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Reviews
Zoom (2006)
A peek into our own psychosis
Zoom assembles a wonderful cast of actors (such as Joshua Bozin and Ridge Canipe) that brings a rich and colorful rendition of the worn out plot of a superhero dad that is overly protected of a daughter going through puberty.
The premise of the movie is very similar to Sky High, which I really enjoyed, but brought a fresh new look to an otherwise excessively used superhero plot. It is the inordinate, sometimes simplified, theme of "Dad protect daughter and fight evil" that brings an immediate familiarity to the characters, similar to an unwelcome stay from a spouse's relative.
Allen, who plays the superhero father, brings his mentally challenged daughter, played by Mara, to a new school that caters to kids with special talents. I believe the social development of having a wide range of personality disordered kids together to accomplish a specific purpose helps the adult viewers want to believe and understand each of the characters.
This is especially true when the villain, that represents the evil embodied in all of the wars and genocides, is first introduced into the movie. As the twisted plot unfolds around the villain one can personify this villain as all of the bad events that have occurred in our lives. But what is so wonderful about this movie is that it teaches us, in some small insignificant way, how to redirect this anger into something positive.
Of course as the special needs kids (recently embolden on their journey to fight all that is wrong in this world), representing the natural good embodied in moms and twinkies, face this evil, all the audience emotions that tend to be inhibited by societal pressures and small cubicles are released in bits of vocal approbation that really don't end until the ending credits arrive.
Forgetting the fact that Fox actually sued Sony for copyright infringement and unfair competition, this should not deter anyone who is interested in understanding the old "good vs evil" theme and dealing with their own innermost demons. In fact one should willfully relinquish the ticket price to enjoy the variety of emotional torrents that Zoom will illicit. You won't be disappointed.
I recommend this movie for kids of all ages (1-100) but I caution those who tend suffer from narcissism and multiple personalities that this movie will cause one to meet the person they don't know, themselves.
The Ant Bully (2006)
A Wild Adventure that will leave you wanting more
The Ant Bully is a wonderful tale of a young boy, Lucas Nickle, who has a problem being nice to insects. This of course would be an understatement since half of the movie is Lucas splattering the insides of ants all of over the bottom of his shoes.
There is an underlying theme of compassion that hits the audience hard throughout the movie. Who would have thought that one could get inside the mind of an insect? This occurs in the climatic scene when Lucas drowns the majority of the ant colony with his water gun. You will be hard pressed to avoid shedding a few tears.
We gleefully get to watch as Lucas is given a taste of his own medicine so to speak. It really gives one a feeling of satisfaction to watch as Lucas is nearly drained of every DNA cell in the scene where the queen ant spears him with her stinger. Fortunately he survives.
Only when Lucas is worked nearly to death in hard labor to rebuild the colony that he destroyed does one feel sympathy for him. In fact this sympathy can easily turn into rage to the point of imagining blow torching a few ant colonies after the movie.
The CGI graphics at times seem archaic as if microsoft paint was the software of choice, however in totality the realism surpasses only the old Betty Boop cartoons.
Ant Colony will sure to be a fantastic exploration into the psychosis of insects for children of all ages. To hear my young one describe it, "Daddy I need to go to the potty."
Doogal (2006)
Doogal is a magical fairy tale that will enchant kids of all ages.
The story revolves around a legend that tells of three "magic" diamonds that can be united to create a force powerful enough to freeze the sun. It is a believable enough premise because just the other day I was sweating profusely on a hot summer day and remarked how I would like to freeze the sun for a bit. If only I had these magical diamonds myself.
Of course there is always a bad guy and he is personified in the evil sorcerer Zeebad (funny name is it not?). Well "zee bad" guy escapes from a long lost ancient prison and makes a solemn promise to exact revenge for all of the bad meals he had in prison by deep-freezing the earth forever. Not just for a day or a week but FOREVER! When Zeebad said this it just sent shivers down my spine that someone could do such as dastardly deed. It is a scene that will disturb your emotions to the point of ripping you heart out.
As the movie unfolds the audience is treated with four unlikely heroes that band together to keep the dastardly (or bastardly?) Zeebad from achieving his villainous plot. Believe me when I say that you will breathe a sigh of relief once you learn of the crusade of these heroes.
Oh did I mention that the heroes are lovable mutts? The leader of the heroes is a candy-loving mutt named Doogal who tends to lick himself just a little too much for my tastes. Then with cute lovable mutt-friends Dylan, Brian, and Ermintrude, they all embark on an epic adventure to save the world.
But in order to find the three magical diamonds before Zeebad, they must brave icy mountains, negotiate fiery pits of molten lava, chart across vast oceans and pass through a booby-trapped temple guarded by an army of ninja skeleton warriors. All these serve to bring the realism of an exciting adventure that you will be sure to play over and over in your worst nightmares.
But the most beautiful aspect of this movie is the message that syrupy friendships can be the most powerful weapon, which even the evil Zeebad's magic cannot destroy.
I give this movie 10 stars for its soul inspiring message of using and leveraging friendships to achieving meaningless goals in one's life.
.com for Murder (2002)
An Exciting and Bold Techno Thriller
.com for Murder is an intriguing murder mystery movie that captures and entertains the audience imagination throughout the arduous twisted plot. It is reminiscent of such notable "who dunnit" movies such as The Thin Man and Double Indemnity.
The premise of this high tech psychological movie revolves around the shadowy world of the Internet. The audience is introduced to the mysterious Sondra Brummel who is recovering from a skiing accident in her boyfriend's mansion. Although her leg starts to deteriorate and turn gangrene (much like the rest of the actors) it is her fidelity to her soon to be husband that keeps her anchored in the house. I think there is a lesson for all of us here that love truly conquers all.
If you are the murder mystery type you will find that by watching this film you will become part of its original audience, or rather a stylized nostalgic notion of what that audience was. Thus the film is a mere trigger, not necessarily important itself. There seem to be lots of these, people who consider this film as not only enjoyable, but the apogee of film noir, which itself is (in this view) the most movie-like of movies. Noir, romances and musicals attract these folks, as do legendary celebrities.
When the heroine (the actress not the drug) is perusing the internet for possible natural cures for her ailing leg does she "accidentally" contact a possible killer in an Internet chatroom. The audience quickly learns the importance of fake "sign on" names when the killer learns the antagonist's identity since she signed on using her real name.
She and her friend Misty, who mysteriously shows up like a bad cold, enter a virtual game that evolves into a cat and mouse escapade that can end with either the hunted or hunter dead.
The two lead actors all give terrific performances. Nastassja Kinski is at the center of everything. Kinski's character is torn between what Nicollette Sheridan offers, and her close relationship with her fiancée, played by Roger Daltrey. Kinski is excellent in portraying her struggle between her desire to grab the illicit pleasures offered by Daltrey, and her deep admiration for the killer, played by Huey Lewis, as a person and as an example. Sheridan in turn is perfect in her role as a woman who uses everything she has to get what she wants. Lewis's performance may be the best of all in bringing his character to life - a straight-arrow, perceptive and diligent worker who also comes across as a thoroughly enjoyable character.
The dazzling array of techno-gadgets is sure to be one of the memorable parts of the movie. The stunning photography and mountain scenes will leave you breathless as you try to follow the delicate and sometimes interesting storyline.
You may want to know who dies but that would give away the ending that is sure to go down in history as one of the most surprising finishes to a movie since the Scooby doo ending of Waynes World.
Superman Returns (2006)
The Curse of Superman
I don't care if I spoil the movie for you, because I don't think you should watch it. That being said, the skinny of the movie is this: Krypton, Superman's home planet, is discovered by astronomers. Superman takes off to find out if there is anything left.
Lex Luthor is out of prison because he won his appeal because Superman didn't appear as a witness (he was gone) at the trial. He obtains a fortune and goes to Superman's abandoned Arctic hideout and steals all the crystals there, wherein are contained incredible power.
Lois Lane is living with a man who is not her husband, raising a child not fathered by him. In fact, the child is 5 years old, and Superman left a little over 4 years ago....Hmmm....She also was awarded a Pulitzer for an editorial called "Why the World Doesn't Need Superman" - her own "getting over" the Man of Steel in the most public way she could. But like the prototype "new woman" of today - she's the driven career do-it-all mom - who still yearns for the passion of love with one special man. A jarring juxtaposition, but so is this entire movie.
Luthor plans to use the crystals to create a new continent that will destroy the United States, and he seals the "seeds" in Kryptonite, thereby ensuring Superman's inability to stop him. Superman saves the day, as always, and in the "are they or aren't they" dance of his and Lois' romance, we find out that the asthmatic kid is not allergic to kryptonite but can sure push a piano - and does, onto a bad guy attacking Lois. The movie ends on the note that the sequel will be another happy chapter in yet another comic-book like installment - thesis, antithesis, synthesis.
If God is dead, it doesn't seem like the supernatural virtue of Hope is - and it is instead contortioned into this seemingly beautiful creation - that is really a monstrosity. This...hope in something unreal, as opposed to the very real belief in a very real God.
And since Superman can do whatever he wants, fornication is obviously okay as well. And that's where Lois comes in. As a co-heroine of sorts, she is held up as a "normal" example. Jimmy Olsen tells Clark not to ask when she's getting married: "She hates that question." Yet, she lives with (and probably fornicates with) a man who is not her husband, with a child that she let believe he fathered. And on top of all this, she drops her kid off at day care so she can pursue her career, because, as a modern mom, her kids come second in her life. Lois Lane "has it all." Well, all except the man she loved...or is it loves? And here we see the even more irresponsible notion invade - whatever circumstances may have led her to this point - she is with a "good man" (as she whispers to Superman inches away from kissing him) and yet she is willing to throw that relationship away for her "true love," her "passionate love." And this is the same irresponsible notion that was put forth as the virtue (sic) of Brokeback Mountain - leaving your responsibility - viz. spouse and kids - to follow your "true love." This transitory, Keats-and-Shelley-like notion of "romance" is fed to our children like the IV fluid going into Superman towards the end of the movie - they don't even know it's happening. And frankly, neither do the adults.
Superman is an alternate for faith. He is a substitute for real heroes, like the Saints. And the solution of Superman is an ignorance of God and His Church.
Here are the two nearly sacrilegious quotes: Lois Lane: The world doesn't need a Savior, and neither do I.
While Superman ultimately contradicts this statement (and wins back her love), you can hear the sneering tone of Screwtape in here. And delivered through the mouth of a (very) pretty heroine. Deviously brilliant.
Jor-El (Superman's father): Even though you've been raised as a human, you are not one of them. They can be a great people, Kal-El. They wish to be. They only lack the light to show the way. For this reason above all - their capacity for good - I have sent you, my only son.
One might argue here that the wordplay of "El" as a possible diminutive of Elohim, or simply El in Hebrew - which refers to the supreme God - and hence this is simply a mirror - a type for the Father - Son relationship seen in Christ and the Heavenly Father. Yet - can we take seriously as a Savior the man who wanders off to find his home planet right after (albeit unknowingly) fathering a child out of wedlock, and beyond all that, isn't quite certain of his place/purpose in the world? This requires the same stretch of imagination (let's call it "moral flexibility" in the words of the protagonist of Thank You for Smoking) that Muslims and Lutherans have to engage in order to justify following the founders of their religions.
If Superman is Christ, there is no way I'm a Christian.
Sure, George Reeves and the corny shows of yesteryear which I watched on Nick-at-Nite years ago were great. But the underlying story is fleshed out here. (As an aside, there is an alleged "curse" on those connected to the series - Christopher Reeve's disability and death being more well known, Margot Kidder's mental breakdown being less known) And perhaps George Reeves, in his questionable (perhaps murder) suicide, speaks to us through time - that Superman really isn't the answer.
Christ is.
Naive, prudish, puritan? I review. You decide.
tradreviews.blogspot
Little Man (2006)
A movie that transcends all comedy levels
Little Man Review Little Man consists of some notable actors who have starred in such widely acclaimed shows as Sonic Impact and Baby Ruth and the Candy Bar.
The premise of the movie is about a wannabe dad (Shawn Wayans) who mistakes a vertically challenged criminal on the lam (Marlon Wayans) as his newly adopted son.
He's so desperate for a son of his own, that he and his wife (Kerry Washington) decide to shower all their love and affection on the lovable little impostor.
The beginning of the movie starts out strong much like the movie "The Thin Man". In fact if I didn't know better I would think that the producer borrowed every bit of the Thin Man character development to give depth and meaning to the protagonist who would have otherwise never have garnished an emotional attachment from the audience.
The affectation the protagonist garners on his would be adopted son is one of the most profound, touching moments in cinematic history. The see-saw of emotions continues when the criminal's partner arrives on the scene quite unexpectedly.
Throughout the movie one gets a sense that the antagonist is speaking directly to us. In fact is this appeal that brings a richly deserved praise to the otherwise empty plot.
Of course all love is lost on the antagonist when the two felons rob a jewelry store together and then proceed to take advantage of the sweet parents.
The humor weaves its way in and out like so many gadflies on a pile of dung. It is this humor that allows the audience to identify more with the vertically challenged negro than the supposed good guy (Shawn Wayans) who gives a surprising rendition of a concerned Dad; the likes of which have not been seen since Ward Cleaver's in depth discussion of puberty to his sons.
The movie capaciously deserves 10 stars but in retrospect the Fictional Reviewer gives it 3 stars for the unnecessary adulation of vertically challenged black people.
Papillon (1973)
A little too Fantastic to believe
*** WARNING **** SPOILERS AHEAD!!!! After watching the movie for the first time last night my opinion is that some of the plot was just too unbelievable.
I find it hard to believe that Papillon escapes for the 2nd time and finds the manhunters, that were tipped off beforehand, to be murdered and he is befriended by some stranger.
And then goes to a leper colony and is befriended by the lepers and given a boat.
And then is befriended by a honduras national once he reaches the mainland. But wait the honduran national is killed and Papillon is captured by the tribe that was sent to track him down.
And then Papillon is befriended by the tribesmen but no wait.... he is turned in by some nuns at a convent.
Papillon is then put on "devils" island which is escape proof but wait... he puts some coconuts in a bag, throws it off a cliff, and floats on the coconuts for 23 miles to the mainland and lives a free man.
Yeah.......sure.......And all prisoners are innocent are they? If this was labeled as a fantasy film I would have given it a 9 for the acting.
I don't believe half of the film really happened.
911: In Plane Site (2004)
Makes you wonder what other lies we have been told
After having watched the DVD yesterday I must say that the evidence is so overwhelming that a cover-up took place that it's amazing that there is not a widespread movement to bring the government to task.
All you need is one lie to make you question all the disinformation we were fed after 9/11.
Tim Moody's comments are illustrative of a "ostrich in the sand" mentality. Like the movie commentator said there will be 1/3 of people who will vehemently deny any facts brought before them.
We do know that there were other instances in American History that demonstrate cover-ups and disinformation: OKC bombing, 1st Iraq war, WWII, JFK assassination, Civil War, War against Cuba, etc. etc.... How can anyone trust what the major media outlets and the government say? It is true when they say you must always follow the money..... Wars make those in power rich.
Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005)
Pretty good but ending was lacking
Overall I was impressed with the entire montage of action and sequences in the movie.
I believe the success of this movie depended upon the success of Episodes 4,5,&6. I wanted so badly for this movie to tie into the last three movies that I gave a lot more effort to enjoy this film.
The positives: Great special affects. Fantastic fight scenes
The negatives: -Acting seemed somewhat bland from Anakin and Mace Windu. I personally thought the choice of Samuel Jackson was the worst decision ever made. How do you make someone who sounds like their from Harlem convince the audience they should be a Jedi Master? Can't be done. -***SPOILER*** The scene where Anakin has the Darth Vader suit put on for the first time and his reaction to that he killed his wife was pathetic. Can anyone say "Frankenstein"?
I've read other comments that Hayden Christenten did not do justice to the character. However I think one should not confuse being "wooden" to bringing a confused and tormented character to Anakin.
Overall I would pay to see the movie again, which I rarely would do for any movie.