gravity_eyelids Reviews

Cabin Fever (2002)

One of the best horror movies I've seen in a long time

[10/10 · 6 September 2003]

The whole idea of this film is pretty basic: it's the usual five kids taking a trip to a cabin in the woods, and so on. However, the approach is a bit different. While the movie is extremely bloody, and some parts are pretty shocking, the fact is that it's just all really funny. The characters were believable enough, but they were also presented in an unfavorable light that made them easy to laugh at. It was as if Eli Roth did not take any of his characters all that seriously, so he had no trouble making fun of them. The humorous twist made watching this movie a highly enjoyable experience. Also, I found it intriguing how after the initial encounter with the diseased man, the only threat was the possibility of being infected. I think this helped the film to seem more realistic and more terrifying than if it had gone in the more typical direction of having the kids fight off the same already-dead people for the duration of the movie.

The film contains a number of tributes to classic horror films that are sure to please any fan, yet is still original and brilliant in its own right. It has everything: blood, suspense, humor, a great score, and an ending that is ironic and amusing.

28 Days Later (2002)

Still not sure what I think of it

[16 August 2003]

First of all, I personally wouldn't classify this as horror, so if you want to be scared, this may not be the movie to watch. That said, the movie wasn't exactly bad; although there were drawbacks, it did have some redeeming qualities.

On the one hand, I found myself wondering what the point of the film was. At one point it seemed as if the film may move in a philosophical direction, yet unfortunately this was not explored to any sufficient detail. However, it does raise some intruiging questions.

As for positive aspects, I loved the score and the directing was quite good. During the film I often found myself with the tendency to focus too much on the score and cinematography (which was quite impressive) and completely disregard what was going on.

Overall, the film seems to be lacking something, but it is not without merit. Although I didn't entirely enjoy it, it seems to be one of those things that may warrant a second viewing.

Invader ZIM (2001–2006)

Highly amusing.

[19 March 2003]

I love the show. Partially because of the little kid that still exists somewhere in my brain, and partially because it is a prime example of Jhonen being an artistic genius. Sure, it's a lot different than his other work, but then again, he doesn't usually cater to children. However, I think he does quite a wonderful job of it. Too bad the show was cancelled.

Overall, I love the quotability of the show. Vasquez is a great writer, and I have many AIM away messages of Zim quotes. The only downside is that the show can be quite addictive, and runs the risk of causing excessive procrastination and other such maladies.

Passionless Moments (1983)

Good stuff...

[24 February 2003]

Each of the segments is so simple, yet Campion displays a great deal of ingenuity for being able to not overlook such mundane aspects of human nature. As idiosyncratic as the events may be, they are still very much normal. I think this is what makes the ideas seem so amazing, is that they are the product of mere observation, of using the everyday events of the real world to make a film.

I loved the part about cleaning the jeans. That was just hilarious.

Dekalog: Dekalog, jeden (1989) Season 1, Episode 1

Amazing...

[10/10 · 2 February 2003]

I've seen parts one, seven, and eight. Of the three Part One is definitely the most moving. Somehow it just seemed so realistic. It really drove the point of human logic being fallible. In fact, I was so absorbed in the movie that immediately after watching it I almost felt like I had been the one involved in the spiritual crisis.

I really appreciate how Kieslowski managed to convey the essence of the first commandment (Thou shalt have no other God before me) without being preachy. In fact, religion hardly came into play at all. This gave the film a more universal appeal, by expressing themes that are relevant to those outside of the Christian religion.

The cinematography is impressive, especially this one scene where an ink blot appears from nowhere on the main character's work. It really sets the stage for the ending.

Of all Kieslowski's works that I have seen so far, this is easily the one I appreciate the most.

Beat the Devil (2002)

Overdone...

[5/10 · 31 January 2003]

Although I did like Manson's appearance in the end. But then again, I'm a big Manson fan, so that has absolutely nothing to do with the film itself.

Yes, the special effects were flashy, but style for its own sake is worthless. It wasn't completely horrible, but then again, it wasn't anything special either.

Try (2000)

Engaging, but depressing

[8/10 · 29 January 2003]

I found it a bit disturbing, but I thought it was really good. Basically it explores the dreams of a young homeless woman and her views on life and the world around her. To say the least, it was thought-provoking. I was especially drawn to one sequence near the end that juxtaposes various images of modern materialistic culture and the hidden ugliness hiding behind the glamor of typical suburban life. Overall, it presents a rather bleak message; however, it is definately worth at least one viewing.