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franceseca_orr
Reviews
17 Again (2009)
A genuinely good teen film. Something this generation has been lacking...
I've just returned from the cinema after watching this film and I have to say, my friends and I laughed like a bunch of hyenas (probably to the annoyance of anyone behind us) all the way through it. The story of course is nothing original, but you knew that going in, and yes, there are some seemingly ridiculous or stereotypical character setups, again acknowledged beforehand, but the direction and the acting, more than makes up for this. Most of the actors, especially Efron, who proves he's definitely not just a wanna-be pretty boy and actually stores away some talent, play their parts well. Matthew Perry seemed slightly misplaced, even if he was the reason I went to see the film in the first place. Not to mention the director being Burr Steers who directed one of my favourite films. I could kind of tell how in the wrong hands this movie could have been embarrassingly bad, but Steers manages to balance the right amount of comedy with drama and turn it into something really worth seeing. Efron blew me away. I have to say, I didn't see it coming, and I never thought I'd say such a sentence, but this boy can do better than TV Disney movies. I'm kind of glad he has turned down re-make, Footloose, not only because it's a 're-make of footloose'.
On the negative side of things the writing lacked in terms of Mark's relationship with his daughter. The daughter didn't really seem to have a personality, now I'm not totally sure if this is down to Trachtenbergs terrible acting (one of very little who deliver poor performances actually) or poor character development but something was wrong there.
I don't really rate the cinematography, but I don't think it's something to be taken quite seriously in teen films. It's all about the characters and the comedy - but what was up with that image of Zac right before 'Mark' falls into the water? Some interesting choices of music. One of the funniest movies I've seen in a while. Quite moving and Mark is a much more 3 dimensional, well developed character than most PG-13 rated movies you see. I genuinely cared about him, where as, even in Mean Girls, (which is particularly hilarious and legendary as far as contemporary teen films go) I didn't care too much for any of the characters. It's probably because this film went that little bit further than most and took itself seriously, if only for parts of the movie. It makes a big difference.
So, yeah, '17 Again', fairly well written, hilarious, well and sometimes greatly acted and awesome direction for the most part, and a genuinely good, enjoyable and moving film. Take a look and you'll probably be surprised... but don't go in hoping for anything Oscar worthy. I get the impression there is only so much a director can do with a film like '17 Again' and he did it alright.
Trustworthy director and impressive lead, I'd say. Can make all the difference.
p.s. I'd also watch out for that Sterling Knight actor - he plays Marks awkward son. He gave a genuinely good performance also.
Mean Creek (2004)
Intelligently Portrayed; Excellent Acting; and Beautifully Shot.
Well, I think the title tells you most of what you need to know. This is a coming of age film about the consequences of five teenagers taking action against the high school bully. An often used premise you would think, but it is done in a completely different way to anything I've ever seen, bringing up new principles in an overly used subject. The film conveys a unique realism that catches your breath and keeps you sitting up straight in your seat.
The acting by Carly Shroeder, Ryan Kelley, Scott Mechlowitz, Josh Peck, and Trevor Morgan is superb, and Estes manages to catch the realism of teenage life extraordinarily. The film had to be rated R/18 because of foul language, but it would not have come across as, as realistic if not for the bad language, in which most teenagers use in their every day life. So Estes chose realism over a wider population seeing 'Mean Creek'. I'm not sure which one I would have chosen.
Despite this, I think it is the kind of film that every teenager should see and it is very relatable on every level. One character I could see a little of myself in was the shyness of Clyde, and his pain over being laughed at(Because of his parents being two gay men). The expression on his face is something I can recall on my own, and I'm sure all of the other characters are relatable to someone out there. Anyhow, I don't want to give away too much of the story, and the consequences of its unique though often followed plot, so I'll go now, but trust me, this is a must see.
The only negative thing I can say about it is that the ending bugged the hell out of me, so don't expect a huge conclusive ending. Despite this I pleasantly and thoroughly enjoyed this provocative and once in a life time movie. Hope you will be too, though don't go into the cinema expecting the best film ever, because you'll just wind up walking out of there thinking "Well it wasn't 'that' good".
[**** out of *****] Later ppl, Luv Cesca, x
Real Men (2003)
Realistic...
Although, this film is quite disturbing, it has some brilliant performances and is a very realistic look on institutional abuse in children's home. Harry Eden for instance, was quite phenomenal playing the young abused Russell and I'm sure we'll be seeing more of him in the future, in fact he is making his hollywood movie debut, in the new peter pan movie. But back to the point, if you dont like un happy disturbing films, I dont recommend this to you, but for all who could get through it I recomend it to you, because it is better everyone knows the truth about these things, so we can help stop them. Granted this is a fictional peice, these things still go on, probably even more than they used to, and it happens to millions and millions of poor kids. So watch it!
Cya, for now, luv, cesca
x
The Locusts (1997)
I think I cried the most because of this film, than any other...
*Spoilers*
This is one of the most moving, well it made me cry for like twenty minutes after it had finished...when the guy hanged himself, I cried so much, cos I really wanted that character to get away from his nasty mother and have a happier life, great performances from the two main charcters jeremy and vince...*Sniffs* All my favourite films have made me cry...it's weird that. Actually all the main characters in my favourite films die...hmm...owell. except for a film called can't hardly wait. my fave films are comedies and sad emotional films, usually meaningful.Anyway, you dont want to hear this, wouldn't be surprised if your not even reading this, but again anyway, it is a good film, a bit slow at the beginning, but very emotional, be warned, you may cry like a baby!
Tom & Thomas (2002)
Just Brilliant!!!
This film just blew me away! I thought I'd watch it coz there was nothing else on and I thought it would be you're average kid's film, boy was I wrong! I thought it would be a lame plot with lame acting, but it was the complete opposite of that, it was very well made with an excellent plot and amazing acting! Aaron Johnson is one talented kid...I mean the way he portrayed the completely different twins, 'Tom' and 'Thomas', was terrific, I'm running out of good words so I'm probably going to start getting quite repetitive! Anyway, I loved all scenes in this film, the way it all pieced together, the shots, the music, the acting, the lines, the baddies, the heroes, the emotion, everything seemed perfect! It is very funny at times, and very sad at others, it is very exciting and there is never a dull moment, something exciting is always happening. The film provokes a lot of pity from it's audience, probably towards 'Tom' the twin who had ended up in an orphanage. The scenes where the twins share each other's pain, as one of them is being beaten, is very well portrayed and it was one of those scenes that make me appreciate film a lot more! This is one of the topics which adults would probably be advised not to show younger children, as to the subject of child abuse, although I did see this with my five year old nephew and he seemed to enjoy it, and to my amazement said it was better than toy story, this coming from a boy who has his bedroom covered with toystory posters, cuddly toys and pillows! But back to 'Tom and Thomas'! Like most little kid's my nephew just thought there would be a happy ending, because in end the everything will be happily ever after, well that's what they think when they watch a movie. I'll tell you it does have a happy ending though. But I'm sure those kid's would need counselling! No matter what happens in a film, whether it's child abuse or not, when it's over and has a happy ending, most little kid's don't really think about it! well all I can say now, well, actually I could say a lot more, but I'll just say that this is one of my favourite films, I don't care if it's kids film, it a very unique, brilliant, inspiring, and one of a kind film. It is also very realistic and superbly and expertly made! It doesn't seem like a child's film, yet can be very enjoyable to children of all ages and unlike a lot of kid's films very exciting and enjoyable for adults of all ages too, just ask my mum, so there you have it, my nephew thought it was great, I'm a teenager and I think it's one of the best films I've ever seen and my mum thinks it is an exciting film too! Oh and I applaud Aaron's acting skills in it, very powerful and great emotion, and he's just one of the best child actors I've seen before...So I am telling you now you have to and I mean have to see this film! WATCH IT!!!Bye, luv Cesca x
Tom & Thomas (2002)
Just Brilliant!!!
This film just blew me away! I thought I'd watch it coz there was nothing else on and I thought it would be you're average kid's film, boy was I wrong! I thought it would be a lame plot with lame acting, but it was the complete opposite of that, it was very well made with an excellent plot and amazing acting! Aaron Johnson is one talented kid...I mean the way he portrayed the completely different twins, 'Tom' and 'Thomas', was terrific, I'm running out of good words so I'm probably going to start getting quite repetitive! Anyway, I loved all scenes in this film, the way it all pieced together, the shots, the music, the acting, the lines, the baddies, the heroes, the emotion, everything seemed perfect! It is very funny at times, and very sad at others, it is very exciting and there is never a dull moment, something exciting is always happening. The film provokes a lot of pity from it's audience, probably towards 'Tom' the twin who had ended up in an orphanage. The scenes where the twins share each other's pain, as one of them is being beaten, is very well portrayed and it was one of those scenes that make me appreciate film a lot more! This is one of the topics which adults would probably be advised not to show younger children, as to the subject of child abuse, although I did see this with my five year old nephew and he seemed to enjoy it, and to my amazement said it was better than toy story, this coming from a boy who has his bedroom covered with toystory posters, cuddly toys and pillows! But back to 'Tom and Thomas'! Like most little kid's my nephew just thought there would be a happy ending, because in end the everything will be happily ever after, well that's what they think when they watch a movie. I'll tell you it does have a happy ending though. But I'm sure those kid's would need counselling! No matter what happens in a film, whether it's child abuse or not, when it's over and has a happy ending, most little kid's don't really think about it! well all I can say now, well, actually I could say a lot more, but I'll just say that this is one of my favourite films, I don't care if it's kids film, it a very unique, brilliant, inspiring, and one of a kind film. It is also very realistic and superbly and expertly made! It doesn't seem like a child's film, yet can be very enjoyable to children of all ages and unlike a lot of kid's films very exciting and enjoyable for adults of all ages too, just ask my mum, so there you have it, my nephew thought it was great, I'm a teenager and I think it's one of the best films I've ever seen and my mum thinks it is an exciting film too! Oh and I applaud Aaron's acting skills in it, very powerful and great emotion, and he's just one of the best child actors I've seen before...So I am telling you now you have to and I mean have to see this film! WATCH IT!!!Bye, luv Cesca x
Phone Booth (2002)
WHAT THE HELL.............
WHAT THE HELL IS UP WITH THE PRODUCERS OF THIS FILM!
Seriously, they can't be very talented if they cant be the slightist , bit original! To be honest with you I didn't even need to watch the film to know that I wouldn't like it! Why, because the advert for it told me it was a complete copy, maybe not literally, but it's obviously a complete of the film 'Liberty stands still', the only difference is that the hero of the film in Phone Booth is a guy and in Liberty stands still she a girl. And the fact that she uses a cell phone and is chained to a hot dog stand where as obviously the main character in Phone Booth is in a phone booth!
Of course there are differences, but only minor ones, but basically the plot is exactly the same! So if you have seen 'Liberty Stands Still', don't watch it, and if you haven't seen it don't watch it, it doesn't deserve that, coz it's complete fake!
I'm not even gonna rate this piece of fake trash!
I'm not usually this mean, but I can't stand copycat films!
Well, Cya,
'Huge_Movie_Fan-Powder-Fave_Film_Forever'
Unconditional Love (2003)
Entertaining Tv Drama!
I liked this film, it was quite predictable to me, but then again I am quite good at predicting what is going to happen from the slightest thing. Anyway the film had good acting and it really made me cry at the end, wont tell you why! I would recommend this film, it's very good quality, and it has a great storyline. The only thing I didn't like about it was the end and what the mother did, I won't tell you too much though, I'll just say I give it ******** out of **********
Big_Movie_Fan-Fave-Film_Powder_4eva
Long Time Dead (2002)
Good Horror film, Good twists! Don't base this film on it's title!
No offence to British film-makers, hey I'm British, but they are usually very, very bad at creating horror films, so I didn't really know what to expect when I went to see this film, but it got into the cinema so it must be worth it, with the exception of, 'Jay and Silent Bob strike back!' and 'Dog Soldiers' (that was a bit unoriginal and had some pretty pathetic lines in it), I mean. But actually it was quite good, lots of jumps and I liked the characters, at times it was quite scary and I thought the ouji (don't know how to spell it) board idea was good, people say its unoriginal but hey, how many movies about ouji boards have you seen? Anyway I found this quite a good film and the acting was quite good, I thought the way it was shot was really cool and gave a great effect to the movie, overall I give it ******** out of ********** for a horror flick
Good Movie!
Top_Movie_Fan-Fave-Film_Powder_4eva!
Dog Soldiers (2002)
Seriously Corny with seriously bad acting!
This is one movie that you shouldn't waste your money on, it's cheesy and the whole film is just gore, no real plot, hardly any twists corny jokes and lines, all I can say is that even if this comes on TV, I'd recommend not watching it!
I'll give it 2 out of 10 for the effects (But the guy who runs along with his intestines trailing along the ground is just too stupid)
Powder (1995)
The most Inspiring, Meaningful and Beautiful film I have been privileged to see!
Powder is one of rare films which really make your emotions run wild, as a wanna-be Film Maker, I would love to be able to make a movie one day with as much intelligence, emotion and just pure brilliance as this film, I think the director of 'Powder' must be either a genius or had a lucky but brilliant idea for a movie but portrayed in such a intelligent, thought provoking way. 'Powder' is my favourite film, I adore it, and I could watch it time and time again, every time there are about five scenes in which leave in tears. The message the film gives us is intelligent yet simple, and although very sad, but is portrayed excellently. The message being that 'No matter what there will always be prejudice towards people who are different, no matter how smart or sensitive they may seem.'
The acting in 'Powder' is breath taking. What can I say; 'Sean Patrick Flanery' just blew me away. The director gave the mature audience the ability to see past the characters appearance and to see how beautiful he really was, as you get embedded in the soul of this intelligent, yet so innocent human being, with his pale white skin and his pinkish eyes and even the fact that there wasn't a hair on his body, he looked more beautiful to me than anyone on this earth. At the end of the film I cried for ten minutes straight until I got up and made myself a hot chocolate! I may be only fourteen but I have the intelligence to know how unique, rare and intellectually beautiful this film is.
There are some stunning and beautiful scenes in this film, some sad, some funny, some down right tear jerking and some, well some just make you smile. Just to think of how intellectual and absolutely perfect the film is. Ok, so it probably isn't perfect, but nothing, and I mean nothing is perfect! But every time I see it I think to myself how perfect it is, and that's a great feeling.
If you have understood what I have just said then you should be able watch the film and find out exactly what I mean. But if you are a mindless, immature, only interested in action flicks with out any meaning but to blow things up sort of person, then this film definitely isn't for you, and like the rest of you immature people who on here commenting on film and saying stuff like, 'What a load of crap', and 'I wasted some of my life watching this film', well if you are that sort of person don't bother, there's no point, unless you could somehow get through and see past the fact that it isn't all action, then maybe it could boost your IQ. Anyway back to the movie. Sorry for going on a bit, I shouldn't really let, idiotic comments on a brilliant film effect me, I should just accept their decision and feel sorry for them.
I give it 10 out of 10
Outstanding performances, a smart, heart-wrenching but unique plot, yet beautiful made with a very wise, intelligent but slightly depressing message. An unbelievable, fantastic masterpiece, that's what it is. 'Powder' is my favourite movie. It lives in my heart forever and thank God that this movie was made. Thank you for reading this and hope you understand and adore this film the way I do, if you haven't seen it yet, then you must go see, unless you are one of those unlucky people who are against emotional intelligent films, but apart from that enjoy!
Huge_Movie_Fan-'Powder'-Movie-Lover!!
Fluke (1995)
An Emotional Journey full of intellectual lessons of life!
'Fluke' isn't my favourite film, but it comes close. (Powder is my favourite movie) Usually a lot of animal movies come out with crazy and over the top antics, but this one, this is different, it has quite a unique and interesting plot, not just the average animal movie plot about a 'kid and his dog'. Oh No, 'Fluke' is different, its a lot more special than that. I cannot say that there aren't mistakes, but still when you watch you can feel the magic of the movie and you don't really notice anything wrong with it. Anyway, this is a very weepy film; it is bound to make you cry, if you are either a sensitive adult or a child. This film made me cry about three times, but then again I am a very soppy person when is comes to weepy movies of any kind.
If your wandering if its worthy of your viewing then I'll tell you now, it is completely and utterly worthy of anyone's viewing. If you see it in a video store and you haven't rented it out before, then rent it out, watch it, it's a brilliant film. The animal actors are superb, and I just loved this film, real tearjerker. Well I'm going to stop repeating myself and let you decide on your opinion on it. See it's a top movie! Oh and one more thing, the message in this film is quite a common message that is portrayed in a lot of films but the way this film does it, is very unique and powerful. Thanks for reading this!
9 out 10
Huge_Movie_Fan-Powder'-Movie-Lover!!!
Hocus Pocus (1993)
great film, even a bit too sad for me!
I liked the characters in this film, well most of them. Of course theres the predictable bully, and hero boy and three wicked witches but its still quite a good movie, I thought the boy who was turned into a cat for 300 years was a bit sad, and I can't rightly remember but i think i cried at the end when he and his sisters ghosts went the cemetery gates and left, I mean how lonely would you get being isolated as a cat for 300 years and he was only a boy, er... I'm going on a bit now, I'll stop. Anyway great, good for anyone except witches and bullies!!!!!
9 out of 10
Francesca Orr
big buffy and friends fan!
Eight Legged Freaks (2002)
really funny, lots of jumps and at times slightly scary
What can I say, well I'm not gonna say that much coz I'm really tired and I can't be bothered going deep into this. But that doesn't mean it doesnt deserve that, it does. Anyway this film was just really entertaining and I loved it, it was really funny and people are complaining about the acting, but it wasn't that bad, I mean most of the time they would have to be running for thier lives, it's not one of those really emotional movies where the acting has to be perfectly into what thier doing, it's still got quite good actors/actresses in it anyway, including David Arquette, Scott terra, and scarlett johansson. Anyway its really good and I could watch it over and over again and it wouldn't get old, see it it's really cool, 9 out of 10
Francesca Orr
Wide Awake (1998)
This film changed my life! 11 out of 10
Before I saw this film I knew exactly what I was going to do when I grew up, I had my whole life planned out. I knew what job I was going to have and I didn't think anything could change that, alas, I was wrong. I thought I would always be an author, use my imagination for a career and write books. But Wide Awake', this film has made me realise there are jobs very much like a writer, author, job which can actually make my stories come to life, so they don't have to just be inside somebody's head they can be created with so much realism as in a book as well, as in the wonderful movie which changed the way I see my life in the future, When I was watching that film, it really deepened my look upon movies, it was one of the best films I have ever seen, and although it was not full of action, romance, and that much comical feature (in my opinion) it was a heart-warming very dramatically movie in which portrayed excellent acting, especially from the lovely Joseph Cross' and also such beautiful scenes, so meaningful and heart-warming, to me every scene seemed absolutely perfect, some people may not see the utter deep effect it has and may think it is boring, but that is them, if your only interest is in action flicks with meaningless plots other than to blow up things then this film isn't for you, but for everyone else, everyone who thinks of such a movie as more than just a movie then maybe this film will change your life too, I know it has mine, and I know what I HAVE to be when I grow older and choose what I am going to do for a living, I will be a director. And I am sorry if I have not told you much about the film, but I don't know much more to say other than it is a beautiful emotional journey of one boy (Joseph Cross) who tries to look for god, and some things happen which attack his belief in god, but in the end things happen which save it, many different issues are brought up along the way, but the overall message is passed along very nicely which is in my opinion that we all need something to believe in, and that eventually faith should pay off, I know I believe that I finally have something to believe in, in this lifetime, I will make it as a director, and I know I will make a film one day as meaningful as this, and maybe I will change someone's life too. Maybe one day I will make you laugh, make you cry, make you happy, and make you sad, but I know this I will never forget the film which changed my life Wide Awake', and as one of the dramatic and so meaningful lines goes in the movie, I am Wide Awake' now too.
11 out of 10
Francesca Orr
14 years old
Animal lover
Jackass (2000)
JACKASS IS THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What can I say JACKASS is just damn hilarious, some people, like say my parents may find it down right stupid and well, they're probably not wrong but its still really funny and a cool programme and if people like entertaining people by doing stupid and down right painful things then its up to them.... Johnny Knoxville is the best he may not be the best of actors like Elijah wood!!! But I admire him just as much as I think Elijah wood is cute and that's a lot, anyway Knoxville is my idol I think he's really cool for doing all that stuff, and the other guys on the show too. I don't know if I should call him brave because he doesn't have to do this stuff, then again does that mean he is.... forget that, not brave like say Dave Pelzer (a child called it), but another kind. Well, apart from F.R.I.E.N.D.S and Buffy JACKASS comes next in my favourite programmes list!!!!!!!!
10 out of 10
14 years old
******************************
Friends (1994)
best comedy series ever, no... best series ever over all!
I could go on about the series until the end of time but I can't really be bothered, but I can be bothered to tell you I have never laugh so hard and long at a series as this. F.R.I.E.N.D.S. is just too funny, whether I'm sad or depressed, no matter what has happened I watch F.R.I.E.N.D.S. and I am my happy self again, in fact believe it or not if I'm in bed and I cant get to sleep because depressed, I just sing the F.R.I.E.N.D.S. theme and I get to sleep within a few minutes, its not just funny, its also dramatic in its own little way and all characters, if you watch the show, you just have your own little biographies of all of them inside your head, its just a great feeling you get when you watch it, the jokes are the kind that actually do come up in you and friends daily life and you can really relate to some of the obstacles that lye in their path as they get on with their life. I'm going to finish be stating, F.R.I.E.N.D.S. is the very very very very... best ever!
100 out of 10, if you get what i mean
14 years old
Huge fan of F.R.I.E.N.D.S.
Jack Frost 2: Revenge of the Mutant Killer Snowman (2000)
this film ruined my whole night...
On a scale of 1 to 10 i give this film 0 grrrrr......
it was so crap, i took it back and got my money back and i got to rent another video, i swear by the end of the film i was totally depressed, i love renting movies out and settleing down on the sofa with a mug of hot chocolate, but i just felt completely sick after the first half hour of the film.
One it is the worst film i have ever seen and possibly the worst film in the world.
Two it is most low budget film I have ever seen, my guess would be that they spent about one dollar on it.
Three the acting, i think i'm going to puke.
Four did they even use make up, all the spots, wrinkles they all show they didnt even try and look ok for the movie.
Five what is up with the killer fluff balls, i bet they bought about ten fluffy ball and sewed plastic eyes onto them.
I cant be bothere going on to the next few hundred other things wrong with it, I will do one more.
lastly six the effects,were there any? when the killer snowman is somehow up in the air looking down on an unsuspecting dum girl, and is dropping knives and other object (if your somehow in the air where the hell would you get the objects from)anyway he drops a 100 pound block tonne thingy (i dunno what it is, cant remember what there called)but again anyway he drops it and there were no effect I'm sure she just bent down as the thing fell on her, it was like in a cheap cartoon, total utter s***.
It seriously did ruin my night, this was the worst film ever in the history of all bad films. This fil would come first in the top ten worst films of the world. I think you really do get my point, so only if you really do want to spoil your night, then get this film out other wise stay away, if this film is ever on tv, turn your tv off and do something else for the next two hours, I never thought a film could be so bad, but I was obviously wrong. i wouldnt see this film again if my life depended on it, i would be dead by the end of it anyway. There was nothing, and I mean nothing good about this film, absolute s***.
Believe when I say this, you should by all the facts I have just mentioned, anyway stay away from 'Jack Frost 2' even Scooby Doo is better.
0 out of 10
Francesca Sophia Orr
Ethan Embry fan