lmayer2 Reviews

The Punisher (2004)

Superb....Punisher is a live-action comic book

[8/10 · 31 January 2008]

I've always preferred the DC comic movie adaptions to the Marvel ones. There's just so much more to them. But one movie that proves me wrong is The Punisher. It has been one of my top contending comic book-to-movie films. The best thing about this movie is its deep, intriguing plot, garnering an R-rating, besides the regular PG-13 sticker Marvel movies usually receive. It's a break from the ordinary, taking a leap of faith. From the debut directing of Jonathan Hensleigh, Punisher is a thrill ride, as Thomas Jane gives a one hell of a performance. Jane makes very clean transitions onto new acting levels and his role in the Punisher is one of those transitions. Other superb aspects included the performance by John Travolta (in a similar zone as Pulp Fiction) and the editing. It's bearable but maybe the violence is a surprise from most Marvel movies. Nevertheless, Punisher is two thumbs up.

Midnight Cowboy (1969)

Scuzzy on the outside but heartwarming on the inside

[10/10 · 18 October 2007]

Many aspects of Midnight Cowboy made it a timeless classic, among critics of 1969 and present day. To name some aspects, the cast was done perfectly. Jon Voight owned the role as hustler Joe Buck and there was no one more scuzzier for the role of Enrico "Ratzo" Rizzo than Dustin Hoffman. Another superb aspect was the sound mixing, with Harry Nilsson's rendition of "Everybody's Talking'" dispersed evenly throughout the opening sequences of the film. The transitions in the film were inventive and clever, directed by John Schlesinger. Midnight Cowboy is an emotional pitfall, leaving the viewer with few, if any, missed points. The missed happiness of the film was drown out by the moral and heartbreaking touch Midnight Cowboy depicts on screen. This film includes a deep complexity, which is unfortunately surpassed by other thoughts about the film (such as its pornographic nature, just as American Psycho, that dampens the genius of the film). Cowboy needs no introduction, nor does it need explanation- it's 1969's "Cream of the Crop" and clearly aspires not to be western-based material (1969 already had way too much of that from such releases as True Grit, The Wild Bunch and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid). Its media continues to captivate and elude audiences and when viewed correctly, it has powerful, moral standards appropriate for its time, appropriate for any time.

Munich (2005)

It brings us back to the problems we've gotten away from

[9/10 · 29 June 2007]

This is such a clever film, in that it utilizes a lot of clever aspects (example: whenever they do the assassinations, there's always a clever way of doing them). I am very glad that Spielberg chose to direct this film and similar to Schindler's List (but of course, not even close), he takes into account the care, consideration, hardships and aspects of the Jews during very hard to cope with times. And as this does not compare to the caliber of Schindler's List, I do believe it's another brick in the wall for us to learn from and begin to understand those hardships if we're not Jews ourselves. And any film that deals with the hard times the Jews went through is stunningly powerful and emotionally resonant. Yet, ti still has that urgency and that importance that something can happen like that at any Olypmic game or at any time. Security and safety may have doubled since 1972 but that war and threat against security and safety has doubled as well. There's always new technology to be used and to be abused. But Munich, however, really captures the thoughts and the cares of the Jews, as they take their revenge and that's where the raw emotion and heartfelt theme takes its presence. That's where Spielberg takes his presence and really captivates the audience into understanding this piece because that's where you get the knowledge needed to pass this on to future generations because this problem, this threat will continue on for generations and generations.

Spider-Man 3 (2007)

It was experimental, it was put out there to be critiqued

[7/10 · 14 May 2007]

I think the case for most (if not all) movie trilogies/series is that there is at least one bland film in the series. For example, some may argue that Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace was the blandest in the Star Wars series. True or not, there had to be one episode in that series that really did not deliver. Spiderman 3 was merely just a break from all of hype. I am sure that Sam Raimi and the crew will bounce back. It had its share of slow points and points at which you knew they weren't out to make the best film in the series. They could've changed some roles but Topher Grace was excellent as the villain, Venom. No series can carry on to deliver a Five Star performance. They've all fallen through to the cold, articulate measure of the critics. In the Godfather, it was Godfather Part 3, as an example. You have to take a break sometime in a series, right? Especially if there's talk of another 3 movies or so coming out in the Spiderman series and I'm sure it will show in future series to come such as Shrek, Batman, Harry Potter etc. Who knows. Spiderman 3 was good though. It was experimental, it was out there and it was put on display from critiquing. It had to happen sometime.

The Matrix (1999)

It's on a whole other playing field

[9/10 · 5 March 2007]

It was all the right timing for this movie. With all the Y2K hype and the millennium steadily approaching, this could not have fit in better. This is a revelation in visual effects in film. People never saw this movie or its visual effects coming because the millennium diverted it. Not to say that it was poorly advertised because thousands of people we know from the votes viewed this movie. This is what the Wachowski Brothers were waiting for and hats off to the directors out there who took advantage to the near millennium, to the near future. The videogames of this series aren't half bad as well, however, they are limited, even in a world like the Matrix. These are the films that make it, from directors who put their all into making one tremendous effort in a single film. They will be rewarded. We saw this with Quentin Tarantino and his low-budget (but definitely not low-rated) film, Pulp Fiction. Watch the other two films in the Matrix series to find out if the Wachowski Brothers capitalized or fell in their own success.

Big Fish (2003)

Uneccessary but well-done

[10/10 · 1 March 2007]

I don't really think this movie was necessary, I think it was just a spur of the moment thing. It just seemed like a generally pointless storyline but in the end, it was well compiled into a story as big as life itself. It's a classic film, don't get me wrong just not one of those memorable classics. But I hope you get what I'm saying. This movie just didn't seem necessary and they could've come up with a more complicated storyline. It didn't feel urgent and it wasn't out to stress a point but that's what you need in films like these. Sure, maybe it had a main idea or two but there were more than two ideas scattered throughout the story, which made it not stick, not stand on a basis for an important movie structures. However, I did give this movie a ten because once again it reminds us of life and that's always welcome in movies. shows, or whatever because we can all relate to it. Everyone has a life and everyone has stories to share. Sure, this is a fictitious story but it really captures the intensity and mystery of life, which reigns above all in any movie. Big Fish was so very well done but it was not urgent and it didn't fit in as well as it could and I know that's the case with a lot of movies but I think Big Fish really could've used a main, thorough, substantial idea.

Apocalypse Now (1979)

A Gritty Reality

[9/10 · 1 March 2007]

I just feel you could really get into this movie quickly and that's what Coppola does so well and I've seen the same in Godfather and The Outsiders, just to name a few. And that's the connection right there and maybe since Coppola was the first to beat around the bush of Vietnam, this movie was harshly criticized. I do believe he could have waited and maybe he should've waited, I don't know. However, I don't think it could've gotten much if at all better if he had waited but maybe it wouldn't have gotten harshly criticized. Although, someone could've beaten him to the chase and that's when you've lost it. I do believe the reason why Apocalypse Now was so well received was because it was the first movie to give real life accounts of Vietnam. Controversy creates criticism but it also gets you out and establishes you, whether you're perceived to be bad or good. What I liked most about Apocalypse Now was the visual effects in the movie. They were just dazzling and I think they gave the movie a gritty, disturbing (in a sense)look and appeal. I especially liked the latter half of the movies scenery/effects. I think it was probably generally disliked the first couple of years it was out. I think you just need to get used to it. Maybe 1979 was too soon or maybe it was just right. As always, you be the judge.

Raging Bull (1980)

Scorsese's heart and soul rolled into one film

[10/10 · 28 February 2007]

When you have an already top-notch director (like Martin Scorsese) who wants to put it all into one film because it may be his very last, you have a classic, which has been made with the director's heart and soul. Because of Scorsese's fatal drug addiction, he didn't expect much more and he didn't expect to get back on track. While making Raging Bull while he suffered from the addictions, he was more than on track and he was more than on top of the game. Scorsese put on a master work as he skillfully developed enough will and strength to make Raging Bull, in the top 100 here at IMDb. This is a crown jewel, which really reminds me of Scarface (mainly because of the swearing) however, this was more meaningful than Scarface. You can't have everything when you're worried about everything. Raging Bull teaches us how easily we fall into the snares we originally set up for ourselves and how easily we fall prey to our own disasters. Scorsese has put on a lot of great films over the years and I'm looking for many more to follow from his directing. Raging Bull, I would have to say, was his best film yet if you take into account all the factors. Keep in mind, Scorsese was in a different mindset. Everyone is when thy're on drugs and I'm sure he couldn't function as well as someone he wasn't on drugs but we saw perfection from Raging Bull. We see Scorsese was also determined to prove something, to overcome the insurmountable odds that were stacked against him. However, people function better when backed into the corner. Regardless, this is still a great film, whether it be Scorsese's greatest of all time or not and we can still appreciate it regardless of how it was directed and made on.

Delta Force 2: The Colombian Connection (1990)

A lethal movie and a lethal star!

[10/10 · 28 February 2007]

Maybe you people have gotten used to the real deals out there, the movies that were worthy enough to win academy awards. Tell me, is that right? No. You need to gain a broad range of a lot of middle class and lower class films. This one was made on a low budget but I think Chuck Norris more than equals it out. Here we have an interesting storyline and many high fighting spots, courtesy of course from the "Lethal Weapon" Chuck Norris. You can't treat this film the same way as you would treat the Godfather. Both of them are on different levels and I'm not saying one is higher than the other but you really need to look at Delta Force 2 differently. It wasn't out to win an Academy Award, so don't treat it in the manor that it was. It deserves just as high a rating as an Academy-award winning film. You would be cheating out the people who want to see this film and the director and all the people who put their time, effort and money into making Delta Force 2. Look at this film differently and chances are you'll like it because you're putting it on a different level. Rating movies takes care and a broad spectrum of rating systems. Before I go, Chuck Norris rules!

Man on the Moon (1999)

Brings spirits as high as the moon

[8/10 · 28 February 2007]

This was a very uplifting film, I really enjoyed it. I really gets you thinking about the man and the myth, Andy Kaufman. To many he was a genius, to others, just a sad-sack innovator but we see yet another side in this film. It really gets you going because the fact is still unknown whether or not Kaufman's death was a hoax or not. Some may believe others will doubt but if he still is alive, it would be the biggest prank the world has ever seen. This truly is a rare film because it handles a lot of delicate subjects but with the utmost care and dignity. Some may think wrestling is fake, others may not and Milos Foreman handled the subject in such a way, he tried to avoid the subject with comedy but he still wanted to convey a sense of reality. That's what this film is all about contradicting is reality. There are many answers to questions unveiled but you go back and you ask yourself, "Did he just do that?" or "Did that just happen?". I think everyone needs the comfort of this film because it'll definitely make you feel better. The comedy in this film reigns above all and that's what stands out, that's what the Andy Kaufman persona was all about: pure comedy, whether by pranks that were only funny to him or by warming the hearts of viewers by constant laughs.

Million Dollar Baby (2004)

2004's best...Eastwood's usual...A lessonful masterpiece

[10/10 · 27 February 2007]

There weren't many contenders for 2004's #1 film spot. People say Sideways was a close first, come on, is that really the movie you want to be watching? I mean, it spelled snobbish all the way through. But Million Dollar Baby is a heartfelt, different side of things and that's what Eastwood likes. An example is his latest, Letters from Iwo Jima. It shows the Japanese point of view in WW2. I really do think that's key. If you run out of ideas for one subject, you take another side and milk it as much as possible. Million Dollar Baby is its own special category. This movie teaches us that ultimately, winners are simply willing to do what losers aren't and that's what screams out a lot in the movie. This film has a lot of heart and pride, and it sure wasn't taken away by the acting or directing of this film. Million Dollar Baby shows the rough side of things to really get the mood going and the mood was set off perfectly. There was remorse, guilt and willingness to do anything all through this film. This film cries out to be understood. Sometimes your family will let you down and sometimes you'll let yourself down but you just roll with the punches life has to offer. There are many punches to this film and this film punched its own ticket to success.

Coldplay: Live 2003 (2003 Video)

Almost perfect

[10/10 · 27 February 2007]

Coldplay Live 2003 is almost perfect but don't let the word "almost" hinder you from seeing this great musical DVD. This DVD is just missing one song but it's understandable why it's not on there. It was just a little too late. What I'm talking about is "speed of sound", quite possibly Coldplay's number one song of all time. However, this is Coldplay's best DVD, song-wise. It has all of Coldplay's top hits on it. Coldplay's soft voice cannot hold back Live 2003's triumphant shout out. I paid $15 dollars for this DVD and it was well, well worth it. This is an excellent, must have DVD for any fan of Coldplay. It has "Clocks", "Trouble", "Yellow" "The Scientist" and "Rush of Blood to the Head" just to name a few. There is also a documentary but personally, you're looking for the music in this one because it's hard to pass up. Live 2003 is an adrenaline rush missed in many musical DVDs. Coldplay delivers in this rocketbuster of a selection. Like I said, it's just missing "Speed of Sound" but either than that, it's a must buy

Chariots of Fire (1981)

This movie was on fire!

[9/10 · 27 February 2007]

It does not get any better than the Olypmics, especially the athletics part of it, which is what this movie focuses on. I've always wanted to win a gold medal at the Olympics and that is the dream of many others I'm sure. This movie is truly an inspiration, taking it at any point of view. You can look at the negative in this film but it's sure to bring success and inspiration to the viewer. It's a timeless classic and it shows us that winning is not everything and that some people are highly dedicated to other things besides paying off all of the years of blood, sweat and hard work with an Olympic gold medal win. Winning is not everything and that's what this movie is about. It's about inspiration beyond winning, beyond getting what you deserve. This movie is about doing what others ask of you. Now, I ask of you, have you seen this movie? If so, you have a feel at what I'm talking about, if not, you need to get out and see it for yourself. People need to realize there are more substantial lessons to be learned and things to be done besides winning, even if winning means the most prestigious competitive prize in this world. You may never win but you will always learn and learning is as infinite as you want it to be.

Along Came Polly (2004)

Enjoyable

[7/10 · 26 February 2007]

I think the best thing about this film is the cast. We have Ben Stiller, who I personally enjoy and we have Phillip Seymour Hoffman, who can also deliver some laughs. There is also Hank Azaria, who many know as the voice of several characters on the Simpsons. Everything blends in perfectly. The storyline (as in most films) was the films' downfall. The storyline was really a good idea, it just needed some touch ups and needed to be portrayed a little differently. This is definitely something you should rent unless you enjoy Ben Stiller, than you have a vintage performance by him. I was going to see it in theaters but I probably should've seen something a little more worth it. Overall, it was a good film, no other complaints

The Simpsons (1989– )

Quite an educational show for you doubting parents

[10/10 · 26 February 2007]

The Simpsons is truly a one of a kind show. On one hand, it can be educational. I don't think one episode of the Simpsons goes by where there isn't a reference to someone or something that kids would definitely not know. There, they learn something if they catch it. On the other hand, you have your comedy. Of course, the comedy and the Simpsons comedy is favored among more. Why is the comedy material funny? Randomness. The Simpsons is very random and that's what sets it apart drastically from the others such as Futurama and King of the Hill. However, this is taking the easy way out, as randomness has to do about things that don't a have to do with anything. In my opinion, it's cheating. I can't wait till the movie comes out

Law & Order: Criminal Intent (2001–2011)

D'Onofrio carries the show

[10/10 · 26 February 2007]

The creator of Law & Order, Dick Wolf, is simply an amazing man. Think of all the countless series of Law & Order he's made and all of the story lines. It's just amazing, you can't fathom it. Wolf's best choice, in my opinion, is getting D'Onofrio in a leading role. He appears so intelligent that it's so realistic. It really is hard to pull a series like this off but Wolf did it. He really knows his stuff and this is a great educational show. For most, it's about the most pointless show on television for others, it's reality. People need to wake up and see the dangers out there and lucky for you, Wolf's bringing you the heads up on your TV with Law & Order. You don't have to watch and you don't have to appreciate, just know the dangers and that's simply the main message.

The Andy Griffith Show (1960–1968)

This is a show any network dreams of

[10/10 · 26 February 2007]

This truly is a heartwarming and family acceptable show. There simply won't be anything like it again. The 50s and 60s were some great, acceptable years in many ways and fortunately, the Andy Griffith show was part of those days. I hope it will stand the test of time because this show brings us back to a better place, a better time and an all around better cast of characters. This truly is a classic. Sure, it's in black and white and sure it's not going to be appreciated by all but the fact of the matter is, this is something everyone can enjoy. This is a show without drug references, without non-stop violence and it's not that I'm against any of that in films today but I believe and it kind of does make sense, that if it can appeal to a wider audience, than chances are it's going to be good to a larger audience. This is a very enjoyable show and even though it's in black and white, it's still enjoyed by myself and many others. Like I said, with what's coming out on TV today, this is easily gem in television. Nothing can be duplicated to match it, it's just not possible in this day and age. A heartwarming and stupendous show.

Blackadder (1982–1983)

Charming

[10/10 · 26 February 2007]

This is evidence of excellent writing and comedic genius. Rowan Atkinson is marvelous in his work as a comedian and Hugh Laurie gives it the nice needed touch. Atkinson and Laurie are the perfect couple on-screen duo. They simply never dampen any episode. It's really a black comedy and they just pull it off so well. It makes you remember, it makes you laugh, it makes you cry (from sadness and laughter) it makes your sides split. It's a shame this really wasn't as commercial as Mr.Bean and dare I say it, better in some parts. However, since Atkinson plays Bean, I think it's safe to assume. This is a tremendous show and I think those who don't appreciate the British dramas will certainly vie for this show. Rowan Atkinson plays a wide range of characters and plays them well. Hugh Laurie may not match Atkinson but he is up there in the top comedics of this film, don't get me wrong. Tony Robinson also adds some comedy (with the aid of Atkinson), so you may assume Atkinson carries the show in some parts. After all, he is the main star of Black Adder. In the end, everyone went forth and put on one heck of a show!

Donnie Darko (2001)

Potentially great...that is if you can understand it.

[9/10 · 22 February 2007]

This can be a potentially great film ,you just have to follow it really, really well. You always have to with these psychological thrillers. They can be great in the right mind-set. Emotionally self-destructive, really cynical and controversial (in some contexts). If you can't enjoy the psychological twists of this movie, you'll enjoy the general excitement and that may be even better. If you can enjoy both, than this movie is worth buying. I would say, rent it first. Don't jump into it or you'll be lost, $15, $20 wasted on a movie that you simply cannot appreciate and there's nothing worse. Like I said, to enjoy it, you really got to understand it or else, you'll think it was okay. That's the only problem.

Hard Knocks: The Chris Benoit Story (2004 Video)

Screw the Documentary...the extras rule!

[10/10 · 21 February 2007]

I won't waste much time. This is a great addition to anyone who enjoys wrestling, not just Chris Benoit fans.

Disc 1

Match 2: Wild Pegasus (Benoit under mask) vs. Jushin "Thunder" Liger Winner: Chris Benoit. 7.5/10

Match 2: Benoit vs. 2 Cold Scorpio. Winner: Scorpio. 7/10. I never liked the Scorpio/Benoit matches

Match 3: Benoir vs. Black Tiger (Eddie Guerrero in a mask) Winner: Benoit. 8/10

Match 4: Benoit vs. The Great Sasuke Winner: Benoit. 8.5/10

Match 5: Benoit vs. Sabu Winner: No Contest after Sabu broke his neck. No rating.

Match 6: Benoit vs. Al Snow Winner: Benoit. Just a great match. 8.5/10

Disc 2

Match 7: Benoit vs. Eddie Guerrero Winner: Benoit. Just great. 9/10

Match 8: Benoit vs. Kevin Sullivan Winner: Benoit. This was real, legit beef. It's just extreme. 10/10 It was falls count anywhere

Match 9: Benoit vs. Booker T. Winner: Booker T. I personally really didn't think anything special of the best of 7 series. It was just boring to me. 7/10

Match 10: Benoit vs. Bret Hart Winner: Bret Hart. 10/10 I don't even have to explain

Match 11: Benoit vs. Sid Vicious Winner: Benoit. One of the poorer matches. It was clearly the size difference. Benoit had to resort to new tactics, new tactics which don't go over well for overall quality. 6.5/10

Match 12: Benoit vs. William Regal Winner: Benoit. Clearly the best match on the DVD. 10/10

Match 13: Benoit vs. Kurt Angle (Steel Cage) Winner: Kurt Angle. Phenomenal spots. 10/10. It was on RAW, not a P-P-V

Match 14: Benoit vs. Angle (WWE Championship) Winner: Angle. Great craftsmanship. 10/10

Match 15: Benoit vs. Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels Winne: Benoit. It all culminated there. 10/10

Overall, an exceptional DVD with even greater extras. Definitely to be bought and viewed time and time again

Batman Begins (2005)

The Knight draws nigh

[9/10 · 21 February 2007]

Arguably the best Batman movie to date. I mean, this has better cast. I just didn't like the cast in the originals, it was too overdone. But this Batman had to be the best out of the rest. This movie has its dark spot, its high spots, you name ti. Christian Bale delivers as the dark knight himself in this gripping movie. I can't wait till 2008 (the scheduled release to The Dark Knight) and I'll see what goods that one brings. Until now, you probably don't want to settle with anything else, more like, anything less because this is the best Batman movie yet. There's a lot of lessons to be learned and it's so great because Batman had to work to where he got. Spiderman: he got bit by a radioactive spider and Superman, well, he was born with his powers. Nothing against Superman or Spiderman but I think, if you take everything into account, Batman is no doubt the best

Howl's Moving Castle (2004)

Miyazaki does it again

[10/10 · 20 February 2007]

I've always enjoyed the Japanese art-like films. They're great to watch and they certainly are captivating. Howl's Moving Castle is a rare and special film. It teaches you life lessons, it has a phenomenal storyline and very little famous people, which adds a great tone to this film. I recommend Spirited Away if you personally enjoyed this one because you're sure to enjoy Spirited Away as well. I tend to look at Japanese films as art because they're so out of the ordinary (in a good way) and that's what truly makes them one of a kind. Japanese films are masterpiece and Miyazaki's Howl's Moving Castle is no different.

A great film for anyone, imaginative. An excellent addition to any movie collection.

The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)

My #1 film of all time

[10/10 · 19 February 2007]

I firmly stand with Great Britain in anyway I can. I simply love England and this tells the story of Britain's sheer power, resilience and willingness to continue through harsh conditions. A classic and purely courageous is this blockbuster. Everyone will know who built the bridge and why it was built. This is a great, historical film. It appeals to all audiences. There's no swearing in it. Not to say that swearing is bad in a film but the film can appeal to all/most audiences if the film is rated a "family-like" rating (i.e. PG,G). This film will stand the test of time and the Bridge on the River Kwai will certainly stand the test of time. I rate this film an automatic 10 and it's not to be rented, it is to be bought because it's that dang great!

300 (2006)

A big, giant piece of visual grandeur pie!

[10/10 · 19 February 2007]

Visually astonishing, simply ravishing, historically captivating, rightfully mastered by Frank Miller, the main man himself.

Frank Miller (Sin City) skillfully mastered this masterpiece. Honestly, ladies and gentlemen, Frank Miller was probably not out for historical accuracy, I'll tell you that much. How historically can you get from a setting that's 480 B.C.? That's pretty difficult!

The visual effects really want you to be captivated and to be sucked into a "live-action" comic book, so to speak. It is based on a graphic novel. Graphic novels are out to stun and captivate the reader, not give them a history lesson they won't soon forget. Really think about what this film is based after and maybe that's what Frank Miller was trying to portray. Just a thought, just my opinion. Think of it what you will but please, for your sake and the film's sake, try to think of what Frank Miller was trying to make and trying to accomplish here.

American Masters: No Direction Home: Bob Dylan (2005) Season 19, Episode 7

Bob Dylan=100% Explosive Minnesotian Talent

[10/10 · 19 February 2007]

If you don't appreciate Dylan, you can appreciate him as a multi-talented musicians because that's what he is and that's what he set out to be. Bob Dylan is modern-day and back in the day marvel. He is a living legend. He can sing, play the guitar and the harmonica all at once! No one even comes close to him with his many talents.

And Scorsese, with his unparalleled directing abilities, couldn't have put this chronicle of Bob Dylan any better. A five-star biography, if you will and a remembrance of the greatest folk singer out there and quite possibly thee greatest musician. Bob Dylan is a monumentous poet/musician/whatever you want to call him and it was only fitting that Scorsese took on this behemoth. Great job, five-star. Simply astonishing and beautiful!