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kingedward
Reviews
The Last Samurai (2003)
Excellent, compelling- ~very~ enjoyable!
I caught a sneak preview, and was very glad I bought the ticket & got in line, early. The sell-out crowd really seemed to enjoy the movie as much as I did. Sure, Tom Cruise might not be the best, but the movie is not all about him, and in any case, I think he did do a good job. It is a surprise to realize that I sat in that seat as long as I did. While the 2.5 hours could not to be said to have flown by, nor was the film a tedious thing, where one looks to their watch to see how much time has elapsed, for when the suffering might end..... Surely some will feel that way, but get real- this movie will not appeal to all (obviously!!). There certainly was gore- yet if you've watched much CSI on CBS, you've seen as much or more. I would say the level of blood is somewhat similar. It was more intense, of course, being on the big screen, and the amount of it- meaning, longer scenes. It was not over- done, in my opinion. Enjoyable, and chances are good I will see it again. Perhaps even purchase it when it comes out on DVD.
Enjoy!! Eddy ~~~
Active Stealth (1999)
Oops-did I rent the wrong video??
I guess I did rent the wrong one.... I meant to pick up a video about some Apache unit, which theoretically could also have been bad. But not too likely.
When I saw the ratings y'all had given this, I thought maybe I might disagree.
However: I also noticed the FLIR & DLIR switched being flipped to engage the countermeasures.... I find it quite sad that ~I~ noticed that, and the producers didn't- as I've only read a few books about the subject at hand.....
And the acting? I suppose it COULD be worse. But not much.
The plot? I personally questioned the degree of disrespect given by "Hollywood" towards his commanding officer. How accurate is that? I've never served in any branch of the Services, but I find it hard to believe that any commander at any level would put up with what he got in this movie. Of course, it IS "just" a movie, but still...
I suppose this was better than watching Richard Simmons, with no disrespect to said individual intended....
~ELB~
The Flamingo Rising (2001)
Interesting....
I will start by saying I didn't catch the first part of the movie, so there may be something in that part that changes the tone of the movie. As for the part I saw, it was at the least intriguing. Part of me wished they had explored the relationship between the boy and his neighbor/schoolmate more, yet that would be expecting something more from the movie than what it was. This being a pet-peeve of mine, regarding movies, I shall not succumb to it! *L* There is also the fact that this movie was based on a book, which I guess they did follow to a certain extent (thankfully!). The ending was..... something of a remarkable nature- and as I just finished watching it, I am not really sure what to say about it. Of course, I'd want to be careful of what I said anyway, to not spoil it for those who have yet to watch it. In any case, I guess I will leave it at that. Poor review? I guess so. I think that this movie is worth a watch, and can definitely bring up some topics for discussion with a good friend or the family. If you'll take the time and effort to do so. ~ELB~
Pay It Forward (2000)
I predict....
I predict that there will be many who will just OOZE praise for this movie, and it's acting, plot, & thought-provoking elements. They will have basis for this praise, yet I am not sure it can be considered the BEST of the year, either.
That said, either I allowed myself to be caught up in the movie "too much", or it truly did have it's moments of surprise, time to time, with some, of course, more predictable elements. I went to see this based on my enjoyment of Haley Joel Osment in "Sixth Sense", and also a growing interest in Kevin Spacey. I even watched it paying full price, which I never do! :c)
I was not really disappointed by young Osment's acting, and at least once during the movie found myself hoping for many more movies from him, wondering where he may end up...
Anyway, I will go see it again, with a friend; I do not think your money will be wasted, unless you come & watch this movie without checking it out first (and it not being a movie you would like, anyway), or come expecting something it is not. I could not really tell the demographics of my fellow movie-watchers, but we all laughed several times, and I am sure there were many NOT-dry eyes as well!
Oh, by the way, I would not suggest you take your kids, with some sex, violence and alcohol scenes making the movie not-so-nice for them. But then, that is my opinion. :c)
Go, watch, & enjoy!