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Steve Liu
Reviews
The Matrix (1999)
Stunning effects, technically brilliant.
The Matrix is an incredible package. It will forever be remembered for its pioneering effects, which are simply breathtaking. The first expanded use of "bullet time" creates visually stunning scenes where time and motion seem to compromise reality. The action and fight sequences are reminiscent of Chinese action films, using many of the same wiring techniques.
The story, while somewhat far-fetched, is quite original and enthralling. Everything we know is not true, everything we see is not real - a very interesting concept. Watching Neo mature into the "savior" is very gripping. It lacks some aspects of character development and the relationship between Neo and Trinity is not well defined and somewhat abrupt. While not a "Casablanca" story, it must be lauded for its originality and the Wachowski brothers did a wonderful job with the story. They also hit the jackpot.
No matter what happens, this film will be remembered for its effects, for they are brilliant. The fashion and wardrobe is also very unique and fitting, particularly the sunglasses. Hugo Weaving as the villianous Agent Smith is one of the best characters in the film and the groundwork is laid down for what will prove to be an intriguing trilogy.
I give the film an 8 out of 10, based on dazzling camerawork and computer effects.
Alice's Restaurant (1969)
An attempt to capture an era (and a song)
This film centers around Woody Guthrie's son and his trials and tribulations growing up. Arlo Guthrie wanders across the country, playing his music and visiting friends. He winds up with adult friends Ray and Alice, who are adult in age only. From there, the film seems to wander more than Arlo does.
Alice's Restaurant mainly attempts to capture the essence of the 60's. Firmly anti-establishment, the main characters are hard to sympathize with. In general, I feel it is not a great idea to base a film on a song.
There are entertaining points of the film, to be sure. The army recruitment center is a humorous look at the draft. Much of Arlo's narrative is witty and the familiar twang of his story telling voice makes it work. The plot, however, is lacking. The film seems to go on for too long and winds up smack in the middle of nowhere. At nearly two hours, it is a bit long winded as well, although it says nearly nothing. The ending leaves something to be desired. Feelings toward the characters are often mixed and unclear. Not a bad song, not a good film.
I gave this film a 2 out of 10. It was entertaining at points, but lacked artistic and technical snap. The story was non-existent, characters weak, and relationships confusing. The song is great though. Don't go out of your way to see this film, you won't really miss much.
Howard the Duck (1986)
Do not see this film. Ever.
This is possibly the worst film I have ever seen. Absurd and ridiculous, the comedy has more ability to evoke tears, for that three dollar rental fee is gone forever. Actually, try to get your money back. If the manager has seen the film, you just might.
The story, if you want to call it that, is about a duck named Howard who is somehow flung from his "duck world" onto ours. There, he manages to fall in love with Lea Thompson, save the world from huge aliens that possess men and threaten to destroy the world, and play guitar in a rock band. All in under two hours (thank goodness). It is easy to see where the jokes are supposed to come, but this duck is completely lame (pardon the pun). Tori Amos was supposedly lined up for Thompson's role. She is still thanking the casting director. And George Lucas will forever regret this poor attempt at comedy.
I give this 1 out of 10 stars, only because zero is not an option. Save your money. Trust me.
The Deer Hunter (1978)
A powerful, emotional ride.
Cimino's 1978 effort is one of the most moving films of the decade. Deniro, fresh off of his Academy Award for Godfather II, is brilliant as Michael, and Walken rightfully wins Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Nick.
The story revolves around a close group of steel workers in the blue collar town of Clairton, PA. Three of the six men are off to Vietnam in a few days, and the film examines the effect of major stress on their friendships. Michael is the quiet leader of this group, and he joins Nick and Steven in Vietnam. Before they make that journey, Steven gets married. The remaining five men go on one final hunting trip together, the "Deer Hunter" being Deniro's character. Here we learn of Michael's one shot philosophy when hunting deer. One shot - an important theme of the film.
The first half of the film is devoted to outlining their lives in that mill town. The complications that come with everyday life, the intricacies of friendship, trust, love, fear, confusion, and Rolling Rock. Once in Vietnam, the men undergo changes that will alter their lives forever.
The roulette scenes which make this film famous may be entirely fictitious. It does not matter. Cimino presents them in such a realistic and powerful manner that you cannot help getting caught up in the scenes. Particularly toward the end of the film, you will find your heart racing. This movie was one of the first films involving Vietnam, yet the film is not about war. It is about the effect of war and stress on a friendship and how some things can never be the same.
I give this film 9 stars out of 10, with a point deducted for a mediocre final scene. The score is powerful, the cinematography is exceptional for the seventies.
In a final note, John Cazale, most notable as Fredo Corleone, gives a great performance as Stan, the weak and nearly pathetic friend of Michael. He was once engaged to Meryl Streep, who plays the lead female role. This was his final performance, as this wonderful actor was dying of bone cancer while filming.
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)
A moving, inspirational film characteristic of Capra
Capra is often criticized for making his films too "mushy" and overly dramatic, taunted with phrases like "Capra-corn." Perhaps this is true for some of his lesser films, but even the most stoic of critics has a soft spot for Capra's 1939 film, Mr Smith goes to Washington.
Stewart gives a commanding performance as the title character who epitomizes everything good and pure - he is a scout leader and lives with his mother after all. When elected to Congress, he is awkward and admirable all at once, common for nearly all of Stewart's roles. After being framed by corrupt politicians, Smith acts to stand up against the system and defend what is left of the nation's ideals.
James Stewart makes this film great. One scene in particular stands out: he describes his home to his assistant Clarissa (played wonderfully by Jean Arthur). Her eyes light up at his vivid, moving descriptions, and yours will too. And who can forget one of Stewart's most famous scenes, the filibuster near the end of the film.
Capra does make the film dramatic, but with purpose and to great success. During this time, the country was in need of patriotism. Capra had always used his films as carriers of messages (as in "It Happened One Night"). The message rings true today and the movie will move you... if you let it.