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Reviews
The Village (2004)
A solid film.
I went into The Village with low expectations. I read some reviews before seeing it, and they all kind of gave me the impression to not expect much. It turns out that The Village has a lot to offer.
First, I thought the acting was superb. Howard does a great job, as well as Brody. Howard really stands out in my mind, but everyone else did good, too.
Second, Like Sixth Sense and Signs, there were times during the film I was tense waiting for something to happen. I wanted to run and hide or at least not look, but there was no escaping. I love when this happens. This means that I was truly involved in the story line. It takes a good film to do that.
Third, The major major twist/surprise really through me off. Looking back, I KNEW that some hints were being given through the dialog and such, but I was so involved in the film, I didn't notice.
Fourth, The major plot points, where the love story is introduced, and where the dramatic conflict is introduced, are excellent. I really feel like this is the best film since Sixth Sense as far as drama goes. (of M. Night's films) They got me so hooked into what the characters are about. This lead to me truly caring about what happens to them. Without this, none of the action matters.
Lastly, I think the symbolism and visual story telling add depth to this film. There are people overcoming personal tragedy, there are traps they must not fall in. There are moments in this film, and even a few sequences, that really felt like a what a film should be. No words, just visuals. When you combine all the great aspects of the story with the superb camera and editing work, you have a solid film. There is nothing more powerful in this film than the shot that didn't cut away. There are several, but each one is just so beautiful, even the violent one.
I cannot say enough good about this film. My only let down was that I wanted it to go longer, that is, I wanted to more of a resolution, but what I got was more than satisfactory. I'm just a romantic i guess. A very solid film. 9/10
The Village (2004)
A solid film.
I went into The Village with low expectations. I read some reviews before seeing it, and they all kind of gave me the impression to not expect much. It turns out that The Village has a lot to offer.
First, I thought the acting was superb. Howard does a great job, as well as Brody. Howard really stands out in my mind, but everyone else did good, too.
Second, Like Sixth Sense and Signs, there were times during the film I was tense waiting for something to happen. I wanted to run and hide or at least not look, but there was no escaping. I love when this happens. This means that I was truly involved in the story line. It takes a good film to do that.
Third, The major major twist/surprise really through me off. Looking back, I KNEW that some hints were being given through the dialog and such, but I was so involved in the film, I didn't notice.
Fourth, The major plot points, where the love story is introduced, and where the dramatic conflict is introduced, are excellent. I really feel like this is the best film since Sixth Sense as far as drama goes. (of M. Night's films) They got me so hooked into what the characters are about. This lead to me truly caring about what happens to them. Without this, none of the action matters.
Lastly, I think the symbolism and visual story telling add depth to this film. There are people overcoming personal tragedy, there are traps they must not fall in. There are moments in this film, and even a few sequences, that really felt like a what a film should be. No words, just visuals. When you combine all the great aspects of the story with the superb camera and editing work, you have a solid film. There is nothing more powerful in this film than the shot that didn't cut away. There are several, but each one is just so beautiful, even the violent one.
I cannot say enough good about this film. My only let down was that I wanted it to go longer, that is, I wanted to more of a resolution, but what I got was more than satisfactory. I'm just a romantic i guess. A very solid film. 9/10
Napoleon Dynamite (2004)
Funny scenes, not a funny movie
Dynamite is full of rather funny, dry humor, but the film on a whole doesn't seem to have that one guiding theme that carries most good films. The acting is somewhat horrid at times, and the characters never really get defined -- they simply are the way they are with no real explanation. Some of the scenes work well to show what I think is the main theme; the awkwardness of being a teenager. Napoleon is an awkward kid for sure, but he is not fully definded. Pedro seems to have some issues, and older brother and Uncle Rico are total misfits. Overall, this film is funny, but a renter at best. It works as about 16 to 20 funny scenes, but they don't seem as funny when they're put together.
More (1998)
"More" is a truly wonderful film that I have yet to fully understand.
"More"touched me on several levels.
first, the effort exherted to make such a lifelike clay figure is incredible. His facial expressions and physical movents are beautiful.
Second, the color contrast between the older, troubled figure and the young children is brilliant. The youth exhibit radiant colors that the older figure wishes he still had. This ties in with the Third item that struck me; the incredible story.
Osborne brings to life (through lifeless clay) the common story of elders regretting not taking advantage of their youth. This film shows that adults still have the core of a child, but it's simply not the same.
"More" is a great film that is worth seeing several times.