Change Your Image
dvdWarrior
Lists
An error has ocurred. Please try againReviews
The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys (2002)
An Outstanding Film, (may contain spoilers)
I'm a longtime fan of independent films, and "The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys" certainly ranks among my favorite. From the opening sequence, you get an in-depth look at the lives of the two primary characters, altar boys Tim Sullivan and Francis Doyle, (played by Kieran Culkin and Emile Hirsch, respectively),and their cutting down of the telephone pole early on perfectly introduced them to the audience, as well as really setting the tone for the movie as a whole. Some have said this film doesn't really delve that far into their characters, and I'm not sure I can agree with that. It certainly doesn't have one of those Hollywood "characters come clean and reveal all their deep dark secrets" sequences in it, but it deals well in subtlety, and gives more genuine hints as to what their lives are like. The scene in which Tim's parents were arguing accomplished what it needed to accomplish, and without overdramatizing it at that; putting less attention on it makes their arguing seem like more of an everyday occurrence, and that is substantial. Furthermore, the scene in which Tim and Francis find the wounded and dying dog on the side of the road certainly establishes a bit of Tim's character, at least to my mind.
The animation sequences, for my money, were perfectly done, and fit in very nicely with the live action sequences, and really help the film in the long run. Most importantly, they convey what the boys, especially Francis in particular, are feeling inside, and that again, is substantial. In my opinion, it is an excellent film, and it is a very well-done film. But, again, that is my opinion and only that. The DVD is most certainly excellent, with loads of special features, including deleted scenes, a featurette, interviews, and a lot more. In my estimation, this film is outstanding, and should not be missed.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
Night-time Visions of Very Bad Things... (may contain spoilers)
Some people say this film is the greatest horror film ever made. I don't believe I can agree with that, but it is without question a trend setter in the field. While the plot itself leaves a lot to be desired, and the characters aren't developed very well, this film brings a lot to the table. Without an enormous budget, and with very few special effects at their disposal, Toby Hooper and his crew were left to their own devices. They did very well with what they had, believe me. This movie explodes out of the gates, and it never lets up. It's as intense as they come, and it was genuinely frightening.
I've heard it said that the Texas Chainsaw Massacre is almost like a documentary, and that much is certainly true. This film is a certifiable trip into a deranged and macabre surreality that lingers even after the credits have rolled. This film really plays with the mind, relying on creative psychological film making to provides its chills. So much of the action takes place in almost tangible darkness; the woods through which Marilyn Burns flees her demented pursuer Leatherface were thick and tangled.
At times, the only light came from the full moon above. Even the name, the Texas Chainsaw Massacre, has an impact, drawing disturbing ideas to mind that, combined with the sounds and camera angles convince you to see things the film makers weren't able to put on camera. Because of the name, most people believe this film to be much more violent than it actually was. Here's to making what you've got work for you.
The film itself was a bit grainy, a little dated by time, but I think that makes it seem all the more real, and the dvd contains one of the best commentary tracks currently available. This film is definately worth owning, especially if your a fan of horror, but visit the sequels at your own risk. I don't think this is the greatest horror movie of all time, but it is definately a cornerstone of the genre, and without our good buddy Leatherface, there may never have been a Jason or a Freddy.
Star Wars (1977)
One of the Greatest Films Ever
This is without question one of the greatest movies ever made, a true classic among classics, and one of my personal favorites. I first saw this movie when I was about twelve, and it immediately blossomed a love for science fiction in me that thrives to this day, ten years later. All I ask for is a dvd to showcase this film, and the all would be right in the world.