FilmActuary Reviews

Batman Begins (2005)

Daring and innovative

[8/10 · 15 June 2005]

Christopher Nolan was the perfect choice to write/direct this film. Originally I was worried when Aranofsky had pulled out, but Nolan proves why he was chosen. Being a fan of the comic series I had worried that it would deviate too much from the comic. And while Bruce Wayne is a little more "chipper" than the comic version of the dark knight the film stays true to the feel of the comics. The casting is terrific, Scarecrow is presented perfectly and the pace is smooth. I watched the film with my girlfriend whose only exposure to Batman was the previous films. It goes without saying that she was a bit skeptical, but she enjoyed it very much and we both agreed that it most assuredly surpasses the sequels of the previous film series. Definitely worth seeing.

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

Back to what made it great

[8/10 · 19 May 2005]

George Lucas returned to the style that made the original Star Wars trilogy so memorable. The significance of the original trilogy was its use of implementing aspects of historical films. This is abundantly seen in "A New Hope" with its parallel of Samurai films and classic westerns. The second installment, "Empire Strikes Back," is full of this form of homage as well; even paying homage to detective noir classics with Luke's search through Cloud City for his comrades. While this aspect has been missing from the two previous films of the prequel series it returns in this latest installment. George Lucas pays homage to classic romances with cuts from Anakin to Padme showing what love has done to each of them and reminding the viewer of what classic romance films continually did: love is hell. The homage continues when Lucas places Obi-Wan on a lizard-like beast reminding us of classic "prehistoric serials" even the music accompanying the scene has a "Land of the Lost" type of feel. And lest even the dimmest of viewers missed it, who could not appreciate the homage paid to Frankenstein in the scene introducing Darth Vader to the universe. Thanks for all of the great memories in these terrific trilogies George.

The Last Samurai (2003)

Very Strong Film

[6/10 · 8 January 2004]

This film is great, the story is strongly motivated and it stays in line with samurai films; as well as some of its predecessors (Shogun, etc.). I wasn't overwhelmed by the film however. As much as I like Tom Cruise and would like to see him win an Oscar, I don't think this is the film. I felt a little restless at times and I think there have been better films and better performances this year.

King of the Hill (1997–2010)

Terrific! Refreshing writing

[8 January 2004]

This show surpasses its creator's previous accomplishment (Beavis and Butthead) and falls short of only a handful of all-time great television shows. King of the Hill has original storylines, terrific characters and a moral/ethical depth that few forms of media are able to reach in the present state of our immoral world. Watching this show not only entertains it gives a glimpse into what Americans are at times. One of the best shows on television.

Labyrinth (1986)

A wonderful movie when viewed as a metaphor for life.

[6/10 · 25 April 2000]

This movie is great when you can make the analogy of the Labyrinth's challenges being life's challenges. So many lessons can be learned by the studious viewer. Even if you can not stand some of the songs, or feel some of the effects are done poorly you can benefit from the artistic sentiment of this "adult-themed" children's spectacular.

The Big Kahuna (1999)

Philosophical Masterpiece

[5/10 · 27 January 2000]

When a film explores a philosophy, or a moral statement, there is a lot of room for disaster. This film completely evades disaster through tremendous acting and a wonderful storyline. What makes the film so powerful is how open it is left for personal interpretation. Even the director, Swanbeck said that no one should make a definitive statement as to what the last scene of the film truly means. It has personal and profound meaning.

The Red Violin (1998)

Absolutely Tremendous

[7/10 · 9 January 2000]

This film uses an ingenious method to captivate its audience. Displaying the history of a violin, showing the effect it has on individual's lives, and the illustrious legend it leaves behind for itself. It is magical. The violin comes to life through the movie, creating a personal relationship between the audience and the violin. I definitely recommend this film to all.

The Thomas Crown Affair (1999)

Not as good as the original

[4/10 · 5 January 2000]

This is a very solid movie. Brosnon is wonderful, the story is great, and the dissimilarities from the original do not take away from the picture's quality. There is one thing, however, that makes this movie completely annoying. That is Rene Russo. Her acting performance is horrendous. When her acting wasn't so horrible, I still couldn't ignore the fact that she is completely repulsive. This movie could have been spectacular had someone else been cast in her stead.

Annie Hall (1977)

This was an interesting film

[5/10 · 26 December 1999]

There were parts of this film that I found very entertaining, I was also impressed with the believability of the acting. But no matter how impressed I was with the acting I cannot overcome the fact that I found myself bored with the story much of the time. This was the first Woody Allen film I have seen, I don't know if I plan to see another. I was expecting something incredible, but found something lackluster. My opinion is certainly not definitive, one should watch this film for one's self, and draw their own conclusion as to its quality.

Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)

This is one of the funniest comedies I have ever seen.

[9/10 · 8 December 1999]

Very well done. I've never seen such an artistic masterpiece that was a comedy. Comedies of modern times are shallow attempts at being a monetary success. Kubrick is an artist, those who make "Austin Powers" and the likes are entrepreneurs.

Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999)

One of the most overhyped movies ever.

[5/10 · 7 December 1999]

I can't really say a lot of positive things about this movie. It was a huge disappointment. The movie lacks originality, and relies upon disgusting humor to gain any kind of thrust. Not only is the movie distasteful, but it leaves you thinking you have just wasted a couple of hours. Cudos to Mike Myers though. Most of the people in the nation forked out seven dollars to go see it. Myers is a rich man, from an absolutely artless film.

The Scent of Green Papaya (1993)

Great cinematography

[5/10 · 7 December 1999]

Very few films have cinematography so creative and intriguing. I could watch this film over and over again just to see the wonderful shots in it.

I'm not too impressed with the story, but it is strong enough to support the film, and make it worth watching.

The Godfather (1972)

The most complete film of all time. Contains all elements of the art.

[10/10 · 5 October 1999]

This is hands down the greatest movie of all time. Great story. Great thematic elements. Great acting. Great cinematography and editing. Fabulous. Marlon Brando, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Al Pacino, Talia Shire...perhaps the greatest cast ever assembled.