Reviews
Boiler Room (2000)
Great f*&^in' movie
Look, this movie is no Taxi Driver or Apocalypse Now, but it's a pretty damn good movie, in my humble opinion. I don't know if it's cause I'm a Jewish kid from New York who's trying to be a third grade teacher, and doesn't think I can handle the attractive yet empty notion of making hundreds of thousands of dollars selling stock, but I loved this movie. Giovanni Ribisi, who I think is a solid actor, does a great job. Somehow, it took me years to finally see this flick, but running the risk of being repetitive, I liked it.
Fast paced, good actors, intriguing plot. Simply put, this movie works. You won't cry, you'll laugh a bit, but you'll be happy you rented it or stayed up to watch it on HBO. It reminds me of Rounders, just in the sense of following a strong willed 20 something white kid with determination and a little bit of soul. I'm rambling at this point, but I just wanted to put in a recommendation to watch this movie if you haven't already. Two hours of your life that you may have been spent doing something more admirable, but not being much more entertained.
Seul contre tous (1998)
Painful
Man, that movie was intense. I saw Irreverisible a while back and just discovered this film. As I tried to rate it I have to admit that if a film effects you in the way this movie just did then there is something to it. I know many people who would be disgusted by this film and simply say they did not like it, it was a "bad movie." The reality is that every movie doesn't have to be uplifting and make you feel good. All I know is that I feel extremely alone and weird at the moment, independent of anything going on in my life. In that way, I think the film did its job. To an extent, the main character is so sick and jaded that one doesn't exactly relate to him or identify with the character. At the same time however, for those of us that don't experience life as rosy and joyous all the time, there is an element of utter pessimism that one can relate to. In a traditional sense, not that much actually happens in this movie. The majority of it is filled with an inner dialogue and scenes of people just sitting around.
I suppose it's odd for me to say that I like this film, but as I said, I think it did its job. The soundtrack was well done and the acting was thoroughly convincing. If you can deal with "depressing" and disturbing movies, I'd give I Stand Alone a shot. If not, rent Big and go to bed feeling nostalgic and hopeful about the future.
War of the Worlds (2005)
I want to hurt Steven Spielberg
I know people have already bashed this ending over and over, but it was so bad that I don't think the bashing should ever stop. As people have pointed out, the idea that it was a good decision by Spielberg to stay true to the ending is absurd due to the fact that there were plenty of parts of the film that were entirely Spielberg's creation. Anyway, if he had to keep the ending the same, he could have made it work and brought some resolution to the film instead of just having Morgan Freeman come on and provide us with a cheesy, pseudo-philosophical anecdote about life. I like Spielberg in general, but this film leaves you feeling about as satisfied as 45 minutes of fornication with no... you know, ending. I'm not an angry person, but this movie left me bewildered and wishing I hadn't watched it in the first place. For that, I want Steven Spielberg to sustain some type of injury, preferably from me. Thanks for your time.
The Beat (2003)
A hip-hop film that isn't cheesy
-This movie is definitely worth watching-
From my movie watching experience I've gathered that it's a real challenge to make a quality, fictional portrayal of an up and coming rapper, or for that matter any film that centers around the hip-hop culture. First of all, this is a solid movie regardless of its subject matter. It's thoroughly entertaining, well acted, moving, humorous at times and all that good stuff. I would not go so far as to call this a great film, but it is a very good first effort from a director that you'll certainly hear about again (Brandon Sonnier). The music aspect is certainly just one facet of this movie, which is ultimately a pretty intense drama.
As a hip-hop film, The Beat also succeeds. The main character does his own rhyming; well enough that it was difficult to tell whether he is an actor/rapper or a rapper/actor, which I guess is a good thing. If you like rap, the music in the film is good, not amazing, but definitely worthy of being listened to. If you don't like rap, I wouldn't expect to love the soundtrack, but I do think the music is palatable for almost all audiences. The portrayal of the hip-hop scene/culture is not over the top and all the characters are believable personalities. There are some rap stars in the film too, which adds a bit of attraction if you listen to hip-hop.
Essentially, this is not another movie with Eminem or 50 Cent deciding to become movie stars. It's... better than that.
Tenacious D: The Complete Masterworks (2003)
rocket sauce
This may be one of the funniest duos since... anybody. Beyond the comic
genius that is Tenacious D lies a couple of great musicians. The songs will not only make you laugh your a#s off, but they're good musically. Tenacious D is a legitimate rock band and a comedy act in one. The DVD is really well put together, it's got all of their HBO episodes, a live concert, behind the scenes stuff, a video directed by Spike Jonze with Dave
Grohl, and a ton more. It's a tight DVD and a must have for longtime D Fans and newcomers alike. If you don't find this stuff funny... I feel sorry for you.
Way Past Cool (2000)
Horrendous
I don't need to say much, just that this movie is terrible, so terrible I felt the need to comment on it. Don't waste 2 hours, twenty bucks or even 3 bucks on a rental. It's not even coherent, the acting is non-existent and the storyline is awful. There really are no redeeming factors for this flick, it just sucked. It tells the story of a gang made up of eight year olds, they are known as the "friends." They must steer their way through drive bys and other cliché events of the genre. On the cover it says "more powerful than Boyz in the Hood," just disregard that, not even the same ballpark. I hate to be a hater, but this film really deserves it, aight?
Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000)
Might Be Better Than Seinfeld
Whoever wrote the last review of this show apparently has no sense of humor, or perhaps just a really bad one. Let me give a more appropriate/accurate review. Not only is this show brilliant, but the acting makes it complete.
Everyone uses their real life first names and most of the show is improv with basic predetermined guidelines. Larry David has an incredible screen presence, and the rest of the cast is equally impressive. If you found Seinfeld even the least bit entertaining I recommend you check out "Curb Your Enthusiasm." If you like cynical satires and Jewish, neurotic old men, this show is for you. If not, go watch old episodes of "Friends" or something.