Much more entertaining then it probably had any right to be, a couple of newlyweds move into a new apartment with... you guessed it, a killer refrigerator. The wife seems to have some issues with some incident involving her mother and a knife in the past, whilst the husband is increasingly seduced by the refrigerator into insanity. Neither plot angles are resolved or explained, but most funny of all is moustached plumber Juan who is dressed in chains and leather (even doing an exotic dance at one point), something of a hero though there is no climax for him to have done anything heroic, and the whole racial stereotyping of the Latino community living around the slum block of flats who are in constant contention with the husband who is typical 80's white go getter ego. This film has depth! There is absolutely no explanation to the motives of the refrigerator as far as I could tell, and the imposing, nightmarish focus on it is extremely campy. It's a fun watch, but it is a truly abysmal movie.
Reviews
10 Reviews
The Boys
(1998)
Powerhouse Drama
14 May 2008
Rowan Wood's film The Boys is a cracking little drama from Australia, driven by some excellent performances and notable for an early appearance from David Wenham & Toni Collette on screen together before they hit it big over in the states.
This film is intense, taken as a slow burning drama it works incredibly well as a portrait of a working class Australian family tearing itself apart over the course of a single day. It culminates in an ending that leaves the viewer cold, featuring intertwined cut-scenes strewn throughout the film which show later consequences only serving to intensify the lack of resolution and bleakness present as the credits start to roll.
As a director Rowan Woods adds some nice touches though the main focus of the film is on developing the characters present. The opening sequences feature an almost surrealistic focus on an everyday Australian household setting and the objects within it, something quite unknown to me in the realms of film which sets a spooky tone to the minimalist soundtrack composed by The Necks. Grainy shots of the city at night between sequences further this, capturing perfectly the maudlin vibes I know so well.
The Boys is a very well made film, one of the most accomplished dramas to have come out of Australia. Being born on these shores personally and having known people who live like this it becomes all the more relevant. It is bleak but despite this there is an uneasy humor throughout, the plight of the ultimately pathetic characters striking an ambiguity where you don't know whether to laugh or feel disturbed.
This is life... is it not?
This film is intense, taken as a slow burning drama it works incredibly well as a portrait of a working class Australian family tearing itself apart over the course of a single day. It culminates in an ending that leaves the viewer cold, featuring intertwined cut-scenes strewn throughout the film which show later consequences only serving to intensify the lack of resolution and bleakness present as the credits start to roll.
As a director Rowan Woods adds some nice touches though the main focus of the film is on developing the characters present. The opening sequences feature an almost surrealistic focus on an everyday Australian household setting and the objects within it, something quite unknown to me in the realms of film which sets a spooky tone to the minimalist soundtrack composed by The Necks. Grainy shots of the city at night between sequences further this, capturing perfectly the maudlin vibes I know so well.
The Boys is a very well made film, one of the most accomplished dramas to have come out of Australia. Being born on these shores personally and having known people who live like this it becomes all the more relevant. It is bleak but despite this there is an uneasy humor throughout, the plight of the ultimately pathetic characters striking an ambiguity where you don't know whether to laugh or feel disturbed.
This is life... is it not?
Superb.
13 April 2008
Warning: Spoilers
The earlier seasons of The Simpsons were a different beast to the constant barrage of pop culture references that became ingrained in its formula later on, being much more story based it was often very poignant in its message and commentary on middle America at the time.
Bart Gets an F is one of these episodes in its prime, defining Bart as the underachieving rascal and proud of it figure in the early 90s. Constantly failing class through not studying, Bart weasels his way out a test several times to face the reality he ultimately has to do something or he is going to get an F and repeat the fourth grade. The story itself is quite saddening, despite being peppered with humor anybody growing up in the early 90s with difficulties at school can relate to Bart's situation and the effect it has on his family.
It certainly brings nostalgia watching it with the early 90's animation in place, not as rough as the first season but still not as crisp as later on. The narrative flows, the simple story a vehicle for commentary regarding that one kid who just didn't fit in the school system as hard as they may try which still remains relevant today.
Great episode, one of many in the early seasons.
Bart Gets an F is one of these episodes in its prime, defining Bart as the underachieving rascal and proud of it figure in the early 90s. Constantly failing class through not studying, Bart weasels his way out a test several times to face the reality he ultimately has to do something or he is going to get an F and repeat the fourth grade. The story itself is quite saddening, despite being peppered with humor anybody growing up in the early 90s with difficulties at school can relate to Bart's situation and the effect it has on his family.
It certainly brings nostalgia watching it with the early 90's animation in place, not as rough as the first season but still not as crisp as later on. The narrative flows, the simple story a vehicle for commentary regarding that one kid who just didn't fit in the school system as hard as they may try which still remains relevant today.
Great episode, one of many in the early seasons.
The Killing of Satan
(1983)
Ridiculous Fun
11 March 2008
The Killing of Satan is a terrible movie with an awful lot of charm because of it, the best kind! If you are into the "so bad it's good" mentality this film is definitely a must see. In a movie production sense this film is criminally woeful, with one of the worst plots and some of the tackiest editing, acting and costumes you will ever see. Despite this, it is highly entertaining with a strong camp appeal. Lando, a 30 something average looking man with an awesome gay porn mustache is the protagonist and the sheer ludicrousness of his plight is enough to have you in stitches. This is only the tip of the iceberg however, get this movie for a rainy day.
Stay Alive
(2006)
Trash
9 March 2008
There is little redeeming value to Stay Alive. It has poor production, a lack of plot and a complete disregard for realism and while I wholeheartedly feel this can work to a films advantage (Turkish Star Wars and countless blaxploitation movies such as Dolemite come to mind) this movie has no charm at all.
The worst thing about this is that I find it insulting to the viewer. Things do not exist like this, we don't have supermodel babes kicking it with stoner nerds playing video games every weekend. The plot is lame and falls into a tender spot, its appears to be trying to appeal to a demographic of video game enthusiasts but fails dramatically because it as a horribly inaccurate representation of this subculture. In turn people who don't play video games at all and just want to see a good mainstream slasher will be turned off by the utter geek factor of the film. Subtle touches such as characters snorting coke seem thrown in for no reason at all but to appeal to a teenage fascination of drugs which I find unnecessary, with some poor CGI and cardboard cutout characters we have a useless movie.
Stay Alive screams "you are a stupid teenager we know everything you involve yourself with these days which is video games, drugs, drooling over hot young women and forking out moolah for by the numbers horror, you will enjoy this and give us money". I can't see any adults willingly sitting though this and if you are a teenager i'd like to think you are not stupid enough to waste your time with such a poor movie. It is a classic example of a completely artless and tasteless marketing exercise. Trash.
The worst thing about this is that I find it insulting to the viewer. Things do not exist like this, we don't have supermodel babes kicking it with stoner nerds playing video games every weekend. The plot is lame and falls into a tender spot, its appears to be trying to appeal to a demographic of video game enthusiasts but fails dramatically because it as a horribly inaccurate representation of this subculture. In turn people who don't play video games at all and just want to see a good mainstream slasher will be turned off by the utter geek factor of the film. Subtle touches such as characters snorting coke seem thrown in for no reason at all but to appeal to a teenage fascination of drugs which I find unnecessary, with some poor CGI and cardboard cutout characters we have a useless movie.
Stay Alive screams "you are a stupid teenager we know everything you involve yourself with these days which is video games, drugs, drooling over hot young women and forking out moolah for by the numbers horror, you will enjoy this and give us money". I can't see any adults willingly sitting though this and if you are a teenager i'd like to think you are not stupid enough to waste your time with such a poor movie. It is a classic example of a completely artless and tasteless marketing exercise. Trash.
Blackrock
(1997)
Superb Australian Drama
21 February 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Black Rock is an excellent little known Australian film, with the fact that Heath Ledger has a very small role in it (his first) being one of the only things giving it any recognition today.
The plot is that of a more or less run of the mill drama, the story centered around a young girl who gets raped at a party which focuses on the repercussions that it strikes throughout the community. The story is simple, but the implications that extend beyond it because the way it is handled show that less can be more. Although some could see the film as a vehicle driven by shock value (there are thousands of other films esp. of the exploitation genre that feature "worse" depictions of rape), there is some incredible acting and a complex dramatic angle between characters at work here.
The real star of this film is its display of early 90's Australian surfer youth culture, this film screams bogan and for the many who grew up in the era its pure nostalgia. The Aussie grunge/rock soundtrack is superb, making you think of the years long past and really strikes a raw nerve. The Australian landscapes are nothing short of beautiful and make me proud the land is my home.
Black Rock is a great film, if you are looking to get into some great Australian movies you could do worse then starting here.
The plot is that of a more or less run of the mill drama, the story centered around a young girl who gets raped at a party which focuses on the repercussions that it strikes throughout the community. The story is simple, but the implications that extend beyond it because the way it is handled show that less can be more. Although some could see the film as a vehicle driven by shock value (there are thousands of other films esp. of the exploitation genre that feature "worse" depictions of rape), there is some incredible acting and a complex dramatic angle between characters at work here.
The real star of this film is its display of early 90's Australian surfer youth culture, this film screams bogan and for the many who grew up in the era its pure nostalgia. The Aussie grunge/rock soundtrack is superb, making you think of the years long past and really strikes a raw nerve. The Australian landscapes are nothing short of beautiful and make me proud the land is my home.
Black Rock is a great film, if you are looking to get into some great Australian movies you could do worse then starting here.
Stroszek
(1977)
An awkward epic.... but all the better for it!
11 February 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Werner Herzog 's Stroszek admittedly left me feeling rather confused, I could not for the life of me figure out where this director was coming from in terms of the overall content of the piece. However the ambiguity of this is brilliant, for it has made for one of the most fascinating and unique viewing experiences of my life.
The only other Herzog I have seen up to this point is Fitzcarraldo, a great film with quirky, offbeat characters, an engaging story and jaw dropping cinematography. Stroszek shares similar traits that are no doubt a stamp of Herzog's style, but is a much stranger affair in terms of balance. It is depressing and absurdly funny all at once, as a former mental patient, a hooker and an eccentric old man decide to leave behind pain and suffering in Berlin to chase the American dream.... and end up in Wisconsin, USA. What cues is a tragic story of sorts, with a conflicting quirky humor weaved all throughout as a growing cynicism regarding an inevitable failure and a realization the dream is going to fail builds towards a conclusion. It is... awkward. But it works. God knows only Herzog could do it.
The film is essentially two parts, the early days in Berlin which feature some amazing shots of its wonderfully gritty urban architecture and the transition to the US, where we dwell in a world of the commercialized americana of the day and the farms and small towns of backwoods USA. It is visually arresting all throughout, the conflict between the two cultures and a cute, unique vision of America through German eyes a definite highlight. The soundtrack is superb, it works its quirky and beautiful magic ultimately coming to the bizarre surrealistic musical display during the end sequence which has to be seen to be believed.
The only other Herzog I have seen up to this point is Fitzcarraldo, a great film with quirky, offbeat characters, an engaging story and jaw dropping cinematography. Stroszek shares similar traits that are no doubt a stamp of Herzog's style, but is a much stranger affair in terms of balance. It is depressing and absurdly funny all at once, as a former mental patient, a hooker and an eccentric old man decide to leave behind pain and suffering in Berlin to chase the American dream.... and end up in Wisconsin, USA. What cues is a tragic story of sorts, with a conflicting quirky humor weaved all throughout as a growing cynicism regarding an inevitable failure and a realization the dream is going to fail builds towards a conclusion. It is... awkward. But it works. God knows only Herzog could do it.
The film is essentially two parts, the early days in Berlin which feature some amazing shots of its wonderfully gritty urban architecture and the transition to the US, where we dwell in a world of the commercialized americana of the day and the farms and small towns of backwoods USA. It is visually arresting all throughout, the conflict between the two cultures and a cute, unique vision of America through German eyes a definite highlight. The soundtrack is superb, it works its quirky and beautiful magic ultimately coming to the bizarre surrealistic musical display during the end sequence which has to be seen to be believed.
Veronika Voss
(1982)
Veronica Voss
11 February 2008
This was my introduction to the works of Rainer Werner Fassbinder & only one of a short selection of New German Cinema I have seen.
Immediate thoughts were that the direction is nice, Fassbinder has a fascination of adding touches such as shooting from behind objects such as windows and walls and framing the scene within this context as well as lots of interplay with shadows. The black and white is used to a really good contrast and if anything the film is pleasing to look at. Scenes with the leading lady have glitter shining off her jewelery and it looks like you would expect fame in all its superficial but alluring glory.
The soundtrack is great, I get off on detail in this area and radio interludes constantly playing in the background a'la Midnight Cowboy along with well timed emotional musical cues are very effective. A few songs are highlighted in key scenes such as some twangy country music and the beautiful vocal number towards the end which provides quite an impact on the senses.
The thing that really lets Veronica Voss down is the story, its good but its just not very interesting. A sports reported has an affair with a fading actress, who is involved in a plot by a neurologist that hooks rich patients up with morphine to get their trust and eventually their fortune when they die. Now... it sounds workable and it is. But its rather plodding how it is played out, although the actors are fantastic and do a great job portraying their characters it all feels very superficial and it is hard to sympathize with their plight. Some might argue that this is the intention of the film maker to get across the superficial nature of actresses in general but it doesn't feel so convincing to me.
In short Veronica Voss is a feast for the eyes at times, and the soundtrack is excellent but something feels a tad hollow. Most of the appeal seems to come from that it shows off the era, and well I can respect it for that.
Immediate thoughts were that the direction is nice, Fassbinder has a fascination of adding touches such as shooting from behind objects such as windows and walls and framing the scene within this context as well as lots of interplay with shadows. The black and white is used to a really good contrast and if anything the film is pleasing to look at. Scenes with the leading lady have glitter shining off her jewelery and it looks like you would expect fame in all its superficial but alluring glory.
The soundtrack is great, I get off on detail in this area and radio interludes constantly playing in the background a'la Midnight Cowboy along with well timed emotional musical cues are very effective. A few songs are highlighted in key scenes such as some twangy country music and the beautiful vocal number towards the end which provides quite an impact on the senses.
The thing that really lets Veronica Voss down is the story, its good but its just not very interesting. A sports reported has an affair with a fading actress, who is involved in a plot by a neurologist that hooks rich patients up with morphine to get their trust and eventually their fortune when they die. Now... it sounds workable and it is. But its rather plodding how it is played out, although the actors are fantastic and do a great job portraying their characters it all feels very superficial and it is hard to sympathize with their plight. Some might argue that this is the intention of the film maker to get across the superficial nature of actresses in general but it doesn't feel so convincing to me.
In short Veronica Voss is a feast for the eyes at times, and the soundtrack is excellent but something feels a tad hollow. Most of the appeal seems to come from that it shows off the era, and well I can respect it for that.
Mysterious Skin
(2004)
A Stunning Accomplishment!
3 February 2008
Mysterious Skin is the kind of drama that comes along very rarely and hits you with the force of a brick.
Gregg Araki's earlier films that I have seen such as Totally F**ked Up were edgy "guerilla" style movies cut in an art school fashion which dwell primarily in homosexual teenage angst, whilst I found these films engaging they were ultimately a turn off to anyone even slightly homophobic, far too angsty with some who could see it is a cheap card to play and bursting with potential but just lacking that something special that makes a good movie a great one.
Mysterious Skin is a great movie. It addresses these problems, having that something special and more. Critically applauded even by Araki's detractors, the man has created a magical piece of cinema that is all at once raw, beautiful, hilarious, disturbing & touching. Based on a novel featuring two stories about a gay teenage prostitute and an introvert who believes he was abducted by aliens which intertwine to a shocking conclusion, Araki gives the story his stamp but lets the source material shine for all its worth. The acting is brilliant. Joseph Gordon-Levitt steals the show as Neil, an enigmatic, gritty talent if i've ever seen one with the rest of the cast giving it their all as well. Direction wise Mysterious Skin is haunting, scenes flow together perfectly with some surrealistic flashbacks and some truly emotional little touches. The soundtrack is pure beauty, complimenting the film enormously.
If there is anything to flaw this film has the kind of strong shock value which turns people off from the beginning or has people crying that it is dependent on it. Whilst the first is unavoidable, I feel strongly that Mysterious Skin escapes the trappings of the latter by approaching so many different angles of modern American life that it is hard to feel an intent to merely shock. It is very neutral, with no moralizing messages to speak of just displaying itself for what it is.
In short this film is probably not for everyone, but what it aims for it achieves brilliantly. After the end scene I sat for about a minute listening to the music as the credits roll, a cold but very beautiful melancholy washing all over me. It was an extremely affecting moment from a movie I could only describe as life-changing. See it.
Gregg Araki's earlier films that I have seen such as Totally F**ked Up were edgy "guerilla" style movies cut in an art school fashion which dwell primarily in homosexual teenage angst, whilst I found these films engaging they were ultimately a turn off to anyone even slightly homophobic, far too angsty with some who could see it is a cheap card to play and bursting with potential but just lacking that something special that makes a good movie a great one.
Mysterious Skin is a great movie. It addresses these problems, having that something special and more. Critically applauded even by Araki's detractors, the man has created a magical piece of cinema that is all at once raw, beautiful, hilarious, disturbing & touching. Based on a novel featuring two stories about a gay teenage prostitute and an introvert who believes he was abducted by aliens which intertwine to a shocking conclusion, Araki gives the story his stamp but lets the source material shine for all its worth. The acting is brilliant. Joseph Gordon-Levitt steals the show as Neil, an enigmatic, gritty talent if i've ever seen one with the rest of the cast giving it their all as well. Direction wise Mysterious Skin is haunting, scenes flow together perfectly with some surrealistic flashbacks and some truly emotional little touches. The soundtrack is pure beauty, complimenting the film enormously.
If there is anything to flaw this film has the kind of strong shock value which turns people off from the beginning or has people crying that it is dependent on it. Whilst the first is unavoidable, I feel strongly that Mysterious Skin escapes the trappings of the latter by approaching so many different angles of modern American life that it is hard to feel an intent to merely shock. It is very neutral, with no moralizing messages to speak of just displaying itself for what it is.
In short this film is probably not for everyone, but what it aims for it achieves brilliantly. After the end scene I sat for about a minute listening to the music as the credits roll, a cold but very beautiful melancholy washing all over me. It was an extremely affecting moment from a movie I could only describe as life-changing. See it.
Rabid
(1977)
Average Horror
3 February 2008
Not one of Cronenberg's best, like most of his earlier work its a good idea on paper but dull when fleshed out into a movie. This is not to say I did not find it enjoyable however, the man was simply learning his craft during this period and it shows. Those who dig his other 70s works will probably enjoy it, though i feel later efforts such as Videodrome and The Fly blow anything from this period out of the water. Thats not to deem it worthless, there are some great ideas happening and seeing the foundations of one of the most intriguing directors to emerge over the years is good. If you are a Cronenberg novice start with his 80s and 90s work, if you only need to see a sample of how great his films can be.
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