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Reviews
Series 7: The Contenders (2001)
Great Idea, Pathetic Execution (pun intended)
I had good expectations for this movie before watching it. Unfortunately, the plot is hugely flawed and fails to make a definitive statement.
The director fails to decide if the movie should be satirical or a series look at reality t.v taken to the nth degree. Obviously, no research was performed to form a consistent set of rules for the contenders. Seriously lacking is the background of the contenders and the motivation for even signing up. The result is a formless romp which actually has no basis in reality, thereby losing it's shock value and it's satirical pointedness.
Perhaps, one of the points of the movie was about formless violence, but even then, it failed to deliver. Other movies that demonstrate mindless violence has method within the madness. No such attempt was made to develop and construct rules for within.
The slight twist at the end was already predetermined. I sat through the whole movie thinking why don't they just "do it" already?
On a positive note, the performances by the actors were strong and convincing (with what little they had to work with).
Disappointing. Watch the first 20 minutes and the last 20 minutes. 4 out of 10.
The Virgin Suicides (1999)
Tragic story of helplessness
An eloquent narration of a story that is ultimately tragic and repugnant. The viewer is sometimes displaced and never put at ease by awkward humour and unconventional shots.
A shortcoming of the movie is the lack of delineation of the male(s) narration and the parallel female viewpoint. The narration of the boys contains flavours of a female's interpretation of events.
A thoughtful movie that is recommended.
7 out of 10.
Romeo + Juliet (1996)
Colourful neo-modern adaptation
Much better than the standard retrofit of classic stories. Instead of following the Hollywood norm and creating a new story around Romeo and Juliet, Baz has taken the original and restaged it. The result is an edgy and sometimes powerful movie.
Whilst some references (such as weapons) were skilfully modernised, it was sometimes over the top and verged on cheesy. For example, the longsword was somewhat blatant.
My main criticism is that the movie still managed to feel slightly Hollywood sanitised. Gore and violence was deliberately toned down to nearly the level of James Bond movies. The inclusion of the graphic display of violence would have made the tragedy much more powerful.
8 out of 10.
The Beach (2000)
Excellent as a standalone movie
I have not read the novel that this screenplay is based on, so I cannot comment on that respect.
As a film in it's own right, the direction was rather interesting. Pop culture was left behind for an alternative culture. But then, at what point does alternative culture become popular? This is much the same with alternative musics/culture today. Perhaps, the spiral into savagery and madness could have been more dark.
The cinematography was breathtaking and the soundtrack well selected for the above mentioned theme. One criticism is that the direction seemed to almost flagrantly look 'arthouse'.
7 out of 10. Less if you have read the novel.
Wo hu cang long (2000)
Watch the Mandarin version with subtitles
I have watched this movie twice. The first time was on a plane where the movie was dubbed in English. The voice acting is so poor it intrudes into the atmosphere of the movie. It intruded so much so, I didn't enjoy the movie whatsoever. I rate the English dubbed version 5 out of 10.
The second viewing in Mandarin with subtitles was a revelation. The atmosphere is enveloping and you can't help but be drawn in. A beautiful story that is barely tainted by Hollywood. 8 out of 10.
Fright Night (1985)
So cheesy I almost liked it
My friend and I accidentally borrowed Fright Night on DVD thinking it was a recent movie.
Some parts of the movie were so cheesy I couldn't help but smile. I couldn't help but think the movie was not completely serious. There were some genuinely 'frightening' parts, but that was due to the soundtrack. Don't you hate when they add a sudden noise in an otherwise quiet scene? ;)
The special effects were pretty good, considering the age of the movie. The soundtrack and effects seem to be remastered and done quite well.
6 out of 10. Recommended if you like B grade horror.