KCS82 Reviews

Pocket Ninjas (1997 Video)

Very, very, very bad (but funny)

[2/10 · 15 January 2003]

This movie is, flat out, atrocious in every way. The acting is awful, the stunts are laughable, the fights are very poor, there is no plot, and what little plot that exists is ridiculous. However, I highly recommend it as a tutorial on how not to make a movie, and for any big group of people who wants to end up rolling on the floor laughing.

The Pledge (I) (2001)

Painfully, but humorously, Awful

[1/10 · 28 January 2001]

(MINOR spoilers). I have to say this is one of the worst movies I have ever seen. The beginning was intensely slow, and it seemed like the opening credits would never end. Once they did, the movie really didn't speed up much. There were just so many ridiculous plot elements / quirks in this movie that it lost all cinematic credibility. Here is a rundown of the some major weird things about the movie: 1) The creepiest (creepy in a "what the hell" way, not a "wow, cool" way) police interrogation scene ever, occuring between a bizarre policeman and a mentally retarded Indian. 2) A long & inappropriate period of scenes alternating between Jack Nicholson's character at a party and a kid on a snowmobile. 3) The snowmobile kid showing up in a parade later in the movie. 4) The scene where "The Pledge" occurs is not well done at all, lacks any semblance of meaningfulness, suspense, or for that matter, any redeeming quality. 5) Weird, random bird scenes. 6) In the middle of what starts out to be a meaningful quest to find a killer, Jerry, for no explained reason, buys himself a gas station in the wilderness. What the heck? 7) A creepy shopkeeper at a Christmas store. 8) RIDICULOUSLY slow moving plot. 8) Way too many porcupine images to be coincidence. 9) Some weird religious symbolism that the writer and ditrector never follow up on. 10) SIMPLY THE WORST ENDING IN CINEMATIC HISTORY. This took a movie I would have possibly rated a 4 or 5 straight to the lowest 1 of all. It gave absolutely no closure, made absolutely no sense, was not set up or explained by the plot, and was simply a huge let down for what COULD have been developed into a strong, suspenseful ending. Overall, SEE THIS FOR PATHETIC LAUGHS, NOT DRAMA OR SUSPENSE.

Office Space (1999)

One of the Funniest Movies I've Seen in a while

[9/10 · 13 August 2000]

This film is absolutely hilarious, with so many classic characters that make you laugh. From the mumbling Milton to Samir's classic statements to the perky waiter, the writers provide a wide variety of quirky characters. However, contrary to most comedies, the film also has a definite message, almost American-Beauty-esque. Very clever, and funny from start to finish. I highly recommend it.

The Man Without a Face (1993)

Beautiful

[10/10 · 13 August 2000]

This film deserves far better than the mediocre user ratings it has received. It is truly one of the most beautiful films I have ever seen in its portrayal of the friendship of two outliers on society's mainstream. Beautifully written, with tremendous performances by Gibson and the boy. Overall, it is very powerful and very touching. I highly recommend it.

House of Wax (1953)

Classic Suspense-Horror

[8/10 · 12 August 2000]

This film is a good classic horror genre film. It provides numerous elements of strong suspense, and is well done for the period. The concept of a wax museum is somewhat creepy on its own, and provides such a compelling setting for a suspenseful horror film. I gave it an 8.

The Insider (1999)

A Good Movie, but not Great

[8/10 · 5 August 2000]

This film is very well acted, and has a good, fairly intriguing story. In fact, it is probably the best film about the news industry I have seen, but it is unfortunately very slow going at parts, especially towards the beginning. Several scenes at the beginning of the film are completely unnecessary, and the film could have been a 10 if about 20 minutes of unneeded footage was deleted. Despite that, though, I highly recommend it. I gave it an 8 out of 10.

American Beauty (1999)

Very Powerful

[10/10 · 31 July 2000]

(SLIGHT SPOILER AHEAD) This movie is very different from any film I have ever seen. It is so blunt, even exaggerated in a powerfully positive way. The acting is first rate, and the script and direction contain so many powerful elements. Some viewers may find the power of this film unsettling, with family disfunction present as a central motif throughout the film, but such is the amazing part of this movie. In watching it, I was going to rate it as a 9/10 until the last scene, after the death, where the film alternately shows scenes from childhood and various characters' reactions to the gunshot. And then there was the last line of the movie...a powerful statement which transformed it from a "9" to a strong "10".

The Sixth Sense (1999)

Truly Amazing Film

[10/10 · 29 July 2000]

This movie was fantastic in almost every way that a movie can be fantastic -- it was beautifully acted, cleverly written, and very artfully filmed. The use of the color red was especially brilliant, and the careful handling of the plot twist was magnificent. Haley Joel Osment was robbed of an Oscar, as his performance would be considered riveting, even from a seasoned veteran actor. The fact that he can deliver such a convincing performance at his age speaks wonders of his talent. I highly recommend this film.

Escape to Witch Mountain (1995 TV Movie)

Screenplay Couldn't Be Saved by Decent Acting

[4/10 · 25 July 2000]

As much as one wants to try to forgive family oriented films for having implausible, ridiculous storylines, this film was so poorly written that even fairly good performances by the actors cannot raise it above the ranks of a simply poor movie. While (younger) children may enjoy the magic and fantasy elements, older audiences and parents can easily afford to leave the room.

The Pelican Brief (1993)

Good Suspense -- For the Intelligent Movie-Goer

[8/10 · 25 July 2000]

I enjoyed this film very much. It is well acted, and has plenty of star power, with great performances from Roberts and Washington. The story is compelling, and the cinematography lends itself to excellent suspense. However, many moviegoers (including myself) will find elements of the plot confusing and hard to follow. There are a great number of characters, and it is often difficult to tell who is who -- most of the "bad guys" dress alike and have similar hair, so distinguishing them becomes challenging. This may be a minor flaw in either casting or costume, making the characters somewhat undistinguishable. However, it also makes the plot quite intriguing, as the intelligent moviegoer becomes entangled at guessing just exactly who is associated with who, and so on. Still an excellent suspense movie -- if you like other Grisham movies (The Firm, the Rainmaker, etc.) you will like The Pelican Brief. But be warned: watch the film in an attentive state, and be prepared to think a lot. If you are a lazy, sit-back-and-relax type of viewer, this may not be the film for you.

Miracle in Lane 2 (2000 TV Movie)

Great Family Film

[9/10 · 24 July 2000]

Franky Muniz lights up the screen in this movie. While it is a predictable plot in many ways, it is nonetheless touching. A good plot line will keep parents interested, with numerous side plotlines. All around, this film is well acted, and for the most part, avoids cheesiness and cliche (though there are a few moments). Kids and adults alike will love it.

October Sky (1999)

A Tastefully Handled Film

[10/10 · 24 July 2000]

I definitely recommend this film -- It is a touching and inspiring film which, unlike many other films which aim to be inspirational, avoids cheezy cliche and sugar-coating. The screenwriter and director refreshingly handle the material in a manner that does not insult the viewer by slapping them in the face with the "inspiration". A great film for the entire family, or just someone who loves a good movie.

The Visitors (1993)

Monty-Pythonesque Humor -- In French

[8/10 · 24 July 2000]

This is a truly hilarious flick. Though it does feature a bit of potty humor, as well as some adult humor, it gives mature viewers A LOT to laugh about. Very appropriate for lovers of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and in general an audience between 16 and 30. Worth checking out.