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mattkosorok
Reviews
Man on Fire (2004)
Nice, dark, great ending, must see
I say that a lot with what I review. I loved this flick. Mr. Washington is Mr. Washington. All his characters seem to be the same person, with a little different amount of angst between them.
The support cast was fantastic. Dakota Fanning is my new favorite child actor ( I hope she is able to keep her wits about her and not become a failed child actor, but do really well as she gets older ).
Christopher Walken, whom I have yet to forgive for the New Rose Hotel debacle, was great as a really good guy.
I really loved the dark and grisly tirade Creasy ( Washington ) goes on. I would really hate to be an enemy to him. The ending was not quite what I expected, and it was absolutely fantastic.
Watch movie: Absolutely. Own DVD: Not if you have kids.
Spartan (2004)
Another great Val Kilmer flick
While the general plot movement and total story were a bit fragmented in places, I really enjoyed this one. I usually like Val Kilmer, especially when he's playing a credible hero.
The supporting cast was really good. It's kind of interesting to see Ed O'neill in another non-comedic role. I think I enjoy Ed in a serious role far better.
William H. Macey had a bit of a surprise role. I still can't stop thinking about Mystery Men whenever I see him.
I enjoyed how this ended. I also liked the reference in the movie to the Spartan legends of the ancient Greek times.
Watch: Absolutely. Purchase DVD: Possibly.
Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever (2002)
Great action, great fun, and a great message
I really liked the message preached by this film. While most preaching I find offensive, this was not-so-subtle yet easily accepted.
I really like the idea of a tough FBI agent who's nearly indestructible, not because he's got superhuman powers or special technology, but simply because he's got the will to succeed.
Lucy Liu did great. I really enjoyed how she portrayed a great deal of emotion without portraying any emotion ( you have to see it to understand what I'm talking about ).
It was fun to see some other actors in rolls you're not used to.
Ray Park is a hoot. His martial arts style is quite entertaining. I like Jet Li's style a bit better, but Park's pretty good for a white guy ( he's got a work on his voice, though, it's too weak ).
Aidan Drummond did great as Vinn's son. His interaction with Lucy Liu was well done.
As usual, Mr. Banderas looks great getting us butt kicked. He reminds of that clock that "takes a licking and keeps on ticking". There couldn't have been a bone left unbroken in his body.
Maybe I'm too easily impressed, but lots of folks didn't rate this show very highly. Maybe they were expecting it to be darker than it was. I must say it's a definite good watch, and an absolute DVD keeper.
Equilibrium (2002)
Bale's performance is exemplary
I was completely amazed by this title. I never heard of it coming to the theatre, and I didn't even notice it until a friend of mine dropped it off at my desk at work and told me to watch it on pain of death.
Not only was the plot fantastic, but the action sequences were great. There were a couple things that were kind of goofy, until they have a brief explanation later in the movie that clarified how the Clerics use certain positions to avoid being shot.
While the end of the plot is somewhat predictable, the journey to that end is not predictable at all. I do wish my children were a bit more like Bale's in this show ( you'll see what I mean ).
Maria Pia Calzone made an excellent wife for Preston ( Bale's character ). One of the more dramatic scenes I've seen in a long time.
Not only should you see this, but it's a DVD keeper, as well.
Dragon Storm (2004)
I wouldn't respect myself after appearing in this one
I'm a fan of the famed Dwarf of Lord of the Rings ( I still remember his work in the Wing Commander video game ). My apologies to you, sir, but your character was terrible in this movie.
The only guy that did any good was Ling, and that's stretching it. An interesting plot premise, but very VERY bad execution.
From Stargate to Dragon Storm, that wasn't a good move.
The hunter/hero guy reminds me for some reason of someone on Babylon 5. I'm going to have nightmares over this one, that's for sure.
For a hoot, it's worth it if you got the MVP pass to Hollywood Video, but I sure wouldn't pay for this one.
Unspeakable (2002)
So much emotion
Dennis Hopper had to have fun with this one. It's clear he didn't take himself too seriously, and that's what really sold his character to me. I though Dina Meyer's performance in this moview was much better than her performance in Starship Troopers.
Lance Henriksen was a hoot. He seemed to have fun in this show. Too bad his Millennium series didn't work out.
Some folks rated this movie low. There were a few terrible parts, but I think the movie as a whole was moderately uncomfortable and rather tense ( which is great for a psychological thriller ). There are some scenes that are a bit goofy, but you can deal with them.
Dennis Hopper's final scene ( I won't wreck it for you here ) was absolutely superb. I was surprised how many recognizable faces were in this show. it's a good flick, and worth your time.
Target (2004)
Fun story, bad implementation
I hate to be too critical, but this one really was bad. I like the Baldwin brothers, I just wish there was more talent evenly spread between them. I did like the general plot, but there was just too much 'trying' and not enough actual 'doing' as far as quality acting was concerned.
My favorite character out of the whole thing was bald cop. He reminded me of Dmitri Valtane ( Jeremy Roberts, I believe ) from Start Trek 6: Undiscovered country. Just, without the hair.
If you have Hollywood Video's MVP program and are really trying to get your money's worth, then through this in with one of the three MVP movies you pick up. It's worth it for a few laughs.
The single most impressive special effect in the whole show is the sound of Stephen Baldwin's rifle firing. I suppose that lets you in a bit on the quality and excitement of the rest of the show.