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Reviews
Cutthroat Island (1995)
Below Average, but not horrible
I don't see why this movie gets so much praise from reviewers here at IMDB. Cutthroat Island, while not horrible is far from a film that deserves praise. Many people love the movie simply because it has pirates and things that go bang.
I personally couldn't enjoy this movie because it is rather weak in general. The story is nothing new or remotely original. The script is rather weak highlighted by tons of "quips". Also the female captain twist is barely that. It just takes away from the whole "pirate" feel of the film. Still all was not bad in this film. The effects were well done, notably the ship to ship fighting. The scenery and score were also very good. When it all boils down, these things alone cannot save a weak film.
In general I would recommend this film to a die hard "pirate" film fan, or someone of similar interest. For everyone else there are much better things to be done with our time. This movie is mindless action with a pirate feel. I plan on seeing Pirates of the Caribbean this weekend. I have a feeling this movie will please pirate fans, and those who crave a little more than those crazy characters in our films.
Knockaround Guys (2001)
Disappointing
One would go into this movie with high expectations. A strong cast: Vin Diesel, Barry Pepper, Dennis Hopper, and John Malkovich and an interesting genre. It was hard to go into the movie knowing what to expect.
Unfortunately this movie didn't deliver. Knockaround Guys isn't a bad film, but does not excel in any way. The story seems watery and at it's core is quite bland. There is definitely nothing new in this part. Also the direction seems to be weak. This is most apparent when you just look at the manner of some of the actors. The way they stand, speak their lines, etc. It seems as if they are lacking the polish you usually see. If you watch Reservoir Dogs, Boondock Saints, Goodfellas, or any other type picture you will notice this. I don't blame this on the actors because given the right circumstances I think most of them have what it would take to excel.
Even with those negatives this movie isn't too bad. A friend of mine thought it was a "good b movie". As wrong as the classification is, that pretty much sums up this flick. It is average, and that is what really saddens me. With a better script and more talented direction they could have pulled off a very good film.
Gangland (2001)
Avoid at all costs
I don't understand how someone can consciencely recommend this movie. It is one of the worst films that I have seen in years. I go into every movie openminded, but after just 5 minutes I knew was what to come.
The storyline of this movie is simple (if not overdone). Nuclear war, chaos, weak falling gov't. Moving gangs go around as a corrupt and makeshift "law" force tries to stop them. While this is going on there is an ebola outbreak ravaging cities and a psychotic leader trying to control the cure.
Now from that summary this movie may sound interesting. It goes WAY downhill. My first quirk is with the acting/story. This is low budget movie, ok, but this is disgusting. No one in the movie has heard of the concept of taking cover. That means when your being shot at you move to a position to hide from bullets. You don't stand in the open and fire like Rambo. Trust me, it looks ridiculous and it goes on throughout the whole film. Then there is the fact that the protagonists only fight with pistols and proceed to kickbox. Yes, what a sound technique. 3 strangers team up and randomly mow down people and kick box them. Did I mention that all 3 of them lost a loved one. Well that surely calls for vengeance. The acting is horrible. My god, cover your ears and eyes horrible. I swear to god that half the gangmembers sound like pirates. YARR YARR YARR HAHAH YARR. Then there is their leader who somehow has a bioresearch labratory (in some fictional lair in the US) and he has also bioengineered a super soldier. This is good, he is a deluded king that must think he is royalty. He has a sword and nights people, he wanders about his palace giving orders and not really doing much when they aren't accomplished.
I'm going to stop here, because there are so many things to criticize that I can't even organize it all properly. I suggest you steer clear of this movie. I like the genre but this is a stinker if I've ever seen one. I suggest "28 Days Later", "Dawn of the Dead", or anything else if you want a good post-apocalpytic flic. I highly highly recommend 28 days later. The film is excellent and was filmed on a small budget. Makes you think what could have been done with the money wasted on gangland.