morgan831 Reviews

Someone Like Me (1994)

Uber 90's Show

[13 January 2008]

The main thing I remember about this show is all the references to popular 90's bands. In one scene, the younger sister blackmails the older sister into letting her wear her Nine Inch Nails t-shirt, and another scene has the step dad (trying to be cool) referring to REM as 'rim'. Another episode I remember had Gaby's character making a tape of herself singing for the boy she likes. Through some unfortunate circumstances, the tape gets played on the loudspeaker at the local skating rink when all her fellow students are present. This kind of unrealistic embarrassment comedy was indicative of 90's sitcoms (except Seinfeld and the Simpson's) Can't remember if I liked it or not, I was only 11 or 12.

Mr. McAllister's Cigarette Holder (1994)

Very Poignant Short

[8/10 · 21 March 2005]

I saw this as part of the "Franz Kafka's It's a Wonderful Life" DVD. It is the most poignant of the four short films on the disc (also included are "The Deal" written by Lewis Black, "Seven Gates", and the above mentioned). Shot in black and white, the film takes place over a number of years despite only being about 20 minutes in length. The story seems to be set in the depression-era south, but I can't be entirely sure about that. The film is based on a short story by Mark Steadman and directed by film editor John David Allen. This film is very well done as are all of the shorts included in this collection. I would definitely recommend checking out the DVD if you can find it.

The Deal (1998)

One of the Strangest......

[8/10 · 20 March 2005]

....Things I have ever seen. I saw this as part of the "Franz Kafka's It's a Wonderful Life" short film collection on DVD. This was written by comedian Lewis Black (of The Daily Show fame). The entire short is dialog driven, but it is some of the most inventive/strange dialog I've ever heard. The script is written like a two character, one-act play. It centers around two Donald Trump/CEO types meeting in a huge office to discuss a deal. Needless to say, it gets a little weird from there. I won't go into any more detail, as you should see it for yourself. If you can find this DVD, rent it immediately. All the films are very well done, particularly this one.

A Home at the End of the World (2004)

Oscar for Colin

[9/10 · 27 November 2004]

I'm not sure if I just saw the same movie as some of the other reviewers on here. I would include this film as one of the best of 2004 (so far) along with Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Garden State, Spartan, and Kill Bill Vol 2. Colin Farrell's character, Bobby Morrow is one of the most fascinating people I've seen in the movies for some time. I hope his performance (and this film) are given the recognition they deserve. The rest of the performances are excellent as well. The screenplay and the direction are also very good, too. The story isn't something that we haven't seen on film before, but the characters and the way the film unfolds isn't your standard fare. Don't listen to the detractors, see this film.

Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)

The funniest movie in 5 years!

[9/10 · 13 July 2004]

This is one of the most hilarious films in recent memory. Not to discount other recent comedies, most notably Jack Black's teamings with writer Mike White. But there were several moments I was laughing so hard, tears were streaming down my face and I could hardly breathe. And it is very rare that a film has one moment that can provoke that sort of response from me. Will Ferrell has always been a very gifted comedic actor, but with this film he has found the perfect role. Christina Applegate provides a very good counter to Ferrell as well. And the supporting cast is nothing short of amazingly funny in their roles, especially Steven Carrell. I hope we see much more of him in years to come. Great cameos too, but I won't give them away like some of the previous commentators have. In short, go see this movie and laugh your a$$ off.

Seven Gates (1997)

Interesting, If Nothing Else

[7/10 · 28 February 2004]

I watched this movie as part of a four short-film DVD called "Franz Kafka's It's a Wonderful Life and Other Strange Tales". I would definitely recommend checking it out if you can find it. All of the short films are very good. Since each is only about 20 minutes in length, there isn't a whole lot to say about Seven Gates. It is pretty much just two guys riding in a car together having a conversation. It takes a little bit to figure out the context of what they're talking about, but it has good acting, an interesting concept, and a couple of great songs by an odd country band called Lonesome Dave and the Soundmen.

Blood Work (2002)

I knew it (warning: spoilers)

[6/10 · 19 March 2003]

Warning (Spoilers) -

I really enjoyed this movie until I saw where it was going towards the end. Any idiot could have figured out that Jeff Daniels was the killer long before he made himself known. But I guess Clint never watched "Dressed To Kill", or more recently "Kiss the Girls" or "The Bone Collector" (the latter two, sucking). There are plenty of great thrillers where the killer isn't a close acquaintance of the cop trying to catch them. I.E.- "Silence of the Lambs", "Se7en", ect. I mean, it doesn't even make sense to have the killer be friends with the cop, anyway. Oh well, I'm done ranting. I gave it a 6 out of 10 because the first hour and a half was really good. Although the Paul Rodriguez was completely unnecessary.

The Hunted (2003)

Good Quality Entertainment

[7/10 · 15 March 2003]

I sincerely the hope the average user rating goes up on this. This isn't an oscar caliber film by any means(although the leading actors and the director have Oscars under their belts) , but this is an entertaining action film and lives up to those standards.

Shrieker (1998)

This movie isn't good

[2/10 · 21 February 2003]

Sometimes Full Moon makes entertaining movies. This isn't one of them. Full Moon is like a low-key Troma. Their movies aren't as violent or off the wall, but they're usually just as devoid of talent. The acting in this movie isn't terrible but the script is pretty bad, and overall it's pretty boring and it doesn't even contain any nudity (like many Full Moon movies) to somewhat redeem it. Skip this one, and go rent "Head of the Family".

Knockaround Guys (2001)

Wait......

[8/10 · 12 October 2002]

Why is everybody ragging on this movie. While it wasn't entirely original, it was wholly entertaining. The character development was very good (especially that of Barry Pepper and Vin Diesel) and the double crosses caught me off guard. None of the characters in the movie are necessarily bad people (not even the cops), they are just doing what they think the situation merits and nobody wants to back down.

And why this movie is being rated lower than "Boondock Saints" is beyond me. Compared to that film, "Knockaround Guys" is "Citizen Kane".

A la cama con Porcel (1992)

The best show ever!

[6 April 2002]

A big fat Mexican guy hitting on hot chicks in sequin bikinis! How can you lose? You don't even need to speak Spanish to enjoy this show. Another point of interest, Jorge Porcel appeared in the great film, Carlito's Way.

A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)

Unlike Anything Else You'll ever See

[9/10 · 6 April 2002]

I can't understand how anyone couldn't feel the same awe and wonder that I felt while I watched this film. It's so deep and meaningful, but no one else seems to get that. It combines the nostalgia of childhood like E.T., with the epicness of Close Encounters of the Third Kind. The ending wasn't what I expected, but it made me think for a long time.

The Boondock Saints (1999)

Average Rating 7.7?!?

[3/10 · 25 March 2002]

This movie is an unintelligible piece of crap. The only reason I rented it was because of the comparisons to Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs written on the box. Those are great movies, this one doesn't even approach being that good. Don't waste your time. Oh, it does feature Ron Jeremy in a non-porno role, if that interests you.

Resident Evil (2002)

Lacks a Sense of Humor

[4/10 · 20 March 2002]

This movie (unlike many in this genre) totally lacks a sense of humor. And instead of making the gore and violence comical, it is somewhat disturbing. There are some horror films that don't have much of a sense of humor, yet are still good (i.e. Night of the Living Dead, Dawn of the Dead, ect.) but this movie isn't that good. It is downright nerve racking at times. If you want to see a good zombie movie, go rent any of the Evil Dead films, Dead Alive, or any directed by George Romero.

Magnolia (1999)

Profound Experience

[10/10 · 14 January 2002]

Watching this film was truly a profound experience for me. Everything about it is excellent, and by the end it seems almost ethereal. Great acting, writing, direction, and Aimee Mann's music makes the film, literally. Paul Thomas Anderson is one of the best new filmmakers.

Boogie Nights (1997)

Wow!

[10/10 · 14 January 2002]

This movie is wonderful. It contains so much joy, and so much despair. The unbroken shot at the pool party is technically brilliant. Scene after scene it just gets better, and the last scene.....well, if you haven't seen it, I won't spoil it for you.

Pulp Fiction (1994)

Best Film of the 90's

[10/10 · 14 January 2002]

This is hands down, the best film of the 90's, maybe the best ever. Quentin Tarantino and Roger Avary's script definetely deserved the Oscar it recieved. Their dialogue is great, the acting is wonderful, the direction is flawless. If you haven't seen this movie, watch it immediately!