bapper Reviews

Criminal Lovers (1999)

been a while since a film was this boring...

[4/10 · 19 September 2001]

This could be so much better..!

First of all the acting was not more than average, it consisted mainly of desperation or screaming, maybe these are good actors (which they probably are), but this script just didn't served them at all. It was predictable as hell (yeah, I know camp, cliches..blablabla...well had enough of them, I want something fresh). Tension (which seemed a big point in the beginning) was o.k., but became a dreadful boring factor (what do you expect if you just take really long breaks in dialogue and very long shots.) And the symbolism...oh, after 25 minutes it was clear monsieur Ozon likes symbolism, well I do to, but it doesn't have to spelled out in big f@$#ing neon signs (sorry about that). So sexuality, Hansel und Gretchen and a bit crime...that's a promising concept..but what a way of totally misusing this concept.

I do think there were two positive aspects: visually this film wasn't a total waste of exercise and I'm gonna think thrice next time standig in the videostore holding a Francois Ozon film.

I know it is a harsh comment, but I just really missed the commitment in this film, everything was done half...or not even half...

Do not see this unless you appreciate his work or think the blonde actress alone is a reason (which is something I can imagine), because I haven't been dissapointed this much in months.

Toy Story 2 (1999)

Pixar is improving: near perfect...

[9/10 · 24 February 2000]

I just saw Toy Story 2 an hour ago and I must say that, despite all the great reviews, I was still surprised about the quality....It started absolutely marvellous; one of the greatest and humorous opening sequences ever. The plot is really smart, the animation is brilliant and the humor...Oh man! The last 50 minutes must be the most fun 50 minutes I had in years and believe me, I'm NOT exaggerating. It seems impossible to imagine the fun the writers must have had, because this is a true film-fest whether you do like Disney-esque films or don't.

Having this fast-paced storyline, John Lasseter & Co. exploited it to a maximum. Cameo's from Pixar-characters (Geri's the coolest), unexpected and obliged references to other big films (really love the Jurrasic Park one), great new characters (Wheezy!!), and more jokes and gags rammed in an animated feature than you'll ever see and of course the out takes.

The action-department is also greatly represented in some astonishing sequences with great, original shots and angles. The music is moody and Randy Newman is at his best with the really non-disturbing, appropriate song about Jessie, which is definitely the message of this film.

O.K., I know I'm raving, but I really meant it when I chose the ten and clicked the "Vote" button. This film is great and I recommend it to every film-lover.

A few downsides (this hardly affects the overall film) are I think, first of all the lack of originality, which is excusable and acceptable for a sequel. Second, the still somewhat jerky animation of the humans (I know they said it was supposed to be, but I disagree that). And third: the ratio, 1:1,85 (I thought it was the theater, but Pixar is forgiven, seen the quality of the film.) These are minors things and my decision is final, Toy Story 2 is certainly included in my top 20.

O.K., now you may stand up and ring a friend to go and see it, come on!!