Moonspring Reviews

Year One (2009)

An underrated gem

[8/10 · 19 November 2010]

When Year One came out, I missed it in the theater. It didn't seem to last long. People didn't seem to receive it all that well either. Considering I'm not fond of either of the actors in the two main roles, I really wanted to see this film. When I finally got around to watching it, I now understand why it struck a chord with me.

Without ever claiming to be a tribute to Mel Brooks, that's exactly what it ended up as. If you liked History of the World Part One you will like Year One as our two cave men progress up through the early years of human civilization and culture, encountering various biblical figures and getting themselves in and out of various tight spots.

It was really a fun little film that I think most all fans of Mel Brooks would appreciate. It is as much a nod to JudeoChristian history as it also pans it. It is a nod to Mel Brooks without being a complete copy cat of Mr. Brooks. It is meant to be a romp and not a serious film.

People who brushed it off should give it a second chance and not try to over analyze or read to deep into it and just have a little fun. I gave it an 8, which is saying a lot from a person who doesn't like either lead.

Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005)

Bad writing leads to shoddy acting

[4/10 · 19 May 2005]

I thought the dialog was terrible. The first half hour of the movie, Ewin MacGregor (sp) seems to be playing it all for laughs.

The acting sub par for these actors. I've always thought the bitter beer face guy was the wrong person for the part of the young Vader. This movie was choppy and stilted. The best acting in it was on the part of Yoda. Which is pretty sad. I think that much of the reason for the bad acting was that the actors were working with bad righting.

The cg looked great. It was visually pleasing to watch, but painful to listen to.

All in all, I think Lucas isn't that great of a director. He can come up with stunning visual displays, but when it comes to directing people, he can't do it.