Change Your Image
ajb073
Reviews
Collateral (2004)
Stunning, Skillful and Chilling
COLLATERAL exceeded my expectations on many fronts. The filming techniques used by directer MICHAEL MANN were enough alone to intrigue me. MANN's unique camera angles, movement, lighting, music, and sound establish the unifying chilling tone existent throughout the film.
Before viewing COLLATERAL, I was aware that it had been deemed "Oscar material" (which doesn't say much, considering the quality of the vast majority films released this year). I also approached COLLATERAL with the assumption that JAMIE FOXX's cabbie character's sole function would be to serve as an excuse for TOM CRUISE's character to attract the attention and praise from the movie through overdone action sequences. I was pleasantly surprised to find strong performances from both CRUISE and FOXX in a stunning, stylistic and skillfully executed film.
JAMIE FOXX takes the role of a soft cabbie, who lies to his mother about his success in life, and is afraid to women for their numbers after intimate conversations in his cab. However as COLLATERAL progresses, FOXX's cabbie grows stronger and develops confidence and self trust.
CRUISE is Vincent; the ultra-cool stylistic hit man. He wears the shades, the suit, and the hair. He offers a chilling performance as he transforms Max's (JAMIE FOXX) life, and everyone he so-professionally executes along the way. The dialogue between CRUISE and FOXX is innovative and boasts some memorable and comic lines.
With that said COLLATERAL is a well above average thriller, with an interesting plot, characters, and some well done action and chase sequences. COLLATERAL is a good bet, well worth its 9/10.
Bulworth (1998)
Bulworth:A fearless venture to the best and worst of politics
BULWORTH is the story of a emotionally distraught and depressed Democrat senator from CA, Jay Bulworth (WARREN BEATTY) who indirectly hires a hit-man to kill him. Over the period of time, before Bulworth's presumed assassination, he takes a fearless and brutally honest venture to expose the best and worst of politics. I compliment WARREN BEATTY not only for a strong acting and directing job, but also for the guts it takes to make such controversial accusations about the country's government and largest industries, including his own, the film industry.
In many ways BULWORTH is a comedy and a dark representation of our country's most valued institutions, such as government, insurance, and film. Bulworth's political journey is laugh-out-loud funny as he places expressions of disbelief over the faces of the characters from the film and the viewer. I was thoroughly amused to see WARREN BEATTY rapping and rhyming as he gave speeches and spoke in debates. However, for all the funny scenes and lines, BULWORTH also offers a dark realism about American government and insurance agencies. As Bulworth fearlessly speaks his mind about the dirty and corrupt insurance agencies and politicians, the viewer experiences firsthand the ineffectiveness and cynical side of politics.
Bulworth's strong acting, directing, laughs, and moving political message and statements make BULWORTH well worth its while. BULWORTH is a truly superior and unique film in many regards. BULWORTH brilliantly offers a cynical realism of politics and at the same time laughs and comic performances. It wasn't until after I finished viewing the film did I realize just how dark and how much cynical realism the film offered. The humorous characters and scenes on the surface make BULWORTH an enjoyable comedy satire that also delivers a dark and disparaging political punch.
***½/****
Wo hu cang long (2000)
Brilliant ****/****
CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN DRAGON is a captivating film in many aspects. The film creates a unique universe that the viewer becomes involved in, from watching the film. The universe created in CROUCHING TIGER is one of traditional virtues and values, but also one of harmony, but unbelievably well-done fighting sequences at the same time. The beauty of CROUCHING TIGER is that nothing is forced, -even the fighting sequences are the right amount of time- the story and plot flow perfectly. The continuity, cinematography, and acting performances enhance the effect of CROUCHING TIGER's unique universe.
Prior to viewing CROUCHING TIGER, I envisioned an overrated Chinese action flick, similar to a Jackie Chan movie, with a little more seriousness, and countless action sequences with cool special effects that lasted too long and subtitles. I was fortunately surprised to discover that my initial judgment was proved wrong. The action sequences where Li Mu Bai and Jen Yu fly and glide are absolutely amazing. These scenes capture the spiritual meditation of the CROUCHING TIGER universe. Although these action sequences are fighting scenes, each scene has a graceful spiritual feel to it; this is enhanced by the serene cello solos of Yo-Yo Ma. The fight scene on the treetops between Li Mu Bai and Jen Yu was particularly brilliant in its execution. The cinematography eloquence of this scene produced breathtaking experience.
The acting performances delivered by Chow-Yun-Fat, Michelle Yeoh, and Ziyi Zhang were spectacular. The power, nobleness, and honor of Li Mu Bai's character was successfully expressed through Chow-Yun-Fat's great performance. The beautiful Michelle Yeoh also delivers as Li Mu Bai's close friend and ally, as she gives a strong and emotional performance. Ziyi Zhang plays the young and fiery Jen Yu, who is searching to find her real self. The emotions and aura's projected by each character more than make up for the film's subtitles. In fact the Chinese language heightens the film's effect on the viewer, as the viewer need not pay attention to the words, but the flow and emotional quality of the dialogue.
CROUCHING TIGER did not have one wasted scene. Each and every second was enjoyable as the next. For all the uniqueness of the film, it in many ways tells the story of a typical adolescent girl and her quest for true identity and self trust and discovery, but in abstract ways. Jen is like many teenage girls: worrying about whether she is with the right man, adopting a rude and fiery attitude and temper, and committing juvenile acts such as stealing and running away from home. Jen's story is in many ways a rite of passage as she goes from being a kind and polite aristocrat's daughter to being the Dark Cloud's mistress in the wild desert, to working and training with the evil Jade Fox, to taking lessons from Li Mu Bai and making friends with Bai's close friend, Shu Lien.
Jen's experimentation with various people and lifestyles is like experimenting with drugs and alcohol. She had exiting intense experiences with each experimentation, but at the film's conclusion she finds her true self, and what she was meant to be, and who she was meant to be with. I will not reveal Jen's final conclusions, as to not ruin the ending.
All in all CROUCHING TIGER is a masterfully crafted film, definitely worthy of every second of its 120 minutes.
CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN DRAGON ****/****
Wayne's World (1992)
Wayne's World: A Classic to America's Youth
WAYNE'S WORLD has evolved to classic status among the youth of America. Wayne (MIKE MYERS) and Garth (DANA CARVEY) are the heroes that carry this film to greatness. WAYNE'S WORLD is a film that will always be remembered. If one was to make a time capsule in the early 1990s, WAYNE's WORLD would most definitely be included. The style, music, and expressions of WAYNE'S WORLD represent the youth of the early 90s, that are still looked up to, by the youth of today.
WAYNE'S WORLD is the story of two men, Wayne and Garth, who appear to be in their twenties, and their public access TV show, entitled Wayne's World. Their show includes heavy metal, sexy girls, crude humor, and language and phrases such as, "party on" and "rock out," characteristic of the early 90s youth. Although the typical teenager of the early 90s may not have modeled his/her behavior directly from the characters of WAYNE'S WORLD, WAYNE'S WORLD has significantly influenced many teenagers' attitudes, expressions, and perception of what it means to be "cool."
WAYNE'S WORLD is unique on several fronts. For one, the director, PENELOPE SPHEERIS and writer, MIKE MEYERS use many innovative techniques to express the plot and tell the story. Wayne and Garth walk of screen or under tables on several occasions to whisper to the camera and the viewer, what they are thinking or something that they wish to expose to the viewer but not other characters. This filming technique enhances the viewers connection and appreciation for the characters. It allows for viewers to become more involved in the film and its characters and enter "Wayne's World" for the 95 minutes of this film.
WAYNE'S WORLD, despite what rating it gets on IMDb or from other critics, will always remain a classic among teenagers. Wayne and Garth are the admiral heroes who refused to sell out and be induced by the pressures of the real business and marketing world. Instead they created Wayne's World, where teenagers, partying and heavy metal reign supreme. WAYNE'S WORLD will be remembered as the story of two losers who succeed, and make the big time, without selling out their ideas, and original inspiration. As every genre and generation has its classics to relate other films to, WAYNE'S WORLD is a classic among the youth of America.
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)
Scholarly Criticism: Communism and Invasion of the Body Snatchers
---This comment is a scholarly criticism paper that I had to write for my high school film class. I deleted some paragraphs from the original paper to make it more readable for IMDb.---
The 1958 film, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, directed by Don Siegel, parallels issues and events that dominated the 1950s era. Coexistent with the release of this film was the Red Scare or Communist scare. The Red Scare surfaced after the U.S. victory in World War II, and altered the mindsets of the American people. The Republican Senator from Wisconsin, Joe McCarthy used the people's fear of communism as a tool to attain widespread popularity and support. As Miles accused people in Invasion of the Body Snatchers to be aliens, McCarthy accused many high ranking officials in the government and elitists of being Communists. Both of these character's accusations result in the spread of fear, havoc, and confusion. The spreading of the alien's power in Invasion of the Body Snatchers captures the fear that the American people had for communism in the early 1950s. Invasion of the Body Snatchers portrays the scenario where the influence of communism, represented by aliens in the film, spreads throughout the country and attempts to conquer it.
Invasion of the Body Snatchers captures the mood and state of panic that existed during the Red Scare. At one point in the film, the spread of the aliens is referred to as, "an epidemic of mass hysteria." The situation in Invasion of the Body Snatchers portrays the nightmare of the American people in the 1950s. The rapid expansion of the alien power represents the spread of communism. The crisis of the alien invaders is even referred to in the film as, "the nightmare that threatened the world." In many ways Miles in Invasion of the Body Snatchers represents Senator Joe McCarthy in real world politics in the 1950s. Miles was acting on his own by the end of the film, attempting to reveal to the world that the aliens were taking over, just as McCarthy acted alone to expose Communists to the American people. However McCarthy and Miles have different motives for their actions. McCarthy's purpose for revealing his convictions of Communists in the government was fueled by self interest. Miles' purpose for revealing the threat of the alien invaders was fueled by the interest and overall well being of society as a whole. In this regard, Miles deserves much more respect, than senator McCarthy.
The underlying theme of communism is implanted throughout Invasion of the Body Snatchers. The alien invaders come to represent the spread of communism in the 1950s. The aliens are invaders sharing the same purposes, as communism was a foreign concept in the 1950s greeted with much concern and worry. The fact that the alien invaders are equal in status and emotions, and hold a uniform opinion and purpose provides further connections to the institution of Communism, where all people are equal in status, and seek similar goals. Numerous scenes throughout the film exhibit characteristics of communism and the widespread panic of the Red Scare. In one scene Miles suspects the man at the gas station of being an alien invader, simply because the man opens his trunk. The paranoia exhibited by Miles emphasizes the paranoid questioning frame of mind that the Red Scare imposed upon people. This scene also emphasizes the connection between Miles and McCarthy. Miles immediately jumps to the conclusion, perhaps for good reason, that the man working on his car is an alien, as McCarthy immediately drew conclusions about government officials' and politicians' connection with communism.
The tactics used by the alien invaders to hold and gain power are similar to the tactics exercised by the Communist regimes of the former Soviet Union and present-day China. Under Stalin, the Communist Government used many brutal programs and methods to eliminate opposition to the party. Eliminating threats to the Communist Party was seen as necessary, because in order for Communism to work in an ideal situation, all people must abide by its rules and ideals. For this reason the alien invaders search for the dissent, Miles and Becky. In this regard the alien invaders represent communism, because they endeavor to eliminate dissent to their group, as Communist leaders have in China and the former Soviet Union.
Although at the time of Invasion of the Body Snatcher's release, the victor of the Cold War was unknown, the film's ending suggests that the opposition party to communism will succeed, and communism will fail. Invasion of the Body Snatchers suggests that democracy will triumph over communism, when at the end of the film, the police and population recognize the threat to society posed by the alien invaders. The film's ending which portrays democracy triumphing over communism has proved to be true in the real world as well.
On the surface Invasion of the Body Snatchers appears to be an simple old-fashioned sci-fi film. While being an original sci-fi film, it is also a film that can be interpreted and connected to on many levels. The alien crisis in Invasion of the Body Snatchers illustrates the mass hysteria of the Red Scare. The alien invaders represent the wave of fear over communism in the 1950s. The power of the alien invaders in Invasion of the Body Snatchers ends at the conclusion of the film, as communism has fallen in the Soviet Union. Invasion of the Body Snatchers is a film of fictional plot, that can be applied and connected to real issues of the 1950s, primarily the Red Scare and the mass hysteria wreaked by the fear of Communism.
Ocean's Twelve (2004)
A Good "Fun" Film
Ocean's 12 ***/****
"Ocean's Twelve" is a heist/comedy/action film about twelve thieves who must pay back casino owner, Terry Benedict (Andy Garcia) the 160 million dollars that they stole from him in the prequel, "Ocean's Eleven." Although Benedict's stolen money was fully compensated by insurance, he seeks revenge and his 160 million dollars back from Danny Ocean, (George Clooney) and his eleven friends.
The plot takes off right away when Benedict comes to Ocean's house demanding his 160 million dollars back in two weeks. The eleven thieves, led by Danny immediately assemble and discuss how they will come up with the 160 million dollars in two weeks. The funny thing is that at no time did any person suggest the idea of not paying Benedict back his money. After all they are thieves, and thieves steal things. But after the victim they stole from requests his money back, it is instantly assumed by all eleven thieves that they must pay him back? "Ocean's Twelve" has many plot holes and problems such as the one described above. But "Ocean's Twelve" isn't about a strong plot. What makes "Ocean's Twelve" worth watching is the star power, "cool style," plot twists, and funny witty lines, and characters.
Director Steven Soderbergh does a remarkable job of developing and portraying all of the twelve thieves (and several others) throughout the film. Each thief has a specialized area of expertise and a unique and often exaggerated and humorous character. For example Linus (Matt Damon) is the uptight, ambitious, nerdy but cool character who makes several funny and ironic comments in the film. At one point Linus comments to the other ten thieves, "I don't think we have to be the kind of organization that labels people." This statement is later followed up by a humorous discussion where Linus defends his morals and the rest of the group ridicules him.
As the film progresses many subplots and plot twists unwind. Some are very clever and interesting, but each plot twist and subplot drags the film further away from a strong working plot.
If you can put aside the complicated shaky plot and go with the flow of the movie, you will be able to enjoy the charm of the characters and the "cool" atmosphere of the entire film as a whole.
To get the most entertainment out of "Ocean's Twelve," focus not on what the character's are doing and stealing, but how they steal things and what they say and do in the process. "Ocean's Twelve" is not a masterpiece, however it is fun and entertaining if you play along with it and let it be.
Old School (2003)
Good Fun
Old School is the story of three men (all over 30) who try to recpature the fun and wildness from their college days. The trio of comedians Ferrell, Wilson and Vaughn give a strong performance and work well together.
The jokes were original and laugh out loud funny, but not knock out, out on the floor laughing funny. As some others criticize Old School for its lack of story and exaggeration of sub plots, I didn't have a problem with it. Some of the funniest scenes were scenes that were not vital to simply the core of the story. In a movie like Old School, viewers are concerned with the story so much as the humor. Therefore I don't see a problem with the straying from the storyline. All in all Old School is very funny. Perhaps not the most original or artistic film, Old School accomplishes what it is meant to do, make the viewer laugh out loud.
7/10
Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)
I don't think I get it
I have come to the conclusion, after reading numerous reviews and comments on Kill Bill that you either love it or you can't stand it. I still haven't decided where I stand yet. At first I was leaning towards the "what the hell is the point of this movie" side. However now that I have watched it, I recognize why it is regarded so well by many and have developed some respect for it. But I still don't like it yet.
If this film was not directed by the admiral to many, Quentin Tarantino, it would most likely not demand the same respect and praise from viewers. However, Quentin makes it clear to all that he is the director and that this is 4th film by posting this is in the credits several times and on the cover of the film. I was a little confused while I was watching Kill Bill. The action sequences seemed to be like something out of a PG-13 Jackie Chan movie but body parts and limbs were actually being cut off in the action scenes, unlike the PG-13 Jackie Chan movies or their equivalents. Does this brutality make Kill Bill a masterpiece because unlike the other martial arts films limbs are being dismembered with what seems like a never ending supply of red liquid representing blood? I don't know the answer to that question. I give this film a 5 out of 10. I respect the originality and unique universe created by Kill Bill, but I don't fully understand it and why others praise so much. I give it a middle of the road 5 because I disagree with those who dis the film as having pointless brutal action scenes and little merit. But I also do not share the passion and obsession that some people have with the film.
Twilight (1998)
Parrallels to The Great Gatsby
I am a currently a sophomore in high school, and my English class read The Great Gatsby this year. I found the characters and the premise of this film similar to those of the Great Gatsby.
Paul Newman is a broke private detective surrounded by rich immoral people who seem to have moral compass defining right and wrong. Newman's character is like Nick's in the Great Gatsby. In The Great Gatsby Nick is kind of poor but surrounded by people of great wealth. He is always hanging around with the Buchanon's, who are "fake" and very rich. Hackman and Sarandon's characters are similar to the Buchanon's in The Great Gatsby. They don't always get along, but after seeing some different people they go back to each other and make each other happy, more or less.
Paul Newman's character is referred to several times as being mute. In The Great Gatsby Nick is quiet and not a major character. Newman is the same way, except his character is more important. But his character proves the same purpose as Nick's, the quiet observer who stands on more moral ground than anyone else.
The film's plot, setting, and characters all reminded me of the premise of the Great Gatsby. The screen is contaminated with filthy rich violent, angry, immoral, unhappy characters.
Anyone else who agrees or sees something else, please let me know.
Welcome to Mooseport (2004)
Well, I thought it was funny
Welcome to Mooseport ***
After watching Welcome to Mooseport, I was thoroughly amused. I was surprised by the demeaning criticisms that I found throughout the message boards. I realize that this film is not a film of "excellent quality" or great artistic merit, but I don't think that it was meant to be of great quality. However despite what it lacks, it made me laugh out loud as comedies are meant to do. I laughed on many events as the Mayoral race progressed. I thought that the minor characters added an element of almost unintentional witty humor to the movie's overall sense of humor. I cracked up watching the president's (Gene Hackman) "people" who consisted of amusing body guards and political cronies as well as The Mooseport citizens who just made me smile as I watched them be humorous in their own unique way.
I found this film quite amusing and suggest to anyone who can enjoy a simple light laugh. A great movie for the kids (probably kids over 8 or 9).
I give it ***
Swimming Pool (2003)
The Many Interpretations...
Note: comment contains information about the films ending and plot twists/events
After watching Swimming Pool, and much thought I have yet to choose a particular interpretation to the movie. I have still not yet decided what "really" happened, if anything of the plot "really" happened at all.
At first I thought that Sarah was simply interested with Julie's character and lifestyle for inspiration and plot ideas for her novel. However after the presumed death of the waiter Franck I realized that the film was deeper and more complex. The scene where Sarah helps Julie bury Franck made me think about my earlier conclusions. This made me wonder what really happened after Franck died, because in the earlier scene with Franck and Julie by the pool, Sarah goes to sleep with earplugs, and doesn't realize Franck is dead until she goes to his house, restaurant and her garage.
My second interpretation after watching the second scene of the night with Julie and Franck in the pool, I thought that Sarah was deciding between two endings, this one (where she helps bury Franck) and the previous one (where she just went to sleep) After some thought i decided that this was unlikely because, Sarah would probably not be featured in her own novel. However this thought gave me another idea. This idea was that none of the events actually happened at the villa in France, that these events were in fact events that took place in her novel.
However after I had seen the last few scenes exposing Julie as a plump not-so-attractive teenager with braces i didn't know what to think. My first impression was that the Julie Sarah knew, was not truly her publisher's daughter Julia. I thought back to the scene where Julie is on the phone with her father, and when she gives Sarah the phone the line goes dead. Then after some more thought i discovered that this interpretation was not strongly supported by the string of events in the film.
After dismissing the interpretation that Sarah's Julie was not her publisher John's Julie, i came to a second conclusion. This is that the Julie Sarah and John encounter are in fact both the same person, but perceived differently by both characters. Let us not forget that Sarah is a crime novelist who stated early in the film that she writes about "blood, sex, and money". Perhaps during Sarah's stay at the villa in France, she chose to see Julie as a sexy, wild, teenager/young adult for inspiration for her crime novel. Do her experiences with Julie at the villa not include blood, sex, and money? Julie is seen as the practical not-so-attractive typical teenager in her father's office in London, and waving goodbye as she leaves the French villa. Perhaps the reason that John and Sarah see Julie the sane way is because Sarah has presumably finished writing her novel. The image that she had of Julie no longer exists because her novel, which took inspiration from her is also finished. Perhaps she no longer has to see Julie as a wild partying crime fiction friendly character.
However the director throws a twist during the scene where Julie waves goodbye to Sarah at the French Villa. We see the new typical teenage image (revealed earlier at John's office) but then we see the sexy Julie (Ludivine Sagnier) look back afterwards. This clever twist makes us even more puzzled then we already are, and opens many more doors of interpretation. It also makes us ponder again over what really happened and who Julie really is. Is she one or the other, both, or neither of the characters portrayed in the film. I believe that Julie very well could be portrayed as anyone of the roles listed above.
Overall i found Swimming Pool intriguing and quite well done. As you might be able to tell, i have put much thought into the film, and would appreciate it if you could e-mail me any other interpretations or comments on the article. This is my first film review/comment, feedback and thoughts are very much welcomed on any aspects.