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Reviews
The Pledge (2001)
What was Jack thinking? One of the worst movies I ever saw!
WARNING SPOILERS INSIDE!
First, I might mention that I'm a fan of some "bad movies". Also, while this is highly opinionated, let me state that this is not meant as an attack. The views mentioned below reflect on my perception of the movie as a whole, and the decision-making involved in the production.
This, however, doesn't rank with them. I'll give some credit in there, the lead up was pretty good. In fact, I was really getting into the movie until the end. I was even saying "Jack's gonna mess this guy up" But, NO, due to some really terrible production decisions, the killer dies in a car accident, Jack's police friends ditch him as a drunk who imagined the whole thing, the woman he was involved with accuses him of endangering her daughter recklessly for his own sick fantasy, and Jack is left wondering "what the heck?". You think, as the police are driving past the accident, that they would do their "duty" and take a look at what happened. No chance. The end of this movie made me absolutely furious that I had brought it home, watched it, and gotten involved in what was happening. Surprises are fine, but for this, we learned that: Jack made a promise that he had every intention of keeping, and spent his retired life striving to do so. After discovering a pattern in similar homicides, he relocated to an area where he would be involved. He found a person who would fit as a likely target for the predator. He spent all his efforts to make sure she was safe. He also hoped that by doing what he was doing, he would catch the predator. This is all well and good, however it was utterly destroyed by the ending. We get a view that the police will not actually investigate something that may seem reasonable, if there is a more simple and seemingly airtight case in another direction. We see another example of "good guys get shafted"
Isn't it good to see the good that comes from keeping your word?
Sure there are movies where the "bad guys" win, however, typically they are the focal characters, or it is a comedy showing how through their bungling, they evade capture. Who wins here? What was ultimately resolved, other than seeing the negative repercussions of keeping your word?
After watching this, I wanted my free rental back, I wanted my two hours back!
The Magnificent Seven (1960)
How much more could I say?
Great cast, Great directing, Great music, Great story... Brynner, McQueen, Coburn, Vaughn, Bronson... So many legends united for one film does generally tend to be a bad omen, however this was not the case for the Seven. Each character had depth, and was a distinct identity, meshing perfectly to make this classic happen. John Sturges proved himself yet again, in the creation of another film which lives on today, over forty years after its release, as one of the best in its genre!
Me, Myself & Irene (2000)
I couldn't stop laughing!
Three extremely funny videos coming out in Dec 2000/Jan 2001 This, Road Trip, and Scary Movie. I was skeptical at first, not being the biggest Jim Carey fan. However, I was very surprised. To hear the detractors, one would think that this was some horrible movie. It was a great comedy. That's all, it didn't need an elaborate storyline, matching each detail in a seamless form. The purpose was to entertain, and judging by the comments from viewers, it did just that. It's truly a shame that outrageous comedies like this get little more than a rememberance from viewers as the years roll on. Remember: Just because it doesn't get the "Big Award" doesn't mean it's a bad movie. Likewise, the heavy drama that wins all the awards may not be your cup of tea. But if you want something that will leave stitches in your side, I highly recommend Me, Myself, & Irene!
Operation Delta Force 5: Random Fire (2000)
Forget the #5 in the title, it's good enough as a stand-alone.
Well, I bought this one right away, knowing how I liked the rest in the series. Following the ending of #4 I wondered what would happen here. Well, now you have a new team to work with. So, forget about viewing this one as if it were a sequel. Look at it as if it were a stand-alone film. The budget might not be there like it was for Patriot, MI2, or X-Men, but the cast and crew do well within their constraints. Maybe it's not everyone's choice of titles to own, but I definitely recommend checking it out. You've got government conspiracy, terrorism, emotion, and psychological warfare, not to mention the physical type as well, wrapped up in this film. Just don't pass it up for its title, you'll be missing out if you do.
Operation Delta Force 4: Deep Fault (1999)
Pretty good continuation of the series, leaves me hanging for the fifth.
Well, I picked up part one a few years ago, and have been watching them since. In fact I own 1-4 and have preordered 5. So, I have my "picky" tastes in movies... I liked this one. the plot was pretty solid despite the budget. For anyone that has been paying attention to the ODF series so far, you'll notice the development of the men personally. Now, despite the fact that the cast has varied over the course of the 5 movies, the actual characters have remained the same. Lang, Vickers, Sparks, McKinney, and Hutch. The only thing I would have asked for would have been a little more cast consistency. Greg Collins played McKinney well in 3, and followed up in 4 by playing Cap Lang? Fortunately, he plays these roles well.
Anyways, I knew of pt 4 and 5 about the same time. After seeing 4, I am very anxious to see what happens in the next. Will it be a conclusion? Will it open up newer "sequels" It's amazing the things that can be done on a limited budget. These fellas did pretty good at it.