ThomYorke Reviews

Reindeer Games (1996)

Being released Tuesday, October 25th as "Girl in the Basement."

[6/10 · 24 October 2005]

I discovered this film at Blockbuster, and it's coming on DVD tomorrow and it's a film that suspense fans should rent.

The plot is minimal, but, that's meant to be a compliment. It's suspenseful at times and "grungy Santa" was very disturbing. And, it's darkly humorous at times a le De Palma.

Some minor quibbles. The quality even of the DVD is a bit grainy, especially in the earlier scenes. And the acting by the owner of the restaurant is terrible. Even the girl overacts sometimes.

But the way the plot unfolds is sad, tragic. But, it's about what you would expect. You do end up feeling sorry for Alec.

Rent this on a lonely Saturday night, if you like suspense films. You'll not be disappointed.

Death of a Dynasty (2003)

An inside look(sorta) about Roc A Fella records.

[6/10 · 23 August 2005]

This is a mockumentary taking us inside Roc A Fella records. If you are not a fan of rap and don't know much about Jay-Z and Damon Dash, this film will not much appeal to you. But, if you're a fan of rap, as I am, then it's definitely worth a look.

There are some good things in this film. The actors playing Jay and Damon, as they do not play themselves, are very good for this sorta material. And, there are some very funny moments and in jokes, especially if you know a lot about the people in this record label before hand. This is also a very good look at hip hop culture and also a moral tale about selling one's soul for fame or respect.

But, sometimes, the script is sometimes childish, and the main character is really annoying and is obviously a generic poser, but, maybe that's the point.

I would overall have to say for some, this film will seem terrible. But, with a built in crowd, and if you are looking for a few laughs and a different kind of movie, check this one out as a rental sometime.

6 out of 10.

Fade to Black (2004)

From Marcy to Madison Square

[10/10 · 17 April 2005]

When "Reasonable Doubt" was released, it was an instant classic by one of the best rappers of all time.

Jay-Z's "Fade to Black" is two movies in one. The first is Jay's last concert at Madison Square Garden promoting his latest and last album, "The Black Album." The second film is recording sessions that go behind Jay'Z's making of said album.

Well, the concert footage is great. One of the best concert films I've ever seen. Jay-Z's performance on stage is nothing short of adrenaline pumping. The guests are always game, even, if only for a verse. Some get more screen time than others, such as Memphis Bleek. Twista, Kanye West, Memph Bleek and Beanie Siegel make an impression. Mary J Blige is excellent. Others, such as Missy Elliott and Foxy Brown barely make an impression.

In short, this is an excellent concert film and if you are a Jay-Z fan, you should buy this one, because you will not be disappointed.

Some minor quibbles. The making of the album footage, while interesting, because Jay-Z never writes his rhymes down, he memorizes them all, and kinda freestyles in the booth, that's very compelling. But, it does get a bit redundant.

This film would be a ten if it was just the concert from beginning to end.

Minor quibbles. Great concert film. Energetic, always entertaining and humorous, this is a good film, especially if you're a hip hop fan. If not, something may be lost in translation. But, if you're inclined to read this, you will not be disappointed. Thumbs way up.

Snatch (2000)

One of the best movies I have ever seen.

[10/10 · 31 July 2001]

Hilarious! Great, great film. I've seen in 12 times in a week, I can't get enough of it. It's right up there with "Pulp Fiction" with it's linear time line, interconnecting story line, and a group of very well developed characters. Loved everyone in the cast. You where never confused, although the plot seems confusing at first. Oh, by the way, watch out for Jason Steadham as "Turkish." He's going places. He's going to be a big star. He was in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, he's in some big American films coming out such as "Ghost's of Mars" and Jet Li's "The One." And deservedly so. Brad Pitt, great performance. Laters. This one is a keeper. A+. ****. 10/10.

Psycho (1998)

A courageous, interesting failure

[28 July 2000]

Of course this film is hated. How dare they have the gall to remake of the most beloved films in the history of American Cinema? What were they thinking?

And, of course no one can match the performance of Norman Bates. Vince Vaughn doesn't. Even Tom Hanks couldn't. No one can. It's unperformable. But, if you view the film as it's own, it's not that bad.

Few changes have been made from the orginal. Most them subtle. One change, however, underlines the film to a crashing hault. The masturbation scene. And, if you ever wanted to see Vince Vaugh masturbate to Anne Heche showering, this is the film for you. However, a serious film buff, will see that this change gets a laugh, at precisely the moment when one is not needed.

Anyways, you got to admire Van Sant for even trying this. The film is watchable. I love watching Vince Vaughn, even if his performance pales in comparison to Anthony Perkins. Anne Heche is adequate in the role of Marion Crane. Viggo Mortensen plays it all wrong as her lover. William H. Macy does a stellar job as Det. Arbogast. Robert Forster is good as the physican at the end. Even if you hate the film, it's got an all star cast, and I'm sure the actors had fun making the film.

I figured the film would at least break even at the box office, due to interest alone. It's not great, of course, it's not the 1960 version, but it's not all that bad. Watch it for Macy and Forster. Imagine the fun Vince Vaughn had chewing into this role. I would have loved the film to be shot in complete Black and White. But, this film fails. It's watchable, but so is Death Wish 3, that doesn't make it great however. But, film buffs should view the film out of curiousity. And I applaud Van Sant to have the courage to tread into these waters. Most directors wouldn't. I'd have loved to see the Coen's direct this. But, overall, this film is like the masturbation scene. An attempt to creature past passion and greatness