exoticElephant Reviews

Miracle at St. Anna (2008)

Disappointment

[4/10 · 4 October 2008]

Oh my! I am a big fan of Spike Lee, but this had to be one of his worst films yet. I think it should be edited again and the acting needed to be directed better. It was very choppy. I found myself losing interest in the film until the end. The comedy in the film ruined the script and I found the dialect between the soldiers unbelievable for the time period. Some of the slang terms used were out of place. The acting was much to be desired. The characters did not draw the viewer in. The war scenes were shot odd. I went to the theater expecting a masterpiece, especially after fifty million, but things seemed to fall apart quickly and if I wasn't a Lee fan, I would have given up in the beginning. The script was very weak. I believe the strongest characters were Luke,even though his character wasn't given much dialect to work with, and Miller. Miller's character was questionable at times, however his relationship with Sciabordi saved the film. I believe if it wasn't for their relationship, I would have drifted into a deep deep sleep. The flashbacks were useless and the film should have began with the church flashback in real time. This would have added a bit more interest. The flashback of the soldiers in the US was a complete waste of time due to the fact that the racism and JIM crow laws that existed at the time were introduced by the NAZI speaker when they were in battle.

Overall, I was disappointed in this film. I was disappointed in the acting and the choices the actors chose. The character development wasn't owned. I think filmmakers should really allow anonymous feedback at their previews before releasing films so that another edit can be done. This would have cut out 45 minutes and a couple of the unnecessary scenes that ruined the film.

10,000 BC (2008)

Don't Waste your time or money on this film

[1/10 · 7 March 2008]

This has to be the WORST movie of the year. I barely could sit through the opening and then when the hook was a BLUE EYED girl, not only was I already half asleep, but I was OFFENDED as well. I thought we, Americans, stepped out of the IMPLIED racism age. I guess that I was wrong. HOW could this film be created by WB? They are clearly out of ideas. I was bored with the ABSOLUTE HORRIBLE acting and couldn't understand why I was watching interracial cavemen with dreadlocks that spoke English. The makeup was awful and the story line was worst. I know that ACTIONS are the reasons for film, but in this film, everything that was ACTED was also said as if the audience had a first grade comprehension level. OH! This film was also a knock off from Apacalypto (ps. Mel Gibson, this looks like a law suite). But one hundred million times worst. The direction was absolutely bizarre. There clearly was NO vision. After sitting in the theater for 45 minutes hoping, wishing, and praying it would get better, My Husband and I went to the front counter and ASKED for our MONEY back. We haven't done that since Booty Call. Don't waste your time. Just sit at home and watch the trailer. After all, that was the best part of the film and it wasn't even included.

Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins (2008)

Funny and Entertaining

[8/10 · 8 February 2008]

I must say I wasn't too excited when my hubby said "let's go see Roscoe Jenkins". But I must also say that I am glad we did. It was very funny and entertaining. The script was not as typical as movies such as This Christmas and I actually found the plot to be defined. Yes the risks were high enough and the acting was good. The comedy was cool, forced at times, but funny most of the time. The writing was pretty cool. I did not have high expectations for this film at first and I truly do not know why because I think Martin Lawrence is very talented and funny. He always makes me laugh. I'm just tired of seeing the same script a thousand times and this script was not the same script a thousand times. The message was also good and it was a breath of fresh air to see a film about a Black Man having a meaningful relationship with their Father. It was also good to see real actors and comedians and not musicians trying to act. This made a big difference. The only thing that needed work in this movie was the cinematography. I felt as if the cinematographer was trying to sabotage the movie with extremely unnecessary shots. I could not understand how someone who has experience shooting many movies could shoot so many scenes out of FOCUS!. Overall, it is an excellent film with many funny moments. Family can definitely go and see it even though it has some riskier shots and language.

House of Payne (2006– )

This needs to be cancelled at once.

[1/10 · 6 June 2007]

I only gave it a one because there was nothing lower to give. I have yet to laugh and watched both episodes. What would inspire a Black man today to create Bafoonery at its Worst. The direction was absolutely horrible. The writing is worst than the directing. The acting is worst than the directing and writing. Why Keke Palmer would ever add her name to this cast is very confusing in my opinion. How do you go from Angela Bassett and Lawrence Fishburne to this crap? Why are the jokes so horrible and out of sync? Things are repeated as if the viewer cares if they heard it the first time. The best part of the show is the little girl. The father looks younger than the son. Bamboozled. I felt Bamboozled when I watched it. TBS actually picked this up? American TV is soon to be extinct if shows like this can get 100 episodes. Please STOP the madness. Trash this show while you can. The people who gave this show 10 stars must be delusional. I have never seen acting so staged and fake. The actors have no real emotion at all. Allen Payne, I truly do not know what to say except for ESCAPe from this deal while you still have your pride. Garbage.

Idlewild (2006)

The script was horrible!

[3/10 · 25 August 2006]

The best part of this movie is the dancing(disregarding the fact that the same dancers were used in Chicago and Idlewild and one of the dancers had breast implants), Malinda Williams, Ving Rhames, and Ben Vareen. The worst part of the movie was the script, Faizon Love, and Jackie Long. What was Faizon Love saying. I could not understand a word and his comedy was forced! Everything in this movie falls short of my expectations. I would suggest people wait for the DVD. I actually felt as if I was watching a Saturday morning Cartoon. The scenes towards the end of the movie were a little morbid in my opinion. Andre Benjamin did fine with his acting and I actually found his scenes a little funny. In fact if it were not for him or Macy Gray, I would not have laughed at all in this movie. I believe it was supposed to be funny at times, but it all seemed rehearsed and forced. It was extremely predictable with a cookie cutter script. The story line was missing soul and depth. I do not know why the production company would spend that much money and not hire the best writers for this film. This would have made all the world of a difference. When the writing(script) is bad, you set yourself up for failure. I could not wait for the film to end. Terrance Howard delivered his usual performance, nothing different and nothing changed. It felt as if he walked out of his last film into this one. I wish I could see Paula Parker in a different character, since I feel she is a good actress.

Waist Deep (2006)

Waist Deep a definite go see

[10/10 · 25 June 2006]

This movie was hot. This is the first film where Tyrese accepted his character and it was natural. His character was totally believable. Lorenze Tate did his thing as well, as usual. Robi Reed casted correctly with all three of their roles. Meagan Good looked beautiful. Her acting was superb. Her character choices were right on. The makeup artist did a good job as well, from the bloody takes to the consistency with the injuries, it was on on cue. The film touches all of your emotions. The ending was hot. This film should be playing in all of the theaters. If you haven't checked it out, you are missing a fast paced great action film.

Akeelah and the Bee (2006)

Good job Keke Palmer, Fishburne, and Villarreal

[7/10 · 22 April 2006]

Akeelah and the Bee is a family film. Keke Palmer, Fishburne, and Villarreal save this film from the choppy editing, predictable script, and poor directing. Keke Palmer is definitely an actress to watch. Villarreal who plays Javier is also an excellent actor. His performance was very natural and gave life to this film. The beginning was very choppy and the behaviors of the some of the supporting cast was very unreal. I think they should edit them out of the movie. The message also saved this movie. Above all, we choose our paths and destinations. This is very clear. The community standing together for a greater cause.This is definitely a film to see. For the message and performance of the characters mentioned above.

Lucky Number Slevin (2006)

just when I was about to give up going to the theater......

[10/10 · 9 April 2006]

Lucky Number Slevin is an excellent film. The directing, cinematography, acting, wardrobe, props, and script was excellent. It was created how films should be created. Bruce Willis has yet to let me down in any of his films. I wonder why the critics would give this film a B and v for vendetta and A...Backwards. This film had me thinking and beyond that, it was shot wonderfully. Morgan Freeman obviously chooses his films. This is another A performance in his collection. Ben Kingsley did an excellent job as well. I was emotionally attached to the characters and the way everything was so suavely done, two thumbs up. The WALLPAPER!!!!!! wow...talk about bring the 60s and 70s back to life...IT WAS BANGING>.... I loved it. If you are trying to check out a new film, don't waste your money on anything else...

V for Vendetta (2005)

Do Not Waste your money

[1/10 · 18 March 2006]

This movie was not only boring but beyond boring. I gave myself permission to fall asleep after the first hour and fifteen minutes of fighting my sleep. I was washed away with repetition over and over again. The story line needed serious work. Natalie Portman appears extremely to frail. The V-Character did not hit it as he should. There was something missing. The flash backs were not needed, nor the families watching TV. I see what they were trying to say, but they said it a thousand times as if I or the general population was too dumb to understand. The music(score) was not up to par and did not bring you into the scenes as they should. This movie was completely boring...did I say that...now that is how the writing(script) was. I could have cared less if V revealed his identity or not. I could have cared less about his life. There was no connection between the characters and the movie goer. It failed on so many levels. I do not want to spoil it for anyone, but I really do. But please listen when I say...rent it in the mail.

Hostel (2005)

I thought this film was a waste of money!!

[1/10 · 9 January 2006]

This film was a total waste of my money. It was oversexed and immoral. There are some sick people in this world. I felt as if my people put this film out(African Americans) it would immediately be removed and banned from theaters. The purpose of this film is? Where is the art that was found in Seven or Hannibal? There is none in this film,it's just let us see how far we can go. This film made Russian women look disgraceful and in American culture they are not seen as it is. I say remove this piece of crap from theaters. Where are our standards? I did not enjoy this film one bit. From the beginning to the end, I questioned the purpose. The joy of killing was glorified. Yes there are sick people in this world, but are we really that sick to glorify this. The script was very obvious and irrational. I didn't find myself screaming, I found myself wondering why!

Hustle & Flow (2005)

A true understanding of Music and Culture

[10/10 · 22 July 2005]

I recently viewed this film and the moment I walked out of the theater, I made phone calls to inform other friends and family that they should see this film, ToDAY(opening). I was amazed(not shocked because he is an excellent actor) at Terrence performance. I could really feel his spirit as he brought this character to life. The supporting cast was excellent as well. Taraji P. Henson, Paula Jai Parker, and Taryn Manning. There were some excellent scenes between all three. This film reminds me of the origins of blues, the true blues. Although its coming from a pimp and his so called "hoes" it is his blues and his struggle. Very real to life. Of coarse some will look down upon this film because it deals with a pimp and his hoes, but this is the most real to life experience I've ever seen in the media about this lifestyle. This film showed the rawness of it all, that it was not "bling bling and slap a hoe". I suggest you check out this film, you wont be disappointed.

Gothika (2003)

excellent film

[10/10 · 24 November 2003]

Wow, I loved it. Halle Berry did a wonderful job at this role. I enjoyed watching every second of this film. I wish there were more like it. Charles S Dutton , P. Cruz and Downey, all great supporting Cast. I really didn't know what to expect, but I wasn't disappointed.