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tblackwo
Reviews
Passchendaele (2008)
Below average. Expected much better.
I wanted to like Passchendaele so much!! I was so excited when I finally rented it and I don't think I've ever been so disappointed in a movie in a long time.
3/4 of the movie is a really forced, non-believable, way too over the top love story, with just terrible characters. (The officer who runs the recruitment station tops that list) Its the type of thing I expect from Canadian day time TV.. not the type of thing I was expecting from a supposed critically acclaimed movie.
I wasn't going into this expecting a non-stop action war film, I was just expecting a great movie based on the war! And I really didn't feel like it was. Other than the name of the film and the brilliant (albeit way too short) battle at the end I just don't see this as the tribute Canada's bravest deserve.
I think for a Canadian movie, technically it was superb from an effects standpoint. I think this film gets more credit than it deserves simply because of that... when the battle is on the screen, it looks, and sounds amazing, which is something you really don't expect from a Canadian film.
But it has so many moments where you just completely face-palm and say.. oh come on... (the sister/nurse just happens to be stationed at the exact same place as her brother and lover are deployed... he charges straight at the enemy trench, and Schwarzenegger style he arrives completely untouched, only to be blown crucifix style onto the wood... the gross' enemy the officer from the recruitment station travels ALL THE WAY TO France, practically into the battle, just to bring him up on some petty charges)
Come on boys, I really thought we had something here that would put Canada on the map. Just a complete disappointment. It takes more than just mentioning Canada to be a tribute to its soldiers. They deserved so much more than this.
I really cant put into words the disappointment Im feeling after watching this film.
Smokin' Aces (2006)
Great for what it is
Don't go in expecting something its not. This is just a great shoot-em-up action flick with pretty good acting, a decent story, and a decent twist at the end. Was impressed with Reynolds, he played the part (suprisingly) well, as well as Common, who had some pretty good dialogue scenes, but you could tell this was his first really big acting role. Ray Liotta is just good in everything he does, and this is no exception.
The twist wasn't ground breaking, and the end shoot-out doesn't hold a candle to the True Romance shootout, but was still entertaining.
Usually I like Garcia, but not so much here, his accent really bugged the hell out of me. Affleck I usually don't like, but here thought he did well with what he was.
But I felt I got my money's worth and thats all I can ask for. You want something that can keep you entertained with action and a decent storyline, check it out, a lot of great build up to a bit of a letdown ending (but still enjoyable) You want a deep script, and Oscar acting, check out something else. Great one to catch with the surround sound and big screen.
3.5/5
Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (2006)
Hilarious..but the show is still better.
I'll get this out of the way first. I loved this movie, it was hilarious and I laughed harder than I had for a long time at the theatre. The only thing that bothered me is valuable screen time was wasted with the scripted material. I didn't want this movie to end, and knowing how long the movie was, every time more scripted content came on I was wishing 'hurry up and get back to the good stuff' I cant wait until the DVD is released and we get to see all the cut material. If you've never seen the show, you'll love the movie (as long as you like this type of humour...and 'get' the joke that he's making fun of you and not Jews or Kazakh or anyone else) If you've watched the show, you'll still love the movie, but be slightly let down (a whole sequence in the movie is almost identical to one of his topics from da ali g show....still funny, but wish there could have been something new instead.
4.5 out of 5, will buy the DVD for sure...but hopefully the coming onslaught of Borat quoting and imitations from all corners of society...friends, coworkers, every teenager in the country...wont sour me on the great Borat.
Trailer Park Boys (2001)
Great mockumentary
Wow. The great thing about this show, is that if someone didn't tell you it was not an actual documentary, you would not know any difference. These guys are unbelievable actors, I cannot picture them in their normal lives. They are Julian, Ricky, Bubbles, Mr. Lahey, etc. Think of less pathetic and sad, but funnier versions of the hosers in FUBAR.
I saw them at an HMV signing, and just could not get used to mike smith (Bubbles) without the glasses, serious under-bite and voice. It may be a little tough to get used to but if you give this show a chance, get to know the characters, you will not regret it. If you live in the States, and have never seen it, and got a little money to blow on a great series, head over to your favourite place to order movies online and order it right away.
Although Seinfeld will always be my favourite comedy series of all time, TPB comes in at a close second. Easily the best movie/show to come out of Canada.
Thank God I live in Canada, and gave this show a chance one night, I now cannot wait for Sunday night to roll along with a new episode.
Also cant wait for the TPB movie!
The Peanut Butter Solution (1985)
Comedy? yikes
I just was cleaning out our basement and came across our old betamax movie collection.
Aahh memories....
Anyways one of the movies was Peanut Butter Solution...it immediately brought back forgotten memories, but sadly, since we no longer own a beta machine, I cant watch it.
Now, I haven't seen this movie since I was a (young) kid, but one thing I do remember about this movie was that it FREAKED ME THE HELL OUT! (Along with another movie we has on Beta, ET, but thats another story)
I'm reading here its a comedy? I don't remember the complete story, except for the fact that the peanut butter stuff grew hair (sounds funny) but I don't remember laughing at all, I remember my sister loving this movie but I hated it cause it scared the hell out of me, and creeped me out big time, I really am looking forward to finding this somewhere and watching it now that I'm older....And although ET still freaks me out to the point of not being able to watch it, maybe this will be different.