kumarihpx Reviews

The Falling World (2022)

Interesting tension and superb, subtle ending

[30 December 2023]

I wasn't sure I would get into the movie because it seemed a bit pretentious to start. Honestly, I jumped around at first to make sure this wouldn't be a horror movie with loud, sudden scares, so when I saw people talking to each other in nearly every frame, I was intrigued.

One clue after another dropped showing up that something was definitely happening and it just got more tense, as we find out there was an incident which happened in this same setting a couple of years before, and now "all the same people" are here again. Whaaa....? There's a cover-up, everyone's cagey.

Is the new girl getting set up? Is it a cult? Sex game gone wrong? WTH?? You have to watch all the way through to find out.

The pieces came together so slowly and things start to get creepy, then there's a shift that you're not sure about -- was it reality? Was that daydreaming of the past? Was it the future?

I love this kind of shiot! Expertly played, creators! Expertly played.

Then, the final scene, in flashback -- what really happened in the past -- in secret, from the POV of the woman who was privy to all the information . Yikes! The horror of realizing our girl definitely became part of the game that's been going on the whole time. She's just in on the latest reiteration.

Ha Ha -- just excellent. I've been watching a lot of classic "film noir" lately, finding modern stuff very poor on story, and often too reliant on CGI and/or more modern movie magic. This movie was a breath of fresh air because it's one of the few in my recent memory where people are just talking the majority of the time -- Actually, One-on-one in most scenes -- and it's incredibly dramatic.

Remember "Get Out?"

Like noir, Crime and Drama meeting in the sweet spot. With romance, on the edge. Oh, yeah. That's the stuff.

Charlie's Angels (2019)

3rd Generation?? No!

[16 November 2019]

I have to ask WTF were they thinking, dragging this very old, very dead horse out -- for YET ANOTHER go 'round. The original series should have been the end. However, I have to admit the Barrymore jaunt was fun, even though I lumped it in with all the sad remakes in the earlier 2000s; I was wrong about that one, as it ended up being a brilliant zeitgeist of the emerging #FutureIsFemale generation that eventually matured to erupt in #MeToo.

This generation, though, grasps for understanding of what feminism was in the 1970s -- then, they just laugh it off as archaic -- totally unaware that their moment is ahead of them, but out-of-sight as it's just beyond the horizon. Who knows what the more mature of them will call it?

How can today''s girl reach back almost 50 years to build on the legacy? I doubt they've ever seen the original, and I know for sure the pace would leave them tapping their feet or nails nervously, unable to resist checking their 5th appendage (smart device) while waiting... waiting... for? A 2-minute long commercial? Unthinkable!

This one leads them down a path unawares, though, which is sad. A fair amount of fist-pumping but "the message" is shallow at its core.

What was wannnabe mogul Elizabeth Banks thinking? Or, did she get hers then get out before the studio created this train-wreck?

Take Your Pills (2018)

Highly biased doc conflating meth and other stimulants

[31 May 2019]

I'm surprised they didn't lump in cold and asthma medicine.

I'm angry; I think because they said so often that ADHD medicine is "performance enhancing" so often it seemed as if all use is illegitimate! It's an interesting question whether stimulant use in college is a symptom of the American competition problem. Maybe so but it creates a false narrative that 1) Amphetamine is used as often, 2) in the same ways & circumstances, 3) that's it's destructive to the body or mind. Notice you never heard doctors utter any of the inflammatory claims about how Adderall destroys everything it touches. Some people who never had ADHD or were *forced* to take meds as a kid decide they don't want it anymore. It's all anecdotal.

Finally, the docs starts by showing wobbly images, as if you're tripping. That's not an effect of stimulant medication -- just the opposite in fact. Nor do you zoom or sprout wings and think you can fly.

I really wish they'd had less lopsided discussion. Maybe show what it's like to experience the memory problems , constant frustration , and utter debilitating blows to one's self-esteem when you try and work very hard and nothing seems to ever go right. For years. They were obviously trying to shock and dissuade people from taking the medicine. I don't know why.. Either they shut their eyes on the facts or they never had them.

One Little Pill (2014)

Get the meds

[25 March 2019]

Wouldn't call it a method -- it's a prescription IMO. I'm a social worker, child of an alcoholic, and had my turns of excessive drinking. Thankfully I had a psychiatrist treating me for other mental health disorders was educated enough to offer Naltrexone. It is prescribed for heroin addiction , as is Suboxone. They block the feeling you get from which ever drug you use. Just like we learn to use alcohol and other drugs work immediately to medicate anxiety, pain, and other anguish, you can learn that it no longer works -- if you stay on it and want to survive.

The Demolition of Truth-Psychologists Examine 9/11 (2016)

False advertising - - Doesn't match its title

[15 March 2019]

For the record , I've watched several 9/11 alternative explanation/conspiracy theory films. I am open to their assertions. However , as a social scientist myself, I cannot abide by this movie's "unique" spin that claims it is driven by psychology . It presents much of the same evidence from physical scientists as others. It includes explanations from psychology amounting to about 4-5 minutes and only mentions cognitive dissonance (dislike of holding two opposing ideas) and Milgram's study of obedience to authority. Basically , the people believe their government is the entire "psychology." No information necessary on the part of the viewer other than observing the majority of the population's sheep-like nature. Duh, what a waste o time.

Death of a Nation (2018)

WOW Trump is Hitler's descendant / Indian immigrant biography?

[10 March 2019]

I can't believe they actually found evidence that Trump is related by blood to Hitler. His generals escaped to reform Nazis in South America , which is why they put Trump in power here. Why the U S claims the winner of that election and sending aid now. The aim has always been to raise up the White Aryan race!

This is great information not many know this! But why doesn't this Indian guy get that he's not one of us. He goes on and on to tell about how he came to America without even wanting to! and now he stays steal our jobs!

The whole thing is wacko. Taking advantage of us poorer people.

What the Health (2017)

BOGUS reviews Reported, esp. the 1/10 ones

[31 December 2018]

Follow the usernames. Most are in the format of _fake name-some numbers_ and almost all written in July or Aug 2017. These "users" have made ONE REVIEW, ever.

I wrote my own review today, then noticed extreme reviews and was revolted to see a smear campaign against this title by some unidentifiable lobby. I have reported it to IMDB administration because:

I've been an IMDB member for 20 years and am a certified film art junkie. A number are duplicates, also reported. It's not that I disagree with the ratings but they are straight-up bogus!

What the Health (2017)

In the style of Michael Moore -- slightly less inflammatory.

[31 December 2018]

Andersen is hard-hitting and won't take no for an answer, but seemingly less passionate than Moore (i. e., never raises his voice). This is a good thing. His voice is quite soothing, actually. He's more reasonable and undoubtedly adds up to better research and access to information (and their human sources).

Most prefer this style . But I'm a very passionate person, so I prefer Moore's style, from whom I always feel a call to arms. I rate his films 10/10, while I rated this one 9/10. Not far off.

This film is Quality and I'll look for more from Kip.

Treasures from the Wreck of the Unbelievable (2017)

Real to me!

[10 December 2018]

Real, fake -- I couldn't care less. I loved it! So MAGICAL :-D

Beautiful Boy (I) (2018)

Book was hard-to-read

[13 October 2018]

Because of the dad's (typical) focus on himself. The self-serving, "poor me" martyrdom shines through the story that''s about his son's dissease. Instead, its about his expectations, obsessive nature, and lack of a life, so that he's crushed over what his son has done to him. Gross!

Presunto culpable (2008)

All "justice" systems

[25 May 2018]

Quoting a previous reviewer, which also describes MY country - the U. S.:

"This film is an eye-opener about a sad reality in my country, the unjust and corrupted conviction system."

The more ironic part is we have a constitution claiming our supposed innocence; however. the system we fund with tax dollars is setup in such a way that even jurors see "defendants" as guilty from the first moment. Belief in tthe infallability of police (what??) and how the criminal "justice" system is designed to do anything but try the facts. It's just another system designed to keep the rich in power and the poor dirt-poor.

The only difference here is that have to pay judges, city/state attorneys, acourt staff, and the jurors to find against the accused, who is 9/10 found guilty. Then, we have to pay jail staff, Medicaid-funded social workers, medical and cafateria staff, and of course the cannot be more oxymoronic if it was designed that way} "corrections officers." and, don't forget probation officers and administrative staff!

I mean, these people need jobs - cushy ones! - so we get to pay that, too. While the ones committing the most despicable crime are running the government, taking bribes and giving out millions of our money to their bros doing contract work, outfitting the military, raking in the cash from their wives' charter school, which just directed public funds into private, parochial schools.

Yeah, and all that to put some poor dude in jail because he's the same race of who a mixed up, unsure, maybe "eye-witness" maybe saw. Or the man accused pleads to a lesser crimes and five years imprisonment because the only alternative is to be tried by brain-washed jurors and face life in prison.

All that say, we spend loads of money putting our presumed guilty through a charade with the same outcome. Why would someone be arrested and in handcuffs if they weren't guilty?? Sheep and cows.

Did you know that in most U.S. courts, a jury of only six (6) people decide the fate of a fellow citizen for felony crimes?

Or that most jury findings are not unanimous decisions. Bet you didn't....

For shame.

Deadpool (2016)

Yawn at this Sausage Party

[18 February 2017]

Unique character whose sense of humor is appreciated. Those together and a fairly good story would have made this movie better than most superhero fare of late.

But, the sheer number of references to DICKS dropped my rating by 4 points. Dragging out sad, tired punched-in-the balls gags, one- liners about dicks, penis, constant mention of masturbation, hand gestures, lots of un-sexy sex on repeat, and DAMN just IN YOUR FACE DICK DICK DICK. It got old quick.

It just seemed obvious to me that the movie was aimed boys in the earliest stage of puberty, which is too bad because it could have had a wider appeal. That his GF worked in a strip-club (as a waitress, yeah big diff) hit the limit of my patience. It's too bad guys will get the idea they could rank such a gorgeous woman, because no woman would put up with such a juvenile personality, much less share it herself. (To those, here's a warning: no GF worth having appreciates a boy- man who still lives with his mom and plays games all day. Pure comic book fantasy - which I'm sure somebody will write one day).

There was so much wrong with this whole setup. I mean, I was ready to get into this movie for the unique elements, such as the anti-hero bit, humor, experiments gone wrong, etc.

Then I realized it was just a bunch of boys in a circle jerk, touching each other, then all laughing their heads off after the awkwardness subsides and they start farting. If you're not 11, it's gross to watch then just pitiful to remember.

Atlas Shrugged II: The Strike (2012)

Boiling it down to conservatism vs. liberalism is too simple-minded

[30 April 2016]

When other reviewers write that many people rate this movie low because they disagree with Ayn Rand's philosophy and values, they fail to realize that her characters - this movie's characters - are unsympathetic and almost across the board unlikable.

The Screenplay and its character development, with the necessary creation of drama on which the story hinges, is the foundation of any film. This production failed from the start.

I won't even go into the extreme mess they made of the politics behind the corporate machinations depicted here, except to say that this story was like Wall Street's answer to its fraudulent actions that caused the long-term collapse of our country's economy and the immediate collapse of the whole world's. Who can sympathize with those whose only goal is undying greed?

In the end, who can or will identify or empathize with the characters here who show active disregard and even distaste for other human beings, like the ones buying the movie ticket?

Atlas Shrugged: Part I (2011)

Making it about Haves & Have-nots is too simple-minded

[30 April 2016]

When other reviewers write that many people rate this movie low because they disagree with Ayn Rand's philosophy and values, they fail to realize that her characters - this movie's characters - are unsympathetic and almost across the board unlikable.

The Screenplay and its character development, with the necessary creation of drama on which the story hinges, is the foundation of any film. This production failed from the start.

I won't even go into the extreme mess they made of the politics behind the corporate machinations depicted here, except to say that this story was like Wall Street's answer to its fraudulent actions that caused the long-term collapse of our country's economy and the immediate collapse of the whole world's. Who can sympathize with those whose only goal is undying greed?

In the end, who can or will identify or empathize with the characters here who show active disregard and even distaste for other human beings, like the ones buying the movie ticket?

One positive is the two lead actors, with huge props to Taylor Schilling; however, both characters are still too chilly and distant to warrant carrying about them. They are characters from the mind of Ayn Rand, and she was well-known for being fairly strange and certainly not warm. So, it is what it is.

The Godfather Part II (1974)

Pathetic attempt, with all driven by greed

[24 December 2015]

Pathetic attempt, like other sequels, with all driven by greed. Compared to the original, this is totally disjointed, made for the masses that heard of the original at the Oscars, and in the end unappealing, unmoving, stupid, and lacking in all atmosphere appropriately constructed in #1. I cant believe anymore was awarded by their fellow academy members for this trash. I cant believe Pathetic attempt, like other sequels, with all driven by greed. Compared to the original, this is totally disjointed, made for the masses that heard of the original at the Oscars, and in the end unappealing, unmoving, stupid, and lacking in all atmosphere appropriately constructed in #1. I cant believe anymore was awarded by their fellow academy members for never get back this tthis trash.

Songcatcher (2000)

Wow. what an unexpected gem!

[7 May 2014]

I looooooved this movie. Part of the reason is that I looooove music. This film is part music, part historical fiction, part sociological, part political, part romance and part coming-of-age. I say the last part because the main character, Lily makes such a dramatic shift from a schooled academic to becoming a "real" person - a real, thinking, feeling woman in her prime. She starts as practically estranged from her sister who lives not too far away, goes through an initial phase of calling her sister's loving lesbian relationship "disgusting," to apologizing to her sister for her sorrow and feeling devastated for her when her lover vanishes because of societal disapproval. I didn't think much of this movie when I added it to my watchlist, and I don't remember where I found a recommendation for it, but I am so glad I found this gem hiding amongst all the riff-raff. A definite keeper.

American Hustle (2013)

Amy Adams outshines them all - even Jennifer Lawrence

[14 March 2014]

So, David O. Russell hates plots, he's quoted as telling Christian Bale. Well that's evident from this movie. Other than a reward for ensemble cast - which is a category for some awards and which this cast did win - this movie definitely does not belong in the best film category. Consequently, you will notice that I don't mention any of the character names because I can't remember them because the plot is very thin.

The acting was absolutely fantastic, though. If the director set out to make a movie that simply showcased each actor, he succeeded. But, a movie really has to be more.

I was riveted by Amy Adams, who I find fascinating, enthralling, and very, very sexy in a fresh-scrubbed way. She was Stunning, in the literal sense, as I was actually distracted when he was on-screen: looking at her face, her eyes, her lips, her chest, her legs, her gorgeous hair, and OMG the clothes and shoes! Her acting! Just wow. I would not have it any other way, even though I missed some of the details of the movie; I'll see it again later for the other stuff. I haven't had this reaction since seeing Kristen Scott Thomas in GOSFORD PARK. Every time her face came on-screen (a lot and close-up), everything else disappeared. Same thing here. Of course, some of the shots were of just Amy's shoe. Same reaction.

On a side note, I could not help thinking of Julianne Moore as Amber Waves in BOOGIE NIGHTS. This was an extremely happy memory for me as its when I began to truly follow Julianne Moore's career and I haven't been disappointed since. I believe this is where I start to follow Amy's career with the same focus.

Amy's face is amazing because you can see everything about her character in it. And, it's so complex a portrayal that the lifting of an eyebrow or the twitch of a lip betrays some completely opposing emotion that's also happening with this character on a deeper level. Layer upon layer. I adore these complexities and it's why I love actors and great movies they are in. Amy is featured here as much more than a face; her entire body is used to tell the story -- truly shown off in ways we've never seen. And the belly button-cut dresses only scratch the surface of how revealing the camera is of her body. I know now that she's got lot of freckles on her legs, too, what her toes look like, and even as she's gotten so thin in Hollywood. I also know now that she bleaches her teeth; I don't particularly like this because it's the essence of Hollywood fake-ness now. Nevertheless, I could watch Amy all day. I plan to buy the DVD later so I can do just that!

I was so entertained by Jennifer Lawrence that I could barely stand it. I giggled almost non-stop when she was on screen that I actually worried I may be bothering others in the theater. Also,with Jennifer, I constantly felt tense because she was like a live wire and you never knew what she'd do next. I remember Sarah Paulson saying that working with Michael Fassbender on 12 YEARS A SLAVE was challenging / exciting because he is dangerous in his acting. Same here, though lots of times you cringe over what her character just said and did. But she's such a fun roller coaster ride.

Christian Bale, as always, is amazing. It's sad because he's raised the bar for himself so high that I expect nothing less of him now. I do have to note here that it disturbs me how drastically he changes his body, and so frequently, for movie roles. This can't be healthy and it seems to me kind of pointless and unnecessary. It DISTURBS me. Please stop.

I don't know much about Bradley Cooper but I hated his character so much I really wished he would just go away. He has giant, blindingly white teeth, so I found this distracting - but not in a good way. He was the too-loud, popular guy in school who clowns behind the teacher's back. You just want him to shut the hell up. Although, I will say that I LOVED his pseudo-perm! It really tickled me.

I can't stand Jeremy Renner. He was a tough face in an obvious wig. His character was the king of Con, so much so that he had conned himself with his own B.S. -- a regular politician in other words.

Elisabeth Rohm had a great turn in this. I was drawn to her character but could not place her face. Eventually the credits told me it was her. I'm quite happy to see her in higher quality gigs.

What else? Back to plot. They could he shortened the movie by leaving the DeNiro character out. He was fluff and I was not awed by his presence or anything so, MEH whatever.

Overall, an exciting ride but a little loose and meaningless to some extent as an overall movie. I only give it a high rating because of the superb acting and the thrill I got from seeing these performances (oh, and the clothes, too). Hilarious with Jennifer Lawrence. Grounded by the magnificent Amy Adams. All hail Amy - forevermore, a shining star.

Poppy Shakespeare (2008 TV Movie)

"Public service - that's what it is."

[15 August 2012]

** contains spoilers ** "If you shite in the bed and dribble all over yourself, it makes them feel better about themselves."

N has received such public services for her entire life and she's a real pro at qualifying for them, at this point. She instructs her new exotic (in this world, completely normal - read, not mentally ill) friend, Poppy Shakespeare, to fill out her application for "Mad Money" (what I've heard called here in the States a "Crazy Check") with her left hand so that it's in scribbles because she made the odd assumption of printing in block letters as the instructions read. Of course, Poppy only needs the money to get an administrative hearing so that she can be released from her outpatient day treatment because she isn't mentally- ill! N (named because everyone occupies one seat in a circle labeled for each letter of the alphabet) can't imagine a life outside of "care," so she works hard to stay in the hospital's treatment program because that's the only life she's ever had. Assessment day (only once a year, of course LOL) takes a week of preparation, as she sleeps in the same clothes for days, spreads chocolate on the back of her pants, and smears cigarette ash under her eyes. She performs for the panel of doctors, in a tutu, who score her with perfect 10.0's and grant another year of care, where she says she can pretty much do whatever she wants. She's so frightened that she will one day be discharged that N makes sure that her doctors know that Poppy was fully satisfied with the job of "guiding" she's done, as her doctor suggested she do.

Poppy needs the money to get out of the hospital but, wonder of all wonders she isn't mentally ill enough to qualify for it, even though she's claimed incontinence :-) It's enough to drive her batty with frustration. Now, she's getting truly irate. Which is only a sure sign of her mental distress, eh? LOL

I should say that I am a social worker. Yes, I totally get it. And, this is a HILARIOUS movie! What a gem to find amongst a bunch of classics and foreign dramas I have because they are supposed to be entertaining. This dead-pan comedy must be a cult classic at this point, but I haven't investigated the matter yet. It's a masterpiece, as far as I'm concerned.

I was laughing so hard, quietly and deep inside, of course ;-) at Poppy's description of how she was brought into the program... she lost her job as an administrative assistant of sorts and went to job testing, which as she got through more and more levels of testing (congratulations!) her answers are found to be "concerning." The next thing she knows, an ambulance arrives at her apartment and takes her to the hospital. Surreal? Deliciously delightful - he he!

This gem is packed with Masterpiece Theatre actors who give wonderful performances. The wit is clever and so subtle that it's a thrill to watch, as compared to the general American fare that takes it's self all too seriously and hits you over the head to make sure that you got how serious and important it is. This film is a keeper -- one to watch over and over again.

The Station Agent (2003)

Nice sentiment, but unrealistic

[12 August 2010]

I really enjoyed this movie. However, I did find it ultimately annoying (and unable to suspend my disbelief) because this just does not happen in real-life. In that way, the movie seemed out-of-touch.

The point is about loneliness. And, while it would be nice to have "someone to share it with," that's the opposite of being alone.

The sad fact, no matter how much we want something better from our culture, or how we might vow to reach out next time, is that if people want to be left alone, people leave them alone! And, they are alone. a person doesn't even have to say "Leave me alone," much less several times. And, buddies don't keep coming back to save you from any unfortunate suicide attempt. People don't want to deal with your "problems," especially when you obviously want to be left alone.

We don't save each other. That's sad, but I think it's the truth.

King Arthur (2004)

Horrible execution, a waste of time and talent

[11 July 2004]

This movie is a great example of why adults don't go to see movies these days, even when the movies are obviously aimed to appeal to them. Throw some nice visual scenery, some special effects, and the story doesn't need to make sense, the crises don't need to be plausible! This seems to be the working theory for studios when they make blockbusters. I really had hopes for this film, and I ended up being reminded why I never go to see crap that looks like it should be good. Clive Owen's character was stoic, and practically non-human. I didn't care what his quest was, or that "freedom" was the reason he fought all of a sudden. No explanation was given as to why this should be a major driving force for him. Kiera Knightley played a seductively-playful, tomboyish Guinevere who fights alongside the guys, but even her intriguing portrayal can't be saved by the hokey situations the director and producers put her in. Entirely unbelievable and, actually, pretty ridiculous. I am a person who watches movies closely, and I still don't understand what this movie was about or why I should care. I don't. I should not have to ask my friend "why is this character doing that?", "did I miss something?" To me, this is purely frustrating, and very bad story-telling. There were also moments where the characters stood in the frame for too-long, saying and doing nothing, when it added nothing to the movie. There were sentimental moments, like when Tristan releases his hawk to "freedom", that occurred in about a millisecond when it could've been built up and added to a theme. But, since there was really no discernible theme, I guess it just didn't matter to the creators. This was a horrible disappointment, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone - not even my 15 year old brother, who thinks today's "horror" movies are pure genius. At least those are supposed to be crap, this one thinks its not crap but it is.

Lost Highway (1997)

Beautiful as usual

[22 April 2004]

This is a visually beautiful film whose plot is less than obvious or comprehensible. I have one rule for film; mostly, the story has to be good drama. Everything else is gravy. If the story sucks, for me, the film sucks. David Lynch's films are the only exception I have found to my rule. He can practically do anything, and I forgive him the storylines. Many of his films have stories that are quite good, though - perplexing, intriguing, and fascinating. But where he really excels is in painting a beautiful, lush landscape within which the story can unfold, no matter if it's infuriating, or divine. This one is frustrating, but that doesn't take away from the emotion it leaves. Patricis Arquette is as good as I have ever seen her, and since I've seen her here I can't imagine anyone else in this wonderful role. The movie, overall, is interesting but not great. 7 out of 10. Recommended instead is Mulholland Drive, which completely knocks it out of the park, on the essential areas of cinema - especially the screenplay, concept, acting - and contains even more lush, dark beauty than Lost Highway.

Monster (2003)

Engaging story, awesome talent, life-changing film

[14 February 2004]

There was not one thing I didn't like about the movie MONSTER. There was not one thing about the story that I found fault with, and though it sounds negative, it's hard for me say that for most movies out there. Everyone starts out with a 10, but most have points categorically ticked off as everything unfolds. This movies stays at a 10 through every minute.

I won't comment on Charlize Theron's performance because starting off at a 10, this is what acting should be. Engrossing. I found no Charlize Theron in this character, because it was purely Aileen. Praising Charlize's performance is old-hat by now, and I'll just say that she will win the Oscar, again, because this is what acting should be. Enough of my not commenting about Charlize. She had better win the Oscar, or I'm coming after somebody.

This is a rough story, and I looked around curiously at the middle-aged to older-people in the theater and wondered if they really know what they were getting themselves in for. Personally, I couldn't bring myself to see the film the first week it was in our theater because I knew it would be devastating. And it was, and I loved it. Everyone else couldn't wait to leave the theater (though no one walked out, I will point out) and that seems a shame, but at the same time fitting, that everyone wanted to turn away from this ugly Truth that was being shown to them.

This is an absolute credit to the film and its creators. The story is so hard to watch, but you can't turn away from it. It seems to hold some essential information about the world around us, its hardness, the animals masquerading as human beings (which often resemble the ordinary Us), and those of us who are really in it for survival's sake because there is no viable alternative. These are the people we turn away from because it's all too painful to look at, and too painful to imagine if we were them. Nonetheless, I wish there were more stories like this out in the public. Perhaps it would shake us from the lush, much-too-busy-for-our-own-good lives. For now, we have the luxury of looking away.

This is a fantastic and brave movie. There is no feel-good about it, and it is fascinating and glorious in all of its ugliness.

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

irritating sound

[12 November 2003]

I believe it's reported Rock Hudson stormed out the theater, incredulous and confused. And angry.

But when I took my ADHD Rx, I got it. The film is a gorgeous meditation. Breathe deep!

Freddy vs. Jason (2003)

Yawn

[6 September 2003]

Freddy is my favorite gore villain of all time, but only because he's sadistic and sarcastic. When he's on, he's fantastically creepy and it gives you the tingles. Unfortunately, what made him great in the first Nightmare descends to pathetic sexual innuendo and several repetitions of the use of "Bitch" - and it wasn't even funny or called-for. And, no that's not a good thing - it was cheap.

I admit, I haven't watched much Jason in the past, but I'm sure that those who look for his inventive methods of hack-and-slash will find one or two murders to satisfy your psychosis.

The teens starlets are annoying, the story is pretty weak, and a multitude of unecessaries that take away from what you came to see abound. As a big fan of horror, all that I can say is buy your little brother a ticket and skip it yourself because only he can appreciate the transparent use of T&A now. He's also want to see Scary Movie 3 because it's just as innane.

The final fight scene between Freddy and Jason was the only good part, and only mildly at that, and definitely not worth sitting through the 1.5-ish hours of drivel that precedes it.

On another note, Kelly Rowland was impressive.

Swept Away (2002)

Hate the game, not the player

[17 June 2003]

The masses always hate those who have made it to the top. The game is what's despicable, and one wonders what makes it worth playing. Personally, I don't know, but Madonna has gotten herself to the level she has in the game, and now everyone lurks in the shadows waiting to condemn her for not being perfect. But, the fact is that Madonna is an artist who has worked with tireless effort to be in the position to be criticized. So be it. One thing I admire about Madonna so much is that she is a truly determined being touching on every facet of art, creating it everywhere around her, helplessly drawn to yet another area where she can create yet again. So, she's not perfect here. She's not a trained actress. You only need to look at her effortless performance in the fantasy dancehall scene to see that she is brimming over with talent and mastery. Does that mean, though, that she should just stick to dancing then? Madonna is a force of Nature so much larger than life that it's impossible for her to stop there. She's learning guitar and trying her hand yet again at acting. All this at 40+. What have you picked up lately as a truly engaging serious hobby, or area where you'd like to improve yourself? Anyway. I liked this movie, actually. One area I was disappointed in is Madonna's delivery as the bitchy socialite Amber because it was grating on the nerves and not shrill as I would have expected it to be. Rather, it seemed this was Madonna playing herself in a mood of disgust with a street attitude. It was relentless. And maybe we should be disgusted and feel battered by it, but the pace Richie keeps is off and there is hardly any explanation in the script that comes across to explain why she is so embittered. Another area that really put me off was the tone of mental Dominance/submission that seemed excessively cruel for what was provided in the script and pacing. I can see that she might be broken down into adoring him as bread-winner, but it happened too quickly and conveniently to be believable. That said, I found Madonna, her performance, and the storyline much more convincing once they made it to the island, and her attitude broke down. Their sruggle to each be top dog was tangible, Amber's break down to at the point of at least cooperating was delicious, and I completely forgot I was watching Madonna in what's been called by the player-haters a stunt. I adored the resolution, and it's as it should be, I think. The DVD featurette is a pure delight. 7 of 10 stars.