carrienations Reviews

Death Proof (2007)

Terrible

[2/10 · 23 May 2009]

I am a huge fan of 70s exploitation/grindhouse films from the U.S, Japan and Europe, including slasher, WIP, gang, biker, sleaze, etc. However, I have to state that Deathproof is absolutely wretched. The lazy script doesn't give you any reason to sympathize with any character and chews your ears off with boring, pointless dialog. The long scene with the girls talking endlessly (you know which one I'm talking about) was possibly the worst use of film EVER. I'd rather watch Barbra Striesand in "A Star is Born" again that sit through that single Deathproof scene again. If Quentin Tarantino ever had any talent, it is not evident in this film at all. Avoid at all cost, or stare into the face of boredom.

Female Prisoner Scorpion: Beast Stable (1973)

Disappointing

[6/10 · 4 May 2007]

Unfortunately, the third film in the Sasori series isn't of the same quality as the first two films. The script is vastly inferior to the first two, and in particular, the second film. The pace through the majority of the film is glacial at best, with the first twenty to thirty minutes being almost painfully slow. This is in stark contrast to the energy of the second film, Female Convict Scorpion: Jailhouse 41. Kaji Meiko is stellar as usual, but just doesn't have much to work with. Director Ito Shunya utilizes some of the signature visual flare that he demonstrated in the first two films, but not frequently or creatively enough in this effort. On a scale of 1 to 10, this film rates about a 6, with Kaji Meiko earning almost all of that score, while the first film is about an 8 and the second a 10.

The Ghost Galleon (1974)

Blind Dead

[6/10 · 29 October 2006]

This is an interesting film, because it's both putrid and quite good at the same time. The cast, acting, and dialogue are simply horrendous. It might be one of the worst casts ever, playing characters that are completely unsympathetic, with some of the worst dialogue ever written. The character decision making and motivations are so phony and wooden, that it makes the first half of the movie almost impossible to sit through.

HOWEVER...

This film has some redeeming value. The ghost galleon set is simply amazing... a terrific, atmospheric location for this film. I'm curious about whether this set was built specifically for the film, because it's quite convincing. The Blind Dead are some of the best skeleton/zombie-type characters and effects I've ever seen on film. I also love the music and chanting that accompanies the Blind Dead.

If the film had a little more violence by the Blind Dead, some gratuitous nudity, cleaned up sfx of the boat when shot from a distance (a larger model shot in slo-mo would suffice), a complete overhaul of the dialogue, and a better cast, this film would have been a classic. The premise is that good. It's easy to see that almost no additional money could have made this film a great one. This split decision garners a 5/10.

Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982)

Underrated

[10/10 · 22 September 2006]

This has to be one of the most underrated horror films ever made. The main reason that this film is maligned is because it doesn't feature Mike Myers. The story is a nice change of pace from the endless slasher flicks of the time period, and the ending is quite a surprise. Forget about Mike Myers and try this one out. It's a shame that Carpenter/Hill didn't continue the Halloween-themed series that they initially planned to do. I would have enjoyed creative films like this one.

Again, if you think this film is sub-par, go back and watch the late-70s and early-80s slasher crap that we were bombarded with. I'll take this film over that junk any day...

"There's no more time. Please stop it. Stop it now. Turn it off! Stop it! Stop it! Stop it! Stop it! STOP IT!"

The Park (2003)

Awful

[1/10 · 12 April 2004]

What a waste of time and money. I recently saw this film at the Philadelphia Film Festival and reduced my expectations so that I was only going to enjoy the 3-D effects. Not only was the film a complete mess of bad acting with a terrible screenplay, the 3-D effects were only used for about ten percent of the film, and the effects were barely noticeable, using old red/blue (anaglyph) 3-D technology. It seemed like the film wasn't even filmed to take advantage of the use of 3-D. This replaces Jaws 3-D and Amityville 3-D as the worst 3-D film I've ever seen. Next year at the festival, I'll have to avoid these gimmicky, low-end horror/action films. This film isn't even worth it for the curiosity factor. Stay away.

Sans Soleil (1983)

This is not a documentary

[10/10 · 8 February 2004]

To call this film a documentary is to cheapen it. It's life on screen, not a mere document. It's poetry... and I'm not sure that word is adequate. How about your view of how you live and the world around you? Have you ever seen a film that gave you the questions to ask yourself? This film is startling... I can't praise it enough. My mind was exhausted by considering the layered imagery, both audio and visual, and the contextual shifts between them. How does anyone pick up a camera after seeing this? You might as well toss it in the trash because Marker has made Earth's last film.

It's a crime that this film is not available on VHS or DVD in the U.S. Fans of this film should also seek out "The Koumiko Mystery", another transcendant film by Chris Marker.

The Koumiko Mystery (1965)

Another great

[10/10 · 8 February 2004]

Not as well known as "La Jetee" and "Sans Soleil", this is another great film by Chris Marker. The subject of the film, a young Japanese woman during the time of the Tokyo Olympiad (1962) is fascinating. Don't call it a documentary... it's a look inside this young woman's world. A brilliant film that I look forward to seeing again. This is going to be hard to locate, but I highly recommend you do so, particularly if you enjoyed "Sans Soleil" like I did.

Female Prisoner #701: Scorpion (1972)

Japanese Exploitation

[9/10 · 17 January 2004]

Great Japanese exploitation story featuring the incomparable Kaji Meiko ("Lady Snowblood"). Excellent cinematography and use of set pieces as well as exaggerated angles and lighting. As enjoyable as this film is, it's not the best in the series... the second chapter, also directed by Ito Shunya and starring Kaji Meiko ("Joshuu sasori: Dai-41 zakkyo-bô", aka "Female Convict Scorpion: Jailhouse 41") is a transcendent piece of filmmaking and eclipses the first film in every regard: cinematography, locations, acting, script, and music.

A Star Is Born (1976)

Awful

[2/10 · 4 December 2003]

This is a horrid disaster of a film. From beginning to end, it's filled with bad acting and even worse direction and editing. The only redeeming parts of the film are a few numbers by Streisand, because the Kristofferson parts are impossible to watch or listen to. The main problem of this film is that we never see Kristofferson's character at his peak or Streisand's character struggling. The first should be seen in decline and the second rising. The final Streisand number _could have been_ one of the greatest finales in film, if it was directed and edited properly. The single framed shot of her face for the duration of the song was a terrible mistake. Had the band, audience and wide shots of the stage been shown, this number could have been dynamic and interesting. This film must have been directed and edited by an NYU film school dropout. The only thing worse may be the wretched screenplay. The final musical number is the only redeeming part of this film, and even that is botched completely by misguided technical decisions.

Onibaba (1964)

A revelation

[10/10 · 24 July 2001]

While U.S. directors were creating staid and dull dramas and comedies in the early sixties, Shindo created a film that was far beyond what the U.S. audiences could have bared. Hollywood? Shindo could have burned Hollywood down to the ground with this film. No standard Hollywood camerawork here.... in Onibaba, the camera is a weapon, the tension is physical... We are presented with three characters: a mother-in-law, a daughter-in-law, and a soldier who has returned from war who live like peasants and struggle to survive on a desolate plain on the outskirts of a war near Kyoto, Japan. The permutations of possible relationships and situations between these three are endless.... but only one can occur and we wait breathlessly for the result.

Black Lizard (1968)

Entertaining...

[6/10 · 22 May 2001]

Black Lizard entertained me, but I can't help but feel that there could have been more. The opening scene in the go-go club had me hooked right away, but as the film progressed, it seemed to lose its edge. The subtle humor was still there, but it became too straight-laced for its own good. The plot is tedious past the halfway point, and the wildness subsides, save for the 'human statues' that Black Lizard reveals at the end. For a film that was _screaming_ for beautiful women to be on display, I think it was a misstep to cast a transvestite in the lead role. Funny for a few minutes, but I tired of the novelty after a while and wished that a femme fatale had been cast in the part. I found a similar film from the same time period, Black Tight Killers, to be more entertaining and more fulfilling.

Eureka (2000)

A long trip...

[9/10 · 16 May 2001]

I'm not sure how I feel about this film. Aoyama presents some lifelike characters, and I believe I understand the whole of what he is trying to tell the viewer, but some of the components didn't add up well for me (particularly the scenes between Akihiko, Makoto and Naoki toward the end of the film). Makoto's motivations became very unclear to me at this point. I thought I had come to understand his character to a degree only to be derailed through some of his dialogue. This is certainly a stunningly beautiful film to watch and listen to, but it is _far_ too long... as another reviewer said, 2-3 hours would have been plenty. That said, Japan is turning out some great and challenging films... could be the birth of a new wave...

Coffin Joe: The Strange World of José Mojica Marins (2001)

Terrific

[9/10 · 30 April 2001]

This is an excellent documentary.... Not having been introduced to Mojica's films previously, this served as a great introduction to the film culture of Brazil and Mojica's individually strange world and world-view. The interviews are spectacular... I was impressed with the filmmakers' ability to get the subjects (many of Mojica's collaborators, friends, and actors) to speak candidly and with such detail regarding his work. There are some very humorous interviews and anecdotes.... I found myself laughing out loud in many spots. The filmmakers also did an _excellent_ job of assembling old footage (the shots of Mojica conducting an acting seminar are simply hilarious), stills, tv footage, etc. A very thorough job... whether you are a fan of Mojica or not, if you are a fan of film, and in particular low-budget filmmaking or horror films, I believe that you will find this documentary to be very interesting.

Bangkok Dangerous (2000)

Misses the mark...

[4/10 · 30 April 2001]

I wanted to like this movie, and did like it through about the first third of the film, but the pedestrian plot and mediocre acting dragged it down. One character in particular to me (Kong's "girlfriend", Fon) had absolutely no motivation to be interested in him. I felt no sympathy towards the main or supporting characters. The violence becomes shrill toward the end of the film and found myself yawning at the boring gunplay. One thing I can say in its defense is that there is some interesting cinematography, and the film is very vibrant, and well-edited at points. These guys should try again with a better script and better actors.

Female Prisoner Scorpion: Jailhouse 41 (1972)

Visually exciting...

[10/10 · 29 April 2001]

I was fortunate to see this film on the big screen and I was very impressed with the cinematography. There isn't much character development, but the simmering hatred between Scorpion and a rival inmate creates significant tension. Those who enjoy Eastwood's "man with no name" films, other unusual Japanese films from the same time period (Black Tight Killers, Ecstasy of the Angels, etc.) will find this interesting... my only caveats have to do with the rape scenes, which for some reason often find their way into offbeat Japanese films. Some of the scenes aren't entirely fulfilling... at times I wished for more (unbelievably) violence so the characters are more fully able to avenge themselves. Some of the editing is a little awkward, but there are a few scenes that have breathtaking cinematography... particularly in the hut toward the end of the film where the camera focuses on Scorpion as the contents of the hut rotate around her... and the amazing transition "dream" scene on the bus. Great stuff... I thoroughly enjoyed it. Will be buying on DVD....

___________________________________________________________________

I wrote that review in 2001, but thought I'd add a comment four years later. This film has worked it's way into my subconscious and has become one of my all-time favorites. Not only do I own the U.S. DVD, but the Japanese Region 2 as well (the print quality is much higher... no English subtitles, though). I have since seen all four of the Sasori films, and this film (Joshuu sasori: Dai-41 zakkyo-bô), the second in the series, is the best one.

The 10th Victim (1965)

A hidden gem...

[10/10 · 13 February 2001]

I normally don't feel compelled to write reviews for films, especially when similar views have already been presented. However, after seeing a blatantly off-base review under the title of "hopeless" for "The 10th Victim", I had to make up for it. That reviewer is obviously incapable of appreciating a film like this because it's not easily pigeonholed. It's a fun, exciting comedy, drama, and farce rolled into one... I really liked the interactions between Andress (who looks absolutely stunning in this film) and Mastroianni. An interesting concept that is well executed... after viewing it for the first time, I knew it would remain an all-time favorite of mine for life... I am thrilled that this is finally seeing the light of day on DVD (after a way-outdated VHS version that even had a photo of Andress from ten years later on the cover, instead of a proper still from the movie). I'm buying this on DVD the second it's released...

Lest I forget... the soundtrack of this film is simply amazing... Not a large amount of original music, but what a score it is... by the Italian master Piero Piccioni. Listen and love...

Yi Yi (2000)

Be patient and let this film work its magic

[10/10 · 12 January 2001]

Treat yourself to this film... if you have a warm part in your heart, it's going to find it. I was quite affected by the delicate insights on love, growing up, growing old, and dying presented in this film. It's three hours long, but it won't feel like it... let go of the wheel and let it take control. The cast is absolutely terrific.. from what I understand, semi-pro actors and non-actors were used... it almost doesn't seem possible. After seeing Yi Yi, I looked for more information on the net and found some promotional stills for the film featuring some of the characters. When I saw these pictures, I had the distinct impression that I was viewing real people and felt emotions that I had attached to them. I don't think I've ever felt more compassion for a group of people that I have seen on screen.