Jozxyqk's Reviews

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006)

9/10

Better than the first, and that's saying something

6 July 2006

I will firstly say that after seeing the trailer and previews for this film I had serious doubts. I was afraid that the producers would just try to cash in on the original's success, and forget about any content.

I was pleasantly proved wrong.

This is the most fun I've had in the cinema in the longest time. I can't remember the last time I was so entertained.

Although it is a bit slow at times, and a bit predictable (although fun in it's predictability), it hardly lets up and continuously entertains.

If you loved the original, you will DEFINITELY love this film. The ending not only makes you laugh, it makes you think "What the hell?" and will make you eagerly anticipate (major understatement) the third installment.

There are some great lines, the same fun characters, an inventive and fun story, and some brilliantly staged action sequences.

In summation: SEE IT! See it on the big screen. If you miss it, you will surely regret it.

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Speaking in Tongues (2005–2006)

8/10

It's a show by Safran, nuff said

9 March 2006

First off I'd like to say that even though this show had a very different approach and style to Safran's previous 2 shows, it was still very entertaining, educational and funny.

I suppose Safran fans may be split over this show, as John isn't his usual pranksta self. Apart from his one-on-one segments with Father Bob, Safran seems to act mature around his frequent guests, and at times tactful, considering how bizarre they can be sometimes.

The addition of Father Bob was brilliant. The Chemistry between him and Safran is what I think really makes the show. It seems that Safran acts so mature and polite around his guests that he has to have arguments with Bob to stay sane, and we thank him for it.

Despite being very different to Safran's previous work, I found the show to be very well made, and a definite future addition to my DVD collection. I can't wait to see what John will do next.

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Fun with Dick and Jane (2005)

6/10

Okay. Not great, not terrible, but enjoyable and amusing at times

18 January 2006

Warning: Spoilers

Usually I don't review movies after only seeing them once. I may edit this review after seeing it again.

Anyway, I must say that I might be biased in this case as I saw this movie for free, so I can't really see it from the viewpoint of someone who saw it and had to pay (if that really matters at all).

Anyway, I found this movie pretty enjoyable. I judge a comedy like this: the ratio of hits to misses, and how many moments made me sit there and think "That didn't work for me", all the way up to making me wince and think "Why in the hell did they include that in the script?".

COMEDY SPOILERS! I found the hit to miss ratio about even. There were only two moments during the film that made me wince, once each by the two leads: Carrey in the elevator, and Leoni in the Tai-bo-thingy class.

Other grievances I had with the film included: the Harper kid. I'm not a fan of child actors, and at times he was just irritating. Some other scenes that didn't work for me were Jim in the convenience store, and other scenes where they tried to get humour from the characters doing embarrassing things.

However, there were quite a few moments that made me laugh, some of which I have to say surprised me because I found them funny. These include Carrey as Cher, the dirty hand print on Leoni, and Carrey's revenge on the fat-man from "Curb your Enthusiasm".

END SPOILERS! So, in summary, this is a good film for a laugh, but certainly not a great film. I can't judge yet whether it's worth reviewing.

I guess something in it's favour is that unlike most sequels and remakes these days (a dime a dozen it seems), this one is justifiable, considering the original's plot and recent corporate events like Enron.

It's just like the title suggests, it's fun. It could've had a better script, but the director (best known for "Galaxy Quest", a personal favourite of mine) and stars try their best. They make it almost worth appreciating.

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Hercules Returns (1993)

10/10

Easily one of the funniest films I have EVER seen!

8 December 2005

This film is brilliant.

If you want to see a serious movie with a great story, acting, and drama, don't bother.

This film was made for laughs, pure and simple, and it succeeds. And boy does it succeed! The film is basically like a feature version of the "Whose Line is it Anyway" game "Film dub".

In the movie, a group of friends decide to buy an old run-down old-fashioned cinema, spruce it up, and bring back the old-fashioned feeling of the cinema. As their premiere movie, they decide to show the last film that was shown in the cinema, a 1960's Italian film called "Hercules". Unfortunately just minutes before the film is to be screened to a group of very prestigious people, they find out it doesn't have any English dubbing or subtitles. In a desperate attempt to save the film, the 3 friends decide to turn off the sound, and create all the characters voices and sound-effects within the projection room itself.

There are a couple of other subplots, but the film is just chaotic brilliance as the friends try desperately to carry on.

I couldn't stop laughing when I saw the film, and you should seriously try and see it next time you get the chance. You won't be disappointed.

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Bubba Ho-Tep (2002)

8/10

Unclassifiable, but in a good way

24 November 2005

Describing "Bubba Ho-Tep" in a short paragraph is quite a challenge. I suppose that one way is to say that it stars Bruce Campbell, famous for playing the ass-kicking character of Ash in the Evil Dead trilogy, plays Elvis, who never really died, stuck in a retirement home where no-one believes his true identity. That is, except for a black guy who believes himself to be JFK. Together, they must battle an Egyptian mummy who is sucking the souls of residents in the retirement home.

It's part horror, with the soul-sucking mummy, part drama with the redemption of the character of Elvis, and part comedy, because some of those one liners are great.

Both Bruce and Ossie give outstanding performances, showing great chemistry and making the film that much more engaging and enjoyable.

Of course, a lot of people might not take to this film. I don't think it's really a film with a required taste, you can probably tell whether it's to your liking after the first time you watch it.

If you just want to see a very weird, funny and dramatic horror film, this should be right up your alley.

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Sealab 2021 (2000–2005)

8/10

Best show on Adult Swim

18 November 2005

This show is just so insane, so over-the-top, so twisted and silly that it's just so funny. Not many people will get it, but those that do will more than likely love it.

My particular favourite episode is "Lost in Time", but the first 10 or so episodes are great.

Where else can you see a show where a shark on a motorcycle jumps over a pool of Fonzies? Unfortunately, the show was never the same once the man who brilliantly played Captain Murphy died, who never failed to deliver at least five laughs per episode.

The characters are so utterly ridiculous and their chemistry is great because of it.

If you want a laugh then check it out. One of the best things about it is that it's only around 10 minutes long.

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BASEketball (1998)

6/10

Occasionally funny, but struggles with a dumb, clichéd story

18 November 2005

It's easy to see why Matt and Trey aren't proud of this movie. Most of the jokes throughout are really dumb and only a few of them work.

The Psyche-Outs are by far the best gags in this film, but that's probably thanks to the South Park boys themselves.

The biggest problem with this film is the story, which resorts to too many sporting-movie clichés and is not very interesting.

However, Matt and Trey try their best with the shoddy-material, and it's because of them that the film actually turns out to be an entertaining one, as long as you turn your brain off.

This film is worth seeing if you want to find out why Matt and Trey regret making it so much. Other than that, it's only good for a few laughs.

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Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)

10/10

Easily one of the funniest movies ever made

17 November 2005

Only 2 movies in existence could possibly rival this as the funniest movie ever made: Dr. Strangelove and Blazing Saddles.

Hilarious from start to finish, with lines that have become a part of popular culture. Don't believe me? I doubt anyone is unfamiliar with the line "Tis but a scratch". That scene with the Black Knight is one of the funniest and original scenes in movie history.

If you haven't seen it yet, what the hell? Go out and rent it now. Better yet, just buy the DVD, you won't regret it. If you have seen it, see it again (although I doubt you needed me to tell you that).

All in all, if you only ever see 5 comedies in your life, this would without a doubt be on it.

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Wolf Creek (2005)

10/10

The absolute scariest film I have ever seen!

12 November 2005

I had heard plenty about this film walking into it, mainly about how realistic and disturbing the violence is depicted.

They were spot on.

I can say without a doubt that this is THE most disturbing film I have ever seen. I have sat through The Evil Dead, Halloween, Alien, The Shining, Jaws, and Psycho, and in my opinion only Jaws comes close, but is no where near as effective. I even thought A Clockwork Orange was less disturbing and unsettling than this film.

The horror villain in this movie is a sick combination of Crocodile Dundee and Freddy Kruger. His motivations aren't even touched upon, but it's a hard act to justify.

Once the film enters it's second act (there is no third act, arguable it lacks a second or third act), my heart hadn't raced so fast for so long since I was hit by a car.

It's a very hard film to sit through, even though the violence isn't that graphic (not really that gory), it's realistic in it's depiction and is VERY disturbing. This film does for the Australian outback what "Jaws" did for the ocean.

With most great films, you'll want to see them again. With this film, you'll never want to see it again.

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The Simpsons (1989– )

3/10

Shouldn't have left the 20th Century

11 November 2005

The Simpsons used to be such a great show, easily the best on TV. It's humour and satire were brilliant and it was very well written.

It seems that almost every kid nowadays will quote "The Simpsons" to each other, even I still quote it to my friends at University.

But, like a lot of great series, it started to become sour. The series started to go downhill around season 10 and hasn't stopped since. I first noticed how bad Simpsons had become with episodes like the one where they go to Spring Break, and the Halloween episode where Homer gets cloned.

To get an idea of how bad it's become, in the most recent season there can be maybe one laugh for every 3 or 4 episodes. In fact, there are more laughs and clever moments in a single episode from either series 5,6 or 7, then there are in an entire season from 14 onwards.

Arguably some of the earlier episodes weren't that funny either, but they're missing the point. Those episodes were mostly satirical, plus there's the hit-and-miss quality. It's like comparing Dr. Strangelove to any of the Scary Movie's. Dr. Strangelove is a brilliant satire, and when it tries to be funny it mostly succeeds. Scary Movie, however, piles on the dumb jokes hoping that for every 20 jokes that aren't funny, there is 1 that is.

In summary, watch if until season 10 or 11, after that don't even bother.

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Blazing Saddles (1974)

10/10

Easily one of the funniest films ever made

6 November 2005

Warning: Spoilers

I would rank this film among one of the greatest comedies ever made, going alongside such classics as Dr. Strangelove and Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

I'd say about 80% of the gags work, which is a lot better than most movies (especially ones nowadays).

JOKE SPOILERS.

My favourite gags would have to include "Rape, murder, arson and rape", "We'll give some land to the n*ggers and the chinks, but we don't want the Irish", "We don't care if it's the first act of Henry V", and especially the toll-booth gag.

SPOILERS END.

The film isn't perfect, however, having a rather simple story, but with so much humour it's easy to overlook.

Throw in a great score and opening theme song, good acting, and a truly surreal ending, and you've got one very under-rated movie on your hands.

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Stargate SG-1 (1997–2007)

10/10

Finds its feet by the third season

6 November 2005

The first and second seasons started off shakily, with good episodes sandwiched in between average ones, and at times resorting to clichéd stories. But once it started to set up the universe in which it exists and started to develop it's characters more, it became a lot more fun and entertaining.

The main reason this show succeeds it because of four men: Richard Dean Anderson, Peter Deluise, Joseph Malozzie and Paul Mullie. Richard's dry sense of humour makes to show so much better, Peter's directing is excellent and makes any episode so much more entertaining, and Joe & Paul never fail to make a funny, interesting episode together.

Once you understand what the show is about and get to know the characters, I doubt you won't like the show. For those getting into the show I suggest the episodes 'The Other Side', a good serious episode, and 'Window of Opportunity', a classic comic relief episode.

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Stargate: Atlantis (2004–2009)

9/10

It keeps getting better

6 November 2005

When I first saw the pilot my expectations were low. It was really silly, the Wraith were even more evil and one-dimensional than the Goa'uld, and it seemed to have a few too many clichés.

The episode straight after, however, came with relief. It started to show signs of the series potential, with humour throughout, mainly from the characters chemistry.

Since then, the series seems to be getting gradually better. It's sticking to the same qualities that made SG-1 a success: story, characters and humour derived from the character's chemistry, with SFX used when necessary.

And now after 3 seasons it's become one of my favourite shows ever. They're really got the humour down to perfection, the stories are very well written and interesting, and it never ceases to be pure entertainment. They've also effectively fleshed out their characters and their enemies, making them far more interesting and enjoyable.

It also seems that, unlike most shows on TV these days, they've gotten better with every season. It seems to have stumbled a bit at the end of season 3, but I have a lot of faith in this show and I'm sure it will recover.

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Invader ZIM (2001–2006)

8/10

It was great, but don't watch after 'Backseat drivers...'

4 November 2005

I loved Invader Zim back when I only saw the first lot of episodes. Practically anything Gir said was a riot, as well as Zim's computer and Professor Frink too.

The visual style was like an even more warped version of 'Nightmare before Christmas' (especially the Halloween episode), and the humour at times very surreal.

Unfortunately, like most shows, it really went downhill after a while. I'm not sure what category you would put it in at jumptheshark.com, but the first really bad episode was 'Zim Eats Waffles', and from that point on they just got worse.

A lot of people are complaining about how this was canceled before it's time, but I'm glad. Some series should've been axed when they were in their prime so we remember them better.

I'm not badmouthing the whole series just because of those last few episodes, I'm just saying watch the show up until and including 'Backseat drivers from Beyond the Stars'.

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John Safran vs. God (2004)

9/10

Brilliant, funny and intelligent

4 November 2005

Warning: Spoilers

After seeing "Music Jamboree', I laughed my arse off when I first heard about 'John Safran vs. God'. The title itself is great, only outdone by the brilliant opening.

Probably the best thing about the show is the research that went into it, followed by the ordeals John himself goes through for our entertainment.

SPOILERS! Some of the things he finds is amazing, like how many products these days are linked with Nazi Germany. And some of the rituals and ordeals he undertakes is brilliant, like buying magic Morman underpants, getting covered in chicken blood to undo a curse on the Australian soccer team, and even being exorcised by Bob Larson.

SPOILERS END If you haven't seen this show, watch it the next chance you get.

Bring on 'Speaking in Tongues'.

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Galaxy Quest (1999)

9/10

Science Fiction Comedy at it's best

4 November 2005

This film is so clever and unique (apart from using the same basic story as 'The Three Amigoes') that I can't see why it's score isn't higher.

It's just such a funny film, certainly one of the funniest in years, with great chemistry between a good cast that makes it fun for the whole family.

What I also admire about the film is how the special effects are not as full-blown as they are in other science fiction films of recent years such as the Matrix Sequels or Star Wars prequels. In this film, they are only used when necessary and give a much more realistic effect. Plus, the makeup and costumes is brilliant. I particularly love whenever Sarris is on screen.

This film is sure to please people of all ages (even if you aren't a Star Trek fan, like I'm not).

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Eight Legged Freaks (2002)

7/10

Call me crazy, but I loved it

4 November 2005

Let me say first of all that this film is far from perfect. But then again, it wasn't meant to be. This film was simply meant to be a thank-you-card and tribute to all the monster movies from the 50s and 60s. Well, that, and a laugh riot.

I actually saw this film on the same day I saw 'Goldmember', and I found this MUCH more enjoyable by comparison.

The spiders are the stars of the film and are meant to be. The humour derived from the relentless killing of spiders and people is brilliant.

In terms of mindless entertainment, you could do worse than see 'Eight Legged Freaks'.

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Double the Fist (2004–2008)

10/10

Best Australian TV show ever! FULL FIST!

8 October 2005

"Double the Fist" is without a doubt the single best Australian TV show ever made.

True, compared to Australian TV in general that's not much of an achievement, but still.

A clever, full-on, fast-paced social satire that mocks popular culture, it is one of the most original TV series in recent years.

The ABC should be ashamed of themselves for canceling this brilliant piece of Australian television. This series is the true underdog story. It was rejected by every channel except ABC, but only on the condition that it be shown 11:30pm Friday nights. Depite this drawback, not only did it became a cult sensation, but at the very next AFI awards (Australian Film Institute, an awards night voted by judges rather than the public), Double the Fist won the award for best Australian Comedy, sitcom or sketch, beating the favourite "Kath & Kim".

To get an idea of what the show is like, think of it as a cross between "Jackass" and "The Goodies".

Primarily the show is a spoof of shows like Jackass; where those shows do things that will injure and/or humiliate an individual, the Fist Team do things that would obviously kill them. Tackling subjects ranging from Reality Television, to protesting, to sport, to Terrorism, this show is thought-provoking and a laugh riot. Next time you get a chance, check it out.

If you do love the show (and how could you not), then sign this petition I made to bring the show back:

http://www.petitiononline.com/FullFist/petition.html

Signers will automatically receive the FULL FIST! Even the Fist Team have signed it!

And remember, DOUBLE THE FIST! AAAARRGGGHHH!

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Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005)

9/10

Fun for the whole family

9 September 2005

This first (and hopefully not last) Wallace & Gromit feature lives up to expectations. There are plenty of jokes (some a bit cheeky) as well as some great tributes to past Science Fiction movies. With the barrage of awful and formulaic movies being spewed forth from Hollywood it's great to see such a great film like this that's enjoyable for almost everyone. If there is any justice it will be top of the box-office and be at least nominated for best animation at the next Oscars. The animation is wonderful; the characters are remarkably expressive and their adventures are great fun. This is one of those films that the whole family can enjoy. Charming, clever, fun and well made, what's not to enjoy?

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Identity (2003)

4/10

A 'whodunnit' film with an obvious twist (SPOILERS)

15 December 2004

Warning: Spoilers

I was informed by friends of mine and movie reviewers that although this movie was pretty average, the ending is impossible to guess. I can truthfully say right now that I practically saw the ending coming.

SPOILERS FROM HERE

Firstly, the thing about the 'cop' being a convict and the other con being his sidekick was extremely obvious. I first noticed how he was about to grab the key tag from the first victim without worrying about tampering with evidence. Then there was the fact that when the second convict turned up he attacked him to the point of unconsciousness so he couldn't talk. (The 'cop-being-the-killer thing may have been more obvious to me after seeing the stage production of 'The Mouse Trap').

However, the fact that the scenario was all part of a DID-sufferer's hallucination didn't spring on me until it was revealed that all of them shared the same birthday.

But finally, I found it quite obvious that the child was the murderer for a fact when he walked out the room with his mother, discovering she was dead.

I also guessed the clichéd ending how the criminal gets away with it after 'fooling' the cops/lawyers that in some way allow him to escape ('Primal Fear' and 'The Usual Suspects' to name two). I guess it wasn't an obvious fool, but I suspect the child purposely did this to reveal himself so he could escape.

So there you have it. I must say that this film doesn't deserves the score of 7.3 it currently has. A score between 6 and 7 would be more appropriate. I do believe that this was a creative twist on the 'whodunnit' where everyone's picked off one by one. However, I could've enjoyed it more had it not been so clichéd and silly at times.

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South Park Rally (2000 Video Game)

A must for any South Park fan

9 October 2004

I bought this game recently second-hand very cheap, now that N64's aren't the current 'hip' thing. I must say that I found this to be very enjoyable. What I like most about the game is that it has more than just races: like the trophy/laser checkpoint game, or the cowdays game. I found these to be a lot more fun then just the simple racing scenario. I also liked the weapons, though I'm curious as to why they left out the dildo from the computer version. Any South Park fan will recognise the weapons from the TV show: Mexican Staring Frog, Underpants Gnomes, Chef's Salty Chocolate Balls, and plenty more. Sure it's quite similar to Mario Kart, but it's fun to have a variation on the standard racing genre. I also found it challenging: having to complete certain tasks to obtain new characters. So far I've only got 5 to go, but I'm well on the way. However, I do find some levels to be too similar, and some games are just annoying (like Easter). But still, I found this both challenging and fun. I don't know what Cheeseboy is on about.

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Harvie Krumpet (2003)

10/10

Surprisingly humorous tragedy

9 March 2004

When I saw this short animation on the Monday night in question, I was surprised to see how such a sad story about a 'retarded migrant' could be so humorous. His story from a lumberjack's son to an animal- liberationist to an alzheimers patient is a well written and an entertaining one. I won't give away too much, but you will be pleased at just how entertaining this film is.

It definitely deserved the Oscar. I was quite surprised that it won, but then I saw the film and understood why.

If you every get a chance to watch it, take advantage of it.

I especially enjoyed the minor story about Harvie's doctor. Very clever.

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Scrubs (2001–2010)

7/10

Great Show

24 December 2003

It's nice to see a show on these days that can actually make me laugh and doesn't use a truck load of toilet humour. The flashes to an inner world in Newbies mind are always fascinating and sometimes funny. Dr Cox is SO funny as is the Janitor. But what really strengthened my love for this show was the episode 'My Philosophy'. It was the first time in ages a TV show made me cry. I LOVE that ending. Great acting, humorous and a lesson learned at the end of each episode is icing on the cake. This is definately not your average show.

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