ckjabroni Reviews

Bowling for Columbine (2002)

"The only thing we have to fear, is fear itself."-J.F.K

[9/10 · 26 February 2003]

I would like to start off by saying that this is an incredible film! I would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone. I would also like to question what some other posters said about it. Where are the problems with this film? If you don't bother to back up that point, then why do you even say it? In my opinion there is little to no validity to the statement that this documentary is missing something. The only way I could see someone not liking this documentary is if it hits a little close to home, and the person starts to see the real problems with our society, and then just regresses. Denying all of the truthful information that this documentary gives the audience, is just pure foolishness and stubborness. The film isn't necessarily telling people what should be outlawed, or what shouldn't be allowed, but rather that our country in general has severe psychological issues that we dismiss and deny. I would also have to say that someone I never liked, made the most perfect points of the movie. If you watch this movie pay very close ear to Marilyn Manson when he is interviewed. This movie is drawing so much buzz because it is a massive thought provoking masterpiece! This documentary is the best living proof that ignorance, and fear are easily the most deadly forces known to mankind! 9 out of 10!!!

Night of the Living Dead (1968)

Greatest Horror Film Of All-Time

[9/10 · 23 October 2002]

George A. Romero in this, created a horror masterpiece. This film couldn't possibly be topped in the category of influence. Also this is a message to all the directors out there today. How could you not respect this man, and revere him as one of the best? He did everything in this film! He wrote it, directed it, did the cinematography, and edited it. You'd think with all of that work on your hands you'd have a piece that lacked quality, well think again. Barbra travels to the countryside with her brother to visit her mothers grave and pay their respects. Within a few minutes Barbra is fleeing into an abandoned farmhouse, being chased by zombies that killed her brother, and now want her! Barbra once in the farmhouse realizes that the house had already been cleaned out by the dead. Ben comes in to make the save, and with no vehicle, and a multitude of zombies approaching the house. They have no choice but to settle in and try to survive and hope to escape out of this predicament with their lives. As the movie advances we are introduced to more survivors that need shelter in the house, which sets the tone for the rest of the movie. Romero's ability to capture this feeling of utter and total despair and a loss of hope is breath taking. His cinematography captures eeriness, and throughout the entire film will creep you out. The complete anguish of dark, and even by the time the movie is over, will make you terrified of the light! All this with the guinness book of world records title of smallest budget for a film! Never in a film will you feel the total loss of hope that this film portrays as it progresses. Almost to a point where you feel like if this film were longer, you might fall into a depression! The ability this film has, to make the viewer(s) feel, what the film directs you to feel is outstanding, and is what all directors in the horror/suspense categories now try to duplicate. This film to me, is what every person that creates a film tries to duplicate, the ability to capture everyones emotion and MAKE them feel the film. Romero is a legend. Do yourself a favor if you're a fan of horror films or are inspiring to be a director. Watch this film, and learn from a legend! 9/10

The Sixth Sense (1999)

Great film, but definite holes in plot

[6/10 · 22 October 2002]

First I would like to say that this is a great film. Secondly, I Would like to say to everyone out there who says that The Others is a Copy of this film has no concept of reality. The Others was written before this film was, so that argument can be put to rest right here. I really think this film is great, and if it didn't have the major plot holes that it does I would have given it a much higher score then I did (6/10). I have always been a fan of Bruce Willis, regardless of what is said about him I feel he is one of the better actors of the past 2 decades or so. I feel, however, that Haley Joe Osment puts in the best performance here. I don't see his career amounting to much of anything, but I think this single performance will wind up haunting him for the rest of his life because honestly, he will never grow out of it in the eyes of the audience. I feel Haley makes this film creepy, and keeps the suspense stirring throughout. I can see why Toni Collette got no nods for her performance here. Besides the scene towards the end in the car with Haley, I feel she does a below par job in this film. ***CONTAINS SPOILERS*** Ok this is where I feel the film lost a lot of luster. There were some pretty big plot holes. Everyone who hasn't seen it yet don't read on until the end of spoilers. How can malcolm not realize he is dead until the end of the film? Where does he sleep at night? I mean doesn't he realize that his wife isn't talking to, or even looking at him at all? I know they say in the film that the dead only see what they want to, but how does he explain this to himself? The other thing that really turned me off at the end was when cole had told Malcolm earlier in the film that the room becomes very cold when an ill-tempered or mean spirit enters the room. Well then why was malcolms wife freezing in the last scene when he was the only spirit in the room? He certainly didn't seem that angry to me. ***END OF SPOILERS*** Those spoilers are the reason the film goes from an 8 or 9, to a 6. There are some great scenes in this movie, and the concept is exceptional, I just wish they had tied up those loose ends. I also question the message of this film. It definitely comes off as a suspense/love story. I think anyone who likes this film will love The Others. Some people will disagree, but only because their attention span is limited. The plot to that film has zero holes in it, and is just as creepy and suspensful as this film. Overall this film is still definitely worth your time, and should be checked out!

Memento (2000)

can you say director on the verge of becoming a legend?

[9/10 · 16 October 2002]

Here is the deal with Memento. Some viewers feel it is a film that doesn't deserve its rank of #10 on the top 250 films of all time. My response to all those who say that: huh? This is a film that will withstand the test of time simply because there was never a movie before to walk through a story like this one did. These same people would probably also say movies such as, "Man With A Movie Camera", or "Nanook Of The North" were fads and people would forget about them in a few years. WRONG! Here is a fact for you, when a movie starts a genre, it never dies. Memento started a genre of style of film that will infinitely live on simply because other directors will try to mimic Nolans style in this flick at least to some extent. Films like this cannot be praised enough, because these movies in forty years will be watched by our grandchildren and great grandchildren and even they will be appreciative of it. Guy Pierce in this film is the classic example of an actor that is truly terrible, and has the same exact style in every single movie he ever makes and because of the character, he totally pulls it off! Carrie-Ann Moss is stellar as she is in every movie she does, and deserved at least a best supporting nod for this. Joe Pantoliano also puts in a tremendous acting job, could be considered his best to date. hmmm 2 matrix actors...Other great performances in this were put in by Mark Boone Junior and Stephen Tobolowsky. On top of a great cast where supporting actors are as good as anything, the movie style by Nolan is legendary. Nolan had already made an amazing film in "Following", and after "Memento", did a tremendous job with his third film "Insomnia", the man is on pace to be one of the greatest directors of our time, and also possibly of all-time! This film can be easily understood after 1 time through if you actually think, and has replay value, but unlike movies like "Fight Club", the replay value does run out, which is why it gets a 9/10 instead of a perfect score. Anybody who hasn't seen this movie yet needs to A.S.A.P!!!

King of the Jungle (2000)

Great Job John!

[8/10 · 15 October 2002]

This isn't one of the most well written films I have seen in a long time, with some very noticeable flaws and a forgettable ending, but one thing makes this movie worth an 8/10 and its John Leguizamo. To date my favorite performances and the ones I feel were the standard for playing a character who is in some form mentally handicapped were, Leonardo Di'Caprio (the only movie he has actually done anything worth mentioning in to date) in "Whats Eating Gilbert Grape", and Sean Penn in "I AM Sam". Now there is a third to add to this list. John Leguizamo in this film. I almost am willing to say that this tops the other two performances, but it is a close call. Up until this role I had yet to see a decent job done in a movie by Leguizamo, feeling that he was a one trick pony, only knowing how to do comedy. After this film, I won't think that ever again. He puts in a brilliant performance, that stands head and shoulders above this good cast that played with him in this movie, and surpasses a lot of performances for the year. All I can say is he saved this movie from being a total bore, and he definitely did his research! Great performance, and this movie should be watched simply for his performance and how well he nails it!

The Others (2001)

Tremendous film. Great effort by all to produce a must see!

[9/10 · 12 October 2002]

I believe this film is excellent. I was not a big fan of Nicole Kidman before I saw this film, (firmly believing that she had yet to come in to a role where she shined). Well this movie is a vehicle for her. I feel the tone of this movie is Nicole Kidman. I see very little flaws with this film. The cinematography completely captures the power of light in the film, and it sets a great feel. The directing is very strong, helping portray the confusion and struggle of a family realizing that they arent alone in the house. For anyone with an attention span longer then a commercial, you will thoroughly enjoy this film on a second, third, fourth e.t.c viewing. I feel there is nothing in this film that is unnecessary, and everything helps build up to what is in my opinion one of the most dramatic and completely shocking endings I have ever seen from a movie. If you are a true movie enthusiast, then this is a film I'm almost willing to guarantee, won't disappoint.