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Reviews
The Losers (2010)
Film for 14 year olds
Filmed like a computer game and must have been rated by 14 year olds.
Slow Burn (2005)
Almost turned off this soft porn movie, but glad a stayed for a twisted ending
At first the movie seemed like an excuse for a soft porn movie. The only reason I stayed with it was because the acting was pretty good. Later it evolves into an interesting, twisted who's it. So in the end, I'm glad I stayed with it.
In a movie this complicated, I am sure there are some loose ends, but I thought they did a good job of tying things together in the end.
I was OK with the flashbacks and plot twists, but I am probably not your average viewer. It is true you have to pay attention to keep everything straight. If you don't like to stay with a film, it may not be the film for you.
They do keep you guessing to the end.
War of the Worlds (2005)
A very involved study of divorced families and how one guy copes
We get a chance to study all the dynamics of a divorce. The acrid innuendo between husband and ex-wife, the ravings of their hypochondriac daughter, the tired old saga a son rebelling against his father, the meddling in-laws, ...
Spielberg has caved in to "going for the money" and has abandoned film as an art expression. Spielberg tries too hard to relate to all the divorced families and tries too hard to relate to the children. I suppose this is all in an effort for ratings and dollars.
Even with all the exploration, there is nothing new to be learned about the relationships of a divorced family. Yes, they will unite against outside threats. Yes, the prodigal son comes home. Yawn.
Oh yes, there is some sci-fi in it also.
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)
Slow, boring, juvenile and NOT funny
Don't waste your time. Definitely don't waste you money. To use one of the movie's phrases, it is amateurishly "contrived." I love good parody, but this isn't it.
The plot moves at an excruciatingly slow pace. The characters are amateur like something out of a high school play. That wouldn't be bad if they were funny, which they weren't.
Even the two "boob" shots didn't save it.
I think this was a good excuse for the actors to get a vacation, all expenses paid.
Spend your time watching something more academically challenging, like "DUMB and DUMBER."
Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003)
Mexican "Kung Fu"
Think of this as a Chinese Kung Fu movie except it is set in Mexico and uses bullets instead of Karate chops.
Lots of violence and blood shed. Lots of stunts and special effects.
A real "guy flick."
Be sure to watch the Robert Rodriguez clip on Puerco Pibil if you get the DVD.
Mission to Mars (2000)
A soap opera version of 2001 made for TV
A soap opera version of 2001 made for TV. A soap opera because there was a lot of melodrama and emphasis on emotions and relationships. Contains some good effects reminiscent of the sand worms of Dune. At several points the scene faded to black just as it would for a commercial for TV. A retelling of 2001 in terms the layman could understand because of the discovery of the origin of man. This message will incite the bible toting "origin of man" people for sure. Still it was passable entertainment.