Change Your Image
bdunn7754
Reviews
God (1998)
Great short film
Anyone deciding they need to write or direct a short needs to see this movie.
A perfect short - funny, with a deceptively simple and sweet story that is meticulously executed.
Melissa McCarthy was a great casting choice. Though I have not seen it in a few years, I remember thinking she was the cute, chubby girl who sat next to me in Catholic school who never really got "it", and never really got into trouble. However, everyone has their breaking point, which we saw in this movie. The best part about it, the character is not in on the joke (and in my opinion, when your actor is in on the joke, it's rarely funny.)
Quick, witty dialogue, great casting, good photography and good direction make this a totally enjoyable watch.
p.s. if you've seen John August's "Go", Melissa McCarthy is in that as well. There is a scene when two characters unexpectedly show up while the character played Melissa McCarthy is on the phone. Surprised by their visit, she says something to the effect of "Oh...Oh, God, I gotta go", a cool little nod/cross pollination of two great movies that would be missed if you hadn't seen both.
Back to the Future (1985)
Amazing movie
Anyone who wants to become a director or writer should see this movie. It's an adventure that seems so plausible simply by the way the entire idea is executed.
Michael J Fox secured his position as one of the great comedic actors -- flawless and understated as the typical teen Marty McFly. In fact, the entire cast from Christopher Lloyd to Mark McClure to Wendie Jo Sperber, Leah Thompson, Crispin Glover and Thomas F Wilson (as Biff, the dim witted bully), the performances are engaging and memorable.
The story itself may seem simple, but the layers involved, tying present and past in a way that it both further and enriches the story, but never to be cute or clever. The direction, writing, performances, production design and attention to the story first and foremost made this move a timeless classic.
The Polar Express (2004)
Beautiful and Heartbreaking
For those who have so eloquently (read: ridiculously) panned this movie, I ask...did you see the same movie as I did???
THE POLAR EXPRESS is so rich with depth, spirituality and nostalgia, I cannot fathom anyone especially anyone old enough to feel a connection to the past not enjoying this movie. Robert Zemeckis succeeds in capturing what it really feels the first time you experience, and to regain faith in something despite what life hands you to try and prove the contrary. This was a movie made by someone who experienced the joy and then sadness of Christmas (despite the erroneous thought that Robert Zemeckis is Jewish, which he's not. He grew up Catholic, celebrating both Christmas and Easter.)
The animation is true to Van Allsburg's book, with a touch of Andy from Toy Story. The eyes are "scary?" Not at all...more like, the eyes are sympathetic, at least in the characters who are on screen for more than 2 seconds.
This movie does lack one thing that runs rampant in "kids" movies today: STUPIDITY. You actually have to be invested in the story, and from frame one, I was. When I was a child, I NEVER liked movies that were made for kids. Ever. I always liked being in awe of the story, not feeling one step ahead of it. I liked being scared, because most good movies like this paid it off. Such films helped me to appreciate a deeper meaning, and I appreciated not having ideas shoved in my face or handed to me. POLAR EXPRESS moves, challenges and delivers on all levels.
The movie looked great, touched me to my core, and will hopefully be recognized for the masterpiece that it is. I cannot say enough good things about this movie, other than to urge people to go see it.
The Promise (1997)
worth it
this movie is cool. its short but really tells a lot of story and is stuffed with details in a limited amount of time (20 minutes i think.) i really liked the young boy and his love for his father...very touching, and when the unthinkable happens, his reaction is utterly gut-wrenching. it's a very well written movie..a lot moments spent in silence that are extremely effective in setting up the relationship of each sibling. not sure what the budget was because its obviously filmed on 16mm; however, all the other aspects - the performances, direction, music, etc. are great so it doesn't really matter. not much more i can say about this that hasn't been said 'cept you should check it out for a nice little piece of good short film-making.