sambuca Reviews

Batman & Robin (1997)

I just watched it for the first time today and...

[7/10 · 9 April 2006]

(SHOCK! HORROR!) I found it quite impressive.

Firstly I need to clarify I loved the Tim Burton version of Batman; it managed to do away with much of the campiness of the Adam West TV series, yet still stayed true to its intention of being an ENTERTAINING flick. Furthermore it brought back much of the dark, moody atmosphere of the comics without descending to the yawn-fest that was Batman Beyond. If "dark and brooding" equals "boring" to today's Hollywood, perhaps they need to take a lesson from the original Batman movie franchise.

And now to Batman & Robin.

After hearing, many years ago, the unfavourable reviews of critics (you know, that bunch who think they know everything about film and try to tell us what we should watch) I approached this film with pretty low expectations. And yes, this film is far from perfect (Alicia Silverstone as Batgirl? Big mistake, and poorly written into the script) but manages follow closely into Tim Burton's vision. Action aplenty, Alfred becomes an integral part of the proceedings again (unlike the third movie) and finally there are villains to relish watching: Schwarzenegger and Thurman are clearly enjoying themselves, with plenty of snappy one-liners and none of the overacting of Nicholson & Carrey. Arnold especially is superb (I never thought a day would come when I'd say this...) as Dr Freeze, with the ending revealing perhaps the only Batman villain that we could actually care for, unlike the one-dimensional caricatures that were Joker & Co. - Spiderman 2's Dr. Octopus looks like he has taken more than a leaf out of his book in his final act redemption.

And so, Batman & Robin is a winner in my book; two hours of solid action and entertainment, and it may be no Citizen Kane, but then neither were the previous three films and neither were they meant as such in the first place.

Rating: 7/10

Finally having seen all Batman films to date, my order of preference is now:

1. Batman Returns 2. Batman and Robin 3. Batman 4. Batman Begins 5. Batman Forever

Bustin' Loose (1981)

Good comedy

[7/10 · 12 January 2001]

This is one of those movies that, unless you have too many expectations, turn out to be quite entertaining. It stars Richard Pryor as an ex-con who agrees to transport a teacher (Cicely Tyson) and eight misfit children from Philadelphia to Washington, as part of his probation. Richard Pryor is known for his abilities in physical comedy. Surprisingly enough, the best part of the film are the more emotional scenes, where he gets to interact with the children. However, there are some other scenes, clearly going for the big laughs, that are not as successful, like the one with the KKK or the ones in the bank near the end of the film, and they threaten to spoil the fun. "Bustin' loose" is a good comedy, although it would have been even better if the script had relied more on Pryor's relationship with the children than on the physical comedy parts. It is definitely not a masterpiece, but if you need an evening of relaxation in front of the TV, then this film is for you.

Rating: 7/10, or B1

Cube (1997)

Ouch!!!

[2/10 · 19 October 2000]

Don't get fooled by film critics, this must be the most

pathetic, boring cliche-filled film of the 1990's.

Just a few examples: (WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD) 1. Seven people find themselves trapped inside a strange maze-like building. How they got there, who's responsible and why they were chosen, we never do learn. 2. Stereotype characters: Military-psycho, maths genius, doctor, autistic. Don't you think we've seen film characters like that a bit too many times? 3. At the beginning, we get to see that many of the rooms have deadly traps in them. Towards the ending of the film, however, the characters start moving from room to room without any fear, as all the traps have probably disappeared (?) 4. The most common phrase is 'Wait, I think I found out the answer' (to where the exit is). You get to hear that about ten times, as each 'logical idea' tragically fails after a while. 5. The first one to get out of the cube (we never get to know what is 'out there') is the autistic guy-how original! 6. All through the film you will find numerous rip-offs, especially from the X-Files (the general conspiracy idea) and from other films and TV series. Note: the X-files are also being made in Canada. Coincidence?

The outcome is, you will probably reach for the stop button long before they find the exit (which of course is where the movie ends). To avoid that, don't make the mistake of renting this film. If you want a good Canadian horror film, get 'The Dark' instead, which at least offers the acting quality of Brion James and Neve Campbell.

Rating: 2/10, or D2.

Murder Live! (1997 TV Movie)

Strongly Recommended

[9/10 · 9 October 2000]

'Murder live' is a unique film. Never before has a movie been so accurate in its depiction of questionable-quality TV talk shows and the very unfortunate events they can cause, as has recently been proved in real life. Even more impressive, is the fact that it is a TV-movie! Roger Spottiswoode and the actors (especially David Morse, Marge Helgenberger and Peter Horton-who also wrote the script) have done a terrific job. Shot in real time, in "live" TV broadcast style (that brings to mind the notorious Jerry Springer show), it never misses its target and also covers other issues such as police corruption and the indifference of the public (who would rather watch baseball). Well made, fast-paced and shocking, 'Murder Live' is a film that really gets you to think and deserves recognition as one of the greatest modern achievements of TV -and there's not many-. Don't miss it!

Rating: 9/10, or A2.

Tapeheads (1988)

How stupid!

[2/10 · 10 March 2000]

Tim Robbins and John Cusack are two actors I have appreciated throughout their careers, and that was the only reason for choosing to watch this movie. Well, all I can say is I totally regretted it! These two great actors humiliate themselves all the way through by performing a number of irrelevant, unimaginative and kitch to the extreme (not that this is bad on its own)sketches that are supposed to make people laugh, but fail to do so. The only reason I can think is that the director was their friend, and they decided to support his movie by starring in it-I can't think of anything else because this movie is SO cheap! Fortunately Tim Robbins and John Cusack haven't disappointed me ever since. I would recommend you to avoid this film, unless you want your opinion about the two actors spoiled.

The First 100 Years: A Celebration of American Movies (1995 TV Movie)

Good, but not as detailed as it could've been...

[7/10 · 10 January 2000]

I study American cinema as part of my University course, and therefore was keen on watching this documentary about the first 100 years of its history. Although it was very well-made,and the narration by Peter Coyote was excellent, I think that it could have been more detailed. It seems that the people that did it were more interested in the first decades of cinema, because they only spent a small part of the documentary on the 1960's and 70's and almost completely forgot the 80's, and no mention was made on some very important moviemakers and actors of these three decades. Another mistake I spotted was that some famous actors that were interviewed didn't have their names written on the screen. However, in general this was a remarkable try with a very good narrative, editing and background music and could be really useful to those interested in the history of cinema.

Blue Desert (1990)

One of the most underrated thrillers of the decade.

[8/10 · 29 November 1999]

I first saw 'Blue Desert' by chance on a late TV show and I liked so much I rented it twice on video, although I had missed the first scenes and didn't know its title.However, every time I've talked to friends about this movie, it looks like they haven't even heard about it. And it's a shame because in my opinion this is one of the best thrillers of the decade, much better than the overrated 'Silence of the lambs' and 'Wild things', but somehow it seems that it never attracted the attention it deserved.

The plot and direction are (almost) flawless, the suspense builds on from the first until the last minute and Courteney Cox makes a top-quality performance.

However, I would still advise everyone to give this movie a chance because it's definitely worth it.

(My Rating: 8/10)

Diplomatic Siege (1999)

Revival of a popular American movie genre: Propaganda

[22 November 1999]

...so, after bombing, destroying and killing thousands of innocent people in Serbia, it seems that Americans decided to continue their anti-Serbian propaganda with films like this one. I won't discuss any further, but I'm afraid that in the next few years there will be a new barrage of 'patriot' films similar to those after the war in Vietnam (only that this time they will concern the people of Serbia), beginning with this one.

Avoid it at all costs.

Fast Money (1996)

Good for action movie (and Yancy Butler) fans.

[6/10 · 13 November 1999]

I admit that I didn't have many expectations from this movie: I wasn't expecting a masterpiece, but just an ordinary, violent action movie, which also happened to have Yancy Butler starring in it(and that's even better.)

And that was all I got. So I suggest this movie to all action movie fans and also to Yancy Butler fans, like I am. You're definitely going to like it.