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TheFunkmaster
Reviews
X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
Far from perfect, but still very good.
I just saw this movie tonight at its full opening, and I certainly must say that in some ways I was impressed. Fans of "Beast" will be pleased (think Yoda in "Attack of the Clones"), and the introduction of the character "Juggernaut" was better than I could have expected. The special effects were stunning, the emotions were real, but still, the movie fell flat in some ways. Two main problems befell this movie, which "X2" had avoided. And here i know that I'm probably being overly critical, but I expect the best from this series. First, most of the one-liners are really really corny and annoying. Second, and of more importance, the plot is rather one-dimensional and small in scope. While "X2" had the feeling of building to an apocalyptic ending, this movie feels at best like another installment to the series or (if the producers have been honest in telling us this is the last installment) at worst this movie feels like a rather cheap ending. I would not be in the least surprised if the producers announce in a couple weeks production of the next installment. And there were some other things about this movie that I did not like, but those are such massive spoilers I would rather not say anything.
All in all, it is a fine movie and I would recommend it to anyone who had interest in either of the first two. I thought X2 was better than this one, but this one is certainly good in its own way. Oh, and also make sure you stay after the credits. It's definitely worth it.
Oh Mikey! (2002)
Quick and Painful(ly hilarious)
This show, a collection of two-to-three minute vignettes, is a strikingly hilarious satire of American culture. It's from the viewpoint of an American family of mannequins who move to Japan, and stereotypes ensue. The directors guarantee that every episode ends in uproarious laughter. Originally conceived as a bit on late-night TV (kind of like how "The Simpsons" got their start), it has grown to cult status among the faithful. From the day they move to Japan, to the day they meet Mikey's hesitant teacher, to the day Mikey saves his parents by drinking his milk, the plot is quick and witty.
For anyone who enjoys anything Japanese, or anything funny for that matter, I highly recommend "Oh Mikey!" (aka "The Fuccons") for your viewing pleasure.
Crash (2004)
Crash is Crap
A poorly written collection of loose stereotypes, which leaves the viewer feeling one or more of the following: 1. depression 2. anger 3. boredom 4. racism and 5. boredom. This film is arrogant, trite, and simply bad. It was written with the goal of engendering a more tolerant and diverse world, and that is an AWESOME goal- but this is among the worst possible ways to do that. If anything, this movie works against racial integration. It makes people more aware of the differences between themselves and others. The only way to enjoy this movie is to not take it at all seriously, but that's so very hard because the director, editors, and actors all took it way too seriously. The prudent film-watcher would pass on this one.
Hotel Rwanda (2004)
A truly important piece of film history
I just saw this movie, not knowing what to expect. I was absolutely blown away. This movie was well-acted, well-directed, and well-written- but even more importantly, it is a direct portrayal of true events. In reviews for this movie I have run across a few negative comments by the critics, and the main one has been that "the movie is too much of a 'hero' piece," and to those critics I respond: yes! It is a hero piece! Paul Rusesabagina was a hero. But it wasn't just that. Nolte's character is a hero. And, even though these characters are seen as heroes in the film, they have their weaknesses. Cheadle's characterization of Rusesabagina is incredible; extremely strong, yet extremely human and emotional. This film is an amazing biography of a real man who lived through a real tragedy.
I admit I know very little of the facts on the genocide in Rwanda- and this is why I am thankful for a film like "Hotel Rwanda" to open my eyes to it. If there were one thing I would change about this movie, it would be to add MORE violence. It almost seems to me that the director skipped over the violence a bit to keep a pg-13 rating. It leaves the film a little lighter than it probably should have been, considering the immense gravity of the situation portrayed. Did you know that over 1 million people died in the fighting in Rwanda in 1994? To get a fuller idea of that 1 million people, this film should have been even grittier and more painful.
But, that aside, "Hotel Rwanda" is among the most realistic, painful, and amazing films I have seen. It wrenches the viewer's heart, to think of the injustices going on in our world. I would list "Rwanda" among 'life-changing' films, such as "Schindler's List" and "The Passion of the Christ." See this movie, and remember that it is all true. 10/10