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frederikos-nikolis
Reviews
Dawn of the Dead (2004)
a new horror classic
Romero's original Dawn of the dead is without question one of the best horror films ever made, as is the Original "Texas Chainsaw Massacre". With the re-make of that last film in mind, one could have very easily disregarded the remake of Dawn. But within minutes in Dawn's re-make you know you are in for a much more original film than Texas re-make.
Dawn starts with Johnny Cash's "The Man Comes Around", how is that for an introduction, and what follows is just as good. The story floats around fluently, and just as in the original, much comment is given on today's society. This could easily have become an over-producted-special effects-gore fest, but instead, most scary moments are just brilliant editing and directing,as was the original. The difference between Dawn's re-make and Texas re-make is that both the original films had good story lines,a terrific premise,and were much better production than most horror films. The producers and director of the new Dead, have staid very close to the good elements of the original and have put in some new ingredients. Texas re-make kept only the premise and became, well a film massacre. This new Dawn of the Dead is one of the best horror films of recent years, and should give the director much recognition as was given to Romero after his first Dead film. Scary as hell, well made, good performances, excellent camera and editing makes Dawn of the Dead a must see film.
American Splendor (2003)
Truly a masterpiece
Once in a while a film comes along that leaves you, well...in a loss for words . "American Splendor" is one of those rare treats. Based on the life of little know satirical comic-book writer Harvey Pekar, this one is an outstanding, original film. The gift of this telling is the fact that the main protagonist is unknown, very often unlikeable, certainly on-hollywoodesque,and yet you are glued to the screen. Original storyline telling certainly helps, but the main attraction is the fascinating performance by Paul Giamatti. He secures himself a place in the gallery of great performances of the last 10 or so years. "American Splendor" is off-beat and therefor will be disregarded by many a film-goer, shame for those who miss it for this is a small jewel.
Tattoo, a Love Story (2002)
Tattoo leaves a mark
This is one of those small, quirky films that rarely see the day of light,and most of the time end up on a dusty video shelf. Pity for those who miss it, because "Tattoo, A Love Story" leaves a mark, with it's funny dialogue, fine performances and overall with it's honesty. Clearly this is not a film that tries to be great, but what it tries to do it does well, charm you and ever so often leave you with a smirk on your face. In a time where many films try to be too original or too smart for their own good, where many films just rely on a familiar name with cliché on top of cliché, "Tattoo, a love story" comes over like a good flirt, honest, charming, warm, funny.It is never really original, but for some magical reason it works, like a joke you've heard before, but cracks you up whenever you hear it. Don't miss, it's 90 minutes of fun.