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Margot at the Wedding (2007)
Another Dysfunctional Mess
I hope this trend in nauseating camera work, shaky scene creations and close up style storytelling is just a phase, and not the method of choice for future movies. If you are doing a reality show with a pocket camera to capture some highly mobile or discreet action then perhaps this method is acceptable, but to make major entertaining movies like this - its deplorable. This is a movie that comes off like a sting operation produced by virgin cops...muffled mikes like they were hidden in the actor's shirts, goofy shots like they were filmed from inside someones purse-cam, shaky and extra close up filming as if done from a yardstick attached to the backs of the characters. Soap opera scripts and high school production quality just ruins the story. Just listen to all of the comments on bulletin boards below, and other ratings to confirm my take on it, I am not just ranting. It pains me to see a movie that has some merit in the story - much better than "Rachel Getting Married",which is so obviously a copy of the same concept, style and almost story - go this dull and boring route. It is also a Dysfunctional Movie about a Dysfunctional family. I too felt a waste of my time, and the talents of most of the cast on this film. It could have been so much better
Rachel Getting Married (2008)
Dysfunctional Pocket Video Rehearsal
"Rachel Getting Married" had so much hype about it I felt I would have a good movie to enjoy. Wrong! I can most easily describe this movie as a rehearsal that was recorded by someone's pirate pocket camera! Decent story, with compelling issues and family drama, real life trauma and it's effects on family interaction and the dysfunctional result are virtually in every scene. The acting is mostly swell, some outstanding moments, but usually drawn out and unfinished...like a rehearsal. The nauseating camera shakiness in virtually every scene and excess close up shots make me feel like the whole thing occurs in a closet. Or perhaps the Blair Witch will strike slasher style into the next scene any minute. Add to this the horrible soundtrack that incessantly gets repetitive to the point I was ready to slash my own throat to get out of listening to that screechy violin during the ending credits! Were they supposed to be professional musicians? My 5th grade orchestra tune-up sessions sounded more refined. OMG. There are many deep issues and tragedies as this movie goes along, I won't go into plot here as there are 100's of other ways to find that. You should find yourself pulled into the story and will shed a tear, or more. This movie could be pretty good if not for the issues mentioned earlier. However, imagining this movie being filmed in normal stabilized studio camera, professional fashion with decent normal refined soundtrack to support the story, it still would be a slow, boring and drawn out affair to endure. But, by doing that and taking about 10 to 15% off the front and rear of each scene, you might possibly save this story. I am sure that many people will relate to the story, the characters, the situations, etc. But, it would be far more enjoyable talking these subjects out with people than having to sit with them watching this story drag by in front of your eyes. If this was an episode of "Intervention" or a 30 minute documentary it might garner a 7 rating in my book. This movie seems to be almost an exact copy of the movie "Margot at the Wedding" from 2007 which is another miserable movie watching experience. As a stand alone film, it is barely worth a 3, and that is stretching it, I give it 2 for copying "Margot...". I would watch it again with somebody, but will never seek it out for my own enjoyment, as there was very little of it. I hope you can enjoy what little of it is worthwhile.
Snakes on a Plane (2006)
Absurdly ridiculous
This movie starts out pretty good with great scenery and a decent story. Then it goes flying and becomes the most absurd and truly ridiculous film I have ever seen. Anyone that has flown, ever seen a plane fly, or had friends go flying will realize just how little of this move is even plausible. Just look at the goofs and trivia sections here on IMDb and you'll get a taste of what I mean. I don't know of many other films that have amassed so much goof material in such a short time in public. And I guarantee there are many more scenes/occurrences in the movie worthy of entry to the goof list. I would add them myself but I haven't a large enough notepad nor the 4 hours it would take to enter them all onto the website.
I don't want to just flame on the movie, I did watch the whole thing. But I am easily entertained. I knew nothing of it, saw no trailers or heard no hype, it just came on the HBO channel I was watching. I am amazed that Samuel L Jackson did this film, it is so bad. As usual, he is very good for the most part, but doesn't really bring the film back to believability. I just read some IMDb comments that it was tongue in cheek humor, but it doesn't come across that way. Mel Brooks, the Farrelly brothers (or similar) could have a lot of material in spoofing this one. It's just a dumb movie with no close proximity to reality whatsoever. It combines and capitalizes on people's fear of flying, fear of snakes and of being stuck in an airplane at the same time.
Literally, every single thing that happens on that ridiculously inaccurate airplane is impossible and bogus. They might as well have had the main character wake up from a deep sleep at the end and say, "gosh that sure was a weird dream". It would at least address the implausibility of all that occurred.
The Saint (1997)
Action, Adventure and Romance all very well done
The Saint is a very well executed story of a world class international thief whose career has amassed him millions for his services. He is a master of disguise and this ability prevents even those who will hire him from knowing his true identity. In fact he is only reachable through a veil of phone and internet contacts. He has one last job that will get him to his retirement goal. Of course, this last job will be a doozie and have him choosing between his professionalism to complete the job or to side with his newfound love interest and follow his heart to what could be his true soulmate for his life to come.
Val Kilmer is The Saint, the thief, and at his best in a character you can't help but love. All the disguises are brilliant and you truly get inside this character as the story evolves. Elizabeth Shue is the scientist, the love interest here and does a wonderful job as well, while Kilmer works his magic upon her to steal the scientific secret that only she knows. Their personalities and souls gel as The Saint's mission goes on and they get trapped within a Russian mafia plan that would have them both killed. Kilmer's pursuit of Shue's secret, their mutual escape attempts and the bond they make for a possible future bring the audience into a wonderful and exciting story of a lonely man's discovery of love lost many years ago.
This movie has fabulous writing, plot line, acting, scenery, technology, action, camera-work, etc. You name it, it was done well. A 10 rating in all areas, it draws you into the action and characters and you live this movie with them. One of the best all around movies ever, I have never met anyone who did not enjoy this movie.
Shadow Man (1999)
Very Addictive! The most fun Gaming Ever. Is there an XP version?
For Role Playing Games, this one has lots of capabilities. You can be all sorts of characters throughout the game if you wish, and the camera and 3D functions are very good. The environments, drawings, worlds that you are operating in and out of are just marvelous. So good are the asylums, caves, swamps, prisons, houses, and especially enemies that I am still imitating them and wishing for a battle with them almost daily - even though I haven't played the game in over 4 years! The chainsaw wielding, machete swinging, rock throwing enemies are simply outrageous and so fun to see chasing and attacking you that getting through them doesn't even matter. I could care less if I got killed since doing battle was so darned fun! There are flying pterodactyls throwing acid eggs, zombies wandering around trying to zap your life-force energy, as well as typical enemies with multiple types of firearms aimed against you. You'll hear Hannibal Lecter type slurping noises from the funny looking half-skeletons that are spitting wads of death at you while calling your name in taunting zombie voices. So many freaky and unusual enemies just make this game continuously exciting and amusing.
I truly enjoyed this game more than anything else I've done. It became my primary goal in life, getting time on the computer to play Shadowman. Even still my wife and I imitate the creepily funny sounds that the characters made, an amazing array of screams, grunts, taunts and eerie callings! This game has such an immense level of tasks and challenges as well as an equal number of differing characters to battle that you never grow tired of the next rung. Only true fault is that some levels might be navigated quickly by experienced roll players, and they may unfortunately finish earlier than desired. I was really sad that it had to end. I wish it would just keep on going!
Admittedly, the vocal track of the main character (you) is a bit slow and overdone and comes off sort of lame, and the concept of traveling to/from life and the underworld "deadside" also far-fetched. But accepting that concept and diving into the character becomes such an overwhelmingly fun experience who needs spend money on drugs, alcohol, movies, etc, etc.
I will add that as I review this years later, that by modern standards of HD gaming, the graphics may be a bit dated, but still very good. For the time, they are top notch! To play this game years later, it still has enough realism and detail that you will feel fully engaged and entranced into this underworld.
Why don't they make an XP version or patch I don't know. I have never heard anyone talking of this game so perhaps it didn't do too well, even I got it on big discount. The XP compatibility wizard doesn't work either, so I don't know how to relive my Shadowman other than finding another old windows 98 computer. I gave my old one away during a move before I knew it didn't work on the new XP. Hope anyone reading this can have the fun I did, it is great!! I don't even know if anyone will ever see this review since I just stumbled onto the VG section of IMDb. I hope that people do find this review, as the game Shadowman is far and away the most addicting and fun all consuming game I have ever used. And I have spent years gaming.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Phenomenal production, story and characters!
This movie had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish! Just sat there in AWE! I couldn't even eat my popcorn, as I might miss something. This movie has some of the most fabulous characters, artistry, storyline, soundtrack, and animation ever produced. It shouldn't be confused with normal animation at all, it is a far better production and filming technique. Most viewers will become totally entranced into believing that you are actually there participating along with the characters. The characters are astounding from conception to their manifestation. Their colors and shapes, from their original being to the multiple morphs that they might become, are without equal! I don't plan on reviewing the storyline, but these characters have stayed with me, permanently etched in my mind, ever since first seeing the film. I try to watch this movie every year at Halloween with friends, and am always as entertained as the first time! It is that great of a movie to be watched annually, like "Its A Wonderful Life", and someday could be considered as one of the best productions ever of it's genre. It is also a fabulous distractional movie for your kids; they will watch it over and over for weeks on end, enamored with each of the hundreds of characters, colors and songs. You cannot help but enjoy this movie, it has extravagant shapes, colors, backgrounds, characters, music, songs, themes and morals. A great story presented greatly. Just think, I still have this much passion about a movie that I first saw over 15 years ago! Enjoy.