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Reviews
Open Water (2003)
Not great
After hearing about this film, I thought it would be something to see. Low budget or not, I just didn't relate to the characters in the film. There was nothing about these people that made me CARE about them, aside from the fact that they are fellow human beings. You can really tell that this was made by a novice director.
There were some scary moments involving the sharks, I will grant you. I found the scene with the lightning, and the editing of that scene, to be quite good. That is 1 minute, however, in a 76 minute film.
The other thing I would like to mention is the insipid, self congratulatory commentary tracks on the DVD. I would have thought that the filmmakers would start the commentary by discussing the inspiration for the film, but here we have the usual "this was the last thing we shot, actually... blah blah blah...the suitcases in the first scene weren't actually loaded with anything so I had to pretend they were full...blah blah blah." If this film was well made, maybe I would care to hear how it was made. I was actually a little offended that they use the term "based on true events", yet the filmmakers don't bother to show any respect to the people who experienced (read: DIED) those events in reality. How about telling us the background of the film? Who were these people who DIED, anyway?
The lions gate folks, and the filmmakers themselves seem pretty sure that this was a "smart" screenplay. I'm not so sure. My litmus is - do I care about these characters and what happens to them? I did not.
The Score (2001)
Underrated Heist Gem
The Score is an above average heist movie focused on a master thief (Robert DeNiro) who accepts a job which forces him to take on a partner (Edward Norton) and break all of his own rules of doing business for the possibility of a big payoff. Both of the leads are very convincing in their roles, particularly Edward Norton, who really plays two completely different roles here. Bringing them together is Max, well played by Marlon Brando, in what can be considered a cameo role. Once the caper begins, the tension builds steadily and the plot twists begin, leading to a very satisfying climax. The jazz-inspired score fits the movie well and is reminiscent of those from the great 70's caper flicks. The film's only flaw is the slow-moving romantic-interest plot, which really isn't necessary anyway. It would have been more effective the filmmakers had focused more on the planning and execution of the heist in even more detail and found another way to frame the film (perhaps using the Brando character), but all in all this is a very good Heist movie with a rich payoff ending. It is a fabulous looking movie as well, with noir-ish, rich, dark tones. An old fashioned caper, carefully made, this is what going to the movies is all about, or should be.
Phish: It (2004)
Most definitive concert film from an amazing live band
For me, the longtime Phish fan, this is about as good as it will ever get. Nothing will compare to being in the audience of an actual Phish show or even the memories of the shows I've been to, but compared to previous efforts to film the band, this one is the best by far.
Many concert films focus too much on the audience, as a sort of social study experiment (think bonnaroo festival DVD) which if you are a fan, seems totally irrelevant and aggravating to endure. What most fans want is a concert DVD of the band, start to finish, warts and all. With this film, when the audience is featured, it is usually done in a clever way, with inspired camera angles and editing. The package includes two DVDs. The first DVD is a documentary with insights into the IT festival and excerpts from the show. The second DVD is all music and quite frankly the part I'm most interested in. Although it's interesting to learn about the festival and how it all came together, it's the music I'm here for. I think the first DVD will interest those who are new to Phish more than the avid Phish fan.
The only problem with IT is that it is basically a highlight reel. Songs end abruptly, day turns to night, and the selection of material is somewhat arbitrary and based on what the producers deem worthy of inclusion. I would have paid $100 for a DVD which contained all of the performances from the festival. I think it is a mistake to edit the performances down because it interrupts the pacing of an actual Phish show.
That said, some of the songs and jams are among the best I've heard from the band, and the sound and picture quality is excellent! If you've never seen Phish, this is a good place to start. There are mistakes here and there, mostly from the band taking chances or forgetting bits and pieces. But overall, this represents what I love about one of the best improvisational rock bands of all time.
House of Games (1987)
Not bad for its time, but I feel like I'm missing something
*spoilers within*
Well. So many here seem to think this is the ultimate masterpiece con movie. I just am not so sure. Several here have written that the movie's ending was completely unexpected. But I just felt let down. I would love someone to explain just why this movie's plot (particularly the ending) is so enthralling to them. After reading some of the reviews, I feel like I'm missing some big reveal.
I enjoyed the long con and I get the fact that she's was being conned right from the start (her gambling patient). I enjoyed the dissection of all the con games. I get that they were going after her for her wealth and that she fell for the guy. Once she figures out that they conned her, she tries to get revenge on Mike (as if the mark is going to con the con, but it never goes there). Instead, we have a "slo-mo" showdown at the sea-tac airport baggage terminal and she gets her revenge. It just doesn't seem like such a devastating ending to me. She steals a lighter??? What's the big deal? I certainly wasn't blown away, at least not on the level of other such films like The Score, or even Mamet's other similar films Heist, and the Spanish Prisoner, both of which I enjoyed very much and have seen several times.
Maybe it's just that we've been treated to so many great con films (even going back to The Sting) that we expect one final turn that isn't there. But several reviewers have mentioned that it keeps you guessing till the end. I guess I just wish I knew why I should be blown away.
Ronin (1998)
Fabulous fun
Ronin is a moody, subtle film. It is not a typical hollywood film. It features a great score which propels the film through some of its slower, more cerebral sections. Some people have criticized Ronin for being too slow, and I will admit that it can feel a bit that way at times. The rest of the time, it is breakneck action, technically very well accomplished. I like the balance. Seeing this group of rogue agents plotting the capture of a much sought after briefcase is great fun. There is a gritty realism and deliberate pace to this film that is not often seen in hollywood films. It is however the relationships between the characters which sets this film apart, especially for a film in the spy thriller/action genre. Great sets, lighting, acting, sound. I love this film!