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brigand13
Reviews
The Chronicles of Riddick (2004)
Too smart for the average critic?
I honestly think that this movie just went over the heads of a lot of people (especially movie critics). I've seen it 3 times now, and I've picked up on new things every time I watched. Believe me, Chronicles of Riddick is very re-watchable and gets better with each watching. This was a very rich and detailed movie which was seeking to create a new universe against which to paint a story. Unfortunately, due to some editing to get the PG-13 rating, some of the details move past really quickly. I think that this movie is going to follow it's predecessor to a great cult status once it is released to DVD and Twohy is allowed to do a director's cut. However, even the theatrical release of this movie is most compelling.
One thing to note, it is very helpful to see Pitch Black before this movie if only to set up the Riddick character and his relationship with the others in the story. It is also quite useful to see the Dark Fury animated film that has been released directly to DVD as it bridges the gap between Pitch Black and this film as well as introducing the Toombs character.
I felt that this movie stayed very true to the Riddick that was created in Pitch Black, and at the same time opened up world of possibility for the character. With Pitch Black, I loved the fact that Riddick was such a dynamic character and that dynamicism is carried through in this movie. Riddick comes across as a very flawed individual who struggles with the decisions he makes- with the choice between light and dark, good and evil- as he is drawn into a web of events which are serving to shape the universe.
I felt that Vin Diesel did a phenomenal job of portraying this conflict and was a perfect fit to this role. I have seen criticisms of his acting ability, but I sincerely do not understand from whence they come. From everything I have have seen he is a very intelligent man who brings exceptional depth to characters who would normally be very two dimensional and forgettable.
The visuals in this movie were exceptional with some absolutely awesome sets! The Necro ships are simultaneously classic and futurific with a decidedly Deco feel. This contrasts nicely with the mid-eastern motif that is prevalent in New Mecca. The sound and score were also very well done. The FX shots were all well integrated. I especially liked the upgrade Riddick's eyes got.
My biggest critique is that this really doesn't play like a summer movie. I think that Universal really jumped the gun on this one and the attempt to expand the fan base to adolescent fan-boys was a mistake. I would have positioned this movie for a November release instead and gone for the R-rating. I think that Universal really didn't understand how to handle this one, and ultimately the movie is suffering for that. The truth is that even with the cut to PG-13, Riddick is just way to dark to be a particularly "family-friendly" movie and that is what traditionally does well in the summer.
Ultimately this is a big, smart movie that transcends the sci-fi/action genre in the same way that Pitch Black transcended the sci-fi/horror genre. It is intense, well written and well performed. And obviously all that was (as usual) wasted on the garden variety critic (most of whom are not willing to give a fair watching to a sci-fi movie anyway). This is definitely one of the best sci-fi movies I have seen in recent years and is a worthy sequel to Pitch Black. And regardless of how the critics pan this movie, regardless of it's ultimate box office success, this is a movie that will age very well. I genuinely hope that Twohy and Diesel are given the opportunity to tell the rest of Riddick's story.
Firefly (2002)
Exceptional series!!
Firefly was one of the truly exceptional pieces of television that occasionally comes along. Unfortunately, the programming executives at Fox did not realize what a true gem they had. This is something that is becoming so par for the course for this network, that I have ceased watching any of their shows because I know they will be cancelled just as the real story is beginning to develop (see Dark Angel and John Doe for other examples of this phenomenon).
Fortunately, for the loyal fan base that this show created and for those who missed it the first time around, it is being given new life. Not only has the series been recently released on DVD (including 3 unaired episodes), but there is a movie in the works as well.
As for Firefly itself, perhaps the show isn't for everyone. The future view that it offers isn't the clean shiny perfection populated with bumpy-headed aliens that has been the norm for many sci-fi TV shows. Instead it offers a glimpse of the future in a state of upheaval after a drawn-out war where settlements are created on the frontier and then basically forgotten by the government. The show centers around realistic characters who are trying their best to just get by in this setting.
I think the reason that some of the previous reviewers didn't appreciate the show is that it doesn't offer the whiz-bang special effects and grandiose story lines that are part of most sci-fi shows. Instead if offers well thought out stories which are character-centric and more focused on highlighting aspects of the human condition in any era than on painting a pretty reassuring picture.
Bedazzled (2000)
Delightfully funny movie for Halloween
My husband and I saw this movie a couple days early as part of promo through a local TV and radio station. This is a VERY good movie. Brendon Frasier is a truly brilliant actor. His flexibility is truly showcased in this movie because of the variety of situations that come up. There were many times when I laughed out loud.
And Elizabeth Hurley is a GREAT unconventional Devil. It is really refreshing to see something other than the mustached, horned, caped figure that seems to have permeated our cultural mythology. Ms. Hurley plays the Devil as seductive and inviting and yet devious and untrustworthy. Truly is a delight.
I highly recommend this movie as a pleasant, light-hearted alternative to the typically very dark movies that seem to come in October but which still manages to maintain that Halloween spirit.
Popular (1999)
Hilarious Surreal take on High School Life
From reading the other comments about Popular, I get the feeling that many people do not realize that the genius of this show IS its comedy. Situations and concepts are exaggerated to comic effect to make a point about the silly seriousness that is high school and indeed life in general.
I happened into Popular because I am a Charmed fan, but I fell in love with the zaniness of this show. I sincerely hope that the shows creators do not make it a straight drama. This would completely ruin the show. TV already has too many angst ridden high school dramas. It is refreshing that the WB is showcasing shows like Buffy and Popular that go against the norm. Ironically, in their zaniness, most of these shows provide a more accurate look at life and human nature than their pure drama counterparts ever hope to.
Pitch Black (2000)
Excellent Movie with amazing amount of depth
I was amazed at how good this movie really was. I expected a typical monster alien thrillfest. I was delighted to find that it is a movie of extreme depth about the redemption of a human soul.
This is a movie which surprised me and that doesn't happen very often. It flouts convention and presents characters that are quite well rounded especially for this genre.
I feel that this is one of the best movies of the year and a must see for everyone who enjoys either a good sci-fi flick or a powerful drama about the inner workings of the human mind.
The Blair Witch Project (1999)
Intense and very well made picture. EXCELLENT!!!
I really enjoyed this movie. This is a very well made, well acted, enjoyable movie that gets even better after you have a few hours to think and talk about it.
I was quite pleasantly surprised at the very genuine humor that is evident throughout the first part of the film. Then as the tone darkened and things began to go wrong, the movie kept me quite focused and frightened until the last scene (which was, by the way, PERFECTLY done).
I really think that Blair Witch will do for the woods what Jaws did for the beach and Psycho did for seedy roadside motels and showers. And I as I told my husband, I am NOT going camping any time soon. Especially not anywhere near Maryland. grin
South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut (1999)
Best Comedy I've seen all year!!
I didn't really know what to expect when I went to see South Park. I have watched the TV show some, and it is funny, but I never got caught up in South Park mania.
I am pleased to say that I loved this movie. I can't wait to see it again. The satire was dead on target and so timely it almost appears that the movie was made in the last month and a half or so.
While the entire movie was awesome, I especially loved the Star Wars references and the scene with Bill Gates (I won't spoil it for those who haven't yet seen the movie, but definitely watch for it. If you have ever had a computer crash, you'll appreciate it.)
Congo (1995)
Atrocious!!!
This is one of the worst blasphemies of Michael Crichton's work to date. The book was a wonderful, intense piece with exceptional characterizations and a delightful story. Very high level and a delight to read.
The movie on the other hand was a complete waste of money. I'm still not convinced that the person who wrote the script actually took the time to read the book. The movie plays out as though he skimmed the dust jacket and then started writing.
It's only redeeming feature was the cameo by Bruce Campbell at the beginning of the film. After his character gets killed off, don't bother to watch the rest. It isn't worth the time.
If you've seen this movie PLEASE read the book. There is no sense in letting this crappy film detract from one of Crichton's best novels.
For reference, I give this movie a 1 rating, and that is probably being generous.
Raging Bull (1980)
Boring....Over-rated!!
I fail to understand why so many people consider this to be such a good movie. I was bored stiff with it from the very start. Martin Scorsese should send me a check to cover the time I wasted watching it (okay, he can deduct about 15 minutes because I fell asleep toward the end, just couldn't stay awake). A more accurate name for it would be "Raging Bull-S***"
I am not really sure what Scorsese was trying to say with this picture, but if he wanted me to feel that Jake La Motta was an interesting or worthwhile human being, he failed dismally. About all I got was that La Motta was a complete waste of oxygen. If that was his point, okay, but I think I could have conveyed that in about 15 min and then gone on with my life.
The truly sad part about this movie is how much talent (DeNiro, Pesci, and Scorsese himself) was wasted to create it.