other reason to see how fantastic films can not be bought with well know actors and ripped off scenes, they must be born of an original idea and acted honestly.
Man of the Year (2006)
good film, unrepresentative trailer
This film is worth seeing. The trailer makes the film appear to be a comedy using many of the jokes, or adaptations of the jokes in Robin Williams', "Live on Broadway" stand up show. This is not the case. Although much of the film is just that, there is a second plot line that begins only moments into the film and fits most comfortably in the political suspense genera.
Most roles are acted well. Only one can be reviewed unfavourably. The character "Eleanor Green" (Laura Linney) is irritating to observe. You will find yourself wanting harm to come to her just to get her off the screen. Her character reacts in unbelievable ways and spouts her lines like she is auditioning for Calista Flockhart's sister in "Ally Macbeal" (1997-2002). Sometimes unbelievable reactions, by a character, are acceptable if the actions are being used to make a social or political point but in this film there is no reason for it.
Some of the other major and minor characters were cast wonderfully and turn out to make the film more enjoyable than it would otherwise be. Tom Dobbs' (Robin Williams) crew that follow him throughout the film, have moments where they over shadow Williams in a pleasant change from the overbearing roles Williams has played in the past.
In recent years, Williams has really found a stride in picking films to appear in. He has always be able to act better than he is credited for and if you need proof, just rent "The World According to Garp" (1982). Comedians often get a bad rap in terms of their acting and this is rightfully so. Robin Williams has defeated this stereo type though by playing roles in independent cinema and other films that were not comedic. He has picked another good role here and it is nice to see TV shows like "The Daily Show" get recognition on the silver screen.
Lady in the Water (2006)
A bedtime story that is worth seeing
This film is an introspective one not only for the lead character but also for film making itself. With moments that make you jump, laugh, cry, and smile. The hum our is one of class with side characters which make usual fall guys but make no attempt to hide the fact that they are quirky stereotypes. The film starts by introducing the major players in a general sense but this act allows the viewer to fall into the story as if it is the bedtime story they have been waiting for since they were kids. The moments of fright are perfectly balanced with heart and bravery. Go into this film with a mindset that is child-like in its innocence and open-mindedness and you will walk out with a feeling of happiness and excitement that only a child can get away with.
Color of Night (1994)
Mystery + Sex = enjoyable movie
I have this movie in my collection and every so often I must pull it out and watch it again. it has the right mix of mystery and sex. Just enough to make you like it and not go over the top.
The characters are fairly generic but that's what makes it good for a Sunday afternoon to keep away the boredom.
overall, this film is worth seeing and you should take it as it is and not as a masterpiece of film.
Freddy vs. Jason (2003)
The 80's slasher film has been brought back from the dead.
This movie goes back to its roots. With Freddy's quick wit and Jason's hockey mask you are brought back to the time when bad slasher films still had class. In this movie they did not worry about the science of the human body or how the police would react to a killer in real life. The movie has its moments of fright where you jump and then laugh at yourself for doing it. Holes in the plot are plenty. This doesn't take from the film, if anything it allows you to escape from reality and just have fun. This movie is worth seeing and should be seen every Halloween. Much better than "Jason X" and "The New Nightmare".
Red Water (2003)
too bad "Jaws" didn't show up in the cutting room.
This movie was just not good. this was a bad good Vs. evil movie where the shark wasn't event the evil. The two groups of people in this film are the focus of the movie and the shark is just a side character that is highly under used. Overall, I'm sure i shouldn't have expected anything more from a made for T.V. movie but after seeing films like "rebound" and "in the bed room" i just expected something more than nothing.