Everwas Reviews

Murder on a Sunday Morning (2001)

An amazing documentary--everything it should be

[10/10 · 26 October 2002]

I don't need to say much about how good this documentary is--it's truly an amazing piece of true narrative. The story is simple enough: a white senior citizen tourist is murdered by a young black man in Florida, and the boy who is arrested is mistreated and put on trial with only the public defender and his family on his side. It's very enthralling, and the public defender is a joy to watch in all his human ways--you can't help but pull for the triumph of justice, and the ending fulfills more than could be expected of a true story.

It's a shame more people haven't seen this documentary, but hopefully you will find a way to watch it. For those interested in race relations in the United States, and the actual workings of law enforcement and the legal process, it's well worth your time and effort to find this documentary. I give it a 10.

Ghost Ship (2002)

Failed attempt at horror entertainment

[3/10 · 26 October 2002]

This film is not worth seeing in the theater--unless, like me, you get a free pass and don't have to pay to see it. It's surprising that a somewhat mainstream horror film could fail so badly in almost every way. The plot is of some interest, but the writers/director fail to exploit the interesting things about the situation and instead revert to stock characters and techniques that fail on almost every level. (For one example, the African American character is driven primarily by lust in the film and wears a shirt that says "Everlast.") In addition, the dialogue is almost all cliche tripe that just emphasizes the ordinary nature of the film.

Most importantly for a film like this, the story is not scary, and is only minimally entertaining. Because the characters are so one-dimensional and superficial, we really have no stake in their journey, and any attempt to draw us in seems contrived and proves unfruitful. Furthermore, there really aren't many scenes that are scary--you would think a Ghost Ship in the middle of the sea would be ripe with some possibility for screams, but instead the film is predictable and nearly bereft of them. (And why else would anyone see a movie like this around Halloween?)

The only reason I gave this movie a 3 rating instead of a 2 is because of one interesting sequence near the end of the second act--a stylish flashback montage aimed at exposition that is really one of the only successful and interesting achievements of the film. This success is short-lived, though, as the ending is unreal and nonsensical. Catch it on cable or not at all.

Personne avant toi (1999)

A witty, intelligent short film

[10/10 · 28 May 2002]

This is the first time I've seen any work by Olivier Lecot, but I was quite impressed. The short film takes place in a cafe where the gameful search for the perfect mate plays itself out through several rapid encounters. Well worth watching, if you can find it (check IFC or Sundance).

Whatever It Takes (2000)

A bland and trite "teen flick" that is barely worth seeing.

[5/10 · 10 March 2001]

I am only writing this because I think the other reviews I've seen for this movie are far off base. "Teen flicks" in general have a tendency to play off of the same premise with little variation or creativity, and are--generally speaking--bad as a genre. There are a few exceptions, paramount among them "Clueless." This film isn't as horrible and unbearable as "10 Things I Hate About You," and I actually think it was probably a little better than "American Pie"--although I rather disliked the latter thus is not a very high compliment for this film either.

Quickly, to break it down, I will tell you the main problems with this film. 1) It recycles the horrible "Prom is coming up and I want to take the popular girl" premise, which seems to be the basis of many a horrible teen movie. 2) The primary conflict doesn't evolve until the movie is half over--up to that point, it is just a waste of time waiting for the primary conflict, and the action is pretty boring. 3) The end is predictable from the the first couple scenes of the movie... not a good thing. Save your money (and time), and rent something a little more original.

Little Boy Blue (1997)

A surprisingly complex, well-written, and well-acted drama.

[8/10 · 24 February 2001]

The primary problem with most non-mainstream films is that they fail to adhere to some of the basic cinematic elements that make films work. True, they are often interesting and provocative, but they fail in the larger sense that the film itself (not just the subject matter or content) fails to succeed for viewers.

That is not the case with "Little Boy Blue." For once, a novel premise and provocative content combine in a well-written screenplay that leaves the viewer fulfilled instead of disappointed. This film far exceeded my expectations in all areas, including the believable yet powerful acting in all of the major characters.

My major problem with the film was that the early part of the film didn't deal with (or even allude to) the overriding premise that really comes to light in the final third of the film. Additionally, the Doris Knight characterization seemed a bit unstable and her motivation in the final scenes is hard to pin down.

Still, a highly recommended film.

Virtual Sexuality (1999)

Not a brilliant plot but entertaining nonetheless

[5/10 · 9 June 2000]

Nobody that sees this movie will tell you that the plot is spectacular or brilliant, but I think most people will be fairly entertained by it. There are, as in most movies, some slow times or failures, but there are some interesting developments dealing with the main characters, primarily how the girl acts in her new body as a guy. It's really a toss up whether or not the movie is worth seeing. If you're in the mood for a fairly simple but mostly entertaining film, go ahead and check it out. If you prefer heavy or artistic movies with flawless and deep plots, you should probably avoid this one. It is also worth noting that the English accent is sometimes hard to understand, so if that annoys you, this movie will too.

The 13th Warrior (1999)

Failed to live up to potential - Read the book instead

[3/10 · 9 June 2000]

I have to admit that I enjoyed several of the clever aspects of this film. However, you're much better off getting these entertaining events from the book by Michael Chrichton than by seeing the movie. This is because the movie is incredibly boring at times (especially the first several minutes), the end of the film is immediate and unsatisfying, and because Antonio Banderas just doesn't fit the lead role (is he Spaniard-Arabic or Arabic-Spaniard?). I almost think this a movie that shouldn't be a movie. It just doesn't entertain like a movie, and if it doesn't entertain and doesn't accomplish some social commentary or other worthy goal, why make it--or, more importantly, why see it? Well, there isn't a reason why, so don't see it. Take a trip to the library instead (or pick a better movie).

Arlington Road (1999)

An exciting and unpredictable thriller--well worth seeing

[10/10 · 21 May 2000]

You can tell by the previews that this isn't an ordinary film. It's interesting, it's creative, it will make you think and it will bring you fear. Besides, it's entertaining.

The best thing about "Arlington Road" is that it all ties together and makes you examine your own world from a different perspective. You get to know the main characters and feel for them, and you make realizations as they do (or do not) until the end. There are many twists in the plot, and its unpredictable nature makes it quite entertaining.

If you enjoy thrilling dramas that have substance and depth in addition to the occasional action scenes, you can't find a much better movie than "Arlington Road."

Dogma (1999)

An interesting premise ruined by the terrible ending

[5/10 · 21 May 2000]

I've seen a lot of great movies, but this isn't one of them...

However, it does have a lot going for it. For one thing, it has a creative plot that draws heavily from religion and mythology to comment on the state of religion and society. It also has several interesting characters played by good actors, and it's fun to watch their interaction and chemistry and enjoy the humor of the dialogue.

But "Dogma" doesn't have anything really special or unique, and the disappointing and pitiful ending doesn't do the rest of the film justice. In fact, it really ruins the film as a whole, and puts it near the end of the list for films worth seeing.

If you enjoy social commentary and an examination of religion in modern society, this just might be worth seeing (after you've seen all of the "tens" and "nines" that the video store has to offer).

Frequency (2000)

A must-see thriller that satisfies the imagination

[7/10 · 13 May 2000]

"Frequency" is one of the must-see movies for 2000. It has a well-written, interesting and surprising storyline that intrigues the mind, as well as a suspenseful plot and thrilling action to move the film steadily along. A couple of scenes are slightly awkward (due to their apparent unrealism), but the overall package is a satisfying one: it combines great special effects and science fiction- or fantasy-type imagination with an emotional, action-filled plot that takes you on a journey you wouldn't expect. The end, too, is satisfying and well-suited, and the creativity and images of some scenes are some of the most imaginative and intriguing I've seen in quite a while--much like the feeling you get in some of the best scenes of "Contact".

Gladiator (2000)

A quality action-film-done-right with emotion and beauty

[8/10 · 13 May 2000]

A truly incredible film, "Gladiator" is epic in nature with an interesting plot, strong emotion, beautiful imagery, and fierce action that held me on the edge of my seat until the final credits fell. Due to the human struggles of the plot and the identifiable characters, I became empathetic and emotional, truly "pulling" for what I wanted to happen (as was intended, I'm sure). The battle scenes were highly engaging and interesting to watch--not just the same old fights. The beautiful locations and imagery really added a great visual layer to the film that enhances its entertainment value, its enjoyability. A couple scenes have aspects that are unrealistic, and the special effects were sometimes pixelated and unrealistic, but I appreciate all that "Gladiator" accomplishes and recommend it highly to anyone in the mood for a -quality- action film.

American Beauty (1999)

An artistically brilliant depiction of humanity

[10/10 · 13 May 2000]

I really cannot recommend this film enough. Some conservative critics find it "Un-American," but I think it sheds light on the myths that oppress us: that relationships must appear to be perfect; that one has to work like a mule to afford a materialistic worth; that appearance of a fine Italian silk couch or nice dress or flower bed of roses is more important than human interaction and what we do during our lives. Add to this important message its beautiful direction and cinematography, superb acting, and potent imagery, not to mention an interesting modern plot, and you have a near-perfect masterpiece, triumphant for our true humanity.