I was surprised the movie had such a low rating, and upon review, it seems _Death Note_ has had a dedicated following in its original form from Japan. However, this film's my first exposure to the story. Still, I don't see why there's so much criticism on the movie's making it an Americanized version because it was an American movie and many films get this treatment, especially as remakes of the original, e.g. _The Ring_, _Oldboy_, _Let Me In_, just to name a few. It was an original concept for someone new to the story, and I came in here to see if it will have a squeal as one would be good.
Reviews
17 Reviews
The 100
(2014–2020)
Along the Lines of Earth 2, Deserves a Chance
27 March 2014
The first two episodes have piqued my interest so far and are good sci-fi. It's a best series out there right now, and it's the only current one I've watched lately. I just hope it doesn't have too many moral twists in it, but going back to watch ones that do is the norm too.
I'm also in my late 40s so that, contrary to those negative and even fallacious reviews of the show claiming it's a "90210 remake" or "reviews use poor grammar,' even "positive reviews are written by idiots or teenagers," _The 100_ has the potential to continue as good sci-fi, and good, positive reviews abound. You've got to populate your premise, and it's a new twist on an Adam and Eve or Genesis along the lines _Earth 2_, and it's a scenario that includes adult characters as well. Moreover, as at least one other review has said, _The 100_ even has some of the actors from _Lost_ in the cast.
I'm also in my late 40s so that, contrary to those negative and even fallacious reviews of the show claiming it's a "90210 remake" or "reviews use poor grammar,' even "positive reviews are written by idiots or teenagers," _The 100_ has the potential to continue as good sci-fi, and good, positive reviews abound. You've got to populate your premise, and it's a new twist on an Adam and Eve or Genesis along the lines _Earth 2_, and it's a scenario that includes adult characters as well. Moreover, as at least one other review has said, _The 100_ even has some of the actors from _Lost_ in the cast.
The ABCs of Death
(2012)
Pleasant Surprise in Era of Frauds
26 June 2013
In spite of its relatively low ratings on Netflix, _The ABCs of Death_ provided a pleasant surprise. It has balls in more ways than one. Whereas 2013 may have become part of the era of "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus" or, fittingly, more of a "Remember the Maine" type of one, or even a "Dewey Defeats Truman" and really does somehow alternate type. However, unexpected ways to die presented in this film would frighten anyone, even the insensible.
It's been 85 years since Georges Bataille wrote _Histoire de l'oeil_ (_Story of the Eye_ in English) under the pseudonym Lord Auch, thus striking a chord where insensibility exists anywhere. Some of the directors of this anthology film had excellent creative ability with horror. Moreover, an international group of directors participated.
As a horror-movie aficionado, this reviewer has seen many international horror/sci-fi-type films, not just American ones or those from the UK, English speaking ones. I look forward to watching _The ABCs of Death_ again, this time with subtitles for those of the 26 skits that aren't in English, at least some of which I can't fully understand. However, many international films have made it to Hollywood, and the remake can be no better--worse even--than the original which often wasn't in English, e.g. _The Eye_, _Rec_, _Let the Right One In_, etc. Some haven't even made it (yet), e.g. _Battle Royale_. Therefore, the international aspect demonstrates enlightenment of the film's stakeholders. The only criticism could be where things can get rather disgusting when you give directors of horror a free rein like they had in this film.
It's been 85 years since Georges Bataille wrote _Histoire de l'oeil_ (_Story of the Eye_ in English) under the pseudonym Lord Auch, thus striking a chord where insensibility exists anywhere. Some of the directors of this anthology film had excellent creative ability with horror. Moreover, an international group of directors participated.
As a horror-movie aficionado, this reviewer has seen many international horror/sci-fi-type films, not just American ones or those from the UK, English speaking ones. I look forward to watching _The ABCs of Death_ again, this time with subtitles for those of the 26 skits that aren't in English, at least some of which I can't fully understand. However, many international films have made it to Hollywood, and the remake can be no better--worse even--than the original which often wasn't in English, e.g. _The Eye_, _Rec_, _Let the Right One In_, etc. Some haven't even made it (yet), e.g. _Battle Royale_. Therefore, the international aspect demonstrates enlightenment of the film's stakeholders. The only criticism could be where things can get rather disgusting when you give directors of horror a free rein like they had in this film.
Poor Portrayal of KIA Family
28 May 2013
Warning: Spoilers
While I still like Revolution, I don't like how they portray a family who lost someone due to action in Afghanistan in this installment, and I'm lowering my overall rating and will probably modify my overall review besides. This episode depicts the Randall Flynn character, obviously selfish, as having lost his son who was serving. How can they justify this depiction with so great a sacrifice? So far, almost to the end of the season, with one more episode left, there's no explanation of Randall's turn, nor why he chose Monroe's side even over others. Then again, many of the main characters have their hands dirty, e.g. Rachel. Moreover, now a main basis for fighting involves Danny's being killed. Go figure!
I actually purchased this episode, one of several, on Amazon.com over the official Memorial Day Weekend which just ended, almost catching up with the series since its break last November. Traditional Memorial Day is May 30. While the video quality of the purchased HD episodes is very good, the episodes NBC shows also look very good. I still plan to watch the series for now.
I actually purchased this episode, one of several, on Amazon.com over the official Memorial Day Weekend which just ended, almost catching up with the series since its break last November. Traditional Memorial Day is May 30. While the video quality of the purchased HD episodes is very good, the episodes NBC shows also look very good. I still plan to watch the series for now.
Revolution
(2012–2014)
Electricity or Electric Current?
24 October 2012
Warning: Spoilers
The premise of _Revolution_--that electricity does not work--is both simple and complex at the same time. However, is that really the show's premise? Moreover, there are twelve devices where each one allows electric current to flow in a local area around it, and, apparently, having all twelve of these objects could let electricity flow again all over the world. While the show hasn't explained all the particulars--almost all of them really--it works because those who make have kept it plausible. It also works because of the premise, something I appreciate very much--so far at least.
One recognizes the similarity characters in _Revolution_ have with others in the sci-fi genre, but like similar traits appear in different species, is it caused by similar traits occurring in evolution along different lines, or is it borrowing or developing from past characters--developments in the same species in other words? Many have noted the similarity of the Charlie Matheson character to the Katniss character in _The Hunger Games_. Did they develop independently at the same time, or did the Charlie Matheson character come from trying to build on the success of Katniss? Is it like Leibniz developing The Calculus at the same time as Newton, or is it like Einstein further developing Newtonian ideas on physics? Again, it's both simple and complex, but I hope the show can keep it plausible, something that's going to continue take knowledge of electricity and how it works as well.
Some questions about electricity came to mind, some of them resulting in more knowledge after research. Has just alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) power gone out, Man's ability to produce it? What about its existence in nature, lightning and static electricity for example? Online research indicates lightning's a form of static electricity, so can we differ static electricity with AC and DC? Neither AC or DC will work then? Can _Revolution_'s writers and others involved in making the show keep it simple, complex--and plausible? So far, the show hasn't confronted obvious or complex pitfalls, but it's not out of trying to avoid them. At least it doesn't seem that way yet. However, I don't remember any lightning storms for instance, and what about electricity working somewhat. It didn't all go out instantaneously in the pilot. How can only man-made electricity not work, or is it all forms electricity? One idea that comes to mind is having all electricity fail to work down to a certain altitude, but even that would make people wonder. What about someone jumping off a cliff with a glider? Would electricity work? Does lighting stop completely or at some level before the ground? Again, does the fact that the power went out as in a quick but rolling blackout get into the mix here? Further study shows that lightning and static electricity, while DC in a way, also are not even DC, current but an "accumulation of electrical charges on the surface of a material" (School for Champions, n.d.). Moreover, while DC in nature, static electricity "is called 'static' because there is no current flowing, as there is in alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) electricity " (ibid.) Anyway, the show's going to require research to keep it plausible.
This review has asked some of the complex questions. _Revolution_ remains plausible in my eyes, and I'd like to see it remain so. Electricity has a lot of importantance to all of us in one way or another,and I hope the writers research it so that the show's premise remains plausible. From the effect electricity in the real world today has on those who don't have it to those who design things that use it, the lack of electrical current at least and the exceptions to this in the show's version of the world interest fans and potential fans alike. Who's to say it isn't plausible with the way science works, the exceptions Einstein found in physics for example? Does the show already have some consultants with knowledge about electrical engineering? Though it seems those who bring us _Revolution_ have knowledge about the premise, they really should have advisors with the right background if they don't already. The show's writers, directors, actors, and producers must endeavor to keep the show plausible. Really, instead of the premise being that electricity does not work, so far we've only really seen the premise be that electric current does not work. Though only a subtle difference, let's keep the show with its premise plausible, simple, and complex so that it remains a great show—improves even!
One recognizes the similarity characters in _Revolution_ have with others in the sci-fi genre, but like similar traits appear in different species, is it caused by similar traits occurring in evolution along different lines, or is it borrowing or developing from past characters--developments in the same species in other words? Many have noted the similarity of the Charlie Matheson character to the Katniss character in _The Hunger Games_. Did they develop independently at the same time, or did the Charlie Matheson character come from trying to build on the success of Katniss? Is it like Leibniz developing The Calculus at the same time as Newton, or is it like Einstein further developing Newtonian ideas on physics? Again, it's both simple and complex, but I hope the show can keep it plausible, something that's going to continue take knowledge of electricity and how it works as well.
Some questions about electricity came to mind, some of them resulting in more knowledge after research. Has just alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) power gone out, Man's ability to produce it? What about its existence in nature, lightning and static electricity for example? Online research indicates lightning's a form of static electricity, so can we differ static electricity with AC and DC? Neither AC or DC will work then? Can _Revolution_'s writers and others involved in making the show keep it simple, complex--and plausible? So far, the show hasn't confronted obvious or complex pitfalls, but it's not out of trying to avoid them. At least it doesn't seem that way yet. However, I don't remember any lightning storms for instance, and what about electricity working somewhat. It didn't all go out instantaneously in the pilot. How can only man-made electricity not work, or is it all forms electricity? One idea that comes to mind is having all electricity fail to work down to a certain altitude, but even that would make people wonder. What about someone jumping off a cliff with a glider? Would electricity work? Does lighting stop completely or at some level before the ground? Again, does the fact that the power went out as in a quick but rolling blackout get into the mix here? Further study shows that lightning and static electricity, while DC in a way, also are not even DC, current but an "accumulation of electrical charges on the surface of a material" (School for Champions, n.d.). Moreover, while DC in nature, static electricity "is called 'static' because there is no current flowing, as there is in alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) electricity " (ibid.) Anyway, the show's going to require research to keep it plausible.
This review has asked some of the complex questions. _Revolution_ remains plausible in my eyes, and I'd like to see it remain so. Electricity has a lot of importantance to all of us in one way or another,and I hope the writers research it so that the show's premise remains plausible. From the effect electricity in the real world today has on those who don't have it to those who design things that use it, the lack of electrical current at least and the exceptions to this in the show's version of the world interest fans and potential fans alike. Who's to say it isn't plausible with the way science works, the exceptions Einstein found in physics for example? Does the show already have some consultants with knowledge about electrical engineering? Though it seems those who bring us _Revolution_ have knowledge about the premise, they really should have advisors with the right background if they don't already. The show's writers, directors, actors, and producers must endeavor to keep the show plausible. Really, instead of the premise being that electricity does not work, so far we've only really seen the premise be that electric current does not work. Though only a subtle difference, let's keep the show with its premise plausible, simple, and complex so that it remains a great show—improves even!
Earth 2
(1994–1995)
Great Show - Not Enough Exposure by Network
26 January 2010
I remember when this series was on the air (or on cable if you had that) back in 1994. I really liked it, but the network (one reviewer claims NBC) didn't show it consistently I remember. It's as if they wanted it to fail, and I would constantly look for new episodes to no avail.
Seeing all the episodes now on Netflix makes me wonder what was going on in the heads of network executives to cancel such a promising show besides basically hiding the series after the movie-length first episode. I'll echo others in the sentimentality of being grateful to finally see the series in its entirety, but it's another stupid marketing decision along the lines of canceling Star Trek back in '68--or worse! It was also very heart wrenching to note the all-too-soon, real-life passing of one of the youngest and most vibrant characters in 2006, and hindsight shows the relationship she had with her on-screen Earth 2 father carried over into the real world--also demonstrating the prescience of the actors in understanding the quality of the series unlike their network-executive counterparts.
I highly recommend this entertaining series, excellent, fun to watch, and meaningful to this day. Again, it was a great series, wrongfully canceled, and many reviews have the same sentiment.
Seeing all the episodes now on Netflix makes me wonder what was going on in the heads of network executives to cancel such a promising show besides basically hiding the series after the movie-length first episode. I'll echo others in the sentimentality of being grateful to finally see the series in its entirety, but it's another stupid marketing decision along the lines of canceling Star Trek back in '68--or worse! It was also very heart wrenching to note the all-too-soon, real-life passing of one of the youngest and most vibrant characters in 2006, and hindsight shows the relationship she had with her on-screen Earth 2 father carried over into the real world--also demonstrating the prescience of the actors in understanding the quality of the series unlike their network-executive counterparts.
I highly recommend this entertaining series, excellent, fun to watch, and meaningful to this day. Again, it was a great series, wrongfully canceled, and many reviews have the same sentiment.
The Star Chamber
(1983)
Hollywood Justice
11 May 2008
I thought the film's ending, contrary to others, showed something about why vigilante justice doesn't work. Moreover, though it gets there in a round-about way, it shows that justice has many complex twists and turns. As H.L. Mencken gets credit for saying, "For every complex problem, there is a solution that is simple, neat, and wrong."
Hollywood justice leads us to believe that cops can't search garbage on the curb, but in reality, on the contrary, they don't even have to wait for the city's own truck to arrive to search one's "private" garbage. Moreover, in reality, cops violate the law with impunity. Judges work "buddy buddy" with cops, contrary to the portrayal in _The Star Chamber_.
Judges make a mistake in this movie, and they often make mistakes, too often. In this movie, they make mistakes with both criminals and innocents alike, and in reality they do likewise. However, in reality, in the "aughts" at least, DA's go after their "usual suspects," letting other violent criminals go in lieu of non-violent crimes where prosecutors don't have to worry about justice but have evidence of their liking, and law enforcement get away with whatever they want, including murdering people such as Sean Bell and Cau Tran in San Jose and New York, the latter in her own home.
Hollywood justice leads us to believe that cops can't search garbage on the curb, but in reality, on the contrary, they don't even have to wait for the city's own truck to arrive to search one's "private" garbage. Moreover, in reality, cops violate the law with impunity. Judges work "buddy buddy" with cops, contrary to the portrayal in _The Star Chamber_.
Judges make a mistake in this movie, and they often make mistakes, too often. In this movie, they make mistakes with both criminals and innocents alike, and in reality they do likewise. However, in reality, in the "aughts" at least, DA's go after their "usual suspects," letting other violent criminals go in lieu of non-violent crimes where prosecutors don't have to worry about justice but have evidence of their liking, and law enforcement get away with whatever they want, including murdering people such as Sean Bell and Cau Tran in San Jose and New York, the latter in her own home.
Reign of the Gargoyles
(2007 TV Movie)
Good Flick for Original Sci-Fi Channel
24 April 2008
Warning: Spoilers
I guess I'm voting a bit high, but the average seems way too low, so I'm balancing it out. Anyway, this movie had more going for it than other World War II movies on the Sci-Fi Channel. It seemed entertaining to the end, unlike some.
The premise involves bombers based in England; the focus begins on an Allied air base that conducts various types of missions. P-51s are around to protect the bombers, but their support's unpredictable. The first bomb run doesn't see them till it's almost too late.
Allies working together's another thing this flick's got going for it. You've got French, British, and Americans, so it's probably more like the actual situation in Europe, at least with the atmosphere. The SS are as bad as ever.
Graphics seem better in this flick than others made for the Sci-Fi Channel too. Moreover, this applies to special effects overall. Therefore, the movie has better acting and special effects than others I've seen on the cable network, and the plot's good too.
The premise involves bombers based in England; the focus begins on an Allied air base that conducts various types of missions. P-51s are around to protect the bombers, but their support's unpredictable. The first bomb run doesn't see them till it's almost too late.
Allies working together's another thing this flick's got going for it. You've got French, British, and Americans, so it's probably more like the actual situation in Europe, at least with the atmosphere. The SS are as bad as ever.
Graphics seem better in this flick than others made for the Sci-Fi Channel too. Moreover, this applies to special effects overall. Therefore, the movie has better acting and special effects than others I've seen on the cable network, and the plot's good too.
Evan Almighty
(2007)
I Liked It!
20 January 2008
This version of the Almighty series resembles the Oh, God! series. As a matter of fact, a remake of _Oh, God!_ will be out this year according to IMDb here. However, instead of George Burns as God in the Oh, God! series of movies, we get Morgan Freeman. The main character God works with also changes.
I really liked _Evan Almighty_, but I haven't seen _Bruce Almighty_. Steve Carell and Morgan Freeman play Evan and God respectively, and I liked the family members too -- wife and three kids played by Lauren Graham, Johnny Simmons, Graham Phllips, and Jimmy Bennett respectively. John Goodman plays the bad guy. I was distressed about watching it, but the flick gave a pleasant surprise and had a good amount of humor. It also had a lot of heart. I highly recommend it! 10/10
I really liked _Evan Almighty_, but I haven't seen _Bruce Almighty_. Steve Carell and Morgan Freeman play Evan and God respectively, and I liked the family members too -- wife and three kids played by Lauren Graham, Johnny Simmons, Graham Phllips, and Jimmy Bennett respectively. John Goodman plays the bad guy. I was distressed about watching it, but the flick gave a pleasant surprise and had a good amount of humor. It also had a lot of heart. I highly recommend it! 10/10
The Plague
(2006 Video)
Pleasant Surprise
24 October 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I don't think this has too many spoilers, but it may, so you've been warned. I think you can read it even if you haven't seen the movie yet.
I liked the idea of a movie like this, so I rented the pay-per-view version of it . I haven't had any children yet and neither have my younger siblings, but I've wanted them for years, and injustices abound about it, especially since both sides of my family basically missed the Baby Boom.
My grandfather was killed in action (KIA) in World War II, John Wallace Rich; my mother was his only child, and my father's first cousin, Louis Bartning, was KIA in Korea, the only male in his family, making no Bartnings born in the U.S.A. between 1947 and 1963. I was born in 1964. Neither reached his twenty-first birthday. Injustices do abound in other areas besides, so I did certainly see the personal view of the movie, and it's a good comment that the movie is personal, something I've seen said in reviews here.
Anyway, themes like _The Plague_ have been around for a long time. _Childhood's End_ by Arthur C. Clarke, which he wrote in the 50s I believe, goes along lines something like _The Plague_, though it's been a while since I read it. Moreover, the movie actually had children bring the "kingdom of heaven," and I can't remember if Clarke's work did in spite of the title, but I think it did, kind of a similar theme on many levels.
However, _The Plague_ distinguishes itself, and I want to see it again since I didn't actually read what was quoted about their coming, unlike another reviewer. I did drink Cabernet-Merlot, something I thought a negative, and I did pause the movie while I watched. I also wrote comments down and reviewed the movie at different times. The only 9 I gave it was on one rating of its music score, which was very good as I gave it a 10 on a second review of it.
I also noted the way people died, and the deaths of the "ready" ones in _The Plague_ reminded me of J. Glenn Gray's work, _The Soldier's Relation to Death_, where he comments on the beauty of the look in eyes of a particular German soldier who had been executed by his own people as the Allies advanced.
Anyway, the Cabernet-Merlot could have contributed, but I got very emotional at the end of the movie. I do also have in my notes the several scenes with Jonn Steinbeck's book, _The Grapes of Wrath_, in _The Plague_, and I thought it had a lot of insight. I thought it positive. It's hard to write in the dark, and I can't read all of the writing in my notes, but I'll leave it at saying "thank you" to those who brought us this great flick, and thanks for reading my review!
I liked the idea of a movie like this, so I rented the pay-per-view version of it . I haven't had any children yet and neither have my younger siblings, but I've wanted them for years, and injustices abound about it, especially since both sides of my family basically missed the Baby Boom.
My grandfather was killed in action (KIA) in World War II, John Wallace Rich; my mother was his only child, and my father's first cousin, Louis Bartning, was KIA in Korea, the only male in his family, making no Bartnings born in the U.S.A. between 1947 and 1963. I was born in 1964. Neither reached his twenty-first birthday. Injustices do abound in other areas besides, so I did certainly see the personal view of the movie, and it's a good comment that the movie is personal, something I've seen said in reviews here.
Anyway, themes like _The Plague_ have been around for a long time. _Childhood's End_ by Arthur C. Clarke, which he wrote in the 50s I believe, goes along lines something like _The Plague_, though it's been a while since I read it. Moreover, the movie actually had children bring the "kingdom of heaven," and I can't remember if Clarke's work did in spite of the title, but I think it did, kind of a similar theme on many levels.
However, _The Plague_ distinguishes itself, and I want to see it again since I didn't actually read what was quoted about their coming, unlike another reviewer. I did drink Cabernet-Merlot, something I thought a negative, and I did pause the movie while I watched. I also wrote comments down and reviewed the movie at different times. The only 9 I gave it was on one rating of its music score, which was very good as I gave it a 10 on a second review of it.
I also noted the way people died, and the deaths of the "ready" ones in _The Plague_ reminded me of J. Glenn Gray's work, _The Soldier's Relation to Death_, where he comments on the beauty of the look in eyes of a particular German soldier who had been executed by his own people as the Allies advanced.
Anyway, the Cabernet-Merlot could have contributed, but I got very emotional at the end of the movie. I do also have in my notes the several scenes with Jonn Steinbeck's book, _The Grapes of Wrath_, in _The Plague_, and I thought it had a lot of insight. I thought it positive. It's hard to write in the dark, and I can't read all of the writing in my notes, but I'll leave it at saying "thank you" to those who brought us this great flick, and thanks for reading my review!
Looks Like Good Movie
30 September 2006
I was able to watch the whole movie. When I first tried watchjing it on Vongo, it somehow got removed when it was about 3/4 done. I sent them a complaint about it. The part I saw was good, and I wanted to see the end! It definitely gave me some laughs. Moreover, as I said, I was later able to watch the whole movie.
Surprisingly, I liked it because it gave me some real laughs. The story's good too, based on Deuce going to Europe, Amsterdam no less. As a male gigalo, it's Deuce's second time having to deal with his "pimp" who this time invites him to the Netherlands after a mishap. Deuce's wife passed away before the mishap, two years before his visit to Amsterdam, and he carries around what's left of her to mixed reactions.
Though I suppose you don't have to see the first movie, it does help, as his antics are similar: women who need men like him and their services, and they're a fine bunch, something I laugh about here! But it's his "pimp" so far who has given me the most laughs. Of course, Deuce also gets to enjoy Amsterdam. Check it out! It's really funny!
Surprisingly, I liked it because it gave me some real laughs. The story's good too, based on Deuce going to Europe, Amsterdam no less. As a male gigalo, it's Deuce's second time having to deal with his "pimp" who this time invites him to the Netherlands after a mishap. Deuce's wife passed away before the mishap, two years before his visit to Amsterdam, and he carries around what's left of her to mixed reactions.
Though I suppose you don't have to see the first movie, it does help, as his antics are similar: women who need men like him and their services, and they're a fine bunch, something I laugh about here! But it's his "pimp" so far who has given me the most laughs. Of course, Deuce also gets to enjoy Amsterdam. Check it out! It's really funny!
Serenity
(2005)
Not As Good As I Expected
8 February 2006
I watched a few of the Fire Fly episodes, and I expected better from a feature-length film. The morals were unclear, and the movie went too quickly. However, it was entertaining, and it had some originality. Serenity crew, however, played both good and bad, including scenes where they put their money before lives, trashy views of sex, and other questionable values.
The originality involved an anti-government position and plot. As stated about the movie here on IMDb, they speak Chinese sometimes, but it's been done before, including the classic _Blade Runner_. They should have spent more time on the main reason driving them, a potential secret of the Alliance.
Describing the unclear morals would probably be spoilers, but certainly the movie does not make it easy to distinguish good from bad, and it's true probably to the end of the movie. I had expected more from what I saw in the series.
The originality involved an anti-government position and plot. As stated about the movie here on IMDb, they speak Chinese sometimes, but it's been done before, including the classic _Blade Runner_. They should have spent more time on the main reason driving them, a potential secret of the Alliance.
Describing the unclear morals would probably be spoilers, but certainly the movie does not make it easy to distinguish good from bad, and it's true probably to the end of the movie. I had expected more from what I saw in the series.
King Kong
(2005)
It's a Must See Version of the King!
26 December 2005
I had a bad attitude about this movie, and I wouldn't have seen it, except some friends invited me. It's got total action, and my only criticism of it could have been the all-too-fiction scenes. However, the film makes this criticism moot and provides a yesteryear satisfaction of going to the top of the World Trade Center and Empire State Building again, and it does this as a movie, basically by making it take place in 1933. I wonder if it's the honoring of New Yorkers like the WTC used to do at its observation decks, "Skyscraper National Park," I think Kurt Vonnegut wrote, or was it George Segal who called it that? I have a picture of the mural from there somewhere...
Anyway, the film certainly beats the 1976 version hands down, and I called it the "best movie I've ever seen" at the end, and it even got hand claps from the audience. I had hesitated to do so but chimed in after others gave it an ovation.
The movie has a lot of violence for a PG-13 rating, and the stars perform magnificently, including Joe Black and Naomi Watts. Joe plays another outrageous character who wants to make a good movie and does wind up with something rather large to say the least! King Kong gives audiences film making at its best!
Anyway, the film certainly beats the 1976 version hands down, and I called it the "best movie I've ever seen" at the end, and it even got hand claps from the audience. I had hesitated to do so but chimed in after others gave it an ovation.
The movie has a lot of violence for a PG-13 rating, and the stars perform magnificently, including Joe Black and Naomi Watts. Joe plays another outrageous character who wants to make a good movie and does wind up with something rather large to say the least! King Kong gives audiences film making at its best!
The Machinist
(2004)
Did Not Suspect a Spanish Film
16 September 2005
I thought it a very well done movie, and I was surprised to see another Spanish film in English, a California-like DMV and all. 2001's _Dagon_ comes to mind, but the cast and crew of _The Machinist_, or _El Maquinista_, do a great job even for an American movie in a movie that certainly appears to take place in the United States. The film also has famous actors such as Christian Bale and Jennifer Jason Leigh; Michael Ironside also plays a role.
It certainly has twists, and I was also surprised with the quality of the acting in this 2004 film, Spanish or not, expecting a sci-fi or horror-type film. Christian does not look himself in the part as he's lost a lot of weight. He could easily be a concentration-camp survivor, or victim, with all the weight he's lost! I had to wait for the credits once I suspected it was the guy who later played Batman in _Batman Begins_ (2005) and _American Psycho_ (2000).
It certainly has twists, and I was also surprised with the quality of the acting in this 2004 film, Spanish or not, expecting a sci-fi or horror-type film. Christian does not look himself in the part as he's lost a lot of weight. He could easily be a concentration-camp survivor, or victim, with all the weight he's lost! I had to wait for the credits once I suspected it was the guy who later played Batman in _Batman Begins_ (2005) and _American Psycho_ (2000).
Silent Running
(1972)
Great Special Effects, Good Content
29 April 2005
I just watched this movie again, and part of the reason was to see how well it aged. Though some aspects now seem a little dated, the special effects have held up well, and the content even better! The movie has a "G" rating as well.
The way the director went about getting such good special effects was also interesting. IMDb has some interesting trivia about it. The movie makes you appreciate nature and her importance, probably the reason a movie with violent content received a "G" rating. I suppose Joan Baez's musical score also contributes to making the viewer appreciate nature.
The movie criticizes apathy about nature, and it does so in a way that reflects a time when protest cost too much but was not political suicide. It was a time even before Roe v. Wade, but again, the special effects have held up, and so has the message! It's great work for a director who supposedly learned how to direct on this film, and the actors do well too, most notably Dern and the robots.
The way the director went about getting such good special effects was also interesting. IMDb has some interesting trivia about it. The movie makes you appreciate nature and her importance, probably the reason a movie with violent content received a "G" rating. I suppose Joan Baez's musical score also contributes to making the viewer appreciate nature.
The movie criticizes apathy about nature, and it does so in a way that reflects a time when protest cost too much but was not political suicide. It was a time even before Roe v. Wade, but again, the special effects have held up, and so has the message! It's great work for a director who supposedly learned how to direct on this film, and the actors do well too, most notably Dern and the robots.
Battle of the Bulge
(1965)
Good Movie But Not Enough Snow
27 December 2004
Hello all:
A friend reminded me that there was little snow in this movie. In reality, I imagine there was more. Apparently it was filmed in Spain, and while Spain is cold in the winter, I guess there was much less snow.
I suppose I like realism, and though I like this movie and recommend it, I would also like to see it depict the environment as well as possible, and I wonder if they did in this version of the Battle of the Bulge. I imagine it was a cold and snowy winter during what is also known as the Second Battle of the Ardennes.
One of the reasons I like realism is that my grandfather, John Wallace Rich, was KIA just before the battle began, but in Aachen, not the Ardennes, on December 15, 1944. It was also the largest battle of the war I believe, and the movie does generalize things as it was a large battle. Multiple incidents are made into one. However, again, I do recommend this movie.
Thanks!
A friend reminded me that there was little snow in this movie. In reality, I imagine there was more. Apparently it was filmed in Spain, and while Spain is cold in the winter, I guess there was much less snow.
I suppose I like realism, and though I like this movie and recommend it, I would also like to see it depict the environment as well as possible, and I wonder if they did in this version of the Battle of the Bulge. I imagine it was a cold and snowy winter during what is also known as the Second Battle of the Ardennes.
One of the reasons I like realism is that my grandfather, John Wallace Rich, was KIA just before the battle began, but in Aachen, not the Ardennes, on December 15, 1944. It was also the largest battle of the war I believe, and the movie does generalize things as it was a large battle. Multiple incidents are made into one. However, again, I do recommend this movie.
Thanks!
Dr. Cyclops
(1940)
Great Special Effects for a 1940 Movie!
24 October 2004
Though similar stories of shrinking people have come up since, the special effects in _Dr. Cyclops_ for a 1940s movie are excellent. I was surprised to notice it was not only a 40s movie, but a 1940 movie, the 40s first year, and I thought it at least from the 1950s. I would not be surprised if it won some awards for special effects in 1940.
The movie also has nuclear science, and it was made before the atomic bomb, another interesting detail. As a matter of fact, later movies which include shrinking people from the 50s actually seemed less technological and do not appear as realistic. _Dr. Cyclops_ seems to have the best special effects for a movie where people get shrunk till at least the 70s, if there were any made after 1970. I guess 1989's _Honey I Shrunk The Kids_ was the first one to appear at least as realistic in my opinion.
The movie also has nuclear science, and it was made before the atomic bomb, another interesting detail. As a matter of fact, later movies which include shrinking people from the 50s actually seemed less technological and do not appear as realistic. _Dr. Cyclops_ seems to have the best special effects for a movie where people get shrunk till at least the 70s, if there were any made after 1970. I guess 1989's _Honey I Shrunk The Kids_ was the first one to appear at least as realistic in my opinion.
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