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Reviews
Le cinquième élément (1997)
Gorgeous visuals but annoying story and a certain character.
The film looks amazing and the visuals are fantastic but I couldn't wait for the film to get over. Plus someone needs to tell Chris Tucker to get off my screen as he is incredibly annoying. The Fifth Element uses one of the newest tricks in the science fiction motion picture handbook: perform a visual and aural assault on viewers in the vain hope that they won't notice the lack of substance, logic, and intelligence. For a few recent examples of where this tactic has been employed, check out Stargate and Independence Day. The Fifth Element, the summer of 1997's first big-budget disappointment, is right at home in such company. A lot of money was spent on this film, but $100 million doesn't guarantee a good product. Maybe someone should have thought of spending a few more dollars on a better script. Once The Fifth Element's assault on the senses starts to wear off, it's easy to become restless. After all, in keeping with the "epic" sweep demanded by such an obese budget, the film had to clock in at over two hours, even though there's no excuse for a movie with so little going on to last for so long.
After Hours (1985)
Like a nightmare After Hours will stay with you.
Griffin Dunne plays a cubicle working blue collar- the type that was so rampant in the mid 80s, who accidently experiences a series of bizarre misadventures in New York City. After Hours is not typical Scorsese fare and one reason it works is because of the legendary filmmaker's deft skills- the atmosphere is amazing as is the pacing of the film. The protagonist is relatable in an everyman lost and confused kind of way. Like a bad dream or surreal experience After Hours is one hell of a ride. As stated in the opening line of this review- it is a travesty that more people aren't aware of this film.
Jurassic Park (1993)
A film that deserves better- give it a shot with open mind.
Why the severe disdain for this film? Is it as good as the Spielberg films? No, but it doesn't try to be. Also- look at it from the filmmaker's perspective: You know this film is about dinosaurs chasing people, most of the cast is returning meaning they don't need to chart the backstory or waste time with character development. And this is what JP3 is- a taunt 90 odd minute thrill ride. The Dinos look great, the lush locations always impress and the pacing of the film is so good you'd be hard pressed to find where the time went. This is a good film and if you like the JP series or just love Dinosaurs you should watch Jurassic Park 3.
The Social Network (2010)
Great David Fincher movie and a must watch for fans of drama.
David Fincher is a genius filmmaker- one of the very few true auteurs who can sell a movie on their name alone. Combine that with the screenplay being penned by Aaron Sorkin and the expectations for the social network were sky high and thankfully the film is good- really good. It charts the beginnings of Zuckerberg's empire and traverses through everything he goes through. Brilliantly paced, amazingly lit and well-acted by all the young stars at hand this is a film you should watch regardless of your opinion or interest in Facebook.
Assault on Precinct 13 (1976)
Vintage Carpentar film.
Assault on Precint 13 is a great film. Independent in quality and execution but better than many studio films. Young John Carpentar had already made Dark Star which is a comedy sci-fi better known for being the source for Ridley Scott's Alien in many ways and yet had Halloween ahead. This is great direction- there isn't much dialogue and the sequence of attack on the police station is very good.All actors are character types which only add to the atmosphere and realism.
The Proposal (2009)
Only watch if you're a fan of the genre or like the leads
The chemistry between the leads is good but the problem with the Proposal is that it is formulaic and eventually you know what is going to happen. This isn't a bad movie per se- just that you might get a sense of deja-vu about a third in.