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Reviews
Sons of Anarchy (2008)
Farthest from MC reality, but great TV nonetheless...
Pros: ~ Excellent acting, from performers ~ Strong screen writing, and plot development ~ All-Star, celebrity cast ~ Expert Cinematography ~ Good chase scenes ~ Does not glorify the outlaw MC lifestyle ~ Hells Angels Sonny Barger, Chuck Zito and David Labrava appear
Cons: ~ Insane body count, with minimal, logical repercussions ~ Some violence is contrived
"Sons of Anarchy" captivates you with a poignant story of one man's struggle with parenthood, while leading the deadly agendas of a small town, outlaw motorcycle club. The results are staggeringly eye- opening. Everything is for the most part believable, especially the main characters - who are well-developed. The screen writing is top- notch. Just like "Breaking Bad," this series is addictive like the drug Walter White makes.
Breaking Bad (2008)
Epic Tale of Modern American Tragedy.
"Breaking Bad" is one poignant, riveting, 60-hour long story of a single man's desperation. If you can make it past the first four episodes...you will simply find it addictive and hard to stop watching, once you understand the story's general premise. In fact, you'll have a marathon Netflix watching party, to the very end.
The acting and storyline is written and executed with meticulous precision and relevant accuracy. This is closer to reality, than ANY staged "reality show" currently on TV. If you ever wanted to know what the destructive effects of Methamphetamine is....."Breaking Bad" will send you on a one-way journey to Hell. There is NO return. The wake of death and destruction of everybody involved is so completely represented with this series. I cannot begin to conceive ways it could be depicted any more vividly.
Watch "Breaking Bad" with a clear, open mind and realize there is no "religious" destination known as Hell - it's made by man....
Archer (2009)
Mind-Blowing, US "Anime" Powerhouse!
Looking at the closing credits, you can clearly see how much group effort went into this hilarious TV series. The animation quality for this adult cartoon is top-notch, with sharp, stunning realism and detail in every scene....my Plasma flat-screen TV often has a tough time assembling every screen refresh fast enough.
Season 5 took a diversion, as the the ISIS moniker was fast becoming one of ill-repute, worldwide. Adam Reed did the "right thing" and cleared the show's organizational theme into one not associated with the dreaded terrorist murder organization.
The entire Voice-Over cast is superb, with rapid-fire sarcasm delivered non-stop. This series will humor even the sickest of minds, trust me. If this is the future of Georgia-based film...I cannot get enough of it!
Carnage (2011)
"Carnage" = Stupido!!!
Almost everything in this movie was simply implausible. How can four talented actors assemble for such a lame, situation comedy? My girlfriend and I could not take watching this movie, after the THIRD unsuccessful attempt of Kate Winslet and Christoph Waltz leaving the building. Any parents who behave in this manner....deserves to be stuck arguing an absolutely moot point. The ONLY thing that escalates...is the apparent boredom and overall lack of substance. You will be shaking your head in pure shame and disbelief....if you endure all 80 minutes of this crap.
If Roman Polanski were actually present to direct this movie in the USA...the final outcome would be different. No change of scenery means it's apparent Polanski wanted to keep his work tightly confined inside a French sound stage...instead of NYC. Carnage makes zero sense, as the possible resolution of this matter could have easily been achieved in the first 15 minutes upon meeting!
Battle: Los Angeles (2011)
Epic Fail, in First 15 Minutes...
For one, Aaron Eckhart is badly cast for this film. There is NOTHING of military brawn about him....despite him being a decent actor. Michelle Rodriguez, on the other hand - fit her role to a T. Although she was far more believable as Trudy Chacon, in Avatar...she still has that gritty sexiness we all love about her.
In all fairness, I gave this movie an honest shot...for 15 minutes. After that, the shaky camera, cliché'ed dialog, aliens shooting guns? battle scenes with cheap CGI got to be simply unbearable.
Yes, it has more ACTION than Skyline...but the weak attempt to captivate you with zero storyline inevitably forced me to shut the DVD player down, at exactly 1:04:16.
Limitless (2011)
The cause and effects of Crystal Meth....in pill form.
In a role completely opposite of "The Hangover," dashing Bradley Cooper is a down-and-out, aspiring "writer" seemingly caught in the most serious funk of his entire life. All that changes, when he stumbles upon his ex brother-in-law - a successful hustler of sorts, introducing Cooper to a life-changing event - all contained inside a small Zip lock bag.
The clear, innocent-looking pill that costs an outrageous $800 a pop turns Cooper into a literal, mental dynamo...all in 30 seconds. Suddenly, everything is in sharp focus and the ability to remember and learn virtually everything becomes possible to him. He wastes no time reversing his bad luck and soon has the world at his feet...not to mention the thugs who want their stolen "dope" back.
Robert De Niro's small role is rather insignificant, in this movie. But, its Cooper who finally realizes he must make a choice for the better, and actually improves the drug itself. This movie is a fun, roller-coaster ride through the bright and dark side of drug addiction. Yet, it is still a sensationalized example of exactly what Pharmaceutical grade Methamphetamine can do to your energy levels and brain function. The morale of this story? If man made it...it will always KILL YOU.
Buried (2010)
Ryan Reynolds Ripped-Off Lionsgate!
Being the ONLY actor in the entire film - I can safely assume the $3,000,000 "budget" went mostly to Ryan, save for expenses; Zippo lighter, voice-overs, glow bars, live snake, 3'x 6" box "studio" and the amazing Blackberry smart phone.
The current gross is just barely shy of $2,000,000. RR made off like a bandit! Yes, the ending sucked... but RR did most of it. I myself could give a more commanding performance breathing LESS OXYGEN at a mere fraction of what Lionsgate paid Ryan.
People, stop justifying your rental costs with this horrible film. Only the concept of being trapped inside a box in the middle of the Iraqi desert is the ONLY thing that held viewers to the very, lousy ending!
Crank: High Voltage (2009)
"Water? I'll give you water...."
This movie should have ended at the first CRANK. However, directors Neveldine and Taylor couldn't leave good enough alone and went ten steps further with this surreal, outrageous roller-coaster ride.
I agree the movie has its funny parts. Like the scene with a washed-out Corey Haim trying to convince Amy Smart to return to him, only to be beat down something fierce. Also, the racetrack sex scene was disturbingly improbable and had nothing sexy to it at all.
Lastly, my favorite is when Ricky Verona's artificially-preserved head is given the David Beckham treatment in the end....that ONE hurt!!! This movie was not only over-the-top CRAZY and outrageous...but it makes a perfect way to waste 1.5 hours of your time.
Get Smart (2008)
Get Smart Got Dumb
This one never had the infectious humor the original 60s version had. Steve Carell simply does not have the trademark facial expressions that Don Adams skillfully makes, which made the original GS such a laugh riot. Another omission was the 1960s use of "canned laughter"(worked great!), and original writers, Buck Henry and Mel Brooks. If they had full creative license on this "modern" version- it would have made millions more at the box office.
By including a cameo of the original Seigfried, Bernie Koppel- it just showed how desperate this GS was to gain laughs. The lovely Anne Hathaway(The Devil Wears Prada) is the only scene-stealer in this movie. Although she lacked the chemistry Don Adams and Barbara Feldon had.....she still covered her adept secret agent role well. The Rock was way miscast in this movie, as Agent 23. He just tried too hard to portray the brute, with the identity crisis.
Wait until this video goes to a 99-cent rental. The movie misses on all points, and could have been a great modern version, if time was spent on writing talent. I gave it three stars simply because of Alan Arkin and Anne Hathaway's performances.
The Party Animal (1984)
Aphrodisiac...."Large Penis, Want it Bad"
I first saw this movie, as a double-date, at a Drive-In theater(man, do I miss them!). I was only 19-years old, and nervous- because it was my very first double-date. Nevertheless, this movie got all four of us laughing hysterically, and we all had a great time. Honestly, they can't make movies like this anymore- because of the CONTENT(drugs, nudity, etc.) Yes, the Buzzcocks' music is REALLY what made this movie the BOMB.
Dr. Matthew Causey is now a Drama/Theater Professor, in Ireland. He is definitely NOT PROUD of this movie. However, if I ever meet him- I will personally tell him that Pondo Sinatra has been my IDOL for over 25 years! This movie is archived as one of my all-time CLASSIC COMEDY FILMS.
Catch Me If You Can (2002)
This Person Is My Hero....
I have read the book, and find the movie delightfully entertaining. I love the fact this was based on a true story, and that Frank Abagnale Jr. was able to successfully beat our corrupt system at its' own game.
However, the movie omitted a lot of events the book detailed. Such as Abagnale being asked to fly the airliner briefly, while the pilot went to the lavatory. Good thing Frank knew better to switch on the autopilot, while he was away. And being asked to deliver a newborn baby, while posing as a doctor. He was very fortunate an experienced nurse was nearby, that day. Despite Spielberg's aversion to sexual matters- the book clearly places Abagnale's exploits with women nearing 50 encounters. I admire anybody who can live this way, and not catch anything.
Frank W. Abagnale, as a real-life pretender of sorts- illustrates what every young man's secret fantasy world craves; the ready ability to change and adapt to your surroundings. I applaud Abagnale's clever ability to "socially engineer" himself so convincingly, at such a young age. Frank's message to me was clear; dress like how you wanted to be treated. I envy the fact he got away with this kind of crime in a day where it was easily perpetrated, and hard to detect. Those days are long gone. What is still true to this day, is that if you look and skillfully act the part- you can still BS anybody, into doing virtually anything.
Feast of Love (2007)
Could Be Entitled, "Fits Of Love"
I have always enjoyed the wise-man roles of Morgan Freeman. He does just another fine job, in this movie too. Also, I liked Greg Kinnear, and his average-guy roles. But in this one- he takes a real bad emotional beating from two spouses....in a row! But, being the non-vindictive nice-guy, he holds no resentments to his exes. What a guy! The young characters Oscar, and Chloe really hit a soft spot in me. Only because I have witnessed some truly tragic love-at-first sight romances myself.
I was mesmerized by Radha Mitchell's appearance in Man On Fire, and Silent Hill...but was very impressed by her baring all(what a stunner!) in this film. She has that ultra-sexy, Mariel Hemingway-like look to her that leaves me breathless. She will definitely have a following after this movie, now. I think there is no comparison between her, and Naomi Watts.
The Core (2003)
Super Dildo Saves Earth
I'd say half of the movie is Hollywood fiction, and the other half could be a remote possibility- only because I believe that the Earth's magnetic poles have shifted, in the distant past. However, I don't think jump-starting Earth's nickel-iron core, will resume proper rotation, preventing gravity failure from sucking every known object out into space.
I was fascinated by the visual renderings of what may lie beneath the Earth's crust...especially the hot, hostile environment inside the Mantle. Can you imagine? I still laugh at the deep-burrowing craft developed for the mission itself....which is the mechanical equivalent of a Diamond/Carbide-toothed sea Lamprey(species of Leech).
I agree the filmmakers opting for such a lofty objective, were obviously gunning for huge box-office receipts just like Deep Impact, and Armageddon. Nice try guys. At least get your science down right before making such an ambitious film, and don't cast Hilary Swank for such intellectual roles, like a Physicist anymore.
Not Another Teen Movie (2001)
Stupidly Hilarious!
I didn't know what to expect when first seeing this movie- but I was pleasantly surprised. I loved Jamie Pressley, and especially Mia Kirschner, in this film. I still cannot believe Mia actually kissed that old Sea Hag! I grew up in the 1980's....where there was a lot of cheesy music, and equally cheesier teen films. In addition to having the same actor(though aged) as one in "The Breakfast Club", it appears the same detention room was even used. Jake even drives the eighties dream car of teenagers....a Porsche 944.
This movie is a good parody of all those eighties, and nineties teen films,and worth the rental price....but no more than that!
Titanic (1997)
Perfect Blend Of Fiction & Fact
As much as I really want to knock this movie....I cannot. It almost made me cry- just like a chick flick. The screen writing of James Cameron is simply superb, in this movie. He obviously did ALL of his homework! The excellent CGI graphics of 1997 is still top-notch, by today's standards. The accuracy of all characters, and of the ship itself- is dead-on. I have read a lot of books on Titanic since this movie, and the realism is phenomenal. The final sinking scenes of the movie are the most riveting.
I have watched this fine movie over ten times, and it never seems to grow old. I am not a Celine Dion fan- but her haunting musical score, gave this movie the full effect it deserves. Watch this movie and get a firsthand feel for what it's like to experience a turn-of-the-century steamship, and it's catastrophic sinking. A wonderful history lesson- all in one fine DVD.
Flesh for Frankenstein (1973)
Andy Warhol's "Frankenstein"(in 3D) Rocks!
I saw my first 3D movie in May, 1982....while in high school. I remember it was a Friday- and nine of my friends were planning to see Andy Warhol's "Frankenstein"(then-known) featured in 3D, after school. Since I had nothing better to do, I decided to join them. A few of my friends had already seen it previously, and wouldn't stop raving about being such an "experience" to watch, in 3D. I was curious now. Before the film started- three friends offered to buy soda and popcorn, for the rest of us. As we sat wearing our 3D glasses waiting for the show to begin, I started to feel uneasy suddenly- but just brushed it off, as anxiety. Within 30 minutes into the movie- I certainly did not feel normal at all. I began noticing myself laughing uncontrollably at everything- even trivial. I briefly removed the glasses, to get a reality check of the movie without them- only to notice the screen was faintly blurred, but a vivid kaleidoscope of colors, fluidly trailed all over the screen. I laughed even harder. By then, my friends alongside were also rolling in their seats....all apparently laughing at ME! Oddly enough- I started laughing back at them! Once turning to watch the screen, I literally JUMPED out of my seat, in an effort to dodge an on-screen, "flying object" that was seemingly aimed towards me! Embarrassed- I yelled, "what is going on here?" By then, the riotous laughter and commotion coming from us, was at disruptive levels now. In fact, the theater usher gave us several verbal warnings, to keep the noise down.
When we finally collected and composed ourselves- I glanced over again to notice my friends each taking the visual effects of the film seriously too. I could see them giggling uncontrollably, and also "dodging" objects purposely made to give the virtual effect of literally, "coming at you," and highly-animate, overreaction to every suspenseful element of the movie. I was just too busy registering the endless visual tricks the movie consistently presented. And trust me...there were PLENTY! But towards the end of the movie, a friend finally informed me they had intentionally slipped LSD into my drink, prior to the movie starting!! However shocking this news was, it did not alter my attitude or outlook I had of the movie, whatsoever. I'll be completely honest- my cheekbones were very sore after the movie!
Several years afterward- I tried to revisit the 3D version(this time, substance-free), but it was unavailable for many years. I finally caught it again, at a UC Berkeley movie theater, in 1997. Although the film's 3D effects for 1973 was indeed impressive(especially the flying bats!), the story and plot had little, or no structure. I am convinced the movie was produced solely for expressing Warhol's artistic statement, for this genre- and for overall shock value. After comparing both the widescreen 2D and 3D versions respectively(huge difference)- I have concluded the highly gory nature of this movie is best viewed in 3D without doubt- for ambiance, and maximum realism. In fact- don't ever miss the opportunity to see the 3D version, I hear there is less than five copies in existence!
To Live and Die in L.A. (1985)
A Dark, Poignant, Diamond-In-The-Rough
This stylish, underrated 1985 gem, stands out as one of my all-time favorite crime thrillers. With "The Exorcist's" William Friedkin directing- it is no small wonder why he can always instill a sense of dark foreboding, in this classic tale of vengeance, deception, and greed. Set in seedy Los Angeles, I must admit the well-choreographed car chase scenes are one of the most riveting I have ever seen.
Seminal eighties' English pop group, Wang Chung's haunting, atmospheric, musical score is without doubt- far better than their mainstream radio efforts, and their finest work to date. Even by today's standards, it's just an excellent all-around soundtrack to be driving a fast car with. Among the Characters; I really liked Willem Dafoe- and his effortless portrayal of the cynical Rick Masters, is spot-on effective. This movie was one of William L. Peterson's first, and I found his character not only likable, but sadly ironic too. From a reality standpoint- this movie simply depicts life as a Federal agent, living and working in America's hotbed of crime...LA. Watch this movie with an open mind, and you might learn something...
Alien (1979)
"Alien" Is Among The BEST
"In Space - Nobody Can Hear You Scream"
Back in the summer of 1979- I was a high school freshman to-be, and this movie swept me off my feet, and rocked me to the core. It was truly the most frightening movie I have seen, since the first Exorcist. After the original Star Wars- I was fascinated by space, space travel, and strange beasts. This movie satisfied all those requirements- and then some. The eerie, comic-book imagery of H.R.Giger's artwork was a sci-fi fantasy come true. The Alien itself is a Phantasmagoric piece of art, in my eyes. Ridley Scott did a remarkably wonderful job of jogging our imaginations, fears, and nerves, with this classic. Hooray for Sigourney Weaver being the first female sci-fi action heroine!
The Andromeda Strain (1971)
The DEFINITIVE Sci-Fi Classic!
This is clearly Michael Crichton's finest work. The visionary, forward-thinking of Crichton, is remarkable- as evidenced in this film. Robert Wise' direction is superbly innovative, for its' time even. In addition, Douglas Trumbull's special effects warrants very special recognition, simply because his work was done entirely without the aid of advanced computer graphics(did not exist, in 1971). This is also the very first time I have ever seen computer touch-screen graphics demonstrated! I find this film 100% accurate- in terms of plot, story, technology and characters. The underlying theme of science fiction, meeting science fact- paints a very plausible occurrence in our foreseeable future(and NO- not a single animal was harmed during filming!)
This film was a result of bright minds, teamwork, and the dedicated acting of all actors involved- especially James Olson, and Kate Reid. I have always admired Arthur Hill's performances on television, back in the bygone days, when television was really worth watching.
I consider this film one of the few remaining, "G-rated" drama/thrillers, and highly recommended in every science-fiction fans' DVD collection, along with, "2001-A Space Odyssey," "Star Wars," "Soylent Green," and "Alien".