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Reviews
Paul McCartney Really Is Dead: The Last Testament of George Harrison (2010)
Rarely Write Reviews, But had to warn others...
First off, this should be classified as a MOCKumentary.
This was so terribly awful I'm considering trying to get my money back for the rental. Not only was it pure fiction and laughable at it's very best, but quite disrespectful to all the men that make up the Beatles (whether you love or hate their music)... most of all, it's appallingly distasteful to George Harrison and his family. It's amazing to me the writer/director of this "documentary" hasn't been sued for libel and defamation of character.
The worse part of it all is that it might have been an interesting film if it had just been an assembled history on the conspiracy theory itself, without the so obviously fictional and badly acted George Harrison "tapes" of narration.
If you're going to rent this, don't waste your money or time. Spend NOTHING on it. Matter of fact, they should be paying people to watch it because it's just THAT bad.
The Happening (2008)
Where MNS is Failing
In my opinion, The Happening was not as horrible as I've read from others... it had good points and bad points. The acting leaves a little to be desired and it's hard to believe better performances couldn't be mustered up by the cast. The writing seemed a bit "off" at times... with moments of feeling forced. Some of it gets quite campy.
The concept of the movie, and the overall story being told were decent. There are some "signature" MSN moments (which I won't reveal, but if you're a fan you'll recognize them). MSN does a good job with suspense and building tension, and interestingly inserted comic relief that keeps the story moving along. There's even an interesting cameo... and depending on your own interpretation, it seems to either pay homage to or flip the bird at another well-known director.
I can understand that MSN may not want to have a "twist" at the end of every movie... but where he has failed most dramatically in this recent effort is that the build up doesn't provide the expected payoff. What has made him such a good story-teller in the past is what is missing from The Happening. His movies are usually well organized puzzles where the pieces all fit together at the end revealing the bigger picture... but with The Happening, we are left with too many missing pieces to feel fulfilled over what the bigger picture is supposed to reveal.
I wanted to give this movie a higher score, but because of the things I've mentioned above, I can't. I went with a group of four other people, and in our group three of us liked it, one loved it, and one hated it. I was in the group that liked it.
Idiocracy (2006)
Expected Better
Anyone saying this was as good or better than "Office Space" must have watched a whole different movie than me. My husband and I both thought "Idiocracy" was idiotic.
No, I didn't miss the point. Matter of fact, the point and some of the subtle background humor was more amusing than the plot, characters, acting or jokes. I enjoyed seeing the Mac guy as an imbecile doctor, and I enjoyed pegging other actors and what they were/are known for. That's about where my amusement ends.
The story idea was full of potential that really just lacked in execution. It COULD have been clever. It SHOULD have been less over the top... and it WOULD have been more than just a 2 hour fart joke.
Wish it had lived up to my expectations.
Lady in the Water (2006)
Excellent - Don't Go Into it With Preconceived Notions
Movie was AMAZING. I was touched deeply by the story, and as always, completely fascinated with M. Night Shyamalan's attention to detail and unique vision.
You cannot go into this movie expecting what you've seen in the past (as MOST will expect something like Signs or The Sixth Sense). Yes, there are some scary moments, but the theme is not one of horror stories. I felt like this movie was more like his older one, Wide Awake (which I also highly recommend), but from someone now more experienced and who has refined his story-telling skills.
I applaud you M. Night Shyamalan. I had others tell me they didn't like Lady in the Water. I LOVED it. And though my children are too old for bedtime stories now, I will go out and treat MYSELF to the children's book. Hopefully one day I will read it to my grandchildren.