jeek Reviews

No Country for Old Men (2007)

A good adaptation of a pretty good book

[7/10 · 24 February 2008]

I'm a big movie buff, but books are my first love; so when I see film adaptations of books I've read, I've often been disappointed. "No Country For Old Men" is an exception to the tired cliché 'The book is always better'. The movie left out quite a lot, such as the teen runaway that accompanies Lewellyn on his trip to El Paso; but the movie captured the maudlin tone of the book. Many have commented on the odd ending of the movie; and the book is the same way. The book was an engrossing cat-and-mouse chase, but bogged down in the end. The somber ending of the movie captured the theme of the book, that the good does not always vanquish the evil.

The Coen Brothers are great artists, and when I heard they where doing this film, I knew they'd do a great job. And they did. They deserve the Oscars they've won. All the performances were spot on. I just find it odd that it was the best movie of 2007. Is this movie in the same league as "The Godfather", "The Lost Weekend", "Schindler's List", et al? Regardless of my opinion, it is now. Must have been a mediocre year, I guess.

As for Cormac McCarthy; I think he's a good writer, but some of his books (i.e. 'Blood Meridian'), were boring to me, but his greatest achievement, "The Road" will soon be a film. It is one of the most emotionally devastating and powerful literary experiences I've ever had. If it's done right, it too will be an Oscar contender. I'm on pins and needles waiting for that film, but I have doubts that it will be as good as the book. If the Coen Brothers were directing it, I might have higher hopes. Wait and see, I guess.

There Will Be Blood (2007)

Another piece of crap by P.T. Anderson

[3/10 · 7 February 2008]

First off, I have to admit that I went into this film with low expectations. I've hated every film by P.T. Anderson ("Boogie Nights" is the worst film I've ever seen). "There Will Be Blood" is more garbage from this no-talent. He doesn't seem to understand how to pace a film, his dialog is insipid and his characters are impossible to identify with. Yet the most irritating thing about his films are that they're BORING! The photography in this film is excellent, but the screeching soundtrack made me want to gouge out my eyes. Daniel Day-Lewis is an extraordinary actor, but he'll be downgraded in my book because he participated in this trash. Wake up Hollywood: P.T. Anderson is a hack! It astounds me that his films get such great reviews.

The Passion of the Christ (2004)

Way to go, Mel!

[10/10 · 8 March 2004]

I don't know much about religion. I was raised Protestant, but never took much stock in church, therefore I'm no expert when it comes to religion, so I'm not going to argue facts. What I find so amazing about this film is that Mel Gibson spent his own money to make the film he wanted to make. It takes a hell of a lot of courage to spent $25 million of your own cash after Hollywood tell you 'you're crazy,no way' and continue on with a cast of no-names and subtitles.

The production quality, the acting, costumes, and Caleb Deschanel's photography are second to none. I always took Mel as an action-superstar, but now I include him in the same league as Spike Lee, F.F Coppola and other directors who give the middle finger to Hollywood and make the films they want to make.

As far as the view that this film is anti-semitic, all I can say is Jesus was a Jew. Christians understand that Jews aren't responsible for his death; we as sinful humans are responsible for his death: me and you are responsible for his death, but through his resurrection we can have eternal life (that's about the extent of my religious understanding). Christians understand that Jesus was born to die, therefore I don't think mobs of Christians are going to be running in the streets burning down synagogues.

Regardless of your beliefs or lack thereof, go see this movie. If you don't believe in religion, go see it anyway for the fact that it is a powerful, intense and beautifully filmed movie.

Leolo (1992)

One of the most powerful, painful films of childhood.

[10/10 · 30 November 2002]

When I walked out of the theater after watching this film, I was emotionally drained. I laughed, cried and wretched so often, I was unsure what to think about the movie at first. After pondering, I came to the conclusion that "Leolo" is the most introspective portrait of introverted childhood ever filmed.

Leolo lives in his own mind, and tries to shut himself off from the family he both loves and hates. Although I was horrified by Leolo's surroundings, I identified with his perils. Leolo spends his spare time reading and writing, but when he tries to interact with children his own age, he realizes how little he has in common with them. Leolo still tries to overcome the horror of his life, but the family curse is something he can't evade.

What's more saddening than the conclusion to this film, is the tragic death of the films director Jean-Claude Lauzon. I didn't think too much about his first film "Night Zoo", but with "Leolo" he proved that he was one of the best new talents in film. I believe that "Leolo" was a very personal film, and that many of Leolo's trials, he experienced himself. The tragic accident that claimed his life seems so ironic when considering Leolo's tragic end.

I loved everything about this film, especially the soundtrack. Whenever friends come over to hang out, drink, smoke and watch a film, this is the one I put in the dvd player (it's available on dvd at www.amazon.ca) This films is for every person that felt the need to escape. In addition, this is for every person that hates Hollywood cookie-cutter films.

If you haven't seen it, there are few other films I could recommend.

Bicycle Thieves (1948)

Viva Neorealism!

[10/10 · 25 September 2002]

I've read the comments left by other users of this site, and i have something to say to all those who thought this film was "average", or "boring": this is one of the greatest films in history. The reason one might find it boring is because it tells the story of the common man, his struggles and his relationship with his son. During the 1940s, Hollywood made melodramatic films with characters that few could relate to. Also in the 1940s, Italy was still feeling the effects of WWII, were many struggled to make a living. Few films in that time chronicled the lives of the average man. "The Bicycle Thief" is one of the most ground breaking films in history because of this.

To all those that found the film boring, please, watch it again. Notice all the bicycles (and bicycle parts) in the film; the protagonist only needs one to keep his life and family together. Notice the touching looks the child gives his father, and how his father hardly notices him. Study the injustice surrounding him, and have empathy for him.

Sure, today the film may have lost some of its power because of the countless imitations, but remember this movie was way ahead of its time.

I give this movie a "10", and i don't give many of those.

Small Change (1976)

Charming! Wonderful!

[10/10 · 20 September 2002]

I watched this movie with my girlfriend one night, and she commented on the fact that the children never change clothes. At first I thought she was referring to the poor, abused child. But I noticed that the costumes for the other children remained the same. I studied film in college, and I thought for a long while why Truffaut would want to keep the costumes the same. My theory is that Truffaut wanted to capture these kids at one certain point in there lives where they don't change. Children grow up so fast, they become teenagers, then adults. By the time adulthood sets in, they've become somewhat jaded by the world around them. By keeping the kids in the same costumes, I think Truffaut is trying to capture the moment in there lives where they remained the same. Although first love and heartbreak is inevitable, at least, for one brief period, we see these kids in a state of grace. I think this point is also strengthened by the fact that Truffaut used the children's real names for their roles.

This is the type of film parents wished were made more often, except when these films are made, nobody goes to see them (Another good example of a family film that bombed is "Searching For Bobby Fisher"). This is the perfect family film. It's charming, touching and filled with laughter. No wonder Steven Spielberg suggested it to Truffaut.

If this film doesn't touch your heart, you probably don't have one.

Magnolia (1999)

Garbage!!!

[3/10 · 20 November 2001]

I hated 'Boogie Nights', but I decided to give P.T. Anderson another shot. Big mistake. Anderson has the non-talent to waste our time with empty, meaningless characters in implausible situations speaking insipid dialog. Like "Boogie Nights", the characters are wooden and provide no insight into the modern human condition.

I've sat through films much longer than 'Magnolia' ('Berlin Alexanderplatz', directors cut of 'Fanny and Alexander') yet with those films, I remained totally enthralled. 'Magnolia' is mind-numbingly boring.

Worthless movie garbage!

Betty Blue (1986)

one of the best love stories ever put on film

[9/10 · 15 November 2001]

Jean-Jacques Beineix's skillful adaptation of Philippe Djian's novel is one of the most powerful and erotic love stories ever put on celluloid. The simple story of a shy young man who's brought out of his shell by a free-spirited girl proved to be one of the best French exports in years. Flawless direction and acting with a powerful sound track. Highly recommended.

Scarface (1983)

Al Pacino delivers pure movie dynamite!

[7/10 · 18 March 2001]

I just read Leonard Maltin's review and I'm in shock. He claims that this movie wallows in "excess and unpleasantness for nearly three hours with no new insights". Let me tear apart his opinion, if you will:

#1: Hollywood films are supposed to be excessive. Although I hold much disdain for the shallowness of Hollywood productions, this is one instance where they got it right. What do you expect from coke dealers? The dope dealers life is one of excess. Hollywood usually entertains the audience with car chases and shoot outs and I think that Oliver Stone and Brian DePalma handled it with a keen sense of detail.

#2. The life of a drug dealer is unpleasant to the common citizen. Murder, corruption, and violence go hand-in-hand when it comes to cocaine smuggling. What the hell did Leonard Maltin expect?

#3. I can't stand it when people complain about movies being too long. I love long movies, as long as the film makers keep it interesting. Long movies usually deliver an epic movie experience that's well worth the price of admission or rental.

#4. "Scarface" does in fact offer new insight. This film was made during the '80's when the rich got richer and coke flooded the streets of the U.S. and the rest of the world. While yuppies moved their way up the corporate ladder, bought the new car and penthouse, they also snorted mountains. Oliver Stone's script points out the excess of capitalism. The best example is Pacino's speech in the restaurant: "is this what i work for?...eating, drinking, focking, sucking, snorting...". Scarface has it all: the biggest house, the most expensive car, the best clothes, the finest woman, $$$, power, an arsenal of weapons, and all the coke you could inhale. Tony Montana comes from a communist country where all these things are unattainable, but he accomplishes success across the pond and he's still unhappy. Yeah, maybe the theme 'crime doesn't pay' isn't that original, but it does speak volumes about the greed and excess of the 1980's.

Finally, Al Pacino's performance is stunning. I can't think of any role he's played in that even comes close. Tony Montana makes Michael Corleone look like an alter boy, and yet it's 100% believable. I totally forgot it was Pacino in the role, I truly believed he was a Cuban refuge.

This movie is fantastic. It's one of the favorites of my generation x counterparts.

The Contender (2000)

gimme a break!

[4/10 · 12 March 2001]

a female politician that's pro-choice, anti-second amendment, atheist, anti-tobacco, and claims that she USED to be a republican? whatever!

i wish Hollywood would stop making these biased political movies and concentrate on making meaningful, non-political films that would entertain everyone and offend none (example: the great films coming out of Iran). i'm not a conservative republican, but i found this movie one-sided and hard to swallow.

Autumn Sonata (1978)

painful! magnificent!

[9/10 · 22 November 2000]

ingrid berman was diagnosed with terminal cancer shortly before she agreed to star in this film. due to the fact that insurance companies in hollywood rarely secure contracts with ill actors, ingrid had to take what she could while she was still alive. i don't know what her financial situation was at the time, but i do know that her fee for starring in this film was much less than she was used to. yet, despite her condition, this became, to me at least, her swan-song performance.

during ingrid's prime, she had considerable control of her image in hollywood. she was portrayed, more often than not, as a strong and goddess-like character (casablanca, anyone?). in this film, however, all control of imaging was in the hands of her swedish counterparts ingmar bergman and sven nykvist, and the image they created of her was deconstructive of her screen persona, yet not in her brilliance and ability as an actress.

ingrid hated working with them, though. ingmar would command long takes, and sven would put the camera inches from her face. yet this technique showed a side of ingrid the world has never seen before.

ingrid's character,charlotte, is a successful concert pianist yet unsuccessful mother who returns to see her two daughters and a son-in-law. one daughter is married, yet is incapable of feeling love. and the other (helena, played by 60's swedish film star lena nyman) is left virtually paralyzed. she returns to visit after 7 years, and that's when the sparks fly.

liv ullman, who plays eva, (the married daughter), has usually been portayed as a non-confrontational person in her collaborations with ingmar, yet her persona in this film is slightly reserved in the beginning, but all her inhibitions are unleashed upon charlotte. i've always remembered ingrid as a beautiful painted rose on the screen (for whom the bell tolls, anyone?), but when this film ends, all we see is ingrid's tear-stained face. this may be ingmar's own reaction to his own short-comings as a husband and father (7 kids/4 marriages). in an effort to deconstruct himself, he looked at another icon to drive home his point of childhood pain and adult insecurities.

at this films end, the most punishing scenes occur. i'm not going to spoil it for you, but it's the scene when eva walks amongst cemetery headstones while charlotte takes the train out of town. i hate to admit it, but there was a lump in my throat at this point in the film.

although i praise this film, i wouldn't give this movie a 10 because of nyman's character. although her scene in the beginning is powerful, her other two appearances,(although brief) are way over-the-top, almost as bad as jar-jar binks in phantom menace.

i could write more, but i want everyone who reads this to go see this movie without my crappy opinions ruining it. it's not often that people see a film with such realistic portrrait of the human condition. and as i said earlier, ingrid and ignmar have rarely (maybe never)been better.

9 out of 10 (***1/2 out of ****)

Sunday's Children (1992)

bergman's most personal work

[10/10 · 18 November 2000]

i've always admired ingmar bergman because his upbringing mirrored my own. his films always captured my imagination because i always understood where he was coming from when it came to family, relationships, religion, etc. and "sunday's children" is one of the few films ever made that spoke to me personally.

although ingmar left the director's chair to his son daniel, ingmar's voice is heard throughout. the film shows little ingmar (named "pu" in this film, which in swedish means "little chap")in the midst of family conflict: a late night quarrel between his parents, dealing with older brother and sisters,, ghost stories from the maids, and dealing with his minister father. i experienced most of these occurrences in my own life. the scenes in the end where the happy childhood memories are juxtaposed with scenes of old-aged bitterness speak volumes to me.

the most powerful thing about this film is that it's all true, from bergman's heart.

bergman's my favorite film-maker, but it wasn't until i saw this film that i truly understood why. this is an undiscovered masterpiece. rent "fanny and alexander", "best intentions", and "sunday's children", and get the full story on ingmar bergman's life. i promise, you won't be disappointed!

Pink Floyd: The Wall (1982)

they don't make films like this anymore

[8/10 · 18 November 2000]

i can't think of any other american film in history that can compare to this. "pink floyd the wall" is an all out assault on the human senses.

i don't care if you like the music of pink floyd or not, underneath the hallucination cinematography and animation lies a sad yet powerful story of childhood pain and adult emptiness.

if your a film student, this movie should be on your list if you haven't seen it.

The Holy Mountain (1973)

if you can find a copy, go see this movie!

[8/10 · 18 November 2000]

jodorowsky said that he "look for in films what north americans look for in drugs". and after watching this film, it shows.

i don't know how to describe this film and i won't ruin it for those who haven't seen it, just watch the first 20 minutes and you'll understand why.

The Devil's Advocate (1997)

great script!

[9/10 · 25 September 2000]

"the Devil's Advocate" was robbed of a 'Best Screenplay' nomination at the Oscars!

Although many would consider this film as a case of "lawyer bashing", it's inevitable that a screenwriter would choose the law profession to expose the human boundaries between right and wrong, justice and greed, spirituality and humanism.

We all know that defense lawyers deal with the fact that at times they truly believe that their clients are guilty, as well as prosecutors knowing that the defendant is innocent. It's all about self-mobility, which begets self-want. That's where the Devil steps in. For those that betray justice, honor, humility, and the ones they love; those people have truly become advocates of the Devil.

This film would make a great double feature with Abel Ferrara's "Bad Lieutenant"

And needless to say, nobody could play the Devil better than Pacino.

Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992)

The second best dracula movie

[9/10 · 25 September 2000]

"Dracula" is one of the most popular characters in film history. Yet, few 'vampire' films are on the same level as "Bram Stoker's Dracula".

Even though it's no secret that Coppola watched "Nosferatu" (the best of the genre) before making this film, Coppola has added his own touch. I can't think of any 'Dracula' film that started with the historical background of Vlad the Impailer in Romania/Transylvainia; nor can I think of a film director that captured the Victorian era better than Coppola (I love the stag film shown in the background during the 'white-wolf' scene in London). Finally, Coppola actually read the Bram Stoker book: reading the source novel doesn't seem to be a popular Hollywood practice.

I'm surprised at the negative reviews this film has received. Coppola has guts for filming a big budget picture on sets, especially after losing it all by doing the same thing with the Las Vegas settings of "One From the Heart". The sets and costumes were brilliant, as well as the cinematography (it reminded me of 'Excalibur'). Finally, Gary Oldman makes Bela Lugosi look like a boy scout.

Coppola has made a couple of bad movie's in his career (need I mention "Jack"?), yet "Bram Stoker's Dracula" is not one of them.

American Beauty (1999)

"never under estimate the power of denial"

[8/10 · 23 July 2000]

when leaving the theater with my brother, he asked me "what do you think the title 'American Beauty' meant. like all good movies, my answer required much of thought. i first thought of Kevin Spacy's character. he was one of the few people in the film that was honest with himself. he recognized that his marriage was a farce. he realized that he could be confident again. he saw his potential, and he felt rejuvenated. self confedence is powerful. next, i thought of Wes Bently's character. A young man so confident despite his dire situation. he remained strong in himself, and in addition, help others believe in themselves. I then thought of Annette Benings character. she played a person that depended on money and her plastic social status. she represented what is 'ugly' in america. then there is Mina Suvari's character. even though she gave the appearance of confidence, she was the most vulnerable. she was completely dishonest with herself. finally, there's The Colonels character. all the hatred he displayed to others, all the coldness and brutality he showed to his wife and son all came from his own feelings of inadquacy. he hated the fact that he hated himself, and he made all the people that where close to him feel the same pain. when i total it all up, 'American Beauty' meant to me youth and honesty. the lives we live when we are young are magical, anything can happen. when we grow old and lose sight of what's important is when we lose our grip on life. money and status mean absoutly nothing, especially when it brings pain instead of happiness. (oh! by the way, Wes Bently makes Brando look like Shirley Temple) ***1/2 out of ****.

Angela's Ashes (1999)

slightly disappointed, but still a great movie

[9/10 · 23 January 2000]

I read "Angela's Ashes" last year, and I became enamored with the story. When I heard that it was going to be made into a movie directed by Alan Parker, I was counting the days until its release. I haven't been this excited to see a movie since "The Phantom Menace" was released. When I went to the theater last night to see "Angela's Ashes" I was prepared to fall in love with the story again.

I'm sad to say that I was a slightly disappointed.

Watching the film version to this wonderful story was like reading Cliff Notes to a novel: the main points are covered, but small details that made the story so touching are left out. For example, the film never mentions the little girl that Francis met while he was in the hospital for typhoid. The young lass was the one that turned Francis on to Shakespeare and gave him his love for literature. The film also doesn't portray the deep, intimate, brotherly bond between Francis and Malachy as well as the book did (Malachy was only a year or two younger than Francis and experienced many of the same hardships as Francis). The film left out the part where Francis and Malachy went out to steal groceries left on neighbor's door steps in order to feed the family. Also, the time when Angela became deathly ill which prompted the father to return from England for a visit was also left out. I could go on and on.

At first I thought Alan Parker was the perfect choice to direct this story. "Angel Heart", "Pink Floyd: The Wall", "Mississippi Burning" are great films. Yet, after I left the theater, I began to wonder how different the film might have been if Neal Jordan or Terrance Davies had directed it. Even though the film was around 2.5 hours, I still feel that Alan Parker didn't take his time. I got the feeling that Parker's heart wasn't into this film.

Nevertheless, "Angela's Ashes" stands head and shoulders over all the other films I have seen this year. The acting, especially from the kids, is outstanding. The cinematography perfectly captures the beauty and dreariness of Ireland. And although the movie wasn't detailed the way I wish it was, it is still an amazing and powerful movie. I hope it gets a slew of nominations at the Academy Awards.

I highly recommend "Angela's Ashes". 8 out of 10.

Tusk (1980)

Jodorowsky's worst!

[4/10 · 8 January 2000]

after searching for years to find a copy of this long buried film, i finally found a copy. after watching it, i now know why this film never got released. this film is void of Jodorowsky's strange imagery and messages. all it's about is an elephant and a girl born on the same day, and about some bad guys that don't like the giant animals. the movie is in French, which i don't speak, but it doesn't take a genius to realize this movie is a waste of time.

The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)

One of the most brilliant and daring films ever.

[9/10 · 27 July 1999]

(don't read first paragraph if you plan on seeing the film and want to be completely surprised)

Jesus watching as Mary Magdalene takes numerous customers in a brothel. Jesus saying "...I want him (God) to hate me". Jesus unsure of himself and not knowing what messages to preach. Jesus taking two wives. Jesus having sex.

No, this is not your typical bible story.

Instead, it's a brilliant tale of the human relationship with God. Every human being, whether they believe in God or not, has struggled with the question of God's existence, and this film tackles that uncertainty in a daring way: by making the main character Jesus.

Christ in this film is symbolic of man: unsure of his purpose in life, unsure if God hears his prayers, constantly tempted by the flesh. The bible portrays Jesus as omniscient, supernatural, flawless, filled with love yet stern, humble, and finally; certain of his purpose on earth. "The Last Temptation of Christ" shatters the biblical image of Jesus Christ by putting him in our place as humans, making this film one of the most daring ever made.

Paul Schrader skillfully adapts the novel by Katzantzakis, filling it with unforgettable quotes and dialog. Michael Ballhaus's cinematography is breathtaking. The performances (contrary to what I have read here) are outstanding. Finally, Scorsese's direction is razor-sharp.

This is a unique, daring, spiritual, and powerful motion picture experience. (****) out of (****)

True Romance (1993)

TRUE ENTERTAINMENT!

[9/10 · 14 July 1999]

"True Romance" has it all: action, humor, horror, a great script, a colorful cast, etc, etc, etc. it's very hard to find films that keep you entertained from start to finish, but this one succeeds at every level, and it's not often where the "bad guys" get to take the money and run. a great return on your video rental investment. 9 out of 10.

Bad Lieutenant (1992)

a powerful, daring film that meditates on religious ideals.

[9/10 · 14 July 1999]

Many of the reviews that I have read about "Bad Lieutenant" mention the scene in where Harvey Kietel "hallucinates", thinking that he sees Christ. People that believe this are missing the point of the whole movie. Kietel's character, LT, does in fact see Christ: he appears to offer salvation to a man who's at the end of his rope. The theme of "Bad Lieutenant" is a religious one, that all men, even a crooked cop, are eligible for redemption.

If you don't believe in the ideals of religion, suspend your disbelief, open your mind, and try to understand the point the director is making. Ferrara is not asking for sympathy for the character, nor is he trying to 'convert' the audience in any way: He's just telling a story of man's need for forgiveness and redemption.

"Bad Lieutenant" is by far Ferrara's best work, and Kietel has never been better. This is a deep, daring, and rare film that covers topics that most film makers wouldn't even consider. Highly recommended! 9 out of 10. (avoid the R-rated version)

Pixote (1980)

...emotionally devastating...

[10/10 · 12 July 1999]

"Pixote" is the one of most powerful, shocking, and moving motion picture to come from Brazil. It's about the lives of street kids on the streets of Sao Paulo and Rio De Janeiro, and it centers around a ten-year-old boy. The camera follows them around in an almost documentary style;from the juvenile detention center (where most of the staff is as corrupt as the police) and back to the streets, and it never turns away from the horrors of the city. Prostitution, drug use/dealing, corruption, and murder are all witnessed by these youths; yet it's something they're painfully used to. Director Hector Babenco used real street kids as the actors, adding to the films brutal reality. Although not for everyone, a film I highly recommend. An emotionally devastating movie.

Apocalypse Now (1979)

ONE OF THE GREATEST FILMS OF ALL TIME!

[10/10 · 8 July 1999]

although "loosely" based on Conrad's "Heart of Darkness", "Apocalypse Now" still captures the mood of the novel. one of the most haunting, mesmerizing, and beautifully shot films of all time. it may not be the most realistic Vietnam film, but it is the most surreal, and Coppola has never been better. all film buffs must see this movie. the best film of the '70's. i still can't believe "Kramer vs. Kramer" beat "Apocalyse Now" for best picture.

Paris, Texas (1984)

quiet, slow-moving, yet rewarding.

[10/10 · 20 June 1999]

Few films have moved me so deeply as "Paris, Texas". It's a story of trying to rebuild relationships ,the battle zone between men and women, and the undying bond between fathers and sons. All the performances are excellent: Harry Dean Stanton as a drifter brought back to reality to make amends with his family, Nastasha Kinski playing a southern belle (!), and young Hunter Carson's as a young yet brave lad willing to take an adventure by taking a road trip and getting to know the dad he never knew. One of Wim Wenders "road movies" and one of my personal favorites. Ry Cooder's soundtrack adds to the films mesmerizing mood. "Paris, Texas" deservedly won best picture at the Cannes Film Festival '84, it's also one of the few films that made me cry. Most highly recommended. 10 out of 10.