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Reviews
Gladiator (2000)
A Tasteless epic!
"Gladiator" was preceded for a heavy advertising and previews in the TV and theathers for almost six months. All my friends were very anxious to see one more swashbuckling epic from one of Hollywood's most respected directors, Mr. Ridley Scott. I was too because the Roman Empire is one my favorite subject since I was in high school. But "Gladiator" is not a Roman Empire epic, it's just a action-packed movie, with some lame love scenes and one more crazy Roman Emperor in the middle of the mess (Commodus, a routine and unimaginative performance by Phoenix). The direction is heavy, dull and without flavour. Crowe who is now saluted as the most proeminent name in Hollywood nowadays seems to me not so good in fact. Indeed, his performance is just convincing but not brilliant.
I think "Gladiator" gives us good reasons to miss "Spartacus" and "Ben Hur". Note: 06
Trial & Error (1993)
I made a mistake!
When I saw this movie in the shelf of a video-shop-rent, and saw that Tim Matheson Was in it, I thought to myself "this one could be a good option, besides Matheson is a actor that always seems to choose good stories to make !" I made a mistake, fellows! Trial and Error is a lame and very stupid trial drama with no originality, no twists and turns and even Matheson seems ashamed to be in this misfire! Watch out!
Chapadão do Bugre (1988)
A brazilian epic!
"Chapadão do Bugre" is a TV-epic based on the novel of the same title written by one of the most important brazilian writer of this century, Mr. Mário Palmério. The adaptation for TV of the cruel story of "Izé de Arimáteia" (wonderfully played by Celulari) in the 20's years when started the exploration of the inner lands of Brazil is remarkable and credible. There's a lot of violence here, but it's okay because it's tightly attached to the truth of these times. If you want to see a competent brazilian's TV production, don't miss this one.
Kansas City (1996)
A good but slow pace movie!
Maybe "Kansas City" is not one of the best works of Robert Altman. In fact, when we think about Altman we always remember some great moments of him like "Mash", for instance. But Kansas City is a act of courage. Indeed, I think that the gangster era and the first days of jazz are not the kind of theme Altman is really concerned; but he does fine here, with a interesting and sometimes funny plotline and the background music is really remarkable. However, the main problem here is the cast. Although Jennifer Jason Leigh is a good actress, she is far-fetched and unconvincing as Blondie. Just Miranda Richardson hits the target, with a "nuts" performance of Mrs. Stilton.
Kull the Conqueror (1997)
Back to my Childhood!!!
Sine I was twelve years old (and now I'm thirty-eight years old)I'm a great fan of the stories of Robert E. Howard, the unforgettable creator of Conan, The Barbarian. Howard was a great storyteller and the imaginary world where he develops his stories and heroes, mainly during the Hiborian Age, has a notable charisma. This movie is based in one of the Howard's most famous heroes along with Conan: Kull, the mighty Barbarian who rules over Atlantis. Maybe because of this special interest that I have for Howard's work, "Kull" makes me remember of the paperback books of my youth. In a critical mood, I know this movie is not a great deal. But I have to say I was tighted to the screen and had a great time watchiong this. For me, even Kevin Sorbo was good and convinced. Sorry, fellows, I'm back to my childhood!!!! (3 of five).
Perdita Durango (1997)
A movie with a director touch!
About this film, I'm not so enthusiastic as another commentator, WOlfy from Australia. But I think "Perdita Durango" is really a director movie because you can feel the hand and the style of Alex de La Iglesia all the way. And that's an important point for me. In a way, "Perdita Durango" reminds me Quentin Tarantino's "Pulp Fiction" with its unrestrained violence and weird characters.If you like Tarantino style, you'll enjoy this film too much. The acting is good, especially the actor (I forgot his name, what a shame!!) that plays the "loco santero" Romeo. Rosie Perez is convincing and full of a twisted sex appeal in the title role. I give this a three stars in five.