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Reviews
Kaosu (2000)
Memorable
This is an enjoyable puzzle of a movie by Hideo Nakata, the director of Ringu. What starts out as a simple kidnapping soon becomes a complex story told in a cut-up narrative style that can be hard to follow if you're not paying attention. Through the twists and turns you're given answers, and then more questions until everything is resolved, sort of. If you enjoy well-crafted, sophisticated films in the tradition of Hitchcock or Lynch I think you will enjoy this.
Hulk (2003)
An intelligent action movie
For those of you who have been disappointed by formula blockbusters like Spiderman and Daredevil you will be glad to hear that Ang Lee has finally gotten it right. Hulk is not your typical summer action movie where the action drives the movie. Instead it's a beautiful, well-paced movie with complex characters and an interesting story that just happens to have a lot of action. I know it sounds strange that a movie called Hulk could be all this, but in the director's hands the `monster' has been elevated to a classic status, more like Frankenstein than a comic book character. If you are familiar with Ang Lee and have seen Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon then you know what to expect and won't be disappointed.
The Score (2001)
I blame the director
The Score is a film by a director that seems to be in over his head. He gets the best talent he can and then has no idea what to do with them, they just flounder around in unconvincing roles. The script is strictly off-the-rack with no attempt made to elevate it into something watchable. We are led to believe that this will be a stylish film-noir type caper movie but there is very little style. Camera moves are clunky and self-concious, composition and lighting are amateurish and there is smoke in nearly every indoor scene (didn't directors stop doing that 20 years ago?).You would be better served to check out a movie like Ronin than get stuck with this piece of hackwork.
The Claim (2000)
Altmanesque
I found this to be a good movie, against all warnings to stay away. It had a quiet, natural feel, which is more refreshing to me than a big Hollywood epic that always has to be showing off. Beautifully shot and well-acted, this is a good film for watching on a Sunday afternoon.
Unbreakable (2000)
His best film
All you have to do is take a look at all the conflicting reviews here to know that this film has something that many other films don't. I had no trouble with the pacing of the film as it reflected the mood of the Bruce Willis character and was a good way to make you feel his pain and confusion. In my opinion this movie showed much more ambition and maturity than the Sixth Sense. I hope that this gifted director will keep making the movies he wants to and not be swayed by some bad reviews.
Stigmata (1999)
I wasn't thrilled
This movie was laughable with it's pathetic attempts to shock and scare. A series of stigmata seizures, which seem to be an excuse for the director to use all the stylish camera tricks he can think of, are strung together by a boring investigation story. Good for a laugh. Try "Angel heart" instead.
The Hidden (1987)
Deserves a wider audience
It's nice to find a hidden gem like this once in a while. "The Hidden" blends the humor of "Repo Man", the creepiness of the "X-Files" and the action of "The Terminator" into a qwerky sci-fi thriller. I don't know why this movie never had a larger cult following, but if you liked "Repo Man" you should love "The Hidden."
The Mean Season (1985)
Mediocre script
Kurt Russell plays a Miami reporter who starts getting calls from a serial killer. The killer wants stories written about him so he gives Russell inside information about the murders, but soon it's Russell who's the celebrity. Unfortunately this interesting theme is wasted and the movie soon settles into mediocrity. The script has all the usual predictable plot devices that are supposed to lead us to the big "surprise" ending. Russell is very good here, as is Richard Jordan, who plays the killer, and in the end these performances are the only reason to stay with it.
Tôkyô orinpikku (1965)
Thank you Criterion
Seeing as how this dvd is almost 3 hours long I assumed that I could fast forward through some of it. I was wrong. As much as I tried, every new scene kept me glued to the screen. It's the Olympics like you've never seen them, shot and edited with the eye of a real artist. Once again Criterion brings us a lost masterpiece.
Sudden Fear (1952)
Nicely crafted noir
I give this movie six and a half stars. Of course the acting is a bit over the top, much of the film noir from this period is, but the story was gripping and built the tension nicely. On the dvd version the print was pretty good and although the sound could have been better it wasn't distracting enough to ruin the experience. If you like noir thrillers this is a good choice.
Häxan (1922)
Criterion uncovers a gem
I found this 1922 "documentary" to be amazing in it's inovative and creative portrayal of witchcraft in the middle ages. Scenes of nudity and torture made this film very controversial in 1922 and caused it to be banned as well as greatly edited in later versions. Criterion has done a great job of preserving the film as it was intended to be seen with censored footage restored, an excellent tinted print, a corrected "projection" speed, a new score that recreates the music played at the original Danish premiere, and some interesting extras. The 1968 William Burroughs narrarated version is also included here and it's pretty ridiculous. The jazz soundtrack is just so very wrong. But still, it's interesting to see, kind of like the "Love Conquers All" version of Brazil. I think that anyone who is interested in film and film history will find this dvd facinating.
Beautiful Creatures (2000)
Ugly
This low budget Thelma and Louise wannabe impressed me as cheap and amateurish. The dark humor in this "comedy" attempts to mimic films like Trainspotting or Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels but never even comes close. Weak acting, convoluted plot and horrible music make this a movie to avoid.
Manhunter (1986)
Melodramatic
Not so good. The acting was never convincing for me, the soundtrack was irritatingly invasive and the way the F.B.I agent's home life and the killer's love interest was handled seemed contrived and overly melodramatic. I would recommend "seven" if you're looking for something similar.
Quicksand (1950)
A different Mickey Rooney
Mickey Rooney is very good as an ordinary guy who keeps digging himself deeper and deeper into trouble. The photography and San Francisco locations are great and Peter Lorre is at his sinister best. Good classic film noir.