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Reviews
Band of Brothers (2001)
Real
Perhaps the reason why this movie is beyond effective is because of it's cast. They were surprisingly believable mostly because these are men we are not used to seeing on-screen. Before BOB, many were casts as no-names or known to niche audiences. Beyond the actors, the aspects of realism were multi-faceted....from the writing and cinematography all the way up to the clips of the real Easy Company (provided in the DVD series). The film has done its part it its ability to make one sympathetic and empathetic to all those who have courageously fought in battle for reasons beyond themselves. I applaud the creators and participants of Band of Brothers for fully stretching the capacity of film making. For the privilege to see this artful account of history and the ability to be profoundly affected, I recommend Band of Brothers wholeheartedly.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
Unprecedented and Inspiring
The comments here and everywhere else speak for themselves and words cannot descibe the magnitude of influence that such a film, nevertheless triolgy, filmmaker can have on history, art, the world. Return of the King draws you in further and beyond by having the absolute power to keep you engaged with the characters and this epic sotry. You'll leave the theater pondering its magnificence and perhaps saddened that Peter Jackson's mastperiece series has come to an end. For me it reminded me of the potential for the resilience of mankind and the genuine sadness of the brutality of war yet the hope for something better. My admiration and apprciation for the fruition of the literary masterpiece into this movie has only grown and will continue to do so. To be awed, seeing Return of The King on the big screen is one that should not be neglected.
Elf (2003)
Perfect for Holiday Spirit
It is rare that a holiday movie can be true to itself by providing something beyond entertainment by being able to instill true holiday spirit as intended. Certainly not one to be judged for depth or dramatics...the cheesiness and "holiday magic" has purpose while making you laugh out loud on more than several occassions...like I did while watching this movie TWICE. If you're a Will Ferrel fan, his talents will woo you into empathisizing for the overgrown and amusingly funny elf that he portrays in this film. For a little Christmas "kick"...see this movie. Great for kids...and adults toO!
Love Actually (2003)
You'll love it, actually
With all the ambition that the writers had in intertwining several "love" stories, this movie was a success. I quote the word LOVE because this movie challenges the viewer's perspective on love...all within the context of Christmas. Its great moments redeem the rarely bad ones and it left me feeling nostalgaic and eager to be in love at the time-appropriate holiday season! I belive its purpose was to portray Christmas in this romantic light so that the viewer can, if not question, value their relationships and the holidays even moreso. I just love it because I left the theater with my spirits lifted! This was a great holiday movie that I know I can bring out and be happy on any given day of the year.
Identity (2003)
An innovative plot that has its good and bad moments
It has been repeatedly said that there is a twist here at hand and indeed that is the most questionable aspect of the film. That should be left for you to judge. However what is redeemable about the film besides the cast and its notable
performances is the innovative and coherent plot. There were no loop holes to leave you with...just originality and some thrilling experiences that were
convincing enough to make this film worth seeing. The film makers did a fine job in setting the mood for the viewer. Put up against the recent thrillers that have tried to be ambitious, IDENTITY actually pulls it off enough.
25th Hour (2002)
An Artful Creation that was thought-provoking
First of all, I can see why some people would have a problem with this film. It is one that requires attention to dialogue and an appreciation for a movie that spurts analysis in order to be better understood. I enjoy these types of films and I think that Spike Lee's efforts are commendable. Nonetheless, he attempts to leave the viewer with a lot to chew on. I was able to pull many analogies, metaphors, and above all, a message or lesson at the end. This film was the fist example in a film, since 9-11, that attempted to do a contextual integration of that event while implying a strong opinion about it. Americans' emotions and New Yorkers emotions' especially were portrayed in the film in a creative manner: the repeated imagery of the flag that subtly hinted patriotism; the juxtaposition of calm blue ground zero amidst the chaos erupting (in Monty's mind, which was representative of the city); the tribute to death and passing as Monty was to embark on his escape to "what could have never been; and Monty's memorable monologue as he expressed just about every gripe imaginable. I never read the book and have never even seen another Spike Lee joint so I'm not sure if the methods he used in the film are new to his style or typical of it or if they are derived from the book itself. I was able to pull symbolism and analogies throughout the movie. For instance, Doyle (the Dog) and Monty. The first scene shows Monty saving a dog. In the end, you realize that like Doyle, Monty took the opportunity to take upon what "could have never been". His father helped him do for himself what he did for Doyle. Both are able to continue a life of happiness. Another parallel that I extrapolated was Anna Paquin symbolizing the life of drugs that Monty was confronted with. She became Jacob's temptress which could have altered his life if he gave into it fully the same way that Monty gave into his past and ended up having to pay a big price for. Thirdly, Naturelle his girlfriend and confidant was also symbolic. In the end, Monty's father comments on what led to his troubles " Of course not Monty, It wasn't Naturelle", meaning all of what happened didn't take on a natural course and we learn that all his life could still be altered despite his tumultuous past. This is indeed one of the major lessons Spike Lee tries to leave the viewer with. As you can see, there was a lot that I was able to absorb and a lot more that I could comment on. From what I've read on this forum, there were others who were able to find a deeper connection to the movie. But for those who are looking for something just above the surface and easy to be entertained with, this is not the movie for you. I enjoy having something to think about after seeing a film.
Just Married (2003)
A Delightful Hit
I read the reviews from this site before watching the movie and decided to give the movie a chance. I find that if at least 3 out of 10 people found the movie worth watching, I should give it a chance...and I did.
First of all, I came to the theater not expecting much and that was a good thing because it turned out to be an enjoyable film. One might say that the characters were stereotypical (rich girl and average joe fall in love) but that becomes irrelevant upon watching the plot unravel with some good laughs. If you're 20-something and in a relationship beyond just dating, you'll find the conversations between the starring couple humorous. What was also enjoyable about the film is that it was filmed in Europe and some of the scenes were quite beautiful. If you're still having doubts about going out to see this movie, I say you should go and give it a chance with no expectations rather than to be amused...like what I did.