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aaronthefunkmaster
Reviews
American Movie (1999)
Decent movie inhibited by stuck-up audience members
This mockumentary is basically so-so. It has it's enjoyable moments. The burnt out character Mike Shank is hilarious as is decrepit Uncle Bill who also provides some touching moments. The humor drew chuckles from me but roars from much of the audience Anyway "American movie" is worth seeing on video, I wouldn't pay to see it on the big screen. The acting is very natural and at times poignant. The picture of Mark Borchardt is one of a non-conformist destined to never succeed yet never looking back. The movie kind of got me depressed, as any movie involving rural American life usually does. It runs a little long, it should be about twenty minutes shorter, but I wouldn't not recommend this movie. It's decent.
Men with Guns (1997)
Slow, Soothing, Compelling
I found Men with Guns undeniably compelling. It drew me into the life of Dr Fuentes in a way that few movie's draw you in. It's lack of action or energy did not seem to matter. The sounds the images were soothing but interesting and you feel like you are there on this trip with the doctor. Federico Luppi is magnificent as the Dr. Fuentes providing a character one can sympathize with, even as the movie never had to resort to cheesiness. The way in which the story was told made me wish more movies were made in this minimalist style, with an emphasis on the natural and the story, rather than the side project of special effects. If I ever made a film I would copy the style of this film. John Sayles direction was genius in its simplicity.
The Matrix (1999)
Matrix is far overrated
As a student at NYU I come into contact with many film students and film aficionados. When I first came here this fall I kept being told by these people that The Matrix was the best film of the year and maybe the greatest movie of all time. I finally saw it about a month ago and was pretty dissappointed. There were some cool fight scenes and above average action, but other than that? I kept being told the Matrix had this whole "philosophy." Are you kidding me? It was just a simple sci-fi story line. There was no "philosophy," it has no meaning for life and anyone who thinks it does is as blind to reality as those living their lives in the Matrix.