jerisummers Reviews

Tideland (2005)

Gross, disturbing, NOT funny and should be avoided!

[1/10 · 28 May 2007]

Warning! Contains spoilers! UGH! I like Terry Gilliam and I completely respect his right to create that which is unusual, but this movie was just disturbing and disgusting! For those people who said that they laughed; what were you laughing at? The overall tone was so grotesque that the scenes which were meant to be absurd were tainted by the perverse themes and prevented even a small snicker. I only slogged my way through to the end in the hope that this movie would ultimately redeem itself, which didn't happen. How on earth did Gilliam find someone to finance this dog? How on earth did the author even get this published in the first place? (I have not read the book.) Although I don't wish to spoil this gag-fest for anyone who chooses to watch it, I am surprised that no one commented on the ending. Am I the only one who guessed that the wreak was caused by Dickens and his dynamite and was appalled by that? OK, yeah, Dickens isn't all there, but people got hurt and most likely Dickens himself if Dell calling for him was an indication.

Mr. Gilliam, I am sorry but I hope you are happy with your discovery of your "inner child." This whole movie was a waste of time and I could have gone my entire lifetime without letting these disturbing, grotesque images into my mind, thank you very much. I hope this poor child doesn't have nightmares from acting in this dog! Isn't there enough garbage in the world now without making so many horror and gore films? When I see a film, I want to see something that makes me happy, not makes me gag!

Japanese Story (2003)

Very Disappointing

[9 September 2004]

I didn't find this film "powerful" or "emotional." I was mainly bored and found it to be very flat. The only good thing about this movie was the beauty of the outback. I hated the scene in the boat in the middle of the lake with the old man. If you were responsible for someone who is your guest, wouldn't you interject during that anti-Japanese tirade and try to head that off, instead of just sitting there smirking? I thought the sex scenes were lacking in chemistry and saw no reason for these two people to connect. I know what we are supposed to think; shared survival experience invokes passion for life, blah, blah, blah, but it just falls flat. And the pants thing...no. And how can this movie be called "funny?" I didn't laugh once or even smile. I love foreign movies, including Australian, and I don't like huge production, car crashes, explosions etc. sort of things. "The Castle" and "The Dish" are two of my favorite movies. This is just waste a time, sadly. It was overall irritating with Toni Collette's braying laugh, the hit you over the head scenes that she's a "strong woman," and then the down turn this movie takes in the middle. I don't buy that they fell in love, I hated what happened to him and I was bored with the details of trying to get him back to Japan. Overall, pointless and boring.

Father of the Pride (2004–2005)

Loved It!

[6 September 2004]

I thought it was funny and will be waiting for the next episode! Sure it has some adult humor and sarcasm, but it's an adult oriented animated show! I love it that S & R are willing to allow the writers to poke a little fun at them and give them kudos for being good sports! Shrek had similar humor (doesn't anyone remember Donkey's dream?) and I'm sure the uptight right was offended by that too. Bottom line, don't like it, change the channel, but don't try to get it canceled and ruin it for those of us who do like it and can appreciate tongue-in-cheek humor and fantastic animation! Please keep making this series! I loved it! I can't wait to see what new characters are introduced next! By the way, there really is an elephant with a bird living in his enclosure in S & R's Secret Garden animal sanctuary!