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margetwormwood
Reviews
The Outsiders (1983)
Pony Boy's Tough Hair
I grew up watching this film as a young teenager. As a boy, it was a very influential movie for me. watching these kids growing up on the wrong side of the tracks - mostly with no parents or parents that don't care about them - was a wake up call from my quite safe and easy suburban life.
The story follows the life of "Pony Boy" Curtis. A young high school kid who struggles to stay alive in a rough and tough town.
Eventually an event leads to Pony Boy and best friend Johnny having to leave town. The fear of being alone and trying to survive with no money - clothes - or most other things is thrilling to watch and sad at the same time.
The Outsiders is a very dramatic film with very touching moments. It also is full of stars that went on to become huge stars in the future.
Inception (2010)
In and Out - Feeling Good.
Dom Cobb leads a team specializing in stealing secrets from people's minds by entering their dreams. When they are hired by a mysterious businessman, Cobb finally has a shot at redemption, but not before achieving the near impossible. Rather than stealing an idea, they must do the complete opposite: Inception. Planting the seed of an idea.
It focuses on the emotional journey of its lead character, Cobb, but at the same time thrusts the audience into multiple levels of action packed story- telling, very distinct from one another, but all finely connected. Director Christopher Nolan challenges the audience to keep up, and rewards those who can with a breathtaking spectacle, one that has the capability to leave you awestruck. The best part about it is that while you may feel you need to watch it again to be able to fully absorb the experience, chances are, you will probably want to.
While it may seem simple at its outset, Inception is an extremely complex film, delving deep into the subconscious of the human mind. Technical brilliance and visual splendor have rarely blended together as beautifully. It's a film that manages to engross you with its complexities, yet comes together seamlessly, and will have you at the edge of your seat, quite literally from start to finish.
The Dark Crystal (1982)
They don;t make them like this anymore!
I remember seeing this for the first time when I was a little kid. It was mesmerizing! I probably watched it at least 100 times over a 6 month period. The idea of making a film entirely of muppets is a giant feat and I'm sure they were told it cvouldn't be done. But, they did it! The story and some of the scenes are a little scary for little kids (nowadays at least) but, never goes too far. I heard once that Jim Henson wanted it to be an adult film but kept it family oriented knowing people would come with their children either way.
One of the most amazing scenes was when the lead gelfling is walking through the "jungle". The amount of detail in all the plants and animals is unmatched by any cgi today. It's their..it's not on a computer..so it looks much better. I watched it again with my kids last week and couldn't believe all the trouble they went through for such a short scene.
My kids..like I before...couldn't take their eyes off it. This, in a time when cgi has made everything look so crisp and clean, is amazing to me. It def holds up to the test of time. They will never make another film like this again..and that makes me sad. But, at least we have The Dark Crystal to enjoy through the years.
Serenity (2005)
Great Ending to a ........
I'm gonna assume that the majority of people who saw this movie were fans of the show. As a stand alone film it doesn't really work...but...it wasn't made as such. Serenity was made to cap off what was an amazing series that was cancelled well before its time.
Many times TV shows have ended with a film. Many times, they were terrible. But the Firefly series was done justice with this one. It tied up all loose ends and made you feel comfortable - even though you know it was the end of the series.
As a stand alone film - it's not worth watching. I would suggest watching the series first to fully enjoy it at what it's worth - a perfect ending.
Fred: The Movie (2010)
Made my nose bleed a little.
I, having kids, was forced to watch this movie. I figured I would review it for giggles. It is quite bad. But, if I'm going to be truthful with myself, I must admit that I can understand why kids would like it. It's no worse than the movies made for kids in the 80's. The plot is very simple. The antagonist in the film is way over the top and typical. The girlfriend is...strange...and for some reason has an Australian accent.
It reminded me of a real bad version of Bubble Boy..and that's saying a lot.
There were a few moments when you were forced to laugh at some stupid thing Fred did, but other than that...meh.
I suggest nobody over the age of 10 should see this..for their own good. But, little kids will like it because it's silly and mindless.
I think this film is exactly what it aimed to be. Mindless insanity.
Little Monsters (1989)
through both eyes
I saw..and loved..this film as a child. Now, that I have children, I got the pleasure of watching it once again through the eyes of an adult. I was disappointed in what I saw. Like most childhood films it didn't hold up to the charm and magic I felt as a small one.
Though, my children love it! I felt like the story line it self was fine, but many times the story would tail off or become choppy. Howie Mandell was pretty good in the film but sometimes became annoying. There were also some crude scenes I didn;t remember seeing. I forgot how much stuff was allowed in kids films back in the day.
I would suggest this movie for children over the age of 8 or so. Anything under that would probably be a little scared or you might have problems with the language or some of the gags. Like making a bully drink pee.
Raising Arizona (1987)
A childhood favorite.
This is, as far as I'm concerned, The Coen brothers best film by far. The film makes you enjoy every minute so it's easy to forget the seriousness of the base story. You will laugh so hard at parts that it will make you cry.
While I'm not a fan of Nicholas Cage, I thought this was a perfect vehicle for him. Holly Hunter is always excellent. Their attention to detail in crafting their characters was on point and thorough.
There is one scene in the film that stands out. The diaper/quicky mart robbing scene is very well shot and hysterical. That scene alone is worth watching.
I would suggest this film to anyone. They don;t make em like this anymore. I wish Nick cage would bring back HI.
La cité des enfants perdus (1995)
Beautiful and Viewtiful
I was given this film by a friend to watch. It first sight I was skeptical. It is now, by far, one of my favorite films of all time!
Visually it is unreal. I could simply turn off the sound and stare at it. Even watching the film in its native tongue is impressive. I wish more films would follow suit.
You rarely see American films with the mix of such heavy subjects tied with humor. Maybe some day someone will come along and mimic the feel and look of this film. We could only be so lucky!
Ron Perlman is very good in it as well as his sidekick..Miette. I was further impressed that Ron had to learn French just for the role. How many actors would do that, I ask?
I would suggest anyone who is a film buff to see this movie. It will change the way you look at cinema.
Short Cuts (1993)
Wasn't that impressed.
I got to see this film for the first time this past weekend. I was interested to see how they would tie all the stories together and how smoothly it would flow. With so much going on and so many characters, I felt it did a pretty good job at it. The problem I had with it was that most of the stories were quite boring. Many of them never came to an end when the film was over. And, the ones that did, appeared to be quick fix endings to patch plot holes.
It was fun to see all the actors and actresses in their prime. Many gave great performances. I just felt the writing was weak.
I would like to see this film re-written and attempted again.
The Shark Con (2010)
Making you look at both sides.
I got to see Shark Con at a local film festival this past year. The film was a refreshing look at the shark fishing industry. Like most people, I went into this film with misconceptions about the industry and visuals of Japanese fishing boats slicing fins off of live sharks, and tossing them back into the ocean to die.
But, when I sat down I realized there is always another side. Shark Con lets the fisherman, marine biologists and others have their say and opinions about the survival of sharks. People who depend upon the survival of sharks to make a living and support a family, were being told they could no longer do their jobs.
Both sides were represented in the film, which is rare now a days. Most doc's lean one way or the other, but Shark Con is open to every opinion and let's all have a voice. It also had some amazing shots of men working with sharks underwater. It is a well shot film and very easy to follow.
I thought it was a refreshing film that needs to be seen by more people.
Sneakers & Soul (2009)
Finally... some soul!
I have watched and enjoyed films my whole life. I have gone to the theater at least once a week for 20 years. I guess I am what one might call a "movie buff".
I like to believe I know what the difference is between a good and a bad film. Sneakers & Soul is one of the good ones.
In a time when big studio films have lost their way, it was nice to sit and enjoy a film with an actual story. Long gone are the days of films with substance. One must venture into the world of indie films to enjoy what used to be the standard for Hollywood.
Sneakers & Soul brought me back to those days.
It was a great film with colorful characters (my favorite being a young woman named Vicki) who take you on a journey across the state of New Jersey, by foot.
The characters encounter many obstacles along the way, some funny, some serious, and learn the value of friendship as they make the long trek to New York.
This film has a great message and leaves you feeling happy in the end. It reminded me what it was like to be a kid again. I hope everyone will get a chance to see this film.