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Wylderaven
Reviews
Rollercoaster (1999)
"I hate you Darrin"
I'm a sucker for indie flicks and same person writer/director movies. There's less off the Hollywood tampering and making things "Good for the general public" and more heart and reality. Rollercoaster is pure heart - disturbed, angsty, and mildly depressing heart, but pure nonetheless.
MOST people aren't going to like this, aren't going to understand it, and aren't going to be able to grasp such a non-linear format. Some of those "most" won't be able to admit that this could very well be reality, because it doesn't fit into the wonderbubble that is their lives. I'm not most people, I loved it.
The cinematography was beautiful, editing - brilliant, characters (aside from Sanj, admittedly) were exceptionally well developed. I knew those kids growing up.
Brendan Fletcher, though obnoxious in the beginning (his character calls for it, he was playing it well) throws out one of the most heartwrenching lines of the movie with such simple depth and emotion that it gives you chills.
Kett Turton deserves just as much praise playing the one hiding the most from the world. You can see it on his face, but you can't. He's a million people in one, putting on masks to please the people around him, when he's the one that's the most in pain.
It's not for everyone, and it doesn't end the way you want it to. This movie isn't handed to you on a silver platter like most Hollywood flicks - you're given a spork, and some salad tongs, and you have to use your brain to figure out how to cut the prime rib into bite sized edible pieces. But if you're like me, you like a challenge in a good movie.
Queen of the Damned (2002)
guilty pleasure
Ah, yes, I was adamant that I would never see this movie, being a huge fan of Anne Rice, and knowing the back story with the script and rights to the story - knowing that Mrs. Rice had taken her name off of it. I knew it was going to be nothing like the book, and I didn't want to have any part of it. Then all of a sudden Anne's name was on it again? Could it be that she sold out? So at a particularly desperate moment in life I decided, well, why not, and went to see the movie. ...and I fell in love. Saw it even a few more times after that. Can't wait for the DVD. "Explain yourself!!" you shout at me. Well okay...
I went to see it with no expectations, knowing that it would be nothing like the book - and that the actors were going to have no physical resemblance to the characters and that there would be a gratuitous love story thrown in for the kiddies - and that's what I got - I got a totally enjoyable VAMPIRE flick. With a totally intriguing lead character. With perfect music, and beautiful and unique fight sequences.
I will be the first to tell you that this movie should not have been called Queen of the Damned, and Anne Rice should have signed off on it and stayed that way - but I will also admit that it was fun. A simple fun movie for those of us out there who can handle a movie with little meaning and can allow ourselves to "dumb down" for a little just to enjoy some beautiful people and sights, without needing great dialogue or intricate plot. (don't get me wrong, I will very rarely allow myself to do that...yes I'm pretentious when it comes to film, I'll also admit that)
But overall, if you're having a slumber party, rent it. If you're having a few friends over, rent it. And definitely, if you've had a crap day at work, and want nothing more than to settle into the couch with a Frangelico and cream, rent it, and allow yourself some escapism for an evening. It'll make you feel better.
Dark Harbor (1998)
see it twice...then another time, trust me.
The first time I saw this movie I was bored to tears. Having bought it for a buck for my ingrained love of Rickman and Reedus, I wasn't expecting much, and that's what I got...at first. There's a twist ending, which made me cock an eyebrow and proceed to tell my fellow film lover friends the entire plotline. Though I warned them that it wasn't a good movie, they insisted I show them. I took a deep breath and prepared myself to be bored again. Instead I was enthralled, seeing the very subtle actions and expressions that foreshadow the ending, and hearing the dialogue with entirely new meanings. It was BRILLIANT! The pacing is slow, and yes the sound verges on sucking (get a home theatre system and turn it up really loud so you can hear all the good stuff). Once you overlook those faults, and see it the second time, you realize that this truly is one of those film gems that you treasure and bring out on a dark rainy night to show your unsuspecting friends. It's different, and obviously there are few out there who will really appreciate it. But for those of us that do, it's cherished.
The acting is phenomenal, the setting and cinematography are breathtaking, and every word of dialogue has a distinct undertone. I recommend it to everyone - you can hate me for it only AFTER you've seen it a few times - if you still don't like it...then see it again.
Zack and Reba (1998)
quirky and silly
I bought this movie before seeing it, because it was rare and had two favorites of mine (Flanery and Murphy). I watched the entire thing, not knowing whether it was okay to laugh at lines like, "at...at my wife's bones." - then decided it was fine, and continued to laugh uproariously throughout the rest of the film.
Dark humor mingled with fantastic line delivery and offbeat, oddly lovable characters make this movie one of my favorites. Murphy is beautiful and sweet as the girl who doesn't want to admit that her ex-fiance actually killed himself after she broke it off with him - and definitely doesn't want to admit that she's got a crush on the town looney's grandson. Flanery is superb as a young man who rarely leaves his room after the death of his wife...who's bones are never far from his side. (as a sidenote, Flanery deserves to be out of the indies, I don't know of anyone who can flesh out characters as well as he can - however, I would hate to see him in the mainstreams, because it wouldn't be a challenge - nor would he get such interesting roles) And for those of us who are mothers of small children, there's an extra special surprise in the form of Michael Jeeter - who we recognize from Elmo's World. He plays a cute little drunken grave robber - which will give you all (or maybe just the morbid ones like myself) something to giggle about when you next watch Sesame Street with your little one.
Overall, find the movie, get silly, and appreciate the morbid humor. You shouldn't regret it.
The Boondock Saints (1999)
Poetry
What can you say about a movie that strikes you speechless? Not enough being restricted to 1000 words. From the story of how Troy Duffy came to write and direct the movie, haggling with all the "big times" and finally deciding to do it HIS way. To the movie itself which is 2 hours of magic, with the intricate and unique plot, the phenomenal acting by every individual on screen, the score, and the absolutely beautiful cinematography. To the unfortunate events that ultimately caused this movie to be kept out of American theaters. This movie, and the story behind it, is pure poetry.
That being said, I suppose I could go on about the exceptionally quotable dialogue, and the uncanny ability Flanery & Reedus have to drag you into the Irish accents for days afterward. (There's really nothing more uncomfortable than your boss asking you why you sound something like Lucky the cereal guy. You must just smile and nod, and mutter, 'd@mned indie films,' and move on.) And the fact that it has the action, blood and profanity that will appeal to some, and the relationships and friendships that will appeal to others, and the moments that will make you laugh so hard you have to push pause to make sure you don't miss the next bit. And even parts that could make you cry. (thanks to Reedus and Flanery again, for their dramatic capabilities, and their willingness to share them with the world)
If there are any aspiring filmmakers out there, buy the new DVD, it has exceptionally informative commentary by Troy Duffy as well as many humorous anecdotes. ;)