This film capped off my Clint Eastwood-a-thon. Expertly narrated by Morgan Freeman, this film is a great tribute to the icon that is Clint Eastwood. The interviews with his costars and himself shed an amazing light on the whole experience and what it is like to work for such an amazing director. He is truly a rare gem, a director who knows what he wants, and far more impressive, is able to capture it. Before I started watching many of his films, I always regarded him as an actor, simply because I never knew the breadth of his work. I have since corrected myself, and regard him simply as a cinematic genius. I do have one small problem with this documentary, however. They made no mention of his third directorial effort, Breezy, which I very much enjoyed. I think when reviewing his entire career, even his bit parts in the late 50s and early 60s, surely you could make mention of all of his directorial efforts, especially the first film he didn't take an acting part in. To every fan of director Eastwood, I highly recommend Breezy, a heartfelt film with some fine acting and directing.
Reviews
11 Reviews
Cryptz
(2002 Video)
Better than I expected...
17 July 2003
I've been on somewhat of a horror kick lately. It all started last year when I rented Draven's "Hell Asylum." Easily the worst film I'd ever seen. But I saw a trailer for "Dead & Rotting" and I found myself interested, if only to have a good laugh. D&R was slightly better but not good at all. I gave Hell Asylum a 1/10 and D&R a 2/10. So flash forward now to this year where I rented "Draniac!" Horrible piece of garbage. 1/10. Then "Bleed," 2/10, perhaps only better for the sake of lots of nudity, although I don't see the appeal of Debbie Rochon? She's pale as all hell and is not attractive at all. I'm getting to "Cryptz", ok? Either for Hell Asylum or D&R I saw the trailer for "Cryptz", which also interested me but I didn't get around to renting it for an entire year. I'm glad I finally saw it. This is the best of the Schlock Horror movies I've ever seen. While the production value is still not there, the story and actors were thoroughly enjoyable. I didn't dig on the hooded druids all that much, but Draven himself ripped on them as well in the documentary. That's right! The DVD of Cryptz has a documentary on the making of this film. I urge you to check it out. The cast & crew seemed to really enjoy themselves here, and I found it interesting for the fact that I'm looking for a career in film as well. Not bad at all. 5/10
The Matrix Reloaded
(2003)
"Hmmm, Upgrades"
15 May 2003
Warning: Spoilers
I think I'll start out by saying that to really enjoy this movie, you may need to see it twice. Clever, yes, but aside from the financial strategy I'll direct my attention to the actual film.
Many people I have noticed, are saying that the story is lacking, that the first half is utterly boring and unwatchable. While this is not true, I found my self not truly enjoying the first half the way I did the original. I saw the sneak of this and just saw it again today, the day of its premiere. I believe that the setup here in Zion is necessary to signify its importance. In the first, we only hear about it, but in this one we actually get to be involved with it. I also like the other views that people share of Morpheus, as opposed to the skewed views of his Nebuchadnezzer crew in the first (sans Cypher, of course). Although we know Neo is "The One," its kind of interesting to see what people around him think of him. A very necessary opening to the film, I think you'll agree after a second viewing.
******Spoilers may lie within, caution*********
I did enjoy the scenes within the Matrix considerably more, as they are sleek, stylish, and even funny at times. I think the chemistry/love that is shared by Neo and Trinity was emoted very believably. Smith was great, although I think they should have left the cloning a secret, instead of spoiling it in the trailers, showing Neo fighthing 100 Smiths, but oh well, they're banking on this one to make money. He was so funny in most of his scenes, he really steals the show I think. I thought the "psychobabble" that so many IMDBers are complaining about was great, really deep, and fit very well in such a complicated world the Brothers Wachowski have created (kudos to them just for that. Step back, and think about what they created, will you). The Highway Chase scene was amazing, and could've went on forever if you ask me. I also liked the scenes that would show Neo in mid-air, stop motion maybe, where he's just kind of gliding and frozen in time, it seemed like a ballet, very creative. The revelation of the Source was pretty suprising, a great touch. The addition of the new characters was very essential, as all sequels need to be bigger and badder than the first, although this film falls slightly short of the original, but nevertheless, is very extraordinary. C'mon now, for you to all be impressed, I'm sure this would only happen if Neo and Smith were fighting right inside the theatre, spilling popcorn all over your girlfriend's lap. I was pretty surprised when most everbody left as soon as the credits rolled, obviously not knowing about the "Revolutions" trailer at the tail end of the film. My only complaints would probably be that more Smith is needed in the film (no pun intended, but he is my fave character, and also more Persephone (oooooh lah lah) and The Twins were great too, I hope they'll be back, it was hard to tell if they died or not. The key maker was a funny little addition too, and Merovingian was also great-pretentious, ah the French!)
The Matrix Reloaded 9/10
(Can't wait 'till November 7)
Many people I have noticed, are saying that the story is lacking, that the first half is utterly boring and unwatchable. While this is not true, I found my self not truly enjoying the first half the way I did the original. I saw the sneak of this and just saw it again today, the day of its premiere. I believe that the setup here in Zion is necessary to signify its importance. In the first, we only hear about it, but in this one we actually get to be involved with it. I also like the other views that people share of Morpheus, as opposed to the skewed views of his Nebuchadnezzer crew in the first (sans Cypher, of course). Although we know Neo is "The One," its kind of interesting to see what people around him think of him. A very necessary opening to the film, I think you'll agree after a second viewing.
******Spoilers may lie within, caution*********
I did enjoy the scenes within the Matrix considerably more, as they are sleek, stylish, and even funny at times. I think the chemistry/love that is shared by Neo and Trinity was emoted very believably. Smith was great, although I think they should have left the cloning a secret, instead of spoiling it in the trailers, showing Neo fighthing 100 Smiths, but oh well, they're banking on this one to make money. He was so funny in most of his scenes, he really steals the show I think. I thought the "psychobabble" that so many IMDBers are complaining about was great, really deep, and fit very well in such a complicated world the Brothers Wachowski have created (kudos to them just for that. Step back, and think about what they created, will you). The Highway Chase scene was amazing, and could've went on forever if you ask me. I also liked the scenes that would show Neo in mid-air, stop motion maybe, where he's just kind of gliding and frozen in time, it seemed like a ballet, very creative. The revelation of the Source was pretty suprising, a great touch. The addition of the new characters was very essential, as all sequels need to be bigger and badder than the first, although this film falls slightly short of the original, but nevertheless, is very extraordinary. C'mon now, for you to all be impressed, I'm sure this would only happen if Neo and Smith were fighting right inside the theatre, spilling popcorn all over your girlfriend's lap. I was pretty surprised when most everbody left as soon as the credits rolled, obviously not knowing about the "Revolutions" trailer at the tail end of the film. My only complaints would probably be that more Smith is needed in the film (no pun intended, but he is my fave character, and also more Persephone (oooooh lah lah) and The Twins were great too, I hope they'll be back, it was hard to tell if they died or not. The key maker was a funny little addition too, and Merovingian was also great-pretentious, ah the French!)
The Matrix Reloaded 9/10
(Can't wait 'till November 7)
Frida Kahlo
(1982 TV Movie)
interesting documentary/interpretation of the great artist...
7 January 2003
I saw this film while on a study abroad trip in Mexico. We were studying third world cinema and were supposed to see the Frida Kahlo film by Paul LeDuc, but instead got this little documentary. The biography of Frida along with the interpretations of many of her paintings were so unique that later that day I went and bought a picture plaque of one of her later paintings. Her tragic story was inspiring and the director and narrator did a very thorough job of retelling her life, along with the trouble she encountered with her famous painter husband Diego Rivera. Highly recommended to anyone interested in artists and the things that inspire them. I may even check out the new Salma Hayek movie about Frida Kahlo.
Gummo
(1997)
Sickening
5 July 2002
I really do not want to write a long review like most of you here have. Frankly, I don't think the film is worth the time. This film actually made me ashamed to be a human being, to think that there are people like this out there. God help us, for we know not what we do. For the people that "Gummo" represents, I really think they have no idea. I'm just glad I was brought up better than "them there folks."
Death to Smoochy
(2002)
HELLO NEW JERSEY!
27 March 2002
The dynamics of this film I must say are quite remarkable. I'll be the first to admit that it doesn't offer much new in cinema, other than great talents like Norton and Keener (and sometimes Williams) to work together. This biting satire of children's television icons is sharply directed by Danny DeVito, giving Norton and Williams almost equal screen time, all the while providing some really stark visuals and very funny scenes (the theater was rolling in the aisles during the step-dad song). Catherine Keener played the ice-cold b***h with class, I've always known she'd find her niche. Norton was top-notch as the squeaky clean patron saint Smoochy, he definitely can hold his own with comedic heavyweights Williams and DeVito. And Williams returns to comedy with a big bang (and a few swear words to boot). His Rainbow Randolph's deranged mind unravels nicely right before our eyes, and you still feel sympathy for him.
The film had a nice pace and the climax scene was a little cliche, but nonetheless still very funny in the execution. I definitely recommend this film, Norton fans will not be disappointed. 9/10
The film had a nice pace and the climax scene was a little cliche, but nonetheless still very funny in the execution. I definitely recommend this film, Norton fans will not be disappointed. 9/10
The Cameraman
(1928)
Amazing early cinematic comedy
28 February 2002
This is the first Buster Keaton film I have seen, and believe me, I want more. We watched this one in my silent film class and I was so entertained. How could I have not seen him before you wonder? Well, I always thought Chaplin was known as the great silent comedian, but I came to find out that Harold Lloyd was the tops, then Chap, then Keaton, whom should be number 1 in my book. Very entertaining film, with some amazing technical work done (the crane down the flights of stairs, the tracking shot of the speed boat, and the explosion) and who can forget that hilarious monkey!?
One of the first things that popped in to my head as we began this film is, 'He looks an awful lot like Jean-Claude Van Damme,' does anybody agree? If Van Damme were a better actor, perhaps he could do the Bio of this amazing entertainer, I hope I'm not blasphemizing Keaton, I don't mean to...
One of the first things that popped in to my head as we began this film is, 'He looks an awful lot like Jean-Claude Van Damme,' does anybody agree? If Van Damme were a better actor, perhaps he could do the Bio of this amazing entertainer, I hope I'm not blasphemizing Keaton, I don't mean to...
M
(1931)
Eerily Effective...
27 February 2002
I've finally gotten to see this silent classic, and I am not disappointed. Although this was made in the very early "talkie" era, much of it still plays like a silent picture. The chase scene starts with music then adds a sense of urgency to it when it goes completely silent. The cinematography is amazing in this film, especially the scene where Lorre confesses to an angry mob.
Lorre creates sympathy for his character even though we know how sick of a person he is, he makes us understand how it feels for him. Even though, you still want the mob to destroy him for the dastardly acts he's committed. Great acting nearly all the way around, superb directing. Sets the bar for insane characters for years to come.
Lorre creates sympathy for his character even though we know how sick of a person he is, he makes us understand how it feels for him. Even though, you still want the mob to destroy him for the dastardly acts he's committed. Great acting nearly all the way around, superb directing. Sets the bar for insane characters for years to come.
The Tong Man
(1919)
Interesting early look into Chinese Mafia
26 February 2002
Although this film was made in 1919, don't let that fool you. There is plenty of action in this film that seems unbelievable for the time it took place (personal favorite: hatchet to one baddie's face).
There is a simple story here about a man involved with a Chinese Mafia-like organization and his attempt to remove himself from it when he falls in love with a young Chinese woman (played by a caucasian), the very daughter of the man he is assigned to kill. Great story progress, no real bumps, although the ending seems a bit contrived.
There is a simple story here about a man involved with a Chinese Mafia-like organization and his attempt to remove himself from it when he falls in love with a young Chinese woman (played by a caucasian), the very daughter of the man he is assigned to kill. Great story progress, no real bumps, although the ending seems a bit contrived.
The Matrix
(1999)
The Matrix peaks out on many different levels
4 May 1999
This film is truly phenomenal, to say the least. I have seen it 7 times and I do plan on seeing it at least 1 more time. It makes me think about numerous things each time I see it. It touches base on a spiritual level, intellectual, visual, as well as containing some pretty groovy dialogue and some kick a$$ visual effects (Carrie-Ann Moss) and fight scenes. Sure to be my favorite film of the year, possibly decade. ****
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