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skesher
Reviews
Adventures in Pornoland (2008)
Mockumentary with not much "mock" about it.
We randomly picked this movie to watch last night with absolutely no expectations. When the movie ended, my husband and I stared at the screen and said "that was really interesting." This is not a movie intended for audiences to love it. Its intended to make audiences think. Thing about the separation of porn and film, the trials of trying to grow a career in Hollywood and the sacrifices that have to be made, and the impact on a relationship when one persons ambition is put above anything else. As a mockumentary, it wasn't played for comedy or drama like others, instead it feels more like the filmmakers wanted to make a documentary with this same message, but wanted to have more control of the scenes and conversations than a documentary would afford them. Like a real documentary, when the movie ended, I had the same "weight" of thoughts going on for several hours afterward.
I have to admit, we had no idea this was a "mock"-umentary when we started watching it, and, in many ways, I think that made it a bit more interesting. Still, about half way through, my gut told me something was up as the camera always happened to be in the right place at the right time and the fights and discussions were a bit too simplistic. Real life is more complicated and nuanced. However, the main character of Ethan was well played and very realistic.
I wouldn't necessarily recommend this movie whole-heartedly. In the end, I think I would say I really liked it, but was it a great movie? no.
Eros (2004)
Totally Misleading
Reading the back of the DVD case - and even the summary on this site - would lead you to believe that this movie would be an exploration of love and sexuality by three well known world directors. You would think that it would be sensual, thought provoking, emotional, and given the title certainly erotic, and most of all, good. But sadly it wasn't any of these things.
There were a few redeeming features - the first short was beautiful to watch and the actors were well chosen, the second had some bits of wonderful acting and interesting photography, and...um...for the third, only the location was interesting.
In the end, don't believe the "plot summary" on this site, or the description on the DVD. Not only is it misleading, but some is just plain inaccurate. The only thing that delivered on its promise in this movie was the title screen that strung the movie together - which connected to the idea of what the movie SHOULD be, instead of what it actually was.
As a last note, if you're still determined to watch this DVD, you may as well numb yourself further by watching the "Michaelangelo Eye to Eye" short in the Special Features. Antonionio (I think) wanders into a church in Italy and stares interminably at parts of statues created by the sculptor Michaelangelo; at least those are real art. Too bad the director didn't learn anything from his namesake...
Can't Hardly Wait (1998)
A new classic! Campy, funny and truly entertaining!
One of the first in the late 90's series of "teeny-bopper" flicks, I believe this film is one of the best out there. It covered all the cliques that you see in every High School (no matter WHEN you went school) parodied with enough humor and kindness, that no matter which clique you were in, you can laugh at yourself while watching this movie! Think of the classic teen movies like Sixteen Candles, it has a that familiar feel. Outstanding performances by Charlie Korsmo, Seth Green, Ethan Embry and Laurie Ambrose. Yes, this movie is campy and you have to suspend your disbelief at times, but it's worth it. It's a very fun movie and after listening to the audio commentary on the DVD you know that the cast and crew had a blast working on it!