Change Your Image
jemicron-1
Reviews
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007)
More Action, Less Humor
This film seemed like a muddled mess of action sequences with less of Jack Sparrow and less of the madcap humor that made the first two such fun. In general this is a lot darker and more dreary composition. The opening sequence consists of a mass execution that has little meaning to the plot overall. In general the plot meanders. Even though I've seen the first two, I had trouble following the plot at times. There is certainly a lot of action with bloodless stabbings, piercing, explosions and general mayhem but gone are any of the zany chases that left me in stitches in the first two. I found myself laughing very little in this one. While there are some good bits here and there, I'd recommend that unless you really have to see the action on a big screen that you save your money and wait for the DVD which will no doubt be out before Christmas.
Duma (2005)
An exquisite film that everyone should see.
An exquisite film that weaves a compelling tale of friendship and loss of a family member without pulling any punches. The characters all act in a believable fashion and have more depth than in many such films. Each character is driven by their own motives -- not always honorable. The camera work brings alive the scenery and the animals without being overdone. Each shot is well chosen and suited to the story. The direction and editing are crisp and effective. This film deserves a wider distribution as it is far superior to much of the family fare out there and deals with real issues. If its in your neighborhood, get out and see it.
Lost in Translation (2003)
Overrated and Boring
The most highly overrated movie of 2003. While there is some light humor here and there most of the humor is so droll as to be non existent. The best moments are the candid interactions with the Japanese.
For the most part, this movie is just Bill Murray being himself and Scarlett Johansson walking around in her underwear and looking bored. It doesn't take long for the viewer to suffer the same ennui and wonder what's the point.
Neither of the characters is very likable because they don't try to do anything to improve their situation and prefer being bored to getting a life.
For a serious movie on the human condition, avoid this one and rent one of the French masters of the 60's and 70's (Godard, Truffaut, etc.)
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
Excellent, Johnny Depp steals the show
Another triumph for Johnny Depp showing his range as an actor. His Captain Jack Sparrow is a surprisingly effective blend of Errol Flynn and Bugs Bunny that keeps the story moving with wit and adventure.
The rest of the cast is strong, too and the story is well written. Geoffrey Rush is delightfully villainous as Barbarossa. Kiera Knightley is the perfect heroine. Orlando Bloom stands out as well. The story has enough tension and excitement to keep you on edge to the end.
It's great to have good acting and a wonderful story in a family movie that can really be enjoyed by all ages. I'm looking forward to the sequel.
A must see!