Bitter Moon
(Roman Polanski, 1992)
Boring English people meet obnoxious Franco-American couple; really interesting Indian character is woefully underplayed.
Let's cut the crap and get right down to it. This film sucks. It's one of them weird over the top "perverted" sex movies designed to shock. Sadly, nothing is terribly perverted or gasp worthy. We have Hollywood to thank for that. Having truly lived thru the era of release was fond of some of the trappings, but didn't find the jolts jolting. Though a decade its senior, Bitter Moon is akin to The Dreamers (Bernardo Bertolucci, 2003) w/ the snore inducing sex romp. However, what saved The Dreamers was excessive nudity. The term saved is used in the loosest sense.
'Aight, Bitter Moon. What you need to know! Poorly written, unnecessary scenes, excessively long scenes, excessively long runtime, wooden acting, amaterish line delivery, &c. Sitting there wondered to thineself, "why in the h-e-double hockey stick did I select this title again?" And so while the film whiled itself away ran to the interweb... right! Vangelis soundtrack. Sadly, even so this trait was not enough to grant a pass. Sample of sick ass V-dawg cut: Dorky saxophone licks.
And so if you're the type that finds 50 Shades of Grey scandalous and tittilating this one's for you! If you understand that there are positions beyond missionary and enjoy actually good movies this one is not for you!
Not Recommend.
All that aside, there were perhaps two interesting scenes towards the end which genuinely dripped contempt, likely even disdain. Though, it is acknowledged such is comparatively related to rest of film. Not Recommend stands.
Showing posts with label Video Films. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Video Films. Show all posts
Saturday, February 14, 2015
wait it's set in korea, but about vietnam?
M*A*S*H
(Robert Altman, 1970)
Unrelentingly crude field surgeons romp 3 miles from the front.
Pleasingly well cast (❤ u E.Gould), oddly paced, sensation of deep background. To be sure based upon a text, as are most films, but modified to critique/discuss topics of the time. Or so scant research hath revealed. A spirited conversation w/ rrriles did ensue asking, "Have we, 'Murricah, proxy films re: Mid-East military excursions of the past 3-ish decades?" Converstaion courtesy Google Talk which Google is shutting down today, or soonish. Thank you Google for removing/changing yet another perfectly fine service and forcing yours truly into yet another overly heavy, unnecessarily option laced, pseudo-app. Jennywho. That is to say, are there films set in Vietnam, but about Desert Storm? Or really as stage for discussing . Oh, sorry, "policing action."
Right, so anyhow. At the core, M*A*S*H does indeed exude good filmness. However, best consumed by folks living thru the era, or those w/ better understanding of the social context. That said, as one might be interested, do look into such. A dated film at first blush, but truly a window into a day long gone by. Unlike say, Nighthawks.
Recommend'd.
Note: ❤ listed as HEAVY BLACK HEART. How accidentally topical. Is that serendipity? I'm not going to bother w/ looking the word up, so I'll never know. As you, dear reader, are more studious the truth shall be known.
(Robert Altman, 1970)
Unrelentingly crude field surgeons romp 3 miles from the front.
Pleasingly well cast (❤ u E.Gould), oddly paced, sensation of deep background. To be sure based upon a text, as are most films, but modified to critique/discuss topics of the time. Or so scant research hath revealed. A spirited conversation w/ rrriles did ensue asking, "Have we, 'Murricah, proxy films re: Mid-East military excursions of the past 3-ish decades?" Converstaion courtesy Google Talk which Google is shutting down today, or soonish. Thank you Google for removing/changing yet another perfectly fine service and forcing yours truly into yet another overly heavy, unnecessarily option laced, pseudo-app. Jennywho. That is to say, are there films set in Vietnam, but about Desert Storm? Or really
Right, so anyhow. At the core, M*A*S*H does indeed exude good filmness. However, best consumed by folks living thru the era, or those w/ better understanding of the social context. That said, as one might be interested, do look into such. A dated film at first blush, but truly a window into a day long gone by. Unlike say, Nighthawks.
Recommend'd.
Note: ❤ listed as HEAVY BLACK HEART. How accidentally topical. Is that serendipity? I'm not going to bother w/ looking the word up, so I'll never know. As you, dear reader, are more studious the truth shall be known.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Bro jus' can't do no wrong
となりのトトロ
(Miyazaki Hayao, 1988)
Giant cuddly bro and anatomically correct cat-pal help siblings strengthen their bond.
Perhaps the 4th or so Miyazaki film I've consumed and y'know what? None of them are bad. Bro's gotta pretty good good-streak. Anyhow, like so many excellent things made a hundred years ago glad this one was! While the charm, or whimsy if you will, of the animation and story can be struck anytime, it's the BA synth heavy tunes that are a product of the time of publication. Suppose not much to say that isn't already common-knowledge about Studio Ghibli stuff. More than excellent art and animation. Succinct and charming plot, dialog. However, while trying to find pictures of cat balls this lil gem turned up. Ah, the creativity of the knitting crowd!
Recommended!
(Miyazaki Hayao, 1988)
Giant cuddly bro and anatomically correct cat-pal help siblings strengthen their bond.
Perhaps the 4th or so Miyazaki film I've consumed and y'know what? None of them are bad. Bro's gotta pretty good good-streak. Anyhow, like so many excellent things made a hundred years ago glad this one was! While the charm, or whimsy if you will, of the animation and story can be struck anytime, it's the BA synth heavy tunes that are a product of the time of publication. Suppose not much to say that isn't already common-knowledge about Studio Ghibli stuff. More than excellent art and animation. Succinct and charming plot, dialog. However, while trying to find pictures of cat balls this lil gem turned up. Ah, the creativity of the knitting crowd!
Recommended!
Friday, January 20, 2012
You love that which you can lose, yourself, a woman, a country.
Solyaris
(Andrey Tarkovskiy, 1972)
First contact is with the physically manifested mind.
Holy cow, was like watching 5 movies! That were all incredibly slow and confusing, but still higher than the bar known as "good." Rather enjoyed the space station sets. Would like to know more about how such an authentic decayed and unmaintained look was achieved. Quite glad this was made way back when. Can only imagine the cluster-F CG would have made this. And to that end there is the post 2000 G.Clooney reissue so... But maybe this is a compare and contrast I'll not bother w/. The beauty herein is far too perfect to disrupt w/ lame sauce remakes.
Anyhow, this is an indescribably deep introspective psychological journey. One I was enthused to take, but really didn't fully comprehend what I was getting myself into. At times the introspection is so intense it hurts and you think that's the "aha!" and the credits will roll, but no. It goes on and on. The balance between painfully slow and gripping is awkward indeed. Yet despite all that--esp being confused by the drive thru Tokyo sequence--I heartily recommend to anyone looking for a more cerebral and off the beaten path viewing. Note, however, this may not score points w/ your new found movie buff friends. This shit is for the true hardcore film nerd. Not your name droppin', angst ridden couch potato(e).
Recommended, but brace yourself!
(Andrey Tarkovskiy, 1972)
First contact is with the physically manifested mind.
Holy cow, was like watching 5 movies! That were all incredibly slow and confusing, but still higher than the bar known as "good." Rather enjoyed the space station sets. Would like to know more about how such an authentic decayed and unmaintained look was achieved. Quite glad this was made way back when. Can only imagine the cluster-F CG would have made this. And to that end there is the post 2000 G.Clooney reissue so... But maybe this is a compare and contrast I'll not bother w/. The beauty herein is far too perfect to disrupt w/ lame sauce remakes.
Anyhow, this is an indescribably deep introspective psychological journey. One I was enthused to take, but really didn't fully comprehend what I was getting myself into. At times the introspection is so intense it hurts and you think that's the "aha!" and the credits will roll, but no. It goes on and on. The balance between painfully slow and gripping is awkward indeed. Yet despite all that--esp being confused by the drive thru Tokyo sequence--I heartily recommend to anyone looking for a more cerebral and off the beaten path viewing. Note, however, this may not score points w/ your new found movie buff friends. This shit is for the true hardcore film nerd. Not your name droppin', angst ridden couch potato(e).
Recommended, but brace yourself!
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Cinema ended in 1991, nothing was left to be said
Slacker
(Richard Linklater, 1991)
A menagerie of dorks, weirdos, losers, cheats, psychos, and assorted rabble.
Hands down of the greatest films on celluloid to-date. Wonderfully insightful and well woven peek into the life of all manner of strange birds; open type observed and seamlessly the next presented and allowed to describe itself. Many of these characters I met during the days at the junkyard and as such the shifty hot rodders hold a certain tender spot in my heart (ah yes, I know you well sneak parts-thru-the-fence guy and I have foiled you more than once). For those tangled up in this side of life it's an animated mug book. For those who wished they were cool, this will allow them to finally credibly make up stories about all those crazies they never really met.
Recommended, highly!
(Richard Linklater, 1991)
A menagerie of dorks, weirdos, losers, cheats, psychos, and assorted rabble.
Hands down of the greatest films on celluloid to-date. Wonderfully insightful and well woven peek into the life of all manner of strange birds; open type observed and seamlessly the next presented and allowed to describe itself. Many of these characters I met during the days at the junkyard and as such the shifty hot rodders hold a certain tender spot in my heart (ah yes, I know you well sneak parts-thru-the-fence guy and I have foiled you more than once). For those tangled up in this side of life it's an animated mug book. For those who wished they were cool, this will allow them to finally credibly make up stories about all those crazies they never really met.
Recommended, highly!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
You Shoulda Been There
Silent Movie
(Mel Brooks, 1976)
Madcap trio sets out to save the day using well-worn(out) charm of yesteryear.
Mel Brooks, Marty Feldman, and Dom DeLuise set out in a silent film about making a silent film. A novel romp parodying and borrowing charm from the early days of cinema with mixed results. There is a sense that this was better viewed when new, way back when, since there is an apparent leaning-on of contemporary personalities (one more educated on pop would know them and gain more enjoyment) and old-school folks by then standards (wager to say wholly unknown now). Gags run the gamut of didn't quite get it?, ho-hum, and downright hilarious. Would have been nice if there were fewer dead-audio spots and if the text screens were treated better; printer's decorations or some such. A film with Bernadette Peters will always earn extra brownie points from yours truly.
Maybe not the best for solo or non-sexually-charged paired viewing, but certainly a good one for group movie nights where banter is the focus and on-screen funnies bring extra levity.
Recommended, contextually!
(Mel Brooks, 1976)
Madcap trio sets out to save the day using well-worn(out) charm of yesteryear.
Mel Brooks, Marty Feldman, and Dom DeLuise set out in a silent film about making a silent film. A novel romp parodying and borrowing charm from the early days of cinema with mixed results. There is a sense that this was better viewed when new, way back when, since there is an apparent leaning-on of contemporary personalities (one more educated on pop would know them and gain more enjoyment) and old-school folks by then standards (wager to say wholly unknown now). Gags run the gamut of didn't quite get it?, ho-hum, and downright hilarious. Would have been nice if there were fewer dead-audio spots and if the text screens were treated better; printer's decorations or some such. A film with Bernadette Peters will always earn extra brownie points from yours truly.
Maybe not the best for solo or non-sexually-charged paired viewing, but certainly a good one for group movie nights where banter is the focus and on-screen funnies bring extra levity.
Recommended, contextually!
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Sometimes fiction is stranger than reality. Should reality be in caps?
Miracle at St. Anna
(Spike Lee, 2008)
Buffalo soliders surrounded by the Wehrmacht fight each other, locals, flashbacks.
It's sorta like Saving Private Ryan, Band of Brothers, and Buffalo Soliders, but isn't nearly as awesome as any of these. Not even close. In fact not even entirely sure what to say... Sure the combat was pretty decent, tho not as amazing as the three (3) aforementioned films, dialog unintentionally hilarious, and surprise boob shots on two occasions; and yet none of the pieces really came together? What happened here? Well, for starters everyone was too clean for being out in the field. The story far too fantastic; making a film around fact would have really helped here. Wildly unnecessary closeups, establishing shots, intro & outro sequencing, go-nowhere character building, confusing and contradicting messages (within one scene no less!)... The list does go on, but I'd rather get to my fish and make some cookie dough. The film was freakin' 160min! If you're gonna make a film marathon long it's gotta be at least as good as Das Boot and this ain't! You know what. Enough. Time to end this. Tho it is worthy to mention that R.Ebert said "one of the best battle scenes I can remember, on par with Saving Private Ryan." (not even close. not even. jus' sayin' only bein' real) Jus' a lil note to all y'all kiddies out there. Maybe not the most credible source for movie reviews any more. All in all, a fine example of the trouble I get myself into by not reading up on a film before grabbing it/watching any title I hear of.
Verdict:
¡DO NOT WANT!
(Spike Lee, 2008)
It's sorta like Saving Private Ryan, Band of Brothers, and Buffalo Soliders, but isn't nearly as awesome as any of these. Not even close. In fact not even entirely sure what to say... Sure the combat was pretty decent, tho not as amazing as the three (3) aforementioned films, dialog unintentionally hilarious, and surprise boob shots on two occasions; and yet none of the pieces really came together? What happened here? Well, for starters everyone was too clean for being out in the field. The story far too fantastic; making a film around fact would have really helped here. Wildly unnecessary closeups, establishing shots, intro & outro sequencing, go-nowhere character building, confusing and contradicting messages (within one scene no less!)... The list does go on, but I'd rather get to my fish and make some cookie dough. The film was freakin' 160min! If you're gonna make a film marathon long it's gotta be at least as good as Das Boot and this ain't! You know what. Enough. Time to end this. Tho it is worthy to mention that R.Ebert said "one of the best battle scenes I can remember, on par with Saving Private Ryan." (not even close. not even. jus' sayin' only bein' real) Jus' a lil note to all y'all kiddies out there. Maybe not the most credible source for movie reviews any more. All in all, a fine example of the trouble I get myself into by not reading up on a film before grabbing it/watching any title I hear of.
Verdict:
¡DO NOT WANT!
79min Short
Before I Self Destruct
(50 Cent, 2009)
Former baller struggles to support genius little brother.
If I followed the credits correctly, written, directed, produced, music by Curtis Jackson. So that makes it pretty much awesome. Oh, and the fact it's on disc 2 of the album by the same title equals extra cookies. Action sequences were awesome, fast, brutal. Real life vomiting! Leadin' chick pretty hot. Love scene was interesting. Somehow they managed to show the entirety of the boobs, but never the nipple. The editor deserves a freakin' Oscar for that work since there is no way in hell the cherry on top should have not been visible w/ those angles. There's an interesting mix of "how it is" and fantasy in the film, er short, that adds a bit of whimsy. Such as the scene wherein Fiddy & his grocery store coworker are talkin' about a fly honey who comes into their humble house of employ compared to the wild over the top speech of the neighborhood king pin.
Overall, Hollywood would be wise to take some lessons from Mr. Jackson. 1) Guns 2) Blood 3) Broads 4) Keep it under 90min
Verdict:
If you're the kinda person to want to listen to 50 Cent albums beyond "Get Rich or Die Tryin'" then this film is for you!
(50 Cent, 2009)
Former baller struggles to support genius little brother.
If I followed the credits correctly, written, directed, produced, music by Curtis Jackson. So that makes it pretty much awesome. Oh, and the fact it's on disc 2 of the album by the same title equals extra cookies. Action sequences were awesome, fast, brutal. Real life vomiting! Leadin' chick pretty hot. Love scene was interesting. Somehow they managed to show the entirety of the boobs, but never the nipple. The editor deserves a freakin' Oscar for that work since there is no way in hell the cherry on top should have not been visible w/ those angles. There's an interesting mix of "how it is" and fantasy in the film, er short, that adds a bit of whimsy. Such as the scene wherein Fiddy & his grocery store coworker are talkin' about a fly honey who comes into their humble house of employ compared to the wild over the top speech of the neighborhood king pin.
Overall, Hollywood would be wise to take some lessons from Mr. Jackson. 1) Guns 2) Blood 3) Broads 4) Keep it under 90min
Verdict:
If you're the kinda person to want to listen to 50 Cent albums beyond "Get Rich or Die Tryin'" then this film is for you!
Monday, October 19, 2009
YouTube Heroes #3
Brooklyn- and blood-based band The Gregory Brothers have been on an edutaining roll with "Auto-Tune the News," now in its ninth episode.
To my micro-nostalgic mind, though, the series reached its harmonically enhanced pinnacle way back in April of this year, with help from Katie Couric and some very, very thin ice:
To my micro-nostalgic mind, though, the series reached its harmonically enhanced pinnacle way back in April of this year, with help from Katie Couric and some very, very thin ice:
Saturday, April 11, 2009
pure adrenaline
Point Break
(Kathryn Bigelow, 1991)
...
This movie is so bad I seriously considered shutting it down just about every other minute while viewing.
NOT recommended
PS - i really don't enjoy being negative, but this is quite possibly one of the worst films i've ever seen
(Kathryn Bigelow, 1991)
...
This movie is so bad I seriously considered shutting it down just about every other minute while viewing.
NOT recommended
PS - i really don't enjoy being negative, but this is quite possibly one of the worst films i've ever seen
Friday, April 3, 2009
YouTube Heroes #2
I was first exposed to the comic genius of St. Sanders a few months back, but this entry from P.I.S.S. raises the bar considerably. NSFW if your coworkers are disinclined to appreciate stifled giggles and peed pants.
via Kelly and Coilhouse
via Kelly and Coilhouse
Monday, November 17, 2008
YouTube Heroes (first in a series)
As far as I can tell, jetdaisuke's life revolves around his collection of synthesizers, shutter shades, and track jackets. Also, he reviews ramen:
Friday, August 29, 2008
Drunken Angel
Yoidore tenshi
(1948, Akira Kurosawa)
Sot doc cares for the underbelly.
Wavers between pretty darn good and amazing. Compact. Insanely fitting score. Never slow. Each portion lasts the right amount and adds upon the last.
Recommended
(1948, Akira Kurosawa)
Sot doc cares for the underbelly.
Wavers between pretty darn good and amazing. Compact. Insanely fitting score. Never slow. Each portion lasts the right amount and adds upon the last.
Recommended
Saturday, August 9, 2008
she was right, it really doesn't make a lasting impression
I am Legend
(Francis Lawrence, 2007)
Army guy fights virus, vampire/zombie critters.
ok, ok, ok. SO just realized I hadn't BLOGGED about Omega Man yet I'll go ahead w/ this since well here we are. OK several issues here: CG looks like shit. Why is Neville such a pussy in this version? Thanks for all the product placement. And loud noises after a pause do not mean INTENSE it means poor design. Pretty much anything that you'd think a film producer to think the public would find cool was here. I <3 how Neville's rifle has every goddamn accessory known to man on it, just like the cover of gun magazines! W/ Neville's character being such a candy ass my theory is that he was made such since most all Americans are candy asses and they need to be able to identify w/ the main character. Uh... lame-o conflict between top zombie and Neville. City was too destroyed. Didn't look right, looked over done like "OH SHIT THE WORLD ENDED, GET IT?" WHY did Neville not hunt down the zombie menance like in Omega Man and Last Man on Earth? What was w/ all the pushing God stuff? I was pleased by the effect of a grenade tho. Again, CG looks awful. Where were all the corpses? The deer in the city was kinda cool, but not really because the CG sucked. Cars driving around in CG... ok here's the rub. Looked totally lame and all floating like. Even the most basic car videogames the rigs appear grounded. WTH people? LAMEST method of building sorrow into the main character. A bit torqued by contemporary media's portrayal of military folks as wusses such as the squabble between the wife and he. GEEZ o petes. Give me a break. This was part 3 of a 4 part study around the story of I am Legend. Part 4 shall be reading the orginal text. Seeing how the films fall short so far Omega Man is the top film, The Last Man on Earth in second and I am Legend not even placing.
NOT recommended
(Francis Lawrence, 2007)
Army guy fights virus, vampire/zombie critters.
ok, ok, ok. SO just realized I hadn't BLOGGED about Omega Man yet I'll go ahead w/ this since well here we are. OK several issues here: CG looks like shit. Why is Neville such a pussy in this version? Thanks for all the product placement. And loud noises after a pause do not mean INTENSE it means poor design. Pretty much anything that you'd think a film producer to think the public would find cool was here. I <3 how Neville's rifle has every goddamn accessory known to man on it, just like the cover of gun magazines! W/ Neville's character being such a candy ass my theory is that he was made such since most all Americans are candy asses and they need to be able to identify w/ the main character. Uh... lame-o conflict between top zombie and Neville. City was too destroyed. Didn't look right, looked over done like "OH SHIT THE WORLD ENDED, GET IT?" WHY did Neville not hunt down the zombie menance like in Omega Man and Last Man on Earth? What was w/ all the pushing God stuff? I was pleased by the effect of a grenade tho. Again, CG looks awful. Where were all the corpses? The deer in the city was kinda cool, but not really because the CG sucked. Cars driving around in CG... ok here's the rub. Looked totally lame and all floating like. Even the most basic car videogames the rigs appear grounded. WTH people? LAMEST method of building sorrow into the main character. A bit torqued by contemporary media's portrayal of military folks as wusses such as the squabble between the wife and he. GEEZ o petes. Give me a break. This was part 3 of a 4 part study around the story of I am Legend. Part 4 shall be reading the orginal text. Seeing how the films fall short so far Omega Man is the top film, The Last Man on Earth in second and I am Legend not even placing.
NOT recommended
Friday, August 8, 2008
why cant we be friends?
Hell in the Pacific
(John Boorman, 1968)
Marooned enemies face off.
Something of a character study. Nearly impossible to like Lee Marvin's character. Low amt of spoken word. WHICH IS SWEET. A bit of compassion shines thru the pre-established enemy-ship. Fairly rad about how little teamwork is needed to survive. It is quite clear that Mifune's character had things under control. Marvin is totally the loud asshole american. Choice scenery. Much in the way of stylization I'd say, but not a turn off. The intent of each moment is clearly shown and appropriately. Dug the colors. Dug the lack of subtitles. Two endings if you get the right DVD. I saw the theatrical release for the US. From what my real tyte homeboi tells me the other ending was released in other markets. Good luck! If you care. I didn't. Still don't.
Recommended
(John Boorman, 1968)
Marooned enemies face off.
Something of a character study. Nearly impossible to like Lee Marvin's character. Low amt of spoken word. WHICH IS SWEET. A bit of compassion shines thru the pre-established enemy-ship. Fairly rad about how little teamwork is needed to survive. It is quite clear that Mifune's character had things under control. Marvin is totally the loud asshole american. Choice scenery. Much in the way of stylization I'd say, but not a turn off. The intent of each moment is clearly shown and appropriately. Dug the colors. Dug the lack of subtitles. Two endings if you get the right DVD. I saw the theatrical release for the US. From what my real tyte homeboi tells me the other ending was released in other markets. Good luck! If you care. I didn't. Still don't.
Recommended
My hero!
Purple Rain
(Albert Magnoli, 1984)
Talented prick comes of age.
And then there was Purple Rain. OMG. Part way thru this film I realized this is about me! I like motorcylces. I am a temperamental, sensitive, highly talented, and highly misunderstood artist. I have a sweet hair cut. I look gooooood naked (maybe 30% of the film Prince is shirtless). But yeah, killer OST. Killer costuming. TOTAL BOOB SHOT. Geez, that Apollonia chick is my-tee-fyne. Can't really get enough of that, nossiree bob. Acting is uh... spotty. I get the feeling many of the actors were really musicians? OH MAN, love the stage sequences. The domestic disputes! Prince all being hella badass "Come out here mother fucker!" THE DRAMA! Highly entertaining. One of the few what I shall consider "rock" movies that is worth viewing. Just tons and tons of fun.
Recommended most definitely
(Albert Magnoli, 1984)
Talented prick comes of age.
And then there was Purple Rain. OMG. Part way thru this film I realized this is about me! I like motorcylces. I am a temperamental, sensitive, highly talented, and highly misunderstood artist. I have a sweet hair cut. I look gooooood naked (maybe 30% of the film Prince is shirtless). But yeah, killer OST. Killer costuming. TOTAL BOOB SHOT. Geez, that Apollonia chick is my-tee-fyne. Can't really get enough of that, nossiree bob. Acting is uh... spotty. I get the feeling many of the actors were really musicians? OH MAN, love the stage sequences. The domestic disputes! Prince all being hella badass "Come out here mother fucker!" THE DRAMA! Highly entertaining. One of the few what I shall consider "rock" movies that is worth viewing. Just tons and tons of fun.
Recommended most definitely
subtly hardcore
The Last Man on Earth
(Ubaldo Ragona, 1964)
Aging Everyday Man fights off hordes of zombies.
100% w/o a doubt the best use and portrayal of zombies. Second part of four part study concerning the book I am Legend. Nearly completely lacking in soundtrack. Wife character was pretty hot. Little girl character was pretty much the reason why I do not want children. Nice desolate atmosphere, but perhaps a bit trim for the apocalypse. LOVE the voice over commentary/monologue of the main character all like narrating what he's doing. Not entirely sure what to call it. Total cheese, but still pretty BA. Big fan of the lathe in the living room. All makin' heck of stakes. All spending the daylight hours driving them thru the hearts of zombies. SO LEGIT. Also legit was the lady from the group. I have no idea where they found her, but holy cow... brutally attractive. Sure do not see em like that anymore.
Recommended as a sit around w/ friends and beer movie night
(Ubaldo Ragona, 1964)
Aging Everyday Man fights off hordes of zombies.
100% w/o a doubt the best use and portrayal of zombies. Second part of four part study concerning the book I am Legend. Nearly completely lacking in soundtrack. Wife character was pretty hot. Little girl character was pretty much the reason why I do not want children. Nice desolate atmosphere, but perhaps a bit trim for the apocalypse. LOVE the voice over commentary/monologue of the main character all like narrating what he's doing. Not entirely sure what to call it. Total cheese, but still pretty BA. Big fan of the lathe in the living room. All makin' heck of stakes. All spending the daylight hours driving them thru the hearts of zombies. SO LEGIT. Also legit was the lady from the group. I have no idea where they found her, but holy cow... brutally attractive. Sure do not see em like that anymore.
Recommended as a sit around w/ friends and beer movie night
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Of course no one in jail is guilty!
Down by Law
(1986, Jim Jarmusch)
Losers get a bit more than they deserve.
A bit fantastic in the second sense of the definition. Lots of panning, mostly to good effect, but somewhat old or ho-hum in execution at parts. Acting wavers betwixt believable and teleprompt. Little middle ground in this film. Any given scene is either "on" or "off." Which makes the film intensely satisfying and "wow I should just turn this off now" at the same time which then of course therefore by extension hurts the piece overall. Very much a rough draft in filmmage centering around character study, yet not entirely sure this particular piece could ever be brought to full polish. A bit too art student in the undercurrents of flavor.
I would never recommend this film, but I would not discourage it either.
(1986, Jim Jarmusch)
Losers get a bit more than they deserve.
A bit fantastic in the second sense of the definition. Lots of panning, mostly to good effect, but somewhat old or ho-hum in execution at parts. Acting wavers betwixt believable and teleprompt. Little middle ground in this film. Any given scene is either "on" or "off." Which makes the film intensely satisfying and "wow I should just turn this off now" at the same time which then of course therefore by extension hurts the piece overall. Very much a rough draft in filmmage centering around character study, yet not entirely sure this particular piece could ever be brought to full polish. A bit too art student in the undercurrents of flavor.
I would never recommend this film, but I would not discourage it either.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
satchel foot
The Third Man
(1949, Carol Reed)
Broke a** writer gets ear deep.
One heckuva film. Way legit on the opening creds popping up over tingling zither strings. Sure, bit on the illegible side, but radder than others you'll agree (unless you = communist). Quite deep on the compelling side, dare I say even peggin out the meter? No I don't, not that compelling (for real compelling see "Straw Dogs"). Plenty of little twists and turns, certainly a longer feeling production, but not in the boring sense. All bits are of purpose and therefore give a whole buncha bang for the buck (or in this case walk. thank you library system!). Fairly certain the zither was the only component comprising the soundtrack, which is a fine fine thing. Plenty of atmosphere and mood. Quite understatedly tense at times. Oh! and what wonders are there when the THING the actors are looking at is not shown! Oh! old Hollywood making us use the imagination! How dare you make our brains work and make your productions better! Totally recommended by the illustrious Npod. Completely spot on. MURDER MYSTERY.
A fantastic anytime film that requires no special mood... Recommended Heartily
(1949, Carol Reed)
Broke a** writer gets ear deep.
One heckuva film. Way legit on the opening creds popping up over tingling zither strings. Sure, bit on the illegible side, but radder than others you'll agree (unless you = communist). Quite deep on the compelling side, dare I say even peggin out the meter? No I don't, not that compelling (for real compelling see "Straw Dogs"). Plenty of little twists and turns, certainly a longer feeling production, but not in the boring sense. All bits are of purpose and therefore give a whole buncha bang for the buck (or in this case walk. thank you library system!). Fairly certain the zither was the only component comprising the soundtrack, which is a fine fine thing. Plenty of atmosphere and mood. Quite understatedly tense at times. Oh! and what wonders are there when the THING the actors are looking at is not shown! Oh! old Hollywood making us use the imagination! How dare you make our brains work and make your productions better! Totally recommended by the illustrious Npod. Completely spot on. MURDER MYSTERY.
A fantastic anytime film that requires no special mood... Recommended Heartily
Once a whore, always a whore
Ba wang bie ji
Farewell My Concubine
(1993, Kaige Chen)
Woman destroys perfect male relationship.
Edging dangerously close to trippy if not crossing the line more than once. A stitch of gender bending, but in a natural sort of way (not like the over-the-top annoying Hedwig manner). Took the better part of the films early stages to scheme the gender of the other leading role. Colors straight from Capt Insane-o's swatch book, wild wild wild costumes; emulates the real Beijing Opera I'm sure (if there was one, did not fact check, but so ornate gotta be a real thing eh? Hold up... ok appears to be a totally real thing. Some bits of this existance cannot be simply procured just for 172min of epic mayhem). Ok, so definitely epic, definitely not a "musical," definitely a romp thru the ages (which yeah ok fine is another way of saying "epic"). Forgot that Gong Li is kinduva a babe. Convincing acting on her part and really all around. HENCE best film of Sundance or something like that, Golden Globes? I can't recall. Alls I know is that some fancy pants full of em selves types deemed this as good and I conquer! Here's an oddity... what's w/ actors early in the film "looking" Chinese and then later appearing generic or Western? Perhaps some sort of commentary?
If you're feeling like an epic then this one comes Recommended a bit higher than just 'recommended'
Farewell My Concubine
(1993, Kaige Chen)
Woman destroys perfect male relationship.
Edging dangerously close to trippy if not crossing the line more than once. A stitch of gender bending, but in a natural sort of way (not like the over-the-top annoying Hedwig manner). Took the better part of the films early stages to scheme the gender of the other leading role. Colors straight from Capt Insane-o's swatch book, wild wild wild costumes; emulates the real Beijing Opera I'm sure (if there was one, did not fact check, but so ornate gotta be a real thing eh? Hold up... ok appears to be a totally real thing. Some bits of this existance cannot be simply procured just for 172min of epic mayhem). Ok, so definitely epic, definitely not a "musical," definitely a romp thru the ages (which yeah ok fine is another way of saying "epic"). Forgot that Gong Li is kinduva a babe. Convincing acting on her part and really all around. HENCE best film of Sundance or something like that, Golden Globes? I can't recall. Alls I know is that some fancy pants full of em selves types deemed this as good and I conquer! Here's an oddity... what's w/ actors early in the film "looking" Chinese and then later appearing generic or Western? Perhaps some sort of commentary?
If you're feeling like an epic then this one comes Recommended a bit higher than just 'recommended'
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