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Reviews
Smokin' Aces (2006)
muddled action flick
I predict that, at years end, this film will be on the 10 worst list for more than 1 film critic.
It is very much an action flick. Lots of action. The plot is lost to all but the most careful viewer. I found myself confused repeatedly throughout the picture. Who is that character? What is he doing? Why is he doing it? The twist at the end was interesting but it felt like an afterthought. How do I end the film? Hmm? How about a bizarre twist based upon an obscure character seen briefly 90 minutes earlier? I would say that it was probably the 2nd worst film I have seen in the past 12 months. The only worse film is _Header (2006)_(qv).
Header (2006)
Horrible, not horror
This is not a horror film! Horror films have suspense. This film has none.
This film was screened at a major festival for independent films. I left the screening wondering why it had been selected. It was far below par for any festival, much less a major festival.
It is the story of sadism and revenge among hillbillies. It is the story of an equally sadistic federal agent. The plot was predictable. We had technical problems during the screening; however, I knew exactly what was missed because the plot was overly predictable.
The film is on its way to the DVD dollar racks or more likely the 50 cent racks. It will be purchased by those on the fringes of society who identify with the sociopathic.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)
Too much not well explained
I have seen each of the Harry Potter films so far. I have gone to each film with my little girl who has read each of the books. I have not read any of the books.
For much of this film, I was left wondering what was happening. That was not the case in the first 3 installments. My girl had to explain all that I missed in this film, after it was over. I had lots of questions for her.
What will I do in 2007 when the next chapter is released and she is too old to want to take her old man to the movies?
I still enjoyed the picture but I suspect that it would have been far better with more information for those of us who have not read the books. I heard that it had been planned as 2 films with more subplots; that would have made it a great set of films.
Finding Home (2003)
psychologically accurate
I had the opportunity to view this film at the Rhode Island International Film Festival in Providence. There is no doubt about this being a "chick flick" and in that context it is an excellent film.
The film accurately portrays the confabulation involved in the creation of false memories; I can see that the filmmakers consulted experts in psychology in order to guarantee accuracy. {SPOILER: Grace, in her own moment of anger, created the story and imposed it onto Amanda. Amanda believed her mother yet did not remember any details of the incident. Over time, Amanda's mind created the details and she was left with her own feelings anger, confusion, and loss of trust.} While on a scientific level, there is no such thing as "False Memory Syndrome;" the issues of confabulation and dissociation are very real.
There is also an anti-abortion message espoused by the more sympathetic characters of this film. I am not sure if that is intentionally a message or just character development.
David S. Stern, LICSW
Fresh Horses (1988)
PWT girl traps middle class boy
I saw this film when it was in the theatres many years ago and have not seen it since.
I remember Molly Ringwald showing decent dramatic range as a very unsympathetic white trash girl. She lies to Andrew McCarthy and snares him in romance. Ben Stiller tries to warn McCarthy against Ringwald by pointing out that he needs a "fresh horse" not the true garbage of Ringwald.
I remember liking the film and thinking that Molly Ringwald does an excellent job of playing such an undesirable person. It could be that my own prejudices have colored my memory of this film as well as the years causing my memory to fade. I acknowledge that others have a different take on the film.
Coven (2000)
Good representation of AA
This short film is a really good representation of AA and other 12 step groups. While AA is not actually a satanic cult; it is a pseudo-religious organization. I was glad to see it shown for what it is. Do not get me wrong. AA serves many people. I just like to see it satirized.
Most people seeing this film will be distracted by the poor production values. That is what happens when you have no budget. The story is great and would have been a great film if better financed.
My sole opportunity to see this film was on the DVD with "American Movie." I was disappointed to see that the scene in which the head smashed into the cabinet never made it into the final cut of "Coven."
Michael Moore Hates America (2004)
unfortunate
I left this film wondering what is the point which Michael Wilson intends to be making. It claims to be a documentary; it is not. By definition, a documentary portrays a point of view; in his zeal to counter the view of a true documentary film maker, he forgot to make his point.
I rest assured that this film will be primarily screened in film schools as an example of what not to do. Any theatrical distribution will be by accident.
Instead of using a title which is intended to defame a true film maker, he should have figured out what he wanted to say. Nothing in the film supports his title!
The Hunting of the President (2004)
Well documented arguments
I rate this documentary as a "9" on a scale where "Bowling for Columbine" is a "10" and "Fahrenheit 9/11" is an "8."
The film makers show in detail how a group of right-wingers manipulated the system in order to bring-down an American President. It further shows the abuse of power by a Republican Congress and a vicious "independent" counsel.
It further shows an American newsmedia obliging in its coverage.
The true heroine of the story was Susan McDougal who went to prison rather than commit perjury.
Lest we forget that Ken Starr released the video of Clinton's deposition on the same day the President addressed the UN on terrorism. How much more could we have done about terrorism if the President was not distracted by the baseless attacks?
Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004)
Excellent
Michael Moore has created a work of art.
No new information was revealed in the movie; rather he has digested the facts and packaged them in a coherent order so that we learn that Bush, his friends, and his Saudi benefactors are the true beneficiaries of the terrorist strike of September 11, 2001.
It played to a sold-out audience. I had never heard of such a crowd at a documentary. Nearly all clapped and cheered for the film.
It is a shame that this site already has so many comments from right-wingers and Bush supporters who have not seen the film. They just want discourage people from learning and understanding the truth! By the way, a documentary by definition is supposed to be persuasive.