chrissyafrica Reviews

13 Minutes (2021)

Slow ride

[3/10 · 16 July 2022]

If you are a fan of low budget disaster flics, be prepared that this doesn't fit the typical mold. The first hour is character setting, but without your typical "looming threat" driving the plot. The storm practically appears from nothing, though there are some nice, scary scenes during the storm. Last 30 minutes is storm clean up with realistic enough setting that could be triggering for those that have survived these types of storms!

Prodigy (2017)

Disappointing.

[2/10 · 3 September 2018]

There are plenty of movies that manage to make telekinesis thrilling or spooky. This is not it. Nothing in the movie earns the conceit of the story: that this girl is so dangerous she must be put down. The acting feels both wooden and overthetop, if you can't buy that this girl is dangerous, there is no point in watching it. Do yourself a favor and rewatch Carrie or Firestarter. Even Logan, Push, or kids' films Matilda or Race to Witch Mountain. Heck, any "possessed kid" movie gives better vibes of a "creepy" kid who can move things around.

Two stars for the cinematography, lighting, and sound which are well done for such an obviously low budget.

Monkey Kingdom (2015)

Moving doc, might be tough for the youngest

[8/10 · 19 April 2015]

Another excellent documentary from Disney Nature. I absolutely loved it, however the youngest (6) in our party was upset by a particular scene. Here are my spoiler thoughts regarding sensitivity issues:

The film's narrative focuses on Maya, the lowest female of the monkey tribe. The emphasis on pack dynamics included a strong storyline about being from low class and having to fight horrible upper-class individuals. Maya basically becomes a single mother having to fight her own pack for food and shelter. It is very moving but some young people might feel uncomfortable by this theme, especially those that have suffered traumatic family issues.

In one scene in particular Maya is forcefully separated from her baby. While Maya is beaten up, another monkey kidnaps the baby and won't let him go. At this point some families left the theatre. We managed to stick it out and the baby was reunited quite quickly.

There are two monkey deaths that occur off-camera. The first our youngest didn't even notice that he was dead. It is very delicately maneuvered. The second is discussed by the narration and the other monkeys gather around the body. The body is obscured by foliage, though you can tell it is there. Our youngest asked if it was dead and if it was one of the "named" monkeys, which it is not.

Under the Dome (2013–2015)

Another missed opportunity

[3/10 · 21 September 2013]

Why, oh why can't anyone make a good Stephen King adaptation? The book Under the Dome is excellent, suspenseful, and--like many King stories--captures the twisted depths of small towns. Now I'm not sorry to miss some of the overwhelming misogynist and racist dialog of King's original, but this has stripped all nuance and all interesting plot. Maybe if they had called it something else, given the characters new names, anything so that we wouldn't have any expectations for anything more than this mediocre melodrama, it would be acceptable. Now they are extending this "mini" series to a full blown second season? The only way to make it worse is to drag the story out.

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009)

A worthy addition

[8/10 · 9 January 2010]

Terry Gilliam is a mastermind of visual imagery, filling every shot with beautiful, bizarre, meaningful, and mundane elements. "Imaginarium" pulls more from his Monty Python work than darker sci-fi films like 12 Monkeys or Brazil. Anyone familiar with Python will see similar themes pop up here.

He, and the producers, rescued this film from the "Gilliam Curse"-- which included not just the death of Heath Ledger part way through filming, but also the death of a lead producer. (the film is dedicated to both.) And the Heath "issue" cannot be ignored and will probably never be disassociated from this film. On the one hand, I personally found no disruption by the 3 other actors (Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrell) who "take over" for Heath throughout the film.

On the other hand, this film is overwhelmed by themes of death, suicide, and destruction. The very first shot of Heath in the film seemed unbelievably shocking to me considering his untimely passing. Sitting in the theatre, I was stunned throughout the film by the audacity it seemed Gilliam had to keep such strong imagery which cannot help but remind us of Heath's own flirtation with, and ultimate loss to Death. I'm sure this affect will lesson with time, perhaps unfortunately.

Unfortunately because this whimsical, fantasy film is indeed a parable about playing with the Devil, betting with Death. It gives us one protagonist who is immortal and another who uses his own death (or the appearance of it) over and over. Heath's actual death provides a bitter undertone that reinforces these themes even against the most fanciful of Gilliam's animation. Perhaps Gilliam is the Dr. Parnassus, ever creating wild worlds. But Heath is not the Devil, making bets against the beauty, but the Everyman, trying to make his way and sometimes getting lost.

Imaginarium is not my favorite Gilliam film, it is not even in my top 3, however it is a very worthy addition to his body of work. As a last record of Heath's work: if his last finished film "The Dark Knight" was the final twisted chapter, Imaginarium is the coda- beautiful and dark, a grim smile and wink to send us on the way.

Equilibrium (2002)

worthy film deserves second look

[8/10 · 24 May 2008]

Equilibrium is a strong sci-fi flick, reminiscent of Fahrenheit 451 and Logan's Run. The cast handles the material excellently, especially Bale who once again treads the balance of emotion and emotionless. Taye Diggs does a fine job as antagonist, though his character's obvious enjoyment of his work seems contradictory to the plot, especially toward the end. This film should have done better box office, but was given limited release and little advertising.

Undoubtedly, it suffered from the release of the Matrix movies. The plots share a common sci-fi theme, an oppressed people fighting an unfeeling regime, but Equilibrium is based in solid reality while the Matrix world is illusion. Where Equilibrium really suffers is the similarities in the fight sequences. Director Kurt Wimmer originated the fighting style "Gun-kata" then given a harder edge by choreographer Jim Vickers, which plays a prominent role in the film. Unfortunately, the resulting fight sequences share the flavor used by the Wachowski brothers without the Wachowski's then revolutionary camera technique. Their "bullet time" emphasized the illusionary nature of the Matrix world. Though today the technique is used all over, at the time of release, Equilibrium's no "tricks" and lack of wires in choreography emphasizes the reality of the world. One significant climatic sequence is cut so similarly to an iconic sequence of the Matrix that it cannot help but draw comparison. It is not surprising that the studio released it quietly in the wake of the Matrix.

Yet, the film does stand on its own. It is a worthy addition to any sci-fi collection.

The Andromeda Strain (2008)

engaging scifi mini

[6/10 · 17 May 2008]

Like most mini series adaptations, Andromeda Strain lacks the artistry of the earlier film version. Unlike the film, it keeps closer to the books details. However, this is more a retelling of the original concept that uses updated information and the present day environmental and political atmosphere to reach different conclusions. The differences between the book and the mini suggest a new pessimism and distrust from writer Michael Criton. In 1969 (when the book was published) we managed to survive an extraterrestrial invasion, but in 2008, has our own destruction of the environment and our greed for political and military power weakened our ability to fight off such an invasion?

Prey (I) (2007)

pathetic

[1/10 · 14 March 2007]

there are dangers in Africa. there are dangers even in fancy safaris. that is why safari camps, game preserves-private and public- pay particular close attention to the safety of vacationers. the writers and producers of this film clearly took zero time actually investigating anything to do with African safaris. it is too bad because there are certainly exciting, thrilling and even terrifying stories to be made. if they had written this script with any basis in fact it could have been watchable instead of down right laughable. the African vistas are beautiful, though--impossible to get that wrong. sadly even the characters are quite poorly constructed. perhaps in a better realized plot, the underdeveloped characters would not be so noticeable. but, as is, the actors play one simplistic note glaringly.

Little Mosque on the Prairie (2007–2012)

forging new roads

[7/10 · 11 February 2007]

Little Mosque on the Prairie is not amazingly nuanced. And, yes, it creates a very simplistic presentation of the Muslim community and the Midwest. However, everybody starts somewhere. The Muslims in the TV world have been relegated to terrorists, spies, and general bad guys. Here we get the other end of the spectrum- cheery Muslims handling day to day issues in the vein of "Full House," but the problems these people deal with probably wouldn't occur to the Christian community. Take for instance a young girl getting her period for the first time, not that unusual, but her further dilemma is unique-- if she tells anyone what has happened, she'll have to start wearing wearing a headscarf, in deference to her religion.

The show is funny and quaint and totally watchable. Especially enjoyable is Carlo Rota as the lovable husband always "getting into trouble"--a far cry from his current stint on 24!

Robin Williams: An Evening at the Met (1986 TV Special)

the best of Williams

[7/10 · 18 November 2006]

why oh why won't they release these early Robin Williams appearances on DVD?? if you are very very lucky, you might catch this or An Evening with Robin Williams on late night comedy central. robin Williams is unbelievably funny back in the old days. his humor may have been run by too much cocaine and liquor, but it was spot on--touching, sharp, and intelligent, happily devoid of an abundance of ethnic character voices. Williams was just as ridiculously manic running around the stage and up and down the aisles. He poured sweat and expletives, but he some how had a lighter touch.

who owns the rights to these shows?? release them and we will buy them!

Stranger Than Fiction (2006)

Are you a tragedy or a comedy?

[10/10 · 10 November 2006]

Stranger Than Fiction is a grown up story. It is a story of an everyman. We aren't given his childhood despair, we don't know how he became who he is, only the nugget that he doesn't like cookies. He could be any of us, who grew up and lost ourselves along the way. Will Ferrel is quiet, restrained, and deeply touching as Harold Crick. The movie of Crick's life made the theatre laugh, especially for those of us that got the literary jokes, but it reflects a lonely life too many of us know. Beyond the superb acting of Ferrel, Dustin Hoffman, and Emma Thompson, Ms Latifa and Maggie Gyllenhaal are appreciable side notes. This isn't a Charlie Kaufman film and it doesn't try to be. The fact that Crick is somehow the character of Emma Thompson's new novel is simply a structural element that allows us to see more deeply into his life. It begs us to ask who writes our stories and is our life worth the pages.

Running with Scissors (2006)

no JT Anderson flick

[4/10 · 7 November 2006]

As a big fan of The Royal Tenenbaums and films like Little Miss Sunshine, I looked forward to seeing this film. I was sorely disappointed and, in fact, very antsy to leave the theatre. It is hard to say what exactly fell flat in this film. The acting was good, especially overlooked Jill Clayburgh. Joseph Fiennes also turned in an impressively different performance from what we expect of him. The characters were adequately depressing, the plot lines appreciatively twisted, and yet I found the experience painful. Running with Scissors lacked the joy and hope of Little Miss Sunshine and lacked the complexity and dark depth of Royal Tennenbaums. Save your $11 and catch this one with Netflicks.

Borat (2006)

offensive and funny

[7/10 · 7 November 2006]

With a wide eyed innocence Sacha Baron Cohen plays the Kazakhstanian reporter Borat. Borat is shockingly offensive, but what is far more shocking are the feelings and beliefs of the people around him. Cohen is unflappable and though some of the stunts are clearly staged, you have to wonder how this actor actually had the fearlessness to run around places like New York city and make such a total fool of himself. From the very beginning, when Borat/Cohen attempts to "greet" bystanders on the subway, several people threaten to physically attack him. In our theatre, the laughter was loud. Only one moment went too far for me--but be warned that moment goes so far over the line you might not recover.

Stay (I) (2005)

a worthy twist

[7/10 · 31 October 2006]

A very interesting piece. What is real? What is truth? Do we create our own reality? Am I part of your life or are you part of mine? Sam (Ewan McGregor) is the new psychiatrist for Henry Letham (Ryan Gosling), a troubled art student. Henry sees Sam despite swearing he will kill himself in 3 days no matter what. Feeling some sort of connection with the young man, Sam pursues Henry, desperately wanting to save Henry and perhaps himself.

Don't be turned off by the dark DVD cover. Though not excellent, the script captures the troubled mind in a way that could be either heartening or depressing. Gosling is touching as the troubled student with a mysterious path. Ewan gives a great subdued performance. Niaomi is beautiful and sympathetic.

a worthy rental

Marie Antoinette (2006)

surface beauty, but that's it

[4/10 · 23 October 2006]

Sofia Coppola certainly has style and an eye for sensual beauty. Kirsten Dunst is an ideal prop for Coppola's images. However, don't go looking to this film for anything deeper than a classy MTV video in corsets and hip padding. Like her supremely better Lost in Translation, Coppola employs deep silences, sparse conversation, and long close ups--unfortunately here it falls flat. Where Lost in Translation was a touching portrayal of love and loneliness, Maria Antoinette is every girl's daydream of being a princess. Jason Schwartzman seemed an odd choice, however he turns in a fantastic portrayal of Louis--quirky and a tad homely, his struggles are very sympathetic.

Man of the Year (2006)

timely and funny, a worth see!

[8/10 · 10 October 2006]

I completely disagree with the other comments! I too saw this film at an early screening and found it quite enjoyable. Robin Williams is in top form. True, the tone is familiar, but it is Williams of Good Morning Vietnam: smart, funny, on point. After too many dark turns, Williams is finally back to what he does best. The supporting actors give great performances, especially Laura Linney and Chris Walken. Chris plays himself, as usual, but as the "agent" to the next president he was a delight each time on screen. Lewis Black plays only himself basically, but he is wonderfully well used here. There is also a fun turn by Jeff Goldblum. The movie is more than what the trailer suggests, as well. The movie is funny, but it is not a pure comedy as suggested. It has a bit of a thriller line, which everyone should seriously consider, especially if you pay attention to the newspaper.

The Science of Sleep (2006)

loving and living, but only in dreams

[9/10 · 22 September 2006]

Gondry has made a beautiful film. Like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Science of Sleep is a love story told with creative wonder. Though, perhaps it does not reach the same depths of self searching that Sunshine does, Science of Sleep has hope and joy.

We journey through the ins and outs of Stéphane's (Bernal) beautiful, albeit sometimes crazy, imagination as he falls for the equally intricate imagination of his next door neighbor. Bernal is gorgeous. His mix of french and English, tinged with his Spanish dialect is utterly romantic. Gainsbourg as Stéphanie, his next door neighbor, is equally lovely as the under appreciated gem. Their struggle together and apart leaves you wishing for your own dream lover.

Superman Returns (2006)

best popcorn of the summer

[8/10 · 8 July 2006]

Superman Returns is a great summer film. Singer has done an incredible job bringing together all the amazingly complicated elements that go into blockbusters today without sacrificing the heart of the original Superman. Compared to the fairly enjoyable Pirates of the Caribbean sequel, Superman shows its strength. Of the two, Superman Returns is tighter and sharper and doesn't suffer from the as much self indulgentism that makes Pirates such a LONG wandering film.

To enjoy the effort of the film even more I highly recommend the video pod cast released by Warner Brothers over the past year, titled "Bryan's journal." It follows Bryan and his crew throughout the film making process. Undoubtedly this "journal" will appear again on the DVD release, but check it out now while you can still appreciate the end result on the big screen!!

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006)

entertaining for a bit too long

[8/10 · 7 July 2006]

the first pirates owed much, if not all, its success to johnny depp's ballsy, unique choices in creating the lovable captain jack sparrow. no surprise, then, that here Jack moves to the forefront of the story. though entertaining, his efforts are not quite as successful the second time around due, unfortunately, to the obsessive media attention that surrounded depp's unusual performance the first time. that being said, this film is still quite fun, if a half hour too long.

Verbinski indulges in ultra long fight scenes (perhaps to make up for the wayward plot line). There are several cute and witty moments within the fights and tiny Keira gets her wealth of fighting. One fun moment comes as she and 2 of Sparrow's men run from and fight a whole host of beastly evil things while tossing only 2 swords between the 3 of them. the last few fights are repetitive, though, and would have been well served with a more daring editor.

as far as sequels go, this film successfully brings back most of the entertaining characters from the original with surprisingly ease. Naomie Harris, Mackenzie Crook, Lee Arenberg among others add a spirited kick to the film as well. like the dead men of the original, the special effects are superb. the evil creature men are perhaps a bit too graphic for the youngest.

let's hope the third doesn't finally run poor ol' jack into the ground.

Rocket Gibraltar (1988)

sweet and engaging

[8/10 · 3 June 2006]

this heart felt film is well worth watching. the simple script is full of characters any family will recognize, it is lifted by the talents of a huge ensemble of incredibly talented actors. while the film is carried by the soon-to-be lauded adult actors, the children add completely uncommented truth. the combination of the two drives the film into your heart. watch it if only for the glimpse of Kevin Spacey, Patricia Clarkson, Frances Conroy, Burt Lacaster, Bill Pullman, even a fresh faced Macaulay Culkin. a must see, especially for those big east coast families of beach summer traditions. watch it with the whole family, but be warned the heart wrenching ending may catch you by surprise

The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005)

great writing surpasses the rest of the goof ball pack

[9/10 · 22 August 2005]

Don't be fooled by the poster or poor trailers, this is a wickedly funny film that surpasses Wedding Crashers by a long shot. Hopefully word of mouth will bring people into the theatre so that audiences can discover that the film is not the one punch line, purely slapstick humor that the trailers make it out to be. The film is saved from such a fate with a very well written script which brings out the humor in richly fleshed out honest characters and situations we can all relate to. Steve Carell shines, bringing an added depth to his typical "straight man" comedy and showing that he can certainly hold his own in a leading role. The supporting cast excels with just the right touch of absurdity and truth, even without the big named stars found in every other comedy these days. The film actually feels all the fresher for not having the requisite cameos.

The Forgotten (2004)

acting and effects save an average script

[7/10 · 21 August 2005]

Like too many of today's films, if you've seen the trailer, you've seen the movie. The script holds no big surprises, though there is a subtle yet significant difference between the theatrical release and the alternate version available on the DVD. I recommend the theatrical version—the ending is tighter and the acting stronger and in general better fitting a suspense genre film. The alternate changes the tone, but weakens Julianne Moore and white washes Linus Roache's character. Watch the movie on as large a screen as you can to take advantage of the unusual special effects, which, though simple, make the tired elements entertaining.