Jim-512 Reviews

The Hitcher (2007)

Equal to the original, IMO - with some of it's own personality

[7/10 · 9 November 2021]

I am a big fan of The Hitcher (1986). 2021, first time seeing this version. When I saw this remake come out, I never bothered, couldn't top the orginal (whiiiich is still true, but...). But was free on Amazon Prime, so I watched it.

Only Hauer can emulate the sort of angst that makes you feel sorry for him...as he brutally murders everyone around you. Still true and that is one of the unique departures (intended or not). Bean did not try to copy Hauer, but I think he pulled this part of VERY WELL with his own sort of enigmatic aura. This version did not depart from the brutality of the original, giving absolutely zero pucks for your identifying sentiments or affections for the characters (I LOVE that - that's what makes a good movie a roller coaster ride, though we already knew this ending). I thought there was some practical believability often absent from this genre, attention to detail that the increasingly sophisticated audiences are more aware.

I think it has gotten a bad wrap from many for the wrongs reasons. Perhaos already 'knowing' the story and ending eclipses much of this versions qualities. I am snobby about what movies I add to my DVD/BR collection. This may be the first movie that I add with both the original and the remake.

The Bourne Legacy (2012)

Unexpected

[7/10 · 10 November 2015]

Being intrigued and entertained enough from the Bourne Trilogy (and having bought the 'completed' set) I was a bit put off by the introduction of another 'Bourne' movie, presuming it to be a lame attempt to capitalize more on the franchise. So much that I didn't bother to watch it - till now. I must say that I found everything about this movie unexpected. The integration of this story with snippets of the original (Ultimatum) was very well done. There is one thing I find in many movies, though, to be disappointing, believability. Its the subtle things that a person may or may not do that makes a story convincing. That the fine, technical details are NOT over-explained (to assure the watcher 'gets it') is laudable (I love looking details up later on a subsequent viewing). When a filmmaker takes the effort to add those little subtleties to a movie, I take special notice, and Legacy is full of them. (One of the things I loved about Haywire). Renner is a great branch from the Bourne character. This movie will be added to my collection.

The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

How on earth is this movie so highly rated!!?

[3/10 · 10 December 2012]

The high rating of this movie here is unbelievable. Did they WATCH the movie? Especially that it is given status as a "Top 100" in ANY forum - absurd. This movie, though filled with all the FX of an high budget movie, was a stinker. Everything had the feel of a contractor, over budget, wrapping up a job before the holidays - contrived story - lacking even abstract, "comic book" common sense. Packaged, 'out of hat' storyline. I did like The Dark Knight - though Heath Ledgers role Joker/Devil archetype, was what gave its greatest depth. Though it's not new for a high budget movie to be a dud - the biggest disappointment is how many people (here) laud it so highly. Kind of like politics I guess - people will vote party line regardless of the quality of the candidate. I'm glad I didn't spend any money to see this. What a waste.

The Karate Kid (2010)

Remake, a pleasant surprise.

[6/10 · 18 February 2011]

I had to leave a comment on this. I decided to watch this, reluctantly thinking that it would be a cheesy play on the original, which I think is a great movie. For one, I thought it weird to be remake a movie so soon after the original...then I looked at the date - 26 years? Holy Smokes, time flies. This version of Karate Kid had as much, if not more, of the same "feel good" character as the original. I was pleasantly surprised. BUT, Jackie Chan has also always had a way of making any story better, just by the heart and bone he puts in his part. And I was thinking, "that kid's subtle mannerisms sure remind me of someone...oh yeah. Will Smith." I didn't know that was his son! Ha! Well, like father..... I've always had high regard for Will Smith's work. This remake did something that many 'remakes' disregard. It stayed pretty darned true to the original story, sometimes (almost) verbatim. I personally thought that was honorable. Giving that there was so radical a difference in the setting and environment, that was classy. Jackie Chan did "Mr. Miyagi" awesome. Definitely worth seeing.

Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed (2008)

It challenges you to question 'why' and 'how' to it's end. Why is theory taught as fact?

[9/10 · 15 November 2008]

It is not amazing at all to see the rabid disdain for this production in this forum. I would only suggest, first and foremost, to those who claim to view science scientifically (to study the observable realm, its mechanism and origin), to watch this for yourself, don't be dissuaded by this, or any comment here. I am the type of person who, when I see a rabid reaction to a given stimulus, am curious to understand what could possibly mitigate such emotional response.

Many seem to be judging this production as "pro-Creationist". Ben Stein is MERELY challenging the establishment that is, without scientific explanation, suppressing I.D. I would hope that, even amongst the most staunch self-described atheist that he would admit, by the rules of objectivity, that since the mechanism establishing the origin of life are empirically unknown, as is professed, that he even logically consider deliberate design as a hypothesis among the theories. Otherwise it must be deductively eliminated or inductively recreated - neither of which has been done. This documentary merely offers a modicum of debate to (hopefully) present to the viewer who may be entrenched within a paradigm of what would otherwise be described by the scientific establishment themselves as "closed mindedness", an alternative consideration - and, moreover, to make the viewer aware of, and to at least QUESTION WHY and how this consideration has been ostracized so rabidly. I would think the true scientific minded would see that as a "carrot" of curiosity. Or the "room of forbidden entry".

In a nutshell, believers claim life is, intrinsically, evidence of a Creator. Unbelievers deny this, further, categorize that as an unacceptable means to an empirical debate. Those rules are set by them, so the deck is stacked. Regardless, this documentary does not set out to indulge either (step back from it an clear your inhibitions). Rather, to ask the quintessential question. Why? And to challenge the viewer to at least consider that many "scientists" may be at ostensive odds with their own profession.

Personally, many aspects of what is called "science", as it is prescribed sociologically, fits a more precise description of "religion" itself. Makings scientists the "priests" of this pseudo-religion. So much of what is the "might" of many scientists MUST be accepted, in the prospect as theory, on PURE FAITH. That is, definitively, religion.

If it all is an accident, recreate a model of it. Explain the mechanism. Duplicate it. Until then, scientifically humble yourself to all possibility, even if you don't like it.

Pineapple Express (2008)

Lame

[2/10 · 11 September 2008]

Okay, yes this movie's profanity/vulgarity and the (bizarre) violence are gratuitous....at the least. Though this may be atypical shock value to disguise the lack of story. Much of it seems to be "one take only" or hurried in script, repetitive and direction-less and actually boring, often. But to be classified as a comedy it was remarkably unfunny (I mean lame). Admittedly, the characters themselves were not copycat, at least there was some imagined structure there. But this movie has nothing else. I do love unusual, gritty even outlandish or disturbing film, as long as it wears some artistic or good entertaining qualities. This had very little or either. I am hard to shock anymore, but I am shocked at how bad I reacted to this. And even more at the rating this is getting. I found a few folks were chuckling regularly, who themselves seemed a bit drunk or high. I think that was possibly an intended prerequisite. This is the biggest stinker I've seen in recent years, so much that I had to comment.

Man on Fire (2004)

Attention to details.

[9/10 · 8 October 2004]

I put off seeing this movie, thinking it an atypical thriller (which are fine, if you are in the mood for atypical). I was pleasantly surprised at this movie. Everything was done very well! Story, direction, cast, acting, production... Washington really pull of a great job here, convincing me of his character's burdens without diminishing the realism of the film by over-explaining it. This may be his best. The whole cast was great! One thing I really love about a movie is getting little details right. Technical details like the delay between lightning and thunder. Dialog, sounding not rehearsed (a Walken trademark) as with subtle human mannerisms...lots of little details make this movie special to me. And Dakota, not too precocious with an imperfect smile, really does win your heart. The filming style really adds to the tensity of the movie. The unique use of subtitles, only when necessary to bridge a gap between viewer and information otherwise lost, was outstanding! It prevented any tarnishing of the films realism, and and also added some subtle atmosphere to a scene. I will add this to my collection. Excellent movie!

Undercover Brother (2002)

Funny parody

[8/10 · 30 May 2004]

I am sick of "white-man demonizing" movies, and usually wont watch them. This movie, however, was a parody on the whole. It pokes fun at both sides, and with successful comedic relief. I don't know how it rates in textbook guidelines for proper film protocol. All I know is that I chuckled all the way through it, which is rare. It was funny and fun. (The mayonnaise slurping sound effect really struck my funny bone for some reason). A lot of thought went in to the details, I think. And they pulled it off without a lot of foul language and sexual content. Good job in my opinion.

The Man (I hate mayo too)

Donnie Darko (2001)

You can't watch it only once

[10/10 · 2 March 2004]

I first saw this on cable tv. Thumbing through the channels I stopped just as Donnie Darko was beginning. I thought the title was weird, and readied my thumb on the remote channel selector...pointed it at the TV...and it stayed there for the rest of the movie! I couldn't stop watching! I've never seen a movie like this. The movie has a beautiful aspect (especially the end). And there are a few chuckles as well. Contrary to the more critical commentary, there is depth and complexity to the story that kind of requires you to see it more than once. I'm no genius, but what I gathered the basis of Donnie Darko to be is about our part in the deliberate DESIGN of our destiny, and I catch more each time I watch it.

Regardless of anything, sincere thought and expression went in to the making of Donnie Darko. Mixed with skill and technical ability = Art.

A WORK OF ART! In the top 100 movies of all time in my opinion.

The Mothman Prophecies (2002)

Creepy

[7/10 · 6 June 2002]

This movie did keep my attention. Bizarre. And I haven't felt a chill run down my spine (from a movie) in a long time like a few scenes did in this movie. Apart from story, plot, blah blah blah...it WAS creepy. And you have to admit, that's fun. Worth my money.

The Jack Bull (1999 TV Movie)

Some things are worth risking your life over.

[8/10 · 27 February 2002]

Excellent! And YES, and excellent message! Some things are worth risking your life over. Some things are greater than your own life. Myrl Redding lived by that. Seems, these days, that living as long as possible and avoiding harm is more important than standing for what's right. A fundamental characteristic that polarizes humanity. I don't think the film at all suggests Redding to be innocent of some wrongdoing. I think it exhibits the contrary. That's another thing I like about it. And the dialog was not too 'contemplated' or florid, the overall authenticity of the film, setting, costumes, etc... was very well done. "The Jack Bull" may not rate as an epic film, but I think the story does. Well done Mr. Cusacks (and friends)!

The Cider House Rules (1999)

"Wolf in sheeps clothing"

[21 August 2000]

Quality filming, settings, yada yada... BUT still just a personal agenda dressed up in a Hollywood costume and called 'art'. The real plot here is behind the script. This movie (and its writer) promotes and defends abortion. It suggests a representation of both sides, 'of course'. But the one (Homer) who (mildly and without much explanation) opposes it ultimately compromises his position in favor of abortion. Interesting; he does make a comment earlier about Dr. Larch "playing God", when thats what Homer ends up doing himself. This movie advocates unrestrained sexual behaviour and advocates abortion as the resolve for the poor souls who got tagged by one of its obstacles; conception. It employs an ugly and emotional issue of the incestuous pregnancy as either an attempt to stifle the pro-life viewer, or, considering the historical political compromise made concerning incest and rape pregnancies, to suggest a hypothetical "common ground" for both sides. Either way you're paying your money to have this agenda fed to you, NOT to be entertained.

My Cousin Vinny (1992)

Didn't know Pesci could be so funny

[9/10 · 24 July 2000]

The title, I think, suggests a less than memorable film. But dont let it mislead you. This is an original take on "big city goes to the country (or vice versa) theme. Turns out to be an funny and entertaining movie. Vinny's (Pesci) sarcastic attitude throughout the movie is comical. And Tomei is EXCELLENT supporting role! (not to mention her other qualities).

Captain Ron (1992)

I loved it

[7/10 · 24 July 2000]

I see voters overall give it a lower rating. But I really appreciated Kurt Russells performance. He must've really had a good time making this movie because he seemed to play the part comfortably. His "whatever" demeanor is great. Short is the punching bag of the movie. Mary Kay Place is a doll, as she always has been I.M.O.

Raising Arizona (1987)

Best movie ever!

[10/10 · 24 July 2000]

This is my favorite movie of all time. Admittedly, people either love it or hate it (like no other movie I've seen). This typifies the sublime and genious humor of the Coens. This will always be the gold of their filmography, I.M.O. And the casting was PERFECT. Hunter and Cage worked perfectly. And I applaud Trey Wilsons performance, which I appreciate more each time I watch it. One of the things I like too is the unusual camera angles. Story, casting, filming techniques, even the bizarre soundtrack. I love it all. 1 of 100 movies deserve to be called art, this is one.

Dark Star (1974)

A classic (BEWARE: Some spoiler notes)

[9/10 · 24 July 2000]

I saw this as a young teen in the theater. The final epistemological/ontological conversation between DoLittle and Bomb#20 stuck with me ever since. I didn't realize the sublime comedy of the movie till I saw it again many years later, subsequently owning it. Carpenters first movie (a college project I understand) and on a $60,000 budget. The visual effects aren't award winners by no means, but adds to the charm rarely found in a low budget movie (I would call this sincere, as most low budgets are dogs). Spoofy, of course, in many aspects of the story, but original overall (especially the ending...don't you love it when a movie ends other than "happily ever after"...). One of my all time favorites. Love or hate, like a lot of movies, but give this one a few watchings before a final criticism. BTW...Buyers. There are 2 versions to this. The original theatrical realeased version AND the Directors Cut. The DVD can be viewed either way seamlessly. The VHS excerpts the parts the Director originally did not want in the movie (story added to lengthen movie to minimum requried time) and pasted it at the end, which RUINS it for folks who loved the original. I disagree with Dan O'Bannon. These 15 or so minutes ADD to the quality of the story (and some to the continuity) even if not intended. Much prefer the original.

The 13th Warrior (1999)

More than I expected

[7/10 · 27 January 2000]

Having seen the previews, and not particularly a fan of Antonio Banderas, I wasn't expecting this to be one I may add to my picky collection. But I was very much surprised. Banderas portrayed his part well, as did the whole cast. Plot, well, good vs. evil, honor vs. dishonor, courage vs. cowardice... Heck. It was just a good movie! You really identify with the characters, and the rugged life of the time and location. And I really think they did an OUTSTANDING job on the authentic visual support i.e. weapons/dwellings/clothing etc... Pleasantly surprised. Will watch it again!