rnb_instrumentals Reviews

Battle Royale (2000)

my review

[10/10 · 19 January 2005]

I'll start off by saying that this film rocks! And here's why: The storyline has a reality-show premise: 42 students are kidnapped from a field trip, and end up on an island where they are forced to kill each other within 3 days, or everyone dies.

That's just the story; it gets deeper: Some opt for suicide rather than kill their classmates. Friendships fall apart. Some even get a slice of revenge on the ones that picked on them (in school)! There are plenty of twists and turns in the flick, especially in the ending, which I won't reveal (so you'll actually go and buy the DVD). ;-) As far as whether America should bastardize this film, I say NO. They already did a crappy version of Ringu and recently: Ju-On (the Grudge). Eastern and Western culture are vastly different (humor, for example). You can't just take a movie that is built on Asian virtues and throw say, Ashton Kutcher or the Olsen twins in it and boom! a hit. B.R. has some things only Asians can relate culture wise (e.g. the pressure to study for the National exam so that they won't disgrace their families), but its message is clear-cut IF you're willing to read the subtitles. It's kill or be killed......but several people find a way to cheat the game.

Watch it and find out how.

-Jes'

Rock & Rule (1983)

Rock & Rule RULES!!

[8/10 · 10 January 2005]

Ah, my childhood in the 80's. I recall staying up until dawn watching the marvel we've come to know as CABLE TELEVISION (which I was still exploring at the time). And THIS was one of those unforgettables they showed at 2am on Showtime (which was actually quite good).

Music fans will embrace this movie for the soundtrack - Lou Reed, Cheap Trick, Blondie, even Earth Wind & Fire! The songs are catchy and upon a couple of listens WILL stay in your head! ***Funny enough, R&R would come off like something you'd hear as a reference in a cartoon like Family Guy (who are FAMOUS for its numerous 80's and pop culture references disguised as "private jokes" for those who "were there.") Peter Griffin (sifting through video collection: "Let's see - Electric Dreams... Heavy Metal... Animalympics... Space Camp... HERE WE ARE - Rock & Rule!"*** Even the film itself has references to Rock & Roll, such as the sinister MOK, who is the "what-if result if you threw Iggy Pop, Mick Jagger, and David Bowie into a blender." EVIL INDEED! :) I won't say it was a 10 though... it's a basic guy-saves-girl story, but one with a rolling plot, gritty animation, and (like I said before) a great soundtrack! I will say it was the better of "midnight movies" I've seen, and I-CAN'T-WAIT for a DVD release (which is rumored to be available in 1st Qtr. 2005)! I hope you get to see Rock & Rule and join us many breakroom "insider jokes" to come (Hot dogs and sushi? You're not my kind).

-Jes'