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Reviews
Python 2 (2002)
This "Python" has no bite
Where as the original "Python" was somewhat entertaning in a tongue-in-cheek sort of way, this made-for-cable-TV sequel fails on all levels.
"Python 2" is a horrible movie with nearly no relation to the original. A group of CIA thugs try to capture a large python and transport away for "Civilian Safety".
The lead actors (one of whom is played by Dana Ashbrook of "Twin Peaks") have zero chemistry together. The effects look very cheesy.
And the worst offense of all? William Zabka's returning character suffers the worst kind of character assasination. He is no longer portrayed as the good guy's (if bumbling) older brother small town cop, but is now the movie's main human bad guy. Shady right from the beginning, I was even uncertain this was the same character from the original...
I'm not saying that this "Python" franchise is the best... but at least if you are going to the trouble of bringing back a surviving character from the previous entry, don't alienate your fanbase and do a character swerve.
"Python 2" has no bite.
Gin gwai (2002)
Haunting and Creepy
"The Eye" is a creepy litle thriller that comes out of Japan... a country that is really establishing itself as a leader in the horror genre.
Until the slightly bloated and over-the-top finale, "The Eye" is effective, moody, and pretty scary... one scene involving a chair especially comes to mind. And like "The Ring" that came before it, an Americanized remake is on the way as well.
My Little Eye (2002)
Reality Programming Gone Bad
Being a fan of such shows as "American Idol", "The Real World" and "Temptation Island", this film works on so many levels for me.
Blending elements from "The Blair Witch Project" and TV's "Big Brother", "My Little Eye" is a webcast of a group of five strangers who's goal is to stay in a remote house for six months while being filmed, and ultimately winning $1 million. But as they, and the viewer begin to discover, there's something sinister lurking.
The film plays entirely from the point of view of the various cameras in the house -- similar to the "Blair Witch", but without the herky-jerky motions... think "Real World" without the confessionals. This allows the film to build an uneasy feeling right from the get-go, and there is always suspense on some level in nearly every scene.
For those expecting a wild, "Blair Witch"-type of experience will be disappointed... as will people hoping for a "Scream"-like slasher. "My Little Eye" is a slow burn movie that builds to a stunning plot twist and an ending that will leave you thinking of the film for days to come.
Batoru rowaiaru (2000)
Superior Film
"Battle Royale" is one of the most violent and disturbing movies ever made, and oddly enough, it is alo one of the best. Playing as part-reality parody and part-social commentary, the film is never anything less than involing and gripping from the first frame.
A group of students are taken to a remote island to play a game of Battle Royale, in which they are forced to turn on one another, hunt and kill each other... until only one is left.
Known worldwide for its high level of violence among young teen characters (and not officially released in the United States for this very reason), "Battle Royale" is like no other film. It is at times suspenseful, action-packed, heartwarming, cold-blooded and sympathetic.
Is it the perfect movie -- no. It does have some slow spots and some trouble areas. But this is gutsy filmmaking, and a movie that you can both stare in awe at the violence while applaud the motives behind the film.
"Battle Royale II" is due out in the summer of 2003.