ruth.boaz Reviews

The Matrix (1999)

Buckle your seat belt Dorothy, 'cause Kansas is going bye-bye.

[10/10 · 6 June 2000]

Most of the reviews have already told you the basics; great special effects and stunts, intriguing plot, plenty of action. All true. However, let me weigh in with this. Every great action movie needs a great villain. The Matrix gives us the greatest villain since Die Hard's Hans Gruber -- Agent Smith. Here is an enemy you can love to hate and yet he is so interesting you really enjoy his scenes. His monologues will make you want to see this movie again and again just as much as the special effects.

Thelma & Louise (1991)

A terrific movie about friendship.

[10/10 · 17 March 2000]

I loved this movie from the first time I saw it, but it wasn't until I sat through it the third time that I figured out why. It is clever, exciting, and funny and is shot in the middle of the breathtaking scenery of the American Southwest. However, the thing that makes it special is its illustration of pure friendship. It may be difficult for some men to cross the gender boundary and connect with Thelma and Louise, yet doing so is critical to appreciating the film. If you can make the connection then you can get its message -- we all need a friendship like the one Thelma and Louise had. This movie will strike a deep emotional chord.....if you aren't afraid to let it. And if you happen to be too emotionally closed off to appreciate what I think the movie says about friendship I think that you will still enjoy the characters, acting, action, and humor. It is a ten out of ten.

Aliens (1986)

Outstanding blend of sci-fi, action, and humour.

[23 February 2000]

I rate Aliens a perfect 10. This second installment in the Alien series evolves the original movie's horror/sci-fi genre into action-adventure/sci-fi, setting a standard which has not yet been matched. I like this movie because it paints a picture of the future which is realistic enough to suck you in during the beginning of the film and then quickly introduces you to interesting characters who you become concerned with; some you love and others you hate.....but none of them bore you. By the time the action starts it's possible to forget you're watching a movie (at least the first couple of times). The plot is filled with tension that is occasionally broken by some of the most memorable one-liners in history (especially by Private Hudson). The special effects are remarkable, considering the fact that they were accomplished the "old fashioned way" prior to digital manipulation. I can report that I now own the Director's Cut and rate this version a 10 also. The extra footage will be extremely interesting to fans of the 1986 release. Either version gives you great characters, suspense, action, firepower, sarcasm, and wit. Aliens is an outstanding show!