nkingstown3 Reviews

The Passion of the Christ (2004)

Very difficult to watch... *possible spoilers*

[9/10 · 7 July 2006]

Few sights make people as uncomfortable as seeing a grown man cry like a child, but that's exactly what I did during this film. My girlfriend and I heard about the film and decided to see a matinée showing during the first week of release. Aside from some overacting early in the film, it was excellent. It's impossible to convey a completely accurate picture of what Jesus went through in his final hours, but this is as close to "real" as you can get. The scene when the first nails are driven, Mary Magdalene crying hysterically in the background, is the most gut wrenching scene I've ever seen in a movie and I've seen a lot. Gibson portrays Pilate as what he was - a man - almost certainly wrestling with questions for which there are no easy answers. This is a must see.

Jesus of Nazareth (1977)

Extraordinarily powerful

[10/10 · 9 January 2006]

I am not ashamed to say that as a man in my mid thirties I cry like a baby every time I watch this epic. Robert Powell's portrayal of Jesus was exquisite, I've said Powell looks more like Jesus than Jesus did. Of course, in this day and age, people say things like "Oh, Jesus didn't have blue eyes". I know many Hebrews, and some have blue eyes. But this isn't important. What is important were his teachings. Love, love, and more love, to each and every man, pagan, enemy, or friend. Jesus even showed love to outright sinners and especially the Romans, which to my mind would have been utterly unthinkable and absolutely an astounding idea at the time. It's this doctrine that is so profound, so original, so revolutionary that convinced me that Jesus was indeed a man sent by God to show us the way how to live in harmony with our fellow man and how not to destroy ourselves.

Lone Wolf and Cub: Sword of Vengeance (1972)

The one that started it all

[9/10 · 22 October 2005]

The Lone Wolf and Cub movies are not particularly well known outside Japan, largely due to the fact that they have not been available until fairly recently. The central figure is Ogami Itto, played by Tomisaburo Wakayama (brother of Katsu Shintaro of Zatoichi fame) the Official Shogunate Executioner, which makes him the best and most feared master swordsman in all of Japan. The Yagyu Shadow Clan desperately lust after Ogami's very prestigious position, and plot to frame him as a traitor to the Shogunate. The plan works, and Itto's wife and servants are all killed. Only he and his adorable infant son Daigoro remain. Ogami swears revenge against the Yagyu and the best way for him to accomplish this is to become an assassin for hire, as he charges 500 gold pieces for every assignment. He is commissioned to assassinate a large band of Ronin who plot on killing the ailing lord of a powerful clan. All the LW&C movies are extremely violent, this one in particular.Wakayama's Iaito skills are first rate, and it's hard to believe that a chubby, dumpy looking middle-aged man can wield a sword with such grace and speed. He is absolutely awe-inspiring to watch. Simply a fantastic movie.

Lone Wolf and Cub: Baby Cart in Peril (1972)

Phenomenal

[9/10 · 27 September 2005]

This is a beautifully made movie, the cinematography is to die for. In this installment of LW&C, Lone Wolf is hired to kill a rogue defector of a powerful clan, a formidable martial artist who happens to be a woman on a killing spree. Her body has been heavily tattooed to distract & shock her enemies. Itto's son Daigoro gets lost (this kid gets into more trouble) and is confronted by the only man ever to defeat Itto in a sword fight, Yagyu Gunbei, played by Yoichi Hayashi. He's a stone-cold & ruthless Ronin with a serious grudge against Itto. Needless to say there's a showdown between the two, and this is the highlight of the movie. In this scene it is twilight, and the cinematography is simply breathtaking. This movie is exceptionally clean, and is a real pleasure to watch. This movie and "Hades" are the top two LW&C films IMHO. Rent it or buy it, you will not be disappointed.

Moonraker (1979)

Entertaining

[7/10 · 9 August 2005]

I may have the minority opinion, but Roger Moore is w/o a doubt my favorite 007. He has true charm, is extremely handsome, and is unintentionally funny. His facial expressions are also quite priceless. This movie is probably the most criticised of any in the series, but certainly has its merits. It's a sleeper and is a bit hokey, but has real entertainment value. The villain is Drax, a worthy nemesis. Suave and sophisticated, wealthy, sarcastic, and supremely pompous, he exemplifies what a 007 foe should be. Dr. Holly Goodhead (oh so subtle) is Moore's primary love interest, and is embodied by the stunning Lois Chiles. Although all installments are quite incredible, this one perhaps pushes the envelope a bit too far. Still, aside from this most obvious and other flaws, this is a very enjoyable (and quite funny) film. The highlight of the movie is the soundtrack. "Moonraker" sung by Shirley Bassey is a gorgeous song, and sets the tone nicely. At any rate, worth watching.

Fang Shi Yu da po mei hua zhuang (1977)

Excellent

[8/10 · 18 February 2005]

This is one of the best "Kung Fu Theater" type movies out there. Meng Fei is an ideal hero, he's youthful and charismatic with a mischievous grin. Chang Yi plays General Ma, and man this guy can ACT!! He brings a very dramatic feel to every movie he's ever been in. He really is world-class. He is probably the most famous villain of the entire genre along with Hwang Jang Lee. And Lung Chun Erh is simply the most beautiful thing I think I've ever seen. I think they call her Cherry Lung in this flick. She plays Meng Fei's girlfriend and man am I jealous. The soundtrack is decent for this type of movie as well. The only gripe I have is the transfer. It's a bit grainy and blurry, so it's not even worth watching on say a projection TV. If you have plasma or LCD, it's much more enjoyable. Maybe they'll remaster this one, but I won't hold my breath. Another rather humorous aspect I noticed was that Bruce Law plays Fang Ting, the "fake" Fang Sai Yuk. Bruce Law played "Wimp Lo" in "Kung Pow, Enter the Fist". To summarize, this film is a must see for any die-hard enthusiasts.

Lone Wolf and Cub: Baby Cart to Hades (1972)

Probably the strongest Babycart *possible spoilers*

[9/10 · 16 February 2005]

This one and "Peril" are by far my favorites. In the opening scenes we see Ogami wipe out three ninja and it must be seen to be believed. I particularly liked the character development in this film. Itto meets Magomura Kanbei, a disgraced ronin much like himself. It appears Kanbei has a death wish and the reason is uncertain until the end of the movie. He is a very interesting character. Ogami is tortured by yakuza to save a prostitute who killed a pimp in self defense and this is how he is led to his next commission. Great story, and action that is second to none. His quick draw in one scene is so fast I swore the film was sped up. Well, it wasn't. The man is that good. Another plus, there's Hamada Yuko. She is one good-looking woman. This is a very enjoyable movie that can be viewed many times and it never gets old.

Lone Wolf and Cub: Baby Cart in the Land of Demons (1973)

Fairly weak

[6/10 · 14 February 2005]

This one seems quite popular among viewers, but I didn't really care for it. "Peril" and "Hades" are by far the best in my opinion. I find it odd that the messengers are able to give Ogami the full extent of their plight just before dying (even when being consumed by fire). One plus is his display at the end of the movie. He's got that sword moving so quick you can hardly see it. Another aspect I found interesting was when Daigoro was beaten to save a pickpocket. He seems to share his father's empathy for the down-and-out. Don't get me wrong, this isn't a bad movie. But in this great series, I think this one and "White Heaven in Hell" are the weakest.