The Tudors is full of sex, nudity, decapitations, torture, betrayal, malice, murder, rape,festering wounds, gossip, adultery, a Royal Court soap opera ...and all being performed by mostly in shaped attractive actors who are lead by Jonathan Rhyes Myers as Henry VIII. The real life lunatic king would most likely be delighted to be portrayed so handsomely. Imagine how The Tudors would have done in the ratings if the characters were portrayed more accurately in appearance. Henry VIII was a plump pig of a man along with most of the court hogs. Psychopathy and Narcissism run amok as Henry VIII grows more paranoid and delusional in his power to Control England, Ireland, and France. A depressing feeling engulfs the mind from start to finish. The characters appear apathetic to any emotion especially the loss of family, loved ones, or friends. The costumes and set designs are lovely. Myers captures the King in a perverse madness and we hate him for it wanting that festering wound to devour his evil and twisted mind. Yet, for some reason, among all the madness there is a spell cast. You might have the whips and chains ready for a late night romp with a desirable one.
Reviews
89 Reviews
Melancholia
(2011)
No Drugs
20 April 2012
A dreamily opening to a captivating and somewhat confusing look into depression and isolation. The undertone of this film lies in the fact that feeling depressed is based on the fact that something does not seem right. There is no Prozac or Lexapro to alter your brain. Melancholia seems to symbolize our current state of viral cyber news of comets, runaway planets, fallen birds, plaques of locust, Brown Dwarfs...strange sounds. Something does not seem right. Kirsten Dunst carried much of the film and Charlotte Gainsbourg was a fine balance of melancholy. Director Lars Von Trier uses his bouncy camera shoots that may cause irritation with some of the confusing moments such as a night out on a Golf Course but then slows down to moments of transcendence like the nude scene under the light of Melancholia, a runaway planet that is more of a parable to all our endings. Isolation on an English Estate. Beautiful and haunting.
The Help
(2011)
Far From The Truth
20 April 2012
The Help comes nowhere near the horror that infected Mississippi and the Southeast during the Civil Rights movement in 1960's America. This silly portrayal is filled with cinematic clichés. The film bounces between fluff and nutter with Actors placed in nice lighting. Give me a break. The Help has a cast that is able to carry the story with moments of humor balancing the hardships of being victims of racism. The Evangelical Baptists and Congregations were filled with much oppression and ignorance during this time. Why is this not touched upon with a more accurate eye. 50 years later, Mississippi is ranked the most miserable state. Perhaps, in the sequel, "More Help" we may see such realism. It will scare the hell out of ya. No pun intended.
W.
(I) (2008)
One of the most frightening films of all time
22 October 2010
W., an outlined bio pic of former President George W. Bush and directed by Oliver Stone should be on every critics top ten horror film lists. Stone directs the film with a flat and unattached manner as if simulating the title characters own persona. There is nothing learned or gained by watching this film with the exception of knowing that there is definitely a major problem in our country right now when an individual of this nature is able to win Presidency. The horror of this film is that George W. Bush is portrayed as a drunk, set out to prove something to his ego. There is not one profound statement made from a leader detached from vanity or power. There is no philosophy or attribute toward a better world. There is only pettiness and spite. The film is sad and it leaves a note of a troubled America. The cast does a great job of creating a selfish interest group bent out of shape in the pasture land of Bush's Homestead. George W. Bush is portrayed as a brat, a trait that never seemed to go away. Where is the heart and mind of a leader? Surely, at some point, George W. had to have an epiphany...something!...anything! that justifies eight years of being President.
Zeitgeist
(2007 Video)
A Philosophical and Thought Provoking Omen
25 September 2008
Is the Earth entering the age of Aquarius? Is it time for a new paradigm of existence without the aid of made up cults known as religion? Is it the end of usury? It is a great time for life to shift to a new way of thinking and be what we could have been without the antagonism of religion. The Mayan Calender ends on December 21st, 2012 at 11:11-The Winter Solstice. Its translation into our time equals 13.0.0.0.0. Something has got to change. Have we all forgotten those jets flying into the World Trade Center and how nothing has really been told or truly explained? Does paying our debt truly distract us from what is going on?
Zeitgeist is a philosophical narrative on the state of who are we are and where we came from and where we are going in the age of Pisces. It shows us how we are easily deceived and can be made to believe in anything. Remember we are just mature monkeys and Human beings can be made to believe in anything if we're affected as children. Imagine being raised in a KKK family or a Catholic Family, Islam, or worse, a Baptist family like this critic...oh the suffering...Imagine what you could have been without those inventions of hate and deceit? Zeitgeist is suggesting to those who are aware of this illusion of existence that the times are about to change. Who wants the world to continue that forces pills, usury, plastic surgery, vanity, greed, drugs, commercialism, materialism...down our throats as if this is what our intention was when the Human spirit has so much more to offer the individual as we begin to realize that we do exist in heaven.
Watch this movie and think about it. Who will be the one to stop this madness we all let continue? Where is the David to throw the Stone into Goliath? As a democracy we have the right to fire our government. Remember a Democracy is Mob Rule...
Zeitgeist is a philosophical narrative on the state of who are we are and where we came from and where we are going in the age of Pisces. It shows us how we are easily deceived and can be made to believe in anything. Remember we are just mature monkeys and Human beings can be made to believe in anything if we're affected as children. Imagine being raised in a KKK family or a Catholic Family, Islam, or worse, a Baptist family like this critic...oh the suffering...Imagine what you could have been without those inventions of hate and deceit? Zeitgeist is suggesting to those who are aware of this illusion of existence that the times are about to change. Who wants the world to continue that forces pills, usury, plastic surgery, vanity, greed, drugs, commercialism, materialism...down our throats as if this is what our intention was when the Human spirit has so much more to offer the individual as we begin to realize that we do exist in heaven.
Watch this movie and think about it. Who will be the one to stop this madness we all let continue? Where is the David to throw the Stone into Goliath? As a democracy we have the right to fire our government. Remember a Democracy is Mob Rule...
A Streetcar Named Desire
(1951)
Beware the Sirens
2 September 2008
Elia Kazan's black and white film adaptation to Tennesee William's 1947 play A Streetcar Named Desire. A superb effort by Kazan sharing it's place amongst his other films such as East Of Eden, On The Waterfront, and Gentlemen's Agreement. Cinematographer Harry Stradling who would be the future DP for My Fair Lady and Funny Girl, places the characters in light and shadows capturing the growing tension on a New Orleans set.
Blanche Dubois (Vivian Leigh) is seeking a streetcar named desire in the opening of the film. A young sailor points her the way. It is here where Blanche Dubois displays a subtle glimpse into her true nature however, she has a streetcar to catch and a close sister, Stella Kowalksi (Kim Hunter) to lean on. Desire and the past pursue Blanches journey.
If anything A Streetcar Named Desire is Sexy and it's desire pours off the screen with the entrance of Stanley Kowalski's (Marlon Brando) sweaty t-shirt allure in the 1940's steamy and wild city of New Orleans. The moment Blanche lays eyes on her sisters husband the heat immerses off the screen. Marlon Brando is a screen presence with his sex appeal and brooding puppy eyes. Director Kazan captures the actor in his primal sexuality like a God of Desire. Stanley will be Blanche's antagonist and the scenes between the two actors are gripping and powerful.
The Film is a parable to the journey of life. Great Ullysses tried to show us in The Odyssey as he tied himself to a pole and plugged his ears with wax to the songs of desire as the Sirens sung that forces beyond our imagination and control can lead us to decay as it does Blanche Dubois whose past wanderings and addictions destroy her world.
Blanche Dubois (Vivian Leigh) is seeking a streetcar named desire in the opening of the film. A young sailor points her the way. It is here where Blanche Dubois displays a subtle glimpse into her true nature however, she has a streetcar to catch and a close sister, Stella Kowalksi (Kim Hunter) to lean on. Desire and the past pursue Blanches journey.
If anything A Streetcar Named Desire is Sexy and it's desire pours off the screen with the entrance of Stanley Kowalski's (Marlon Brando) sweaty t-shirt allure in the 1940's steamy and wild city of New Orleans. The moment Blanche lays eyes on her sisters husband the heat immerses off the screen. Marlon Brando is a screen presence with his sex appeal and brooding puppy eyes. Director Kazan captures the actor in his primal sexuality like a God of Desire. Stanley will be Blanche's antagonist and the scenes between the two actors are gripping and powerful.
The Film is a parable to the journey of life. Great Ullysses tried to show us in The Odyssey as he tied himself to a pole and plugged his ears with wax to the songs of desire as the Sirens sung that forces beyond our imagination and control can lead us to decay as it does Blanche Dubois whose past wanderings and addictions destroy her world.
The Dark Knight
(2008)
The Dark Knight and a Marketing Quest.
19 August 2008
The Dark Knight's marketing campaign was very luring and the super charged trailers for this multi produced dark and monotone film were done very well, tempting the moviegoer's curiosity. The film starts off on a somewhat implausible crime and an introduction to the evil that Batman will have to face. Gotham is in trouble. It seems that since the 911 attacks several films have been portraying destruction and violence in a form of terrorism. The Dark Knight has a parable to the current terror that the Western World is facing and fighting against. The Joker, Batman's antagonist in the film is the symbol for this new terrorism...he is a disturbing character that is faced with impossible feats of terror. The film jolts the senses and keeps the consciousness focused on defeating this terror and how but, the impossible meets the impossible and a reminder that this all comic book fun with a little propaganda involved. It's the hero's journey done all over again. Cinematographer Wally Pfister's lighting is the best part of this hyped film. Heath Ledger played a great Character Role that has been played well in the past. Chistian Bale seemed bored and tired or perhaps that was his Character as batman would be tired and bored with existence and wondering why he is bothering when the cops in the film are portrayed as mediocre, corrupt, stupid...why would Batman continue...Rich, successful, powerful, superhero, attractive...The Dark Knight is full of questionable feats and watching the editing in places did not convince that what just occurred on film is too hard to accept even on comic book level. This empty and sad film leaves the senses the moment the car door shuts. Like a rickety roller-coaster...glad to see the credits role.
WALL·E
(2008)
An Early 21st Century Animated Feature
2 July 2008
WALL-E captivates the senses during the first 20 minutes as computer generated images of our future look and feel life like. A loneliness creeps in and engulfs the mind as WALL-E wheels his way around a decaying metropolis, in silence doing his job as a scrap recycler constructor. Many films in recent times have applied the spirit and machine together such as A.I., I Robot, 2001, and Aaron Lipstadt's obscure 1982 film Android. There may be a future in robotics as the Human population rises and our needs change. Investors look out.
This Pixar/ Disney production is a wonder to view as we watch WALL-E pursue companionship in a space visitor, a Droid Robot named EVA sent to the barren earth to find plant life. The arrival of the spaceship as it descends upon the desolate city is beautiful and enjoyably felt. There is a Genesis feel to EVA's arrival as she represents Eve in the Garden and WALL-E is Adam. God even saw in a robot, loneliness. The discovered plant represents the fig leaf and the space ship is the Ark. Disney and Christianity have always been hand in hand.
The second half of the film becomes more Disney as we meet the Inhabitants on the Spaceship. A sadness may come upon the mind as the inhabitants are a future generation of WALL-Mart consumers continuing the game deep in Space. The Earth was gobbled up and left a wasteland by corporate consumers apathetic to the world around them. Who will lead them without ego back to earth. WALL-E? No. Love. Just as Christ represents love. Disney takes the same old story and paints another unique and original piece of art.
WALL-E seems to be telling us that the human race needs to come together and hold hands and save this planet. It aims at the next generation, today's 5 to 10 year olds who will always have the future of our planet on their minds.
WALL-E is fun, entertaining, unusual, alarming and contains some amazing images of a computer generated reality. That right there is frightening as the same generation may be deceived in the future when they think they are looking at something real when its just Pixar tricking the consumer into consumption.
This Pixar/ Disney production is a wonder to view as we watch WALL-E pursue companionship in a space visitor, a Droid Robot named EVA sent to the barren earth to find plant life. The arrival of the spaceship as it descends upon the desolate city is beautiful and enjoyably felt. There is a Genesis feel to EVA's arrival as she represents Eve in the Garden and WALL-E is Adam. God even saw in a robot, loneliness. The discovered plant represents the fig leaf and the space ship is the Ark. Disney and Christianity have always been hand in hand.
The second half of the film becomes more Disney as we meet the Inhabitants on the Spaceship. A sadness may come upon the mind as the inhabitants are a future generation of WALL-Mart consumers continuing the game deep in Space. The Earth was gobbled up and left a wasteland by corporate consumers apathetic to the world around them. Who will lead them without ego back to earth. WALL-E? No. Love. Just as Christ represents love. Disney takes the same old story and paints another unique and original piece of art.
WALL-E seems to be telling us that the human race needs to come together and hold hands and save this planet. It aims at the next generation, today's 5 to 10 year olds who will always have the future of our planet on their minds.
WALL-E is fun, entertaining, unusual, alarming and contains some amazing images of a computer generated reality. That right there is frightening as the same generation may be deceived in the future when they think they are looking at something real when its just Pixar tricking the consumer into consumption.
The Trip to Bountiful
(1985)
A Tale of longing and aching for the past.
14 June 2008
The Trip To Bountiful is a touching and thought provoking film on the human condition as we grow older and the generations of our existence begin to fade into others leaving some of us behind to dwell in how beautiful life was. The film opens on a hymn "Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling..." and there is a young mother chasing her son, a boy through a golden field touched by lilac. The mother catches her son and lifts him to her chest and hugs him deeply and there is a warm start to what will be a great story on the human condition through the aging of time.
From the Golden Field serenaded by a hymn the future is laid upon us and we see the Mother, 40 years later rocking in a chair staring out a window in a city apartment humming a hymn. Meet Geraldine Page the Oscar winner who portrays Carrie Watts, A Woman determined to go back to her rural country hometown Bountiful and relive the moment. Carrie lives with her son Ludie portrayed by John Heard in his city apartment along with his wife Fannie Mae who dislikes the humming of hymns. Fannie Mae is a pain in the ass caught up in new post war II bourgeois Caucasian existence.
The film follows Carrie on her adventure to get to Bountiful and the petty events that try to stop her. Rebecca Demorney fills the screen for a brief moment and reminds us how beautiful youth and innocence is and how kind we all can be as strangers.
A lyrical and teary eyed experience. Gets you in the heart and reminds us to embrace the presence and prepare for a future.
From the Golden Field serenaded by a hymn the future is laid upon us and we see the Mother, 40 years later rocking in a chair staring out a window in a city apartment humming a hymn. Meet Geraldine Page the Oscar winner who portrays Carrie Watts, A Woman determined to go back to her rural country hometown Bountiful and relive the moment. Carrie lives with her son Ludie portrayed by John Heard in his city apartment along with his wife Fannie Mae who dislikes the humming of hymns. Fannie Mae is a pain in the ass caught up in new post war II bourgeois Caucasian existence.
The film follows Carrie on her adventure to get to Bountiful and the petty events that try to stop her. Rebecca Demorney fills the screen for a brief moment and reminds us how beautiful youth and innocence is and how kind we all can be as strangers.
A lyrical and teary eyed experience. Gets you in the heart and reminds us to embrace the presence and prepare for a future.
Madonna: Truth or Dare
(1991)
A Portrait of an Artist as a young woman.
5 April 2008
Madonna is captivating in Truth or Dare, a self produced documentary showcasing the Blond Pop Star on stage and back stage. There are no cigarettes and their is little drinking, if any going on in the film. Truth or Dare is more about a formed family that produces one hell of a spectacle and at the center is Madonna who holds everyone together using a soft tongue, humor, vulgarity, sex and prayer. Madonna is a phenomenon who soaks up the paparazzi like a magnet; she loves the camera and attention. It is fun to watch Madonna shrewdly humiliate famous men like Kevin Costner and Warren Beatty. It's fun to see her get playful with her dancers and show her breasts off to her friends not letting them get too close. Madonna holds prayer meetings before her concerts with her dancers and back up singers as she chomps gum. It is more like a pep prayer getting everyone into a strong light of commitment and perseverance. The film cuts between stage acts with some of Madonna's top songs then to back stage of other avenues of Madonna's life like visiting the grave of her Mother. Madonna has a helpful brother who shows up in many scenes and his presence is laid back and intelligent. Madonna works hard and achieves much in return for her abilities. She is a living legend who speaks about our rights of artistic expression. We see a kind Madonna who mothers her extended family of dancers and friends and we see a strong Madonna who laughs in the face of humility and gets away with it. Truth or Dare is more rewarding now because we have seen the direction this woman has taken. She has set the example on how to succeed in the Music World and have a good time.
The Host
(2006)
Korean Urban Legend
19 August 2007
The Host is a strange and peculiar film and very refreshing, as it brings the monster parable to a dynamic perspective. The film goes from humor to sadness without giving a warning, going back and forth between the two emotions like night and day. It seems to be asking us to recognize how serious and damaging we can be in our decisions and what we can turn into because of them.
It seems America is the monster that infected Koreans waters causing birth defects in the next generation. Families that could have been strong were made victims to this poor decision. A U.S. official orders the dumping of Formaldehyde in the sewer system of a Korean city. This is the action that created the Urban Legend of the sea creature, a slithering, gobbling, ugly, frightening, and most disgusting 30 foot tad pole.
The direction is beautiful. The film dwells in the sewer systems as a family searches for their little girl. The scenes with the monster are gripping especially with the little girl hiding in a hole, alone, hungry, but spiritually strong. The film has an unfamiliar tone with it's approach on telling it's tale. It's ability to take the mood from light to dark is affecting. Once the parable comes to life as we witness that we lie in the belly of the beast that is destroying the world, that we created this monster for usury, that is when the film truly becomes effecting. The monster consumes everything without need for it. Consumerism has infected the individual and is destroying everything in it's path for progress in the Age of Invention. The power of a family is destroyed by it.
A strange and beautiful film
It seems America is the monster that infected Koreans waters causing birth defects in the next generation. Families that could have been strong were made victims to this poor decision. A U.S. official orders the dumping of Formaldehyde in the sewer system of a Korean city. This is the action that created the Urban Legend of the sea creature, a slithering, gobbling, ugly, frightening, and most disgusting 30 foot tad pole.
The direction is beautiful. The film dwells in the sewer systems as a family searches for their little girl. The scenes with the monster are gripping especially with the little girl hiding in a hole, alone, hungry, but spiritually strong. The film has an unfamiliar tone with it's approach on telling it's tale. It's ability to take the mood from light to dark is affecting. Once the parable comes to life as we witness that we lie in the belly of the beast that is destroying the world, that we created this monster for usury, that is when the film truly becomes effecting. The monster consumes everything without need for it. Consumerism has infected the individual and is destroying everything in it's path for progress in the Age of Invention. The power of a family is destroyed by it.
A strange and beautiful film
Open Water
(2003)
A parable to life.
29 July 2007
Open Water is a producers dream; a low budget psychological horror film. This film has success written all over it. The two divers drifting at sea clearly represent today's optimistic couples ignorant of consumerism's sharks. This simple tale baits us. One scene in particular and the act that follows. Scary and haunting! As we grow older in this world we begin to learn of these shark invested waters. The good times are over. The sea of economics is full of sharks especially for young divers.
Open Water is fascinating in it's ability to keep the viewer glued by just the lapping water. Life is all fun and games until you look beneath the surface and realize that you have been had. Still want that Corporate job? The film gets a 10 for being original and effective using the technique of the art form. Want to make a film? "Imitation is the greatest form of flattery."
Open Water is fascinating in it's ability to keep the viewer glued by just the lapping water. Life is all fun and games until you look beneath the surface and realize that you have been had. Still want that Corporate job? The film gets a 10 for being original and effective using the technique of the art form. Want to make a film? "Imitation is the greatest form of flattery."
Minority Report
(2002)
A Perspective about Democracy.
17 July 2007
A fascinating Sci-Fi Thriller about the minority perspective. In a Democracy the majority vote wins. However, what if the minority is right most of the time? Better yet, what if the minority is right when it counts most? Steven Spielberg has achieved a great philosophy in his films as his spirit merges with the art. The sad part is that film is only allowed to go so far with truly showing us what we are as consumers and human beings.
Minority Report is haunting as is Truth when it appears too bright to accept. The film touches on this "truth" as we watch the future seer suffer through a different perspective, a view that is right made wrong by the Majority.
The question is: When do we listen to the Minority?
It usually comes with a voice. The Nazi's were once a minority and Hitler was their voice. Yet, who was the minority along with the Nazi's? The Jew? Their voice is and always will be God.
Minority Report is haunting as is Truth when it appears too bright to accept. The film touches on this "truth" as we watch the future seer suffer through a different perspective, a view that is right made wrong by the Majority.
The question is: When do we listen to the Minority?
It usually comes with a voice. The Nazi's were once a minority and Hitler was their voice. Yet, who was the minority along with the Nazi's? The Jew? Their voice is and always will be God.
The Devil Wears Prada
(2006)
Learn from Meryl Streep what separates Fashion from cliché.
18 March 2007
The Devil Wears Prada showcases two stars, Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway. Mrs. Streep Portrays Miranda Preistley, CEO of Runway Magazine and a woman of refined character that has built her life using whatever it takes in the Game of life. We never truly get to know her character but see fragments of her abilities in the High Fashion world. She is a Bitch and she knows that being a Tough Bitch is the Key in making it in her Career. She is most definitely the Devil. That's if Corporate Capitalism and the dollar is the True Hades Dweller that the holy book alludes to. Miranda Priestly is beautiful and mean, shrewd and experienced...Meryl Streep is given three scenes to really showcase her acting. She defines fashion and we have her attention. Her performance as Mrs. Priestly will become a film note for sure. She is cruel but a good woman in love with power and fashion.
Anne Hathaway portrays, Andrea ("Annie") a Northwestern Graduate who has landed a Job at Runway Magazine as 2nd assistant to Miranda Priestly. The Lion and the Lamb. There is an innocence emitting within Hathaway's character mostly expressed in her rosy cheeks. The transformation she goes through is expected and comes along well and is refreshing. She defines to look within oneself and see how beautiful we can become especially in the art world of fashion where individualism is expressed purely. We welcome her transformation as Hathaway is captured beautifully at times in exquisite dresses. The black dress even received recognition from envy as Annie's boyfriend unconsciously reacts to her epiphany. Annie is a confident Graduate who states; "Well, that would not be fair.", when a High Executive advises her to quit after being shrewdly told she was a dumpy fat slob by Mrs. Priestly.
The weakness in the film lies in the script. The plot is predictable and a silly subplot about a takeover distracts from the character development. It would have made a great film had the writer examined the two lead characters more where each one has something to learn from the other. It was not clear if Miranda Preistly learned anything from Annie. She never became self aware of her pompous behavior and gave in to the aspect of life that the other side was cool. Then again Thats the Devil.
Annie did the job as a Northwestern Graduate would do. Perfect! She is out to prove to the world she can do anything. She walked away from the high fashion world displaying confidence and experience. She saw the ill effects of such a career as sex and corruption, betrayal and deceit, let alone the missing drug abuse would have consumed her. Her first ski lift would have taken her into that lust pool where the Devil flourish's and smiles pompously and shrewdly at her while she caves into desire. However, The film goes to fluff and remains a fun family film without getting to absorb in seriousness. Annie is the angel that showed us how to beat the Devil when she or he or it appears in our life.
Love thy enemy and help them.
Anne Hathaway portrays, Andrea ("Annie") a Northwestern Graduate who has landed a Job at Runway Magazine as 2nd assistant to Miranda Priestly. The Lion and the Lamb. There is an innocence emitting within Hathaway's character mostly expressed in her rosy cheeks. The transformation she goes through is expected and comes along well and is refreshing. She defines to look within oneself and see how beautiful we can become especially in the art world of fashion where individualism is expressed purely. We welcome her transformation as Hathaway is captured beautifully at times in exquisite dresses. The black dress even received recognition from envy as Annie's boyfriend unconsciously reacts to her epiphany. Annie is a confident Graduate who states; "Well, that would not be fair.", when a High Executive advises her to quit after being shrewdly told she was a dumpy fat slob by Mrs. Priestly.
The weakness in the film lies in the script. The plot is predictable and a silly subplot about a takeover distracts from the character development. It would have made a great film had the writer examined the two lead characters more where each one has something to learn from the other. It was not clear if Miranda Preistly learned anything from Annie. She never became self aware of her pompous behavior and gave in to the aspect of life that the other side was cool. Then again Thats the Devil.
Annie did the job as a Northwestern Graduate would do. Perfect! She is out to prove to the world she can do anything. She walked away from the high fashion world displaying confidence and experience. She saw the ill effects of such a career as sex and corruption, betrayal and deceit, let alone the missing drug abuse would have consumed her. Her first ski lift would have taken her into that lust pool where the Devil flourish's and smiles pompously and shrewdly at her while she caves into desire. However, The film goes to fluff and remains a fun family film without getting to absorb in seriousness. Annie is the angel that showed us how to beat the Devil when she or he or it appears in our life.
Love thy enemy and help them.
The Lives of Others
(2006)
No different than America's surveillance. We call it Democracy.
17 March 2007
The Lives Of Others, if anything is trying to make us conscious of an evil that is present in our current world, Surveillance.
If this is a Democracy then why would we allow such a state of things? This is no police state like East Germany. It has only led to pettiness amongst the masses. Pettiness and spying go hand in hand.
There is only one direction with this technology and that is to make sure we are behaving properly according to the political minds that run the show.
The problem is that we all pay for it. But that's a Democracy. What's wrong with us?
If this is a Democracy then why would we allow such a state of things? This is no police state like East Germany. It has only led to pettiness amongst the masses. Pettiness and spying go hand in hand.
There is only one direction with this technology and that is to make sure we are behaving properly according to the political minds that run the show.
The problem is that we all pay for it. But that's a Democracy. What's wrong with us?
Mysterious Skin
(2004)
Once a victim, always a victim....that's the law.
3 February 2007
Mysterious Skin captures the effects of sexual abuse in a very truthful way. Only a victim would know this truth. The bed wetting, The nose bleeds, UFO's and alien probing. Asexual adolescence, promiscuity, and self destructiveness. Yet, the most important truth is that our society raises us to fear sex. Instead, it teaches us about Santa Claus. We are raised on illusion and lies as well as fears. This is why these boys fall into isolated roads of growth. Middle and lower class values engulf the two young men keeping them in boxes of destructiveness. One boy forgets the experience whereas the other seems to enjoy the playfulness as he realizes sexual desire at the age of eight.
The performances seem real and the film has a personal approach as if Director Araki wanted to show the world an experience of an unfamiliar territory. It is uneasy viewing at times but the film bounces back to compassion and empathy. Joseph Gordon Levitt possesses the screen presence to carry the film. We like him. Yet, like most street kids his youthful rebellion will turn into aged bitter pain and sadness only leading to one outcome...an empty soul that could never love or trust. The question is who is truly at fault. The Coach? The Mother? The American Dream? The film has no conclusion for these young men except: Welcome to Life and join the ranks of all us victims and strive for the pursuit of happiness like everyone else in America.
A powerful and painful film. Yet, Mysterious Skin examines a subject we need to pay more attention too as kids are more exposed to sex at early ages with the invention of the internet. We are too distracted by our desires.
The performances seem real and the film has a personal approach as if Director Araki wanted to show the world an experience of an unfamiliar territory. It is uneasy viewing at times but the film bounces back to compassion and empathy. Joseph Gordon Levitt possesses the screen presence to carry the film. We like him. Yet, like most street kids his youthful rebellion will turn into aged bitter pain and sadness only leading to one outcome...an empty soul that could never love or trust. The question is who is truly at fault. The Coach? The Mother? The American Dream? The film has no conclusion for these young men except: Welcome to Life and join the ranks of all us victims and strive for the pursuit of happiness like everyone else in America.
A powerful and painful film. Yet, Mysterious Skin examines a subject we need to pay more attention too as kids are more exposed to sex at early ages with the invention of the internet. We are too distracted by our desires.
Pan's Labyrinth
(2006)
A world of choices and decisions.
20 December 2006
Pan's Labyrinth has a Grimm's Fairytale quality. The mood is curious and enchanting but under a dark and stormy cloud. The time is 1944 and the Facists are taking charge in Spain. There is a monster present. He is the brutal murderous Fascist father of our young heroine. The French have a way of being so stoic to the emotions of others.
A Young girl finds herself escaping into Pan's Labyrinth where she seeks to find the answer to find her true father. Her real father has developed a lust for torturing his victims in the name of his belief. His ego had blinded many as did Hitler...as does Bush.
The Fantasy in the film becomes haunting and warm to the reality that surrounds this young girl. War is so destructive on so many levels yet, it will never end as long as there are politics. Imagine the young Iraqi girl escaping into her fantasies to escape the destruction around her. We're paying taxes for that people. wake up! A beautiful and lyrical film about a state of mind while we exist in this great fairy tale we were born into. Do not forget the beauty of our world. When war takes that away from the next generation, it's time to fix the war.
A Young girl finds herself escaping into Pan's Labyrinth where she seeks to find the answer to find her true father. Her real father has developed a lust for torturing his victims in the name of his belief. His ego had blinded many as did Hitler...as does Bush.
The Fantasy in the film becomes haunting and warm to the reality that surrounds this young girl. War is so destructive on so many levels yet, it will never end as long as there are politics. Imagine the young Iraqi girl escaping into her fantasies to escape the destruction around her. We're paying taxes for that people. wake up! A beautiful and lyrical film about a state of mind while we exist in this great fairy tale we were born into. Do not forget the beauty of our world. When war takes that away from the next generation, it's time to fix the war.
Spectacle indeed!
16 December 2006
This Sequel to last years successful Disney sea adventure The Black Pearl, has more spectacle than the first causing a muddle of a storyline. What was going on again? The stunts were spectacular. Johnny Depp's expressions were given heavy weight in close ups and his comic antics seemed overused and forced. The sea pirates are lost in their spectacular tentacle attire. It's full of these effects and cheap gimmicks and some amazing effects.
The sets and locations are well shot and some of the props were fun to view. The cast seemed well adjusted and a novel warm feel of returning with the audience. How do you kill a dead person again?
It is all flat somehow. A colorful sea yawning adventure.
The sets and locations are well shot and some of the props were fun to view. The cast seemed well adjusted and a novel warm feel of returning with the audience. How do you kill a dead person again?
It is all flat somehow. A colorful sea yawning adventure.
Borat
(2006)
It gives every reason why the WTC was bombed.
11 November 2006
Borat? A potty humor look at American Culture through the eyes of a Fictitious Kazakhstani TV journalist. It is an insult to our country as well as Kazakhstan, poking fun at everyone in a crude manner. Embarrassment, especially in an emotional time for many of faith. The film is full of cliché characters and situations; i.e greedy Jews, horny Homosexuals, "Domb" Blonds, Homely Women... The film possesses a strong stance in reducing todays population in order to rid the world of such waste. Borat is a reminder of pre Nazi Berlin; an apathetic world lost in pettiness and indulgence, lost in boredom . If we look beyond the mist of terrorism and perhaps understand why someone is trying to stop us or...perhaps is asking for help. What is happening to us if we can not see the truth of what our wants are doing to others? The American dream can not be the way for it was not the way before.
Borat is a caricature of translation lost. The problem is that the audience gets it and goes to bed smiling...not seeing the ugly truth hidden underneath the films true message: That if we do not get rid of our prejudices we are going to self destruct. Democracy wasted. The problem with American Democracy is that it is Capitalistic. It feeds the ego with vanity, lust, waste, envy, greed, pride, and avarice.
Once evolution gets rid of the ego only then will we prosper and love one another for existing in this beautiful paradise. I am, says Christ, whereas Christianity dissolves the individual. Borat is a victim, as we all seem to be in this world that keeps seeking this so called progress. That's not funny. So keep laughing and making fun of everyone. Keep paying for this war. 1,246,401 Iraqi deaths since our invasion. Brothers, Sisters, Children, Mothers, Fathers, We are all guilty!
Borat is a caricature of translation lost. The problem is that the audience gets it and goes to bed smiling...not seeing the ugly truth hidden underneath the films true message: That if we do not get rid of our prejudices we are going to self destruct. Democracy wasted. The problem with American Democracy is that it is Capitalistic. It feeds the ego with vanity, lust, waste, envy, greed, pride, and avarice.
Once evolution gets rid of the ego only then will we prosper and love one another for existing in this beautiful paradise. I am, says Christ, whereas Christianity dissolves the individual. Borat is a victim, as we all seem to be in this world that keeps seeking this so called progress. That's not funny. So keep laughing and making fun of everyone. Keep paying for this war. 1,246,401 Iraqi deaths since our invasion. Brothers, Sisters, Children, Mothers, Fathers, We are all guilty!
V for Vendetta
(2005)
A Romanic View of an Individual verses Government
6 August 2006
James McTeigue directed V for Vendetta, a film about an individual who is brave enough to stand up against the oppressive new global government. Surveillance cameras are everywhere therefore, having a good time is forbidden unless permitted. V for Vendetta is produced in a time where the 21st generation is questioning 9-11. Was it someone trying to get personal revenge on the Western Government or someone trying to get revenge for deceiving society, yet let them believe that they are living in comfort? Was it over opium? I mean pharmaceuticals... V for Vendetta is produced during the Bush Administration Era: 2000-2008. Bush's reign produced the Iraqi War to help rid the world of Weapons of Mass Destruction. Osama Bin Ladin laid claim as the leader of Al Queda to the destruction of The World Trade Center. Only if there were fire works when the jets smashed into the Two Towers.
V is a graphic novel brought to screen. It's entertaining as it reminds us of past dictatorships based on an ideology. The Government of America wants to convince the world of Globalization and prosperity for the individual. It is a destructive and evil nature to seek, for it makes the individual spiteful of their plights.
Natalie Portman is an attractive female caught up in the world of V, the individual for freedom. The film romanticizes terrorism, as if it is a cause to philosophize about. Who are these terrorists anyway? It's so vague isn't it? Maybe the truth is hard for a comfortable nation. It was for Germany as they ignored a holocaust.
Too bad the intellect of the individual is not examined. V for Vendetta is a bourgeoisie chat fest over a few drinks and a joint. The film tries to convince that it knows a deeper secret, yet it fails to convince. 9/11 was a serious attempt at telling us that we need to see the whole and step outside the box. V for Vendetta is helping us see beyond the walls, it wants us to suffer for the consequences of capitalism, a world void of feeling. What's the purpose of history?
V is a graphic novel brought to screen. It's entertaining as it reminds us of past dictatorships based on an ideology. The Government of America wants to convince the world of Globalization and prosperity for the individual. It is a destructive and evil nature to seek, for it makes the individual spiteful of their plights.
Natalie Portman is an attractive female caught up in the world of V, the individual for freedom. The film romanticizes terrorism, as if it is a cause to philosophize about. Who are these terrorists anyway? It's so vague isn't it? Maybe the truth is hard for a comfortable nation. It was for Germany as they ignored a holocaust.
Too bad the intellect of the individual is not examined. V for Vendetta is a bourgeoisie chat fest over a few drinks and a joint. The film tries to convince that it knows a deeper secret, yet it fails to convince. 9/11 was a serious attempt at telling us that we need to see the whole and step outside the box. V for Vendetta is helping us see beyond the walls, it wants us to suffer for the consequences of capitalism, a world void of feeling. What's the purpose of history?
Secret Places
(1984)
A subtle look at adolescent desire and drama during War.
28 July 2006
Secret Places is a nicely acted story set in World War II when Germany was invading England. It just so happens that Laura, the new girl in a private English school is German...not a Nazi mind you. She Befriends Patience, a classmate who has developed a crush on Laura. Marie There's Relin is sexy without intent. She is the new girl in school and everyone seems to be looking at her as a Nazi and mesmerized by her beauty. Laura has her family problems effecting her on top of school woes and adolescent drama.
Secret Places is a subtle film that touches on our secret places of desire. It suggests that as adolescents, we dwell in places that we keep secret when it comes to attraction and emotion. Then, to deal with our parents and a war that makes no sense. The two leads make the film special. It is a film about friendship most of all.
Secret Places is a subtle film that touches on our secret places of desire. It suggests that as adolescents, we dwell in places that we keep secret when it comes to attraction and emotion. Then, to deal with our parents and a war that makes no sense. The two leads make the film special. It is a film about friendship most of all.
Closer
(I) (2004)
Closer fails to convince.
1 July 2006
Closer opens to a silent attraction between two people; a lustful desire for sure. Natalie Portman is very alluring in the film and saves it from falling into the unknown reels of forgetful films. The problem, right from the start with this lustful attraction, is that it fails to convince. Mike Nichols direction does not work on this 21st century (turn of the century)generation x an y drama.
The actors seem lost in their roles especially Roberts. She is such a powerful figure in film and should play such characters. In Closer, Roberts is given limited ability and also contradictions to her professional life. It seems unlikely that this woman of such stature would be involved with such goofiness. Not buying it.
Jude Law and Clive Owen seem bored as if they are two men on a merry go round of sexual wanderings and games. However, Portman's presence is most rewarding as she seduces them all including the audience.
Don't get too close with this film.
The actors seem lost in their roles especially Roberts. She is such a powerful figure in film and should play such characters. In Closer, Roberts is given limited ability and also contradictions to her professional life. It seems unlikely that this woman of such stature would be involved with such goofiness. Not buying it.
Jude Law and Clive Owen seem bored as if they are two men on a merry go round of sexual wanderings and games. However, Portman's presence is most rewarding as she seduces them all including the audience.
Don't get too close with this film.
King Kong
(2005)
Too many notes!
19 June 2006
Peter Jackson's King Kong is way too long and way to familiar of a story to leave an impression, especially when a masterpiece of the tale has already been accomplished in 1933. The film goes on and on and on without any emotion. Then the Big Dinosaurs come in with the hypothetical appearance of their actions and noises. More creatures...and more creatures. If I was only 10 years old I would have fallen in love yet, that is not the case of a 38 year old.
The film relies on quick wit that has no place in the characters plight. Jack Black wears the same insane expression throughout and his motivation is nonsense. Naomi Watts plays Kong's love interest with little attachment. This feeling flows throughout the overlong film. There is nothing to think about afterward except wonder why they remade it. Why not remake the Godfather? Oh, I know-Big time Director and it will make a lot of money. The film is another example that we are slipping into one dimensional beings. Come on Jackson, give us something to think about.
The film relies on quick wit that has no place in the characters plight. Jack Black wears the same insane expression throughout and his motivation is nonsense. Naomi Watts plays Kong's love interest with little attachment. This feeling flows throughout the overlong film. There is nothing to think about afterward except wonder why they remade it. Why not remake the Godfather? Oh, I know-Big time Director and it will make a lot of money. The film is another example that we are slipping into one dimensional beings. Come on Jackson, give us something to think about.
Syriana
(2005)
The Middle East
19 June 2006
Syriana is effective in many ways. The film has a deliberate alienation into a world many of us are unfamiliar with, The Middle East. It captures the players involved in the shaping of the economy of this oil rich area. America is definitely an invader and a grand manipulator in this film. The Muslim Religion is no better as it seduces the minds of youth who wish to please Allah and Muhammad. These young men have no idea who they are as they go with vain pride to stop the beast.
The film is frightening in it's telling, capturing a place that exists today and that in our evolution of our existence this is what we have become. Thanks to the fairy tales. It's too bad Frankincense and Myrrh, the once most profitable trade in the days of Antiquity, does not still reign in The Middle East. Instead, we have the black gunk that has polluted our soils, our air, and our minds. We have the Western World to thank for it with it's inventions that have won awards. We wonder why they blew up the World Trade Center? What's wrong with us? The film all comes together even if you don't truly understand what is going on. Stick with it and ponder it. There is a definite parallel with what's going on today while we sit in our Equity rich homes and shiny cars and stare at boxes with pretty pictures. This is happiness? The answer is simple.
However, why not show the Middle East running out of oil? Imagine what would happen to those countries if this did occur. We might just invade them to force a democracy so they can adapt to the new world. hello Dubai.
The film is frightening in it's telling, capturing a place that exists today and that in our evolution of our existence this is what we have become. Thanks to the fairy tales. It's too bad Frankincense and Myrrh, the once most profitable trade in the days of Antiquity, does not still reign in The Middle East. Instead, we have the black gunk that has polluted our soils, our air, and our minds. We have the Western World to thank for it with it's inventions that have won awards. We wonder why they blew up the World Trade Center? What's wrong with us? The film all comes together even if you don't truly understand what is going on. Stick with it and ponder it. There is a definite parallel with what's going on today while we sit in our Equity rich homes and shiny cars and stare at boxes with pretty pictures. This is happiness? The answer is simple.
However, why not show the Middle East running out of oil? Imagine what would happen to those countries if this did occur. We might just invade them to force a democracy so they can adapt to the new world. hello Dubai.
Misery
(1990)
Then, there was Kathy Bates
14 June 2006
Misery is painful and scary. Kathy Bates portrays a woman named Annie Wilkes who has gone insane from the loneliness of snow and romance novels. She is brilliant. James Caan who plays an Author of a popular Romance Novel series is her hero and victim. The insanity of her torture is captured effectively.
Kathy Bates has all the fun and no one upstages her. James Caan moans and we feel his pain. Bates is made up brilliantly as she appears to be a caricature of a childhood babysitter who you were frightened by as your mother drove off to work...and that smell of the house. It was scary. Annie Wilkes is a childhood nightmare.
There was a good feeling when she won the Oscar for Best Actress. Bates was up against Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. Place both Actresses in each others role and image the effect.
Kathy Bates has all the fun and no one upstages her. James Caan moans and we feel his pain. Bates is made up brilliantly as she appears to be a caricature of a childhood babysitter who you were frightened by as your mother drove off to work...and that smell of the house. It was scary. Annie Wilkes is a childhood nightmare.
There was a good feeling when she won the Oscar for Best Actress. Bates was up against Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. Place both Actresses in each others role and image the effect.
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