Change Your Image
rolandbrilla
Reviews
Requiem for a Dream (2000)
overrated...
This is not a bad movie, but it is completely overrated. The plot is rather flat, predictable and the characters remain superficial. OK, the message that drugs are bad may need to reach every generation in a new mantle, but it is not that revealing for most people that got out of their teens. The fast cuts and comic-like style elements are not really new or original, "run lola run" used them more efficient and a few years earlier (and maybe some even older movies I don't know or cannot remember). *minor spoiler* The very elaborate images of the mother's drug induced psychosis are interesting, but not very realistic. Yes, the movie may be disturbing, but only for viewers that are not alienated by its flaws. Apparently the majority.
Rushmore (1998)
Inexplainable hype
This movie is certainly neither a good character study, a gripping drama nor a satisfactory comedy except for few mildly amusing scenes. I read through some of the commentaries and I am still unable to figure out why this movie is so well received by quite a few people.
If it is for drama and character development, there are many movies that are far superior to "rushmore". The characters and their actions are odd most of the time, but they do not really surprise in a meaningful way and leave a flat impression. If it is for comedy, there are hardly any comic situations - there are some strange situations and dialogs, some of them are amusing, but most of them are too undramatic and uneventful to be funny or at least absurd, and too unbelievable and illogical for being credible.
All other features of this movie are just fine, but nothing to be impressed of.
So again, what is the hype about? One possible reason could be that this sentimental love story appears somewhat dry and more intellectual than an average Hollywood production, so it is easier to commit to it ... but I don't see any other merit.
L'amant (1992)
An underrated film
(contains spoilers)
This is a very underappreciated and underrated film, and I do not really understand the reasons for that. The story about the initially mainly sexual relationship that - after separation - turns out to be genuine affection is touching and has some interest with the ongoing family conflict and the cultural differences between the lovers. The sex scenes are absolutely justified, in content as well as in length (I guess I saw a modified version, though), since sex is an essential part of the story. The acting is good enough - especially Jane March needs to be mentioned, she gives a credible performance of a teenage girl in love and in trouble. The development of the plot appears logical, the conflict unfolds in a credible way, and, for instance, the atmosphere during the dinner with the girl's family is palpable. The scenery of colonial Vietnam seems to be caught very well, and the cinematography and the melancholic music are excellent. One of the final scenes - the farewell, when the ship leaves the port with the girl - is very moving and unforgettable.
Overall, I think this is above average if not even great cinema. Some people apparently did not tolerate the sex scenes, but instead of saying so, they try to deny any artistic value of that movie, and without any good reasons.
It may very well be that Maguerite Duras (the author of the novel, which I did not read) did not like the movie, that she had something else in mind that this movie failed to express - but overall, this film is as good that it has its own value, independent of the novel.
Creepozoids (1987)
RAT ATTACKS!
No doubt that this movie is a gross failure, and budgetwise, it probably classifies rather as a C or D than a B movie... as such, it is boring most of the time (especially in the beginning), but some scenes are incredibly funny, and to everybody who enjoys trash movies, I shout out loud: This movie is not to be missed, and some inspired moments (let me only say: RAT ATTACKS!) will make you laugh far more than a whole average romantic comedy from Hollywood.
Laserblast (1978)
Hilarious
This movie starts incredibly slow, but gains momentum at the end (SPOILER): After finding his laser arm by chance and blasting a few cars with appropriate explosions, the hero stumbles to downtown Hicksville and blows up a whole - now hold your breath - US mailbox, therefore causing a lot of unrest in the neighborhood. However, the expected panic in the city does not occur since nobody seems to be around, and even the decisive action taken by the friendly turtle-headed aliens almost goes unnoticed: They leave their ship and laser our hero down (but surprisingly do not pulverize him like the guy in the beginning). I guess this was a protective measure because after using the gun, he turned step by step into an unfriendly, evil and greenish alien/monster (even though his mutant cells were surgically removed by the local doctor at some point), but we do not know for sure since the conversations of the friendly aliens are without subtitles.
Does this make any sense? Of course not, the movie is really as nonsensical and stupid as the little summary above. If you love trash (and monsters doing little imbalanced dances after a good blast), go and try to rent this movie, and you'll have a great time. I would be thankful for everybody who can tell me about other movie failures that are as enjoyable as that one. Is there any website or forum for people who enjoy trash movies?
End of the World (1977)
Disappointing even for the trash fan
I rented this movie as part of the mini-series "cult video", hoping for as much fun as I had with "Laserblast" or "creepozoids" that are also part of the edition. Unfortunately, this movie cannot keep up with those gems. Even though it is stupid enough, it is all in all just boring, and moments of fun (like the seconds where the "true face" of the aliens is shown) are too rare to make it up. I have to say, however, that the concept of destroying the whole earth is somewhat audacious, and the movie even delivers one scene of odd true horror, that is when the couple watches the end of the world (earthquakes, inundations) on some TV screens like from the distance ...
Aguirre, der Zorn Gottes (1972)
some great moments and many flaws
This is neither the masterwork nor the garbage most people see in it. Sure, it has a lot of very strong points - Kinski's acting, a fascinating plot, the original settings, some good cinematography and an unforgettable closing scene. However, the movie seriously suffers from awkward cuts and terrible dramaturgy; and, worst of all, the stiff dialogues and the amateur-class acting of almost everybody besides Kinski (you will note both especially if you speak German) make some scenes unbearable. So all in all, while it may have the potential to be a really great movie, it delivers only sometimes, and in order to call it a masterpiece, you would have to be very generous and overlook many flaws ...