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Reviews
Full Metal Jacket (1987)
particularly interesting film
*SPOILERS*
I just did my film class paper on the characterization of Pvt. Pyle (Leonard Lawrence). Really it was rather weak, we see him only as a loser trying to redeem himself from alienation and scorn...but failing even under the tutelage of Pvt. Joker. His descent into madness needed no explanation outside extreme oppression. However, Kubrick seems to have cut out any depth of information regarding Pyle's history, beliefs, and opinions. A blank slate, really. You can't easily put yourself in his shoes...unless you are a total loser and get pushed around all the time.
Despite this film's many merits, characterization is not one of them. That is not necessarily a bad thing (besides being opposite to what we expect with such a tortured main character) because it allows us to be a little less wrapped in the eventual suicide. It strikes most people as just freaky, that final scene. Instead of being overwhelmed by sadness and empathy, we just don't know what to feel. I think Kubrick wanted to shift our focus from the characters to the ideas. Hence the dry acting, with lines spoken awkwardly and unevenly. The quotes are important, not who said them. Check the "memorable quotes" section of FMJ and you will see exactly what I mean.
Il postino (1994)
A Ten not because it's glorious
*SPOILERS* *SPOILERS*
This film seems to have faults...the main character (Mario) seems unlikely to become the poet he eventually becomes. I may have just missed "the point" to certain stylistic choices, especially the ending Communist demonstration, in which we don't see what happened. Yes, our lovable poet died, but how? I mean, you can infer the police attacked and somewhere along the lines he was killed...but still...
Also, I didn't like the sudden death and then flashback to explain his death. Since when was our focus on Pablo, not Mario? The scene in which we learn Mario is dead is when Pablo returns and Beatrice matter of factly shares that our protagonist is dead. The transition from lively and embolden man who finally was inspired and filled with direction to martyr who anti climatically died was sooooo unsatisfying quick! I mean, the scene before that (if memory serves) had no hint of Mario's upcoming death. So, our director --- er, group of writers--- made an uneven choice. Of course, when I eventually see the movie again I may find that the last ten minutes of the film really ties in well with the rest...but as it stands I was a little put off by that.
Otherwise, this is a must see film. Gorgeous cinematography, great characters, very thought provoking ideas: after all it's poetry they're talking about! For that alone this film is distinctive---they're aren't enough films about poets. That said, I wonder what other films there are about poetry/poets?
All the best people! Look forward to my next rewarding film experience, and yours as well...
Friday Night Lights (2004)
It's all been said!
I had planned to detail all the faults of this unusual movie, along with it's merits...but after reading a large amount of the 126 (!) comments on this movie, I must confess: it's all been said!
I really want to thank all the people who took a considerable amount of time to write about what they love: movies. As a film buff I really appreciate all the unpretentious criticism I can get...and this site really is a goldmine! Several of these comments were world-class reviews worthy of publishing in a major newspaper or magazine!
Even those that weren't holistic reviews often centered on a point or reaction to the film overlooked in the majority of the others. I really embrace all those who wrote about this film, because despite it's flaws, FNL is an unusual movie that presents something that hasn't really been covered in cinema: high school football in a small texan town in 1988.
6/10
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
A film I keep returning to
Despite all of it's flaws, it is a good film. A film I can watch over and over. It sticks, it holds, it is like great mascara and hairspray rolled into one big great mess. Andy is like me. Red is like me. Brooks....
I like a lot about it. It's spellbounding. A picture worth a thousand words breathtaking. Living inside it, not imagining anything else. It is a wonderful amazing piece of rubbish.
I'd like to thank Darabont, the screenwriter and the director, for finding a heart in a story to give to the masses. We love you too.
Give it up for Mr. Andy Dufresne!
The Art of 'Spirited Away' (2003)
Gives a face to voiceovers, but not much else
It's nice to be able to see all the actors and actresses as they give voices to the animated characters, but isn't there more they could tell us? Indeed, the second DVD includes a piece describing the voiceover process in much more detail. In short, this is a glamorous but fluffy addition to the first DVD that should've been interlaced with the second DVD feature, not stood alone in it's own 15 minutes segment.