Reviews

Firstly, let me state that I haven't yet seen The Matrix (out of choice), so I have no point of comparison to make to eXistenZ, nor would I wish to if I could. Secondly, I really enjoyed Cronenberg's latest sci-fi thriller. So what if the 'car-scene' looked as if it was filmed against a backdrop screen? Maybe that was the director's stylistic choice? And to all those people who picked the film to bits and analysed it to the point of vomit, why can't you just enjoy it for what it is? There's a reason why Cronenberg made it the way he did, and there's a reason why he has become the auteur he is over the past 25 years. It's his vision, his script, his actors and his realisation - accept it for what it is, but don't try to say what it SHOULD have been like. If you want to go out and make your own movie, go and apply to get a grant to have your own script developed. Just don't mess with the masters. Anyway, that aside, I found the film to be a fantastic wild-ride, with enough twists and turns to still keep me guessing until the very end. Cronenberg's love of slimy mutant creatures and organic contraptions continues in this movie, as do the themes of fantasy vs. reality (see The Naked Lunch and Videodrome). Btw, did anyone notice the general similarities between this and Brainscan (anyone remember that one, with Edward Furlong?).

Well made Israeli drama with a subtle comic edge. Artistically shot in black-and-white, the story details the intertwining lives of those who frequent a small coffee-house/bar. An intimate vision of a microcosmos fraught with conflict, tension, romance, betrayal and madness, the characterizations are spot-on. Director Dayan (who is the son of eye-patch wearing Israeli army general Moshe Dayan) portrays this group of people and their situations convincingly, and the film is compelling throughout.

Strictly adult viewing though, as "Agfa" contains coarse language, drug use and graphic violence, including a police interrogation torture scene on par with the "Stuck In The Middle With You" sequence from Reservoir Dogs. A challenging yet thought-provoking watch nonetheless, this movie will optimally be appreciated by an Israeli audience (due to many cultural references and Hebrew expressions to which no amount of subtitles can do justice) or an open-minded art-house buff. It also boasts one of the most unlikely and devastating endings ever committed to film, and for that alone, it deserves your attention.

Rented this one from the video library out of sheer curiosity. Like a cross between Cronenberg's "The Fly" and Ridley Scott's "Alien", the slimy special effects are better than average. The script and acting, on the other hand, are not, giving this a bit of a tele-movie feel.

If you're a sci-fi/horror buff with an hour and a half or so to kill, give this film a go. Otherwise, catch the above-mentioned originals, who did it much better with a lot more intensity.

Despite this being one of many sequels to an acclaimed original, don't let this fact put you off from watching this under-acknowledged film. "Howling III - The Marsupials" is a surprisingly good werewolf spoof with a twist; set in Australia (and let's face it, an Aussie horror movie is a rarity - only "Body Melt" and "Razorback" spring to mind), it deals with the plight of a dwindling pack of marsupial werewolves who are in danger of becoming extinct.

The movie focuses its attention more on character development and emotion rather than the usual random slashings that prevail in such similar movies. The premise is novel and therefore makes for some interesting watching and genuine involvement. Horror fans need not dismay, as there is also a fair share of scares and realistic (if a little corny) human-to-wolf metamorphosis sequences. Some nice welcome comic touches are present, including a Hitchcockian horror movie director played by Frank Thring, relishing every moment of the role. Barry Otto is likeable as the anthropologist who joins the werewolf clan to help save them. And let's not forget the exquisite Imogen Annesley as Jerboa, who shines as a beautiful young human marsupial, escaping from her abusive stepfather and running off to the big city (Sydney) where she finds fame and romance (no, she's not Joan Collins).

The movie comes off quite well on the whole, and has a very moralistic and humane message, dealing with the preservation of dying species.

A delightful romantic comedy, told in flashback from the wedding of two of the main characters by a guest who was responsible for bringing them together. David Schwimmer (best known as the meek Ross from the hit series "Friends") is cast WAY against type as the womanising, foul-mouthed, five-o'clock-shadowed bachelor who feels it's time for him to settle down. His best friend, played by Jason Lee, is trying to pick himself up after a painful breakup from a long-term relationship, and does so by writing a spiteful novel about his experiences with his ex. His book editor, played by Mili Avital, is also his platonic confidant and one day, he decides to introduce her to Schwimmer's character.

Needless to say, this is the start of a 'bizarre love triangle', with some very funny plot twists as well as some tugging of emotions. All three main characters are excellent, and this makes for quite an enjoyable film - something like a straighter, cleaner version of Chasing Amy, if anyone's looking for comparisons.