Change Your Image
ajrabbits
Reviews
King Kong (2005)
King Kong
First of all I want to say that this film has been WAY over hyped. It is not near as good as the original, but still has many good points to it.
The special effects are dazzling and the best I have ever seen. King Kong looks absolutely wonderful and totally real. His face and eyes are full of expression which truly made me feel for him emotionally. This was crucial for the movie to work, for that is what makes King Kong an everlasting story that everyone can understand and enjoy. That being said, I believe Jackson went over the top on the effects. He didn't stop to think that even though he can do this or that, SHOULD he do this or that. Also, the scenes with the most use of special effects (brontosauri running from raptors scene, bugs attacking crew scene, and Kong fighting the 3 t-rex) are too long. For me, I want to be shocked and amazed for a few moments, and then go back to the story.
This film has some of the worst editing I have ever seen. 30 minutes could have easily been cut out of this movie, making the scenes run much more smoothly. The "dramatic" conversational scenes between Jimmy and Hayes could and should have totally been cut out. Their dialogue is very corny and made me feel uncomfortable, yet bored. Many cheesy scenes like the one where Jimmy puts moustaches on Bruce Baxter's posters are just too silly. Basically, the characters are just on the boat way too long. It seems to me that Peter was given too much control over "his" film and his co-workers didn't have enough guts to tell him the truth.
The acting is quite good, although I believe Jack Black was actually a bit too reserved and could have been more intense in his role (especially his last line). Naomi and Adrian have good chemistry and fit their parts well. I do think that Peter chose someone too old to play the part of Ann. She is in her late thirties and it is obvious in her closeups that her face was touched up to look younger.
Overall, I am not disappointed with King Kong because I didn't listen to all the hype and just went in to see a nice action flick, which it was. Just don't take it too seriously and enjoy yourself.
Quality Street (1937)
Charming, Light Romantic Comedy
I was about to go to bed one night and was watching a movie on TCM. The movie I was watching had just ended and Quality Street started to play. I was so charmed by this movie that I had to stay up quite late and finish watching it. I just couldn't make myself push the off button on my remote:) Katharine is quite charming as Phoebe and plays her niece quite well too. I honestly don't think Katharine looks too old, as other reviews have stated. Franchot Tone is very handsome as the gullible soldier. A good supporting cast as well. It is a light, entertaining romantic comedy. Just as long as you think this while the movie plays, it won't disappoint.
Kung fu (2004)
Not What I Expected....It Was Very Good!
My family had to practically drag me to see this film. I thought it would be awful. I was pleasantly surprised! This movie has everything a great movie should have: Excellent action sequences, truly funny characters/situations, and a charming romance subplot.
The R rating is not quite correct in my opinion. It should have been rated PG-13. Don't let the subtitles scare you away...once you get used to it, its really easy to read and watch at the same time. Too bad it wasn't advertised better in the U.S. because I don't think it will do very well at the box office.
Go see this movie and you wont regret it! 8/10
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
A++++++
This is an excellent movie. I would say the best out of the three. Superb acting by all and the special effects were outstanding! Sean Astin was the best, he deserves an Oscar nom this time. What an emotional rollercoaster. I will definitely "return" to this movie over and over again! A+++++
Gangs of New York (2002)
Waste of time and money
Having seen thousands of movies over the years, I would have to say this is one of the worst movies I have seen. Nothing makes sense! Now I know this is supposed to be fiction, but give me a break! The sets are terrible... you can tell there is nothing behind the buildings. Gross and unnecessary blood and nudity is constantly forced upon one's eyes. Everything is way too dirty....the people of new york live right next to the ocean, I am sure they were able to bathe more than, what it appeared to be, once a year! Poorly cast, the only good performance is Daniel Day-Lewis. Every character is underdeveloped and practically every person who dies in this movie dies for no reason. How did so many of you give this movie a 10, or for that matter anything above a 5? It is beyond my comprehension!
The Prince and the Pauper (1937)
One of my favorite movies!
This is a great film! I first saw this movie at age 8 and still love it and keep it in my personal video collection. The twins are well cast even though they are from illinois and Errol Flynn is always entertaining as the swashbuckling hero. Well directed with great music. A must see for any classic movie buff. 9/10
Rebecca (1940)
Superb direction, acting, and story!
This is one of those movies you can watch over and over again and still be amazed and entertained. There is not one bad scene nor one bad actor in it. The cinematography is exquisite and the locations are breathtaking. Rent this movie...or even better...buy this movie! You will watch it many times over and will definitely get the worth out of every buck you spent on it!
How to Steal a Million (1966)
Great On Screen Comedic Chemistry!
Hepburn and O'Toole have great chemistry together in this charming and funny movie! I bought this movie just so I could see how young and handsome Peter looks. Watch it and take it for what it is...maybe not Oscar quality but great comedic quality.