Adfraser Reviews

The Signal (2007)

Mysterious, tense, gore and, suspense.

[9/10 · 14 March 2007]

I saw "The Signal" last night at SXSW and it was very good.

Somewhat mysterious, lots of tension, lots of suspense. Gore was omnipresent, with everyone wearing some amount of blood splatter by the end of the first act and throughout the rest of the film. This is the first movie, since The Shining, that made me want to cover my eyes for anticipated gruesomeness. I didn't and I'm glad I didn't miss a frame of this compelling story. The eponymous "signal" is an unexplained transmission over TVs, cell phones, radios, etc. that causes the viewer/listener to "get the crazy" and become very violent. The Signal causes people to believe that their murders are "rational", it causes realistic hallucinations and a violent reactions seem to be appropriate. It seemed to allow people to overcome their humanity and act out violent impulsive urges. However, as strange as it may sound, at it's heart, what moves the story forward is love.

Punk Like Me (2006)

A lot of people are going to hear about this movie

[9/10 · 14 March 2006]

Just saw the world premiere of "Punk Like Me" at SXSW. I hadn't planned on going until I met Rich and Amy earlier in the week. They were friendly and fun, so I added it to my list.

Okay, so maybe it helps that I'm the same age as the guys in Carne Asada, but "Punk Like Me" really struck a chord with me. I think it was its rock video/spring break/adolescent male fantasy fulfillment combination that stirred up all those long filed-away "I wanna rock'n'roll all night" dreams. Who among us wouldn't have wanted the opportunafish to be rock gods for a summer? On top of the provocative subject matter, Rich's stories about his adolescent fantasies of rock stardom (that so many of us have, at one time, harbored) his life today, his wife and child did a great job of setting the stage in the audience's mind that, "Holy smoke! He may just be able to pull this off!"

I give a huge tip of the hat to the Editor of this film who not only assembled a compelling story but set and maintained the correct pace throughout the material. Honest, solid work. No seizure-inducing silliness. Everyone involved with this film should give her a big sloppy kiss.

This doc might be the "Murderball" of 2006. Everyone left the theater abuzz. I won't be surprised AT ALL if it wins an Award at SXSW.

Green Street Hooligans (2005)

Authentic, Absorbing and Exciting

[8/10 · 17 March 2005]

This is the best new movie of any genre that I've seen in many months.

The film really drew me into its world of neighborhood pubs, football supporters, and the dirt-in-the-cracks reality of London. The violence is believable, realistic, graphic, and frightening. As are the consequences of that violence. This film does not glorify hooliganism, it portrays it honestly.

Hooligans doesn't preach about mob mentality, or strength in numbers, rather it gives credit to the strength in the individual that lives up to his commitment to his friends though he may suffer because of it. (That's the best way I could word it without including a spoiler.)