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Filmmaker 13
Reviews
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
Better than the one before it and the two abortions after.
Surprised I never wrote a review for the greatest action film of all time (not really, I rarely do :) This film is masterful for all the reasons that every one has already said or will say once they watch. James Cameron is known for his strong female characters and Sarah Connor has to be the toughest. One reason I think why this action film appeals to many females vs. every other action films where the girl is in distress, waiting to be saved. But that's not the main reason everyone digs this film, it's simply how perfectly the film is crafted. It's a very well written script, not in terms of brilliant dialogue, but in terms of story and flow. Everything about the direction is perfect, editing, characters, performances, literally every input in the film.
South Park: The Ring (2009)
Political Commentary on Tween Sex
South Park takes on Disney. Trey and Matt always say that the simplest idea is one that ususally turns out good and this episode proves their point. What is continually impressive and entertaining about SP is that they continually focus on just one story without getting side tracked and still have it rife with political and social satire. In this episode they explain the real reason why the Jonas Brothers wear purity rings (turns out Disney likes to sell sex to little girls. Just watch the episode). What is truly amazing is that at the end of what is an episode I predict will never be in syndication on a major network, they make the point about tweens not having sex that is far more convincing and brilliant than those rings ever could. I still have loyalty to the Simpsons so it makes it hard to admit this, but South Park is the best show on television. Not so hard to admit that it even on it's worst day South Park surpasses Family Guy on its best.
South Park: Tonsil Trouble (2008)
I'm not just sure this is a great episode...I'm HIV Positive.
Brilliant, inventive, cutting edge, but most importantly HILARIOUS--South Park continues to impress year in and year out. The season opener for season 12 was no different. After Cartman mistakenly gets infected with AIDS and purposefully infects Kyle, the two set out to find Magic Johnson to find the cure or else Kyle will destroy Cartman's X-Box (a far graver consequence for Cartman than the life threatening illness). Highlights include Cartman's wardrobe modeled after Tom Hanks in Philadelphia, Cartman's "staying HIV positive" outlook and the eventual cure--the look on the faces of the indigent third worlder's is at once heart breaking and hilariously evil.
Compare even the worst episode of South Park (and judging from the ratings on this site, it's A Million Little Fibers) and compare it to the best show that any other series has to offer--chances are very good SP will not only hold it's own, but still have more laughs.
Carrie (1976)
Sissy Spacek's creepy eyes
Sissy Spacek has the creepiest eyes and Piper Laurie had a crazy menace on her face. I gave the film a 10/10 not because it was brilliant film-making, but for one simple fact: It actually scared me. This is odd because I saw the film when I was a kid, but it made no impact. I caught it again on cable the other night and I got a little scared seeing Sissy Spacek's wide open eyes when she destroys the high school and Piper Laurie's creepy smile (reminded me of the old people in Mulholland Drive)as she attacks Carrie. This is a most notable feat: a scary movie that was actually scary. The film accomplished what it set out to do; an amazing achievement that many films today unfortunately are not able to do.
Pearl Harbor (2001)
Expect Saving Private Ryan, Get Titanic in the Air.
This movie seems to primarily borrow from "Independence Day" and "Titanic." When it comes to battle scenes it goes ahead and copies "Saving Private Ryan", but not enough. That's unfortunate because although the film would be a ripoff, at least it would be a watchable ripoff. I stand corrected--it's a ripoff just of "Titanic" and "Independence Day". There is nothing worthwhile about this film. The only reason you should watch it is if you want to see what a film made by the Hollywood machine is all about.
P.S. I know I haven't commented on the plot--but my review allocates the same amount of time and energy the filmmakers spent in developing it in the first place.
Trainspotting (1996)
Near perfect film about addiction.
No film comes to my mind that deals with addiction as well as "Trainspotting". The scene where Renton gets ready to get off junk in particular is a gem. The truly brilliant and most disturbing scene (at least in my mind) has to be when Renton is locked in the bedroom and is having withdrawl symptoms. The only comment I have is that it is imperative everyone watches this film.
The Langoliers (1995)
I really felt bad for Bronson Pinchot.
Most people think this movie is a mess and I must say that the computer generated monsters and effects were cheesy to say the least. However, like any film, there is also a certain amount of dramatic element that could have been made creepy with the tragic characters that the writer created and the actors bring to life. Memorable above all has to be in the Bronson Pinchot's characterization of Craig Toomey. I didn't feel bad at all for that blind girl. In fact, I hated her for leading Toomey to his doom. This material could have been made even creepier if made under the sort of direction and camera work Kubrick used in "The Shining" and if it weren't made for television.
Hannibal (2001)
If you have a brain, you won't see this.
This film is a clear example of how important direction is even with a wonderful performance from your star. I won't take anything away from Anthony Hopkins who gives a chilling and engaging performance once again as Hannibal Lecter. Rather, the fault lies with the director, Ridley Scott and a weak story. Scott paces the film like the way Hopkins plays Lecter: slow and methodical. It works for Lecter who is creepy and truly terrifying because he is so calm and patient. However pacing the film this way doesn't create for any suspense or terror, but rather it is irritating and boring. The Italian sequences feel empty because we don't have our protagonist Starling there to cling to. Julianne Moore turns in a decent performance, although Jodie Foster is greatly missed. The real loss to this film is the lack of Demme's direction and a decent story.
Dynasty: The Reunion (1991)
THIS IS GOD AWFUL!
The one line summary sums it up. If you want to cringe at scenes where the entire extended family is watching home movies of themselves fighting and making stupid comments, this is the movie for you. I'm just glad that all the actors are now washed up or retired (except for Heather Locklear, of course
Unbreakable (2000)
No need to edit this film when it hits the t.v.
Everyone has rightfully praised M. Night Shyamalan for quite simply a brilliant and original story. No arguments here. I think it should also be said that the man should be given extra points for not once using a curse word in the film (aside from a "goddammit" from Bruce Willis). It was like watching a film from the forties. Shyamalan has revived the lost art of writing dialogue for characters and allowing them to experience the entire spectrum of human emotions without shouting out gratuitous obscenities. He's like the Seinfeld of filmmakers.