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Muertehombre
Reviews
Rush: Time Stand Still (2016)
Excellent although bittersweet now
This is a very engrossing documentary. I saw a few years back and thought, "Wouldn't it be great if they could convince Rush to come back for a short residency in Las Vegas?" Alas, the news of Neil's passing changed all that. In watching again last night, there were a few moments of poignant reflection - the banner in one of the crowds reading "R50!" and a crew member's T-shirt saying it as well - that would be now! Also, during Neil's discussion of his drum parts, he describes, "...In 8 years I'll be 71! I can play Charlie Watts drum parts at 71 but not Neil Peart's drum parts!" Sad to know now that we'll never know if he really would be able to. RIP Mr. Peart.
The Matrix Reloaded (2003)
Only one more piece of the Matrix Puzzle
'The Matrix Reloaded' takes 'The Matrix' and goes further into the matrix and what it is composed of to a point that made my mind ache. Unlike the first Matrix, the storyline did stray to points unnecessary (i.e. Zion dance/sex scene), but as a whole, Matrix Reloaded was pure enjoyment, giving enough to think through and talk about for weeks.
Throughout 'Reloaded' there are discoveries made and revelations found that add an entirely new level to the existence and creation and makeup of the Matrix, not to mention to the band of rebels trying to avert it. What we thought we knew from the first film only scratches the surface as to what is exposed in Reloaded. While 'Reloaded' was excellent, the Wachowski Brothers have crafted the Matrix films to such an epic, grand scale that I'm sure will take viewing them all in their entirety to truly appreciate what a masterpiece they have created.
10/10.
Hollow Man (2000)
Don't let the critics scare you away
While Hollow Man has its share of flaws in cliches, it is a compelling movie that keeps interest throughout.
The first thing keeping me interested was the special effects. The scenes of the gorilla appearing and Kevin Bacon vanishing are about as real as one could imagine them, right down to being almost disturbing. There's even several scenes outside the lab that really turned out spooky. Spookiness aside, the visual gags with Kevin Bacon's invisibility are great. Unexpectedly, the violence and gore delivered throughout was gratuitous and often, to say the least. But still, all special effects and makeup effects were superb, I was very impressed at how well invisibility shows up on the screen.
On the flip side, there are cliches that were more than obvious, from the "who's going to die first" hunt to the indestructible villain to the "I'm back for one more scare" finale. And the explosions seemed overdone for a movie that already is overflowing with awesome special effects. But again, I was impressed at how well invisibility shows up on the screen.
Hollow Man kept me at the edge of my seat, I kept wanting more as each situation presented itself to the Hollow Man, wondering what each new scene would look like, or how people would react. It is a visually astounding experience, a real visual treat, that carries itself through the expected occasional lull in the story line. If you're looking for a great time with eerie suspense thrown in, Hollow Man is one to catch.