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billbragg
Reviews
Das Floß (2005)
Amazing Film
This is an amazingly, well-done animated short film that I recently had the pleasure of watching. Not only was the animation very well done, but the story and conflict were excellent. I guess it's a German made film, but there's no dialog making it universal. This guy should be working over at Pixar or Disney. I don't know how long it took them to make it, but it's a masterpiece and I don't say that lightly. As a fan of animation, stop-motion and great stories - this film is as perfect as they come. As a result I see that it's been to a number of film festivals and garnered several awards. If it sounds like I'm going on a bit, but it's only because the movie is that good.
Deadly Tantrum (2006)
One of the Best Shorts I've ever seen
I caught this short at a festival a while back and really loved it. The director did a marvelous job with the action, special effects and story. I actually thought it has a look and style that's very reminiscent of the feature "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels". It seems the director has a background in special effects and it definitely shows here, as the make-up and mask for the 'crazy killer' is very nicely done and obviously professional. The film is only five minutes in length and as a result, is a fast-paced, well-made movie that uses every frame to advance the story and entertain us - no fat here. A definite recommend and one of the best action/thriller shorts I've ever seen.
The Fountain (2001)
Bravo
I just happened to see this short again for the second time - and it is amazing. Very well done indeed. I had originally seen "The Fountain" at a film festival years ago when it first came about. This time, a friend of mine had a copy of the film on a DVD he had as a festival screener. Wow, this is a great concept and just a beautiful work of art really. It's got a nice message that's both subtle and an eye-opener. The actors did a great job and the film has a classic Hollywood look that's reminiscent of many Golden Era works. As you can tell, I was very impressed and have to give kudos to the director. He took his time and made a short movie that's all at once timeless and essential in it's theme.
By Appointment Only (2007)
Incredible
I caught this film at a recent film festival and was blown away. It was mistakenly programmed alongside several amateurish, poorly scripted, horror films, making this one even more striking. But make no mistake, this is no amateur effort. The director, John Faust, obviously went to great lengths to make this special. The result, is an exceptional job in every aspect. It was well cast & acted, beautifully shot with saturated colors, and the screenplay was very creepy and felt professionally written. The climax was actually hard to watch. I would definitely give this a "high recommend" to all horror fans and even to those who aren't.
Skid Marks (2007)
Shocking, lurid, raunchy & REALLY FUNNY !!
Wow!! I just caught the late night screening of Skid Marks, and I can tell you this film is like a slap in the face to all that is politically correct and sacred. The filmmakers take direct aim at just about every ethnic group, dysfunctional stereotype and race. No one is spared humiliation. The characters are an unknown bunch of new-comers, but I must admit they did a pretty nice job and several are really hilarious. The writing is okay - some of the lines are racy to say the least. I would imagine that EMT's and Paramedics should love this movie, assuming they're not easily offended.
But not to pull any punches here. Make no mistake, this movie is raunchy, lurid, gross, shocking and will likely offend you at least once, if not more. It's only redeeming quality -- it's REALLY FUNNY at times. I mean the audience laughed louder at times, than the audience I sat with for Superbad. So, if you like crazy, outrageous, over-the-top comedies -- this film is for you. Just remember to relax and just enjoy this one. Overall - I give it a "recommend" to comedy fans. Cinema snobs beware.