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Reviews
Rhyme and Punishment (2011)
An interesting look at hip-hop and jail time
Hip-hop has always had a connection with the street and criminal activity more generally. This movie explores that connection, but through the lives of several rappers who have been at some point incarcerated. The interviews are insightful and sufficient to say, I am scared straight. The acts described rang from drug use to actual cannibalism. If you ever thought going to prison would be a good way to earn cred for your rap career then this movie may steer you away from that.
The stories are so shocking that little is need from the filmmakers to keep this an engaging piece. Not to say they don't do a great job, but the material is just so rich.
I recommend this one highly, REPRESENT.
Battle: Los Angeles (2011)
Terrible Crap that I wouldn't even expect Uwe Boll
Well maybe Uwe Boll would have screwed this one up worse, but its still terrible. The film has no characters to speak of. Its all just a bunch of marines yelling at each other about being marines. Seriously. The dialogue is so terribly written it makes me wonder if any body even read the screen play before shooting. An actual line from the film :" I need you to be my little marine now OK, you need to be tuff now, because thats what marines do". Jesus Christ.
Now maybe the art direction makes up for it? There has been many a bad film that I appreciate based on the merits of good design alone, this is not one of them. The aliens , when the camera stops shaking long enough for you to see them, look retarded. Big saucer shaped heads on long lanky bodies. Trust me, it looks stupid.
Bad movie ladies and gentleman, sorry to say that I had been looking forward to this one for a while. UHG
Just Another Day (2009)
An entertaining look into the rap game
This movie is good. Do not be fooled by the fact that it went strait to DVD, this is a very entertaining film. Both of the two main characters are interesting and it is a joy to see the actors in these roles. One really gets a sense of authenticity when watching their performances. This is a movie about rappers and the streets, and it truly captures that vibe. From the gritty style of the camera work to the dirty streets it is shot on, the film makers nail the feel of life in the rap game.
There is a subplot about a Haitian drug war that is a little difficult to follow, but that does not detract from the main plot or enjoyment of the movie what so ever.
This movie is shot fast and lose with lots of camera shaking a movement. Normally I detest this style of film making but here it seem appropriate for the subject matter and the film is indeed better for it. The only other movie that i can think of that used this technique successfully was The Hurt Locker.
I recommend this movie highly. If you are looking for a way to gangst'a up an evening, you can't go wrong with Just Another Day.
Clash of the Titans (2010)
Fun, but thats about it
Clash of The Titans is by no means a bad movie, but it ain't great either. The biggest most entertaining part of the film was the art direction. The sets, the costumes, and the monsters were all absolutely beautiful. The universe has its own style of translating Greek mythology into gorgeous visuals. Everything feels like it all belongs together and is truly a site to behold.
That being said, the plot is pretty weak. Most of the plot points are pretty contrived and it sort of feels less like a journey and more like random events strung together. Louis does a good job behind the camera and the action is exciting, there are just a few story problems. The main one being motivation. The characters simply do what they do and we are given little reason for why. Zeus is especially frustrating in this manner.
In terms of performance, it is a mixed bag.Liam Neeson is wonderful as always and he is pretty much the ideal Zeus. Sam Worthington on the other hand sucks it up once again, that guy cannot keep an accent straight to save his life. He had the same problem in Terminator and he continues to go from British to Australian and some times to American.
Despite its obvious flaws, Clash of The Titans is a fun ride and if you want to put a little mindless excitement to your day, the this is a good start.