dslacker Reviews

Blackbird (I) (2012)

This Could Happen To You

[8/10 · 22 September 2012]

Sean Randall (Conner Jessup) is a troubled teen in remote Canada who lives with his dad (Michael Buie) - who has a lot of unsecured guns he uses for hunting. Sean is bullied at school and is urged to take out his anger by writing a story about it. His story includes a massacre at school and winds up in the hands of the authorities who assume it's a threat. And things only get worse when he's confined to a lockup for wayward youth.

The first part of the film was strong, because the character was very angry, unrepentant, and real. And then, unfortunately, the writer- director (Jason Buxton) decided to tack on a critique of Canadian youth detention facilities as part of the story. The critique was weak and only served to blunt the force of Sean's individual story.

Except for the criticism above, the film was well-written, well acted and looked great considering the shoe-string budget.

The film points out that we really need to examine the things that automatically raise our fears to see if they are real or just over- reactions to situations that don't nicely fit into our comfort zone. Let's hope it gets a US release.

Heartbeats (2010)

Worst Film of 2010

[1/10 · 14 January 2011]

This was the worst written, worst directed film I have seen in years. The story had potential but each scene was shot in extreme closeup, often with a hand-held camera. Each scene did almost nothing to advance the story - only to advance the ego of the 'star' who was also the writer/director. Simple story: gay man and girl friend meet beautiful man and work to determine if he's straight or gay. Many many scenes have nothing to do with the story or anything else.

The print I saw was mostly out of focus. It wasn't the fault of the projectionist as the subtitles and a few objects very close to the camera were in focus.

How I Ended This Summer (2010)

Spellbinder

[9/10 · 14 October 2010]

If you're into action movies, Hollywood flicks, comedies (romantic or otherwise) you can stop here - this is not the film for you. Two hours of dazzling Arctic scenery with a psychological battle between the only two inhabitants of a Russian scientific data gathering team. The Older man has served there for many years - the Younger is learning the ropes for the first time. Older doesn't appreciate Younger's lack of dedication, but they get along as well as can be expected. Then while Older is away fishing, Younger receives a shocking radio message meant for Older. He makes his first serious mistake by not passing it along. Because he's afraid ? or crazy ? or just to keep things from getting strange? We're left to decide for ourselves.

One mistake leads to another and another and the all-too-real consequences drive the rest of the film. I've said too much already.

The real joy from this film comes from the magnificent photography, the mood the director gives us, and a story that continues to surprise us. I was fortunate enough to see it on the big screen that these scenes almost demand. It's available from filmmovement.com on DVD. I suggest sitting real close to your widescreen TV to let the mood and the place surround you.

For me, this is the best film I've seen in 2010. It really crawled into my gut as it unfolded. If you appreciate film for the art that it CAN be - but so rarely is - I highly recommend this one. If you're looking for entertaining fluff, try something else.

It's Kind of a Funny Story (2010)

Above average comedy-drama

[7/10 · 11 September 2010]

An entertaining if not original comedy about a 16 yo who checks himself into a NY clinic rather than jump off a bridge. Turns out the teen wing is closed for renovations so he's put in with the adults - and a very cute girl his age. Needless to say, hi-jinks and a romantic hook-up occur. It's unfair to call this a teen "One Flew Over the CooCoo's Nest" as it has no such aspirations and there is no Nurse Ratched. It does have the usual cliché that his 5 days there results in considerable progress in his own problems as well as many of the other patients. Some excellent lines, a robust musical number, and a fine cast raise this above most of the dreck in the cineaplexes.

Never Let Me Go (2010)

Maybe If You Liked The Novel

[6/10 · 11 September 2010]

I didn't read the novel this is based on, but I think those who did might like it more than I. It seemed as if a lot got left out - including any reason to like these characters - aside from the fact that they were no more than spare parts for others. Wouldn't a suspenseful buildup to what was really going on have been far more entertaining ? The whole premise was given away in the trailer and in the first half-hour of the film - and, of course, in the novel. It was well filmed, well acted, and had a lot of pretty pictures. It missed out on the reasoning behind the story and empathy for the lead characters.

The Departed (2006)

Excellent - but not as good as Infernal Affairs - SPOILERS

[8/10 · 7 October 2006]

***** Contains Spoilers ******

The Departed takes the Hong Kong classic "Infernal Affairs" and moves it to Boston. Skipping yet another plot summary, I'll concentrate on strengths and weaknesses. The writing, directing, and acting is absolutely first rate. Scorscase has assembled a great cast. Unfortunately, Jack Nicholson ONCE AGAIN feels the need to do slapstick and face-muggings in many places where simple acting would have been better. Leo DiCaprio gives what may be his best performance to date - he's riveting as a man so deeply uncover that he's losing his way and losing his mind - thanks to the immense pressure he's under. Having said that, I must also say that Tony Leung's performance in the original was even better. Mr. Leung is probably the best actor in Asia and maybe anywhere. Matt Damon, Mark Wahlberg, and others also do exceptional work.

My nit-pick is this: The thing that elevated "Infernal Affairs" to classic status was not only the intricate story (that is preserved in "Departed") but the emotional connection that the audience had with the main characters - even with subtitles. When Tony Leung's good cop went down, it was devastating. When Leo DiCaprio's good cop went down it too elicited gasps from the audience I was with. But it was immediately followed by several other shootings and by the end many audience members were engaging in nervous laughter at the over-the-top violence. There was so much violence in "Departed" that the each occurrence held very little meaning and very little emotion. In "Infernal Affairs" most of the violence evoked true feelings in the audience.

I highly recommend "Departed" - its an excellent film - but rent the "Infernal Affairs" DVD - and watch it with subtitles - the dubbed version is crap.

Mitchellville (2004 TV Movie)

Well Written, Well Crafted First Film

[10 November 2004]

A very well written, shot, directed, and acted first film that received an Honorable Mention Jury Prize at CineVegas in 2004. Looking at this film you'd swear that some Hollywood studio had spent 10's of millions of dollars on sets, lighting, camera work and all the things that we expect from 'big time' movies. What gives it away that it is a truly independent film is the quality of the writing.

Its a moody and occasionally obscure story of a 30-something NYC lawyer who imagines himself making amends for old transgressions - his own and those of his law firm. There are many story elements and subplots, most of which coalesce in unlikely ways. We're not always sure of what's real and what's not but all is revealed - not in some clichéd surprise twist, but thru details and clues that gradually come together to form a complete picture.

This is an amazing first film that, unfortunately, may fit into that category of movies too good to get distribution.

The Graffiti Artist (2004)

Misty & Haunting

[8/10 · 4 July 2004]

An almost documentary rendering of a Portland/Seattle skateboarder/tagger and his brief relationship with another. There is an effort here to present graffiti as art and the tagger subject as an artist. The point is quietly but effectively made. The music score is original, haunting and very appropriate to the misty (digital video) photography which illuminates the wet cityscapes perfectly. The whole effect helps the viewer experience just what the characters are. The acting isn't 'professional' but is believable. The film provides a strong and real sense of time and place. I couldn't help but think of Gus Van Zant's recent efforts watching this. Not for everyone - but few good films are.

A Home at the End of the World (2004)

Slow, sweet, adventurous

[8/10 · 4 July 2004]

A little too slow, a little too sweet, but very involving tale of two childhood friends who reunite as young adults and share a New York apartment with a lady who is emotionally involved with both of them. There is some very intelligent and entertaining writing here that allows the audience to suspend disbelief in situations that in lesser hands could drive us away. Unlike almost every movie made in Hollywood today, you don't know what the characters are going to do and say every step along the way. The alternative family lifestyle and unconventional sexuality depicted here is a refreshing change from what is on display in other movies and raises this film above routine melodrama.

Luck (2003)

Unlucky in Love.....

[4 July 2004]

A love story, a cautionary tale of gambling, a comedy about growing up and taking responsibility. Luck is all of these and the mix is entertaining but, ultimately, not fulfilling. Guy gets a kiss from a female 'friend' that jumpstarts him into a gambling streak where he wins and loses a small fortune in a manner of days. His friends and roommates are even more immature than he and they all get in deep. Although its well written overall, there was much unrealized potential for more comedy. Acting was believable and up to par. This Canadian produced effort is certainly well above typical Hollywood comedy standards and worth searching out. The harness racing and goofball gambling buddies situations were pretty much how I remember them from the time period I was going through a similar (equally unsuccessful) maturing process.

Numb (2003)

Moody SciFi Drama

[7/10 · 4 July 2004]

Sometimes slow but always atmospheric submersion into a future world where almost everyone is addicted to the drip. People lounge about in zombie-like trances while main character searches for her father - inventor of the drip.

She has 'help' from one of the few other characters not on the sauce. The film presents a completely self contained universe that is moody, strange, and whole. To make this work on a shoestring budget is quite an accomplishment - one of several things it shares with the original "Night of the Living Dead". This one isn't likely to turn up at your local multiplex but will be worth searching out on video when the time comes.

Pitcher and the Pin-Up (2003)

Yeeecccch !

[1/10 · 21 June 2003]

This coming-of-age, romance, baseball story has every smaltzy, sentimental, semi-mental, feel bad, feel good cliche that ever graced a 50's big studio or Disney flick. There isn't one original scene, situation, or piece of dialogue in the whole movie. To make it worse, every point made on the screen is hammered home immediately afterward by having a character tell us what we just saw. The acting is nearly as bad as the screenplay. How is 104 minutes of unlikeable characters whining, crying, and refusing to act with any intelligence supposed to entertain or enlighten us?

I thought they didn't make them like this any more; unfortunately, sometimes they still do. If "The Natural" is a home run into the light towers, then "The Road Home" is a dribbler to first base.

Jon E. Edwards Is in Love (2003)

Amazing Documentary

[9/10 · 20 June 2003]

You may never have heard of 'rock, punk, soul' musician, Jon E. Edwards, but if you see this documentary covering a year or so of his life, you'll never forget him. He's naturally funnier and more insightful than any character in any scripted film you've ever seen. Jon E. took 3 years off his New York music career to move back into his 'old room' in his Mother's LA home to help her during an illness. This introduces a sweetness and sadness that brilliantly offsets the humor of the rest of the film. Shot on digital video and beautifully processed into anamorphic black and white, the film was masterfully edited and scored. If you ever get a chance to see "Jon E. Edwards Is In Love", don't hesitate to go out of your way to do so.

Dallas 362 (2003)

Very Good First Effort

[8/10 · 19 June 2003]

Saw the premiere of this film at the CineVegas Film Festival. It was written, directed, and co-stars Scott Caan. Its the stylishly shot, very well written story of two friends in their mid-20's who are aimlessly drinking and bar brawling their time away. One of them, Rusty (Shawn Hatosy) is beginning to recognise the futility of their lifestyle while Dallas (Caan's character) seems to be headed only deeper into trouble. Rusty has support from his mother (played by Kelly Lynch) and a therapist (well done by Jeff Goldblum). Mom and the therapist are romantically involved adding a funny and bizarre twist to the story. No spoilers here - this is all revealed in the first reel. This film stands out because of the writing and the acting. Caan's semi-autobiographical screenplay is laced with lines that made the audience laugh out loud - dialogue original enough that it seems to come from real life, not a Hollywood script factory. There are a few scenes intended to 'reveal' character that drag a bit. The fine cast is capable of doing with less, not more writing. Caan told the screening audience that he wrote the movie in about a month - yet it seems to be one of those first screenplays that was years in the making. Either way, it led to a film that's far better than 90% of the stuff now showing at your local mutiplex. It deserves to be picked up for theatrical distribution followed by a long run on one of the premium movies channels. Please, Hollywood: More of this and less of 2 Fast 2 Dumberer.

Deuces Wild (2002)

Candidate for Worst Movie Of The Year

[1/10 · 15 January 2003]

This piece of dreck is completely unoriginal; stringing together every cliche from every gang movie, forbidden love movie, and revenge movie made in the last 20 years. There isn't one original line or situation; not one moment of insight, not one scene containing wit or intended humor. What a waste of some fairly good actors. What a waste of the talent and money that went into its production. Please don't waste your own money and time - your video store has a thousand titles better than this piece of cheese.

All the Pretty Horses (2000)

Warm, good looking effort; cut way too much.

[8/10 · 31 December 2000]

Truly the kind of movie 'they don't make anymore'. Great scenery, good acting, a story with likeable characters that starts out having us believe it will take its time in its wonderful time and place. Several people here have commented that there was a four hour version that got cut in half - and I would like to add my wishes to theirs to see the long version when it comes out on video. The story gets rushed along; there's a definate feeling that some key scenes are missing. In spite of that, I enjoyed the movie and fell into its moods and emotions. Lets hope that we get to see the whole thing someday.

Matt Damon did his usual good job disappearing into his character. Young Lucas Black benefiting from having the most interesting character took over the scenes he was in. This one's worth a look - especially on the big screen.

Fight Club (1999)

A Movie About Ideas

[10/10 · 3 September 2000]

This is a movie about ideas - class and generational conflicts foremost among them. This film should make you think about how our society depends on consumers spending money on useless junk to keep the corporate world and the upper class it supports intact. My generation (boomers) spent the first 40 years of its existence under the thumb of the WWII generation before it. Now the boomers are in control and it would appear the only lessons we learned were how to keep the next generation enslaved more effectively. There are plenty of other ideas in "Fight Club" but these stood out in my mind. There's violence too - one of the grossest scenes I've ever seen was Tyler deliberately egging Lou (owner of "Lou's") on as a way to establish himself as 'God' of Fight Club. On the other hand, the narrator beating himself to a pulp in his boss' office is one of the funniest scenes in recent movies. Every year Hollywood issues dozens of movies where bullets are flying every 10 minutes, bodies stack up like firewood, and blood and human tissue spatter the screen almost continuously. "Fight Club" has none of that - its too busy being original, pumping out intelligent observations, and raising questions with its audience. The answers it gives are not the answers we (or society) can live with, so the solutions must come from somewhere else - maybe we're being asked to think for ourselves? The writers, director, and creative persons who put "Fight Club" together certainly did plenty of that. I'm truly amazed that Fox stood behind this film, didn't change it to something commerically acceptable, and went on to issue a world class DVD. I believe they will be rewarded. Twenty years from now when such pale entertainments such as "Green Mile" and "American Beauty" are all but forgotten, people will still be watching and talking about "Fight Club" The fact that so many people contributing to these comments feel that "Fight Club" is either the best or the worst picture of 1999 says a lot about it. The first time I saw it, I was overwhelmed with 'too much information' and just thought it was OK. Went back three days later and liked it more. Now that I've seen the DVD a few times, I consider it one of the best movies ever made. Jim Uhls's screenplay from Chuck Palahniuk's novel is brilliant. Ed Norton, Brad Pitt, and Helena Bonham Carter give performances that are at least the equal of anything they've done previously in their talented and remarkable careers. And you've never seen Meatloaf like this before and you'll never see him in quite the same way again. Director David Fincher (with considerable help, no doubt) has made a movie that never lets ups in its artistry or craftmanship. Excellence is evident in every detail of every frame. Each time you watch it, there's more to see and think about. 1999 will long be remembered for its original, inventive, and intelligent films coming from the long criticized studio system. Besides "Fight Club" there was "Being John Malkovich", "The Matrix", and "Three Kings". Let's not forget "Blair Witch", "Sixth Sense", "South Park", and "Tarzan". Throw in "Eyes Wide Shut" and "The Talented Mr. Ripley" and I'm running out of room for "American Beauty" to even make my top ten. Why waste time on that when "Fight Club" does it so much better?

Boiler Room (2000)

Weakly written take on a topic that could be done well.

[6/10 · 18 July 2000]

This film represents a great opportunity wasted. Boiler Room selling could have been shown, satirized, and placed into an overall context of modern America. Instead, much time was wasted with a weak father-son 'relationship' and an insipid 'bad guy' boss. If you want a REAL send-up of today's money worshipping society, I'd suggest "Fight Club". Much better writing, acting, and film making skills. Boiler Room is average at best.

Diva (1981)

Great music, goofy romance, average bad guys plot

[9/10 · 7 February 2000]

Diva features some of the best singing you'll ever hear in a movie - unfortunately, the first DVD release contains probably the worst transfer in DVD's history. Mono, a lot of hiss, and a poor picture. This wonderful film deserves a top-of-the-line DVD. Fortunately, there's been a second DVD release that is just fine - all the sound problems resolved. The romance between the bootleg taper and the Diva is very unusual (and wouldn't be done this way today after the many stalker incidents of recent years). Unlike the rest of the movie, the gangster plot is totally by the book and would best be ignored except that it takes so much of the screen time. Well worth seeing, but be careful that you're getting the top quality disc.

Magnolia (1999)

A Truly Miserable Experience

[3/10 · 12 January 2000]

Went to see this picture because it had made many of the 'Ten Best' lists of 1999. After a fairly interesting beginning, it quickly degenerated into three hours of unpleasant, unhappy, and unlikeable characters screaming at each other. I would have walked out except that I knew there was a 'surprise' coming at the end. The surprise was not nearly as satisfying as the ones found in "The Sixth Sense" or "Fight Club". It had nothing to do with the story, nor did it contribute to the story. I suggest you rent any of Robert Altman's movies if you want to see a successful film in this genre.

La Bamba (1987)

Bio of young 50's rocker Ritchie Valens

[9 April 1999]

Under-rated melodrama with excellent music by Los Lobos and others. Young Lou Diamond Phillips gives an excellent energetic performance and Esi Morles is at his very best as the sometimes neglected hoodlum brother. A great cast from top to bottom saves what could have been an all too sudsy script.

Rounders (1998)

Law student reverts to poker with a little help from a "friend".

[9/10 · 18 September 1998]

Excellent representation of Texas Hold-'Em - they got most of the details just right. Edward Norton almost steals the movie from Matt Damon as he certainly stole "Primal Fear" from Richard Gere. Just rate it "all in".