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Ice_Gin
Reviews
Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2 (2000)
I agree with Booleanman
This is NOT a sequel to Blair Witch Project. No matter how big the number 2 besides the name "Blair Witch" is. I believe the bad reviews are from the fact that a part 2 can never be made because of BWP's original concept(among other things). I do agree though that a sequel should have never been thought of in the first place, yet the blockbuster movie rule is that it should become a franchise and predecessors will follow the first hit film. Ok on to why it's not a part 2. The story begins with the aftermath of the Blair Witch Project. Cops chasing curious fans out of Burkitsville and locals take advantage of the phenomenon and start businesses. Also it looks at how maybe or maybe not the "Blair Witch" screwed with a couple of BWP fans' heads into killing each other. Now on to the bad stuff. It seems as if the writers were rushed into making the script of this film. The lines at times were just plain annoying. The b-movie acting didn't really help either. The thing that really ticks me off though is near the end of the movie is when the quality acting starts. What happend to those acting skills the first 45 minutes of the film?
Overall, a good matinee film or when it comes out on video, a good rental. Don't let the bad reviews fool you. It's actually a decent movie.
**1/2 out of ****
High Voltage (1998)
I rented this because of Koichi Sakamoto.....
....and I have to say this movie SUCKS. I loved Sakamoto's stunt coordination of his other movie "Drive" which featured some of the best martial arts choreography way before "Matrix." After watching "High Voltage" though, I was left with a bad taste in my mouth. The script was beyond incoherent and don't get me started with the acting. Well what else can one expect from a B-movie. The action was obviously contrived from the numerous Gun-Fu, John Woo style movies and the director doesn't even add his own touch to it which leaves the action scenes bland. It is a shame for the guns was the reason why I rented the movie. I have to say to all those who want to kill time, you can do something much better, like read a book or go for a drive. By the way, I highly recommend you people rent "Drive" instead. Yeah, it has a bad script and mediocre acting but it far surpasses the fizzle known as "High Voltage."
The Movie 0 out **** The action scenes * out of ****
The Way of the Gun (2000)
Oh man, a story with so much potential gone to waste...
I have enjoyed Bryan Singer's "Usual Suspects" which was written by the director of "The Way of the Gun", Christopher McQuarrie(this is his directional debut). First let me start with the premise. Two out of their luck hitmen(?) named Longbaugh and Parker, search for that one chance at fortune. In the beginning of the film, we learn that they earn their money by means of donating uh, well, their "fluids" and blood. While in a sperm bank, the pair find out that a surrogate mother, Robin, of a rich couple is conducting her usual check up with her doctor. With that Longbaugh and Parker kidnap Robin and place a ransom on her.
Anyways, the movie contains some of the most exciting gun-fight sequences. Sadly, that's the only positive thing I have to say about the movie. The scenes in between the flying bullets were long and boring. I felt that some of the conversations between the characters were superfluous and would be better if some of it were edited out. With a title like "The Way of The Gun", one would expect the movie to be high on the action meter and less on the banter.
A lot of the characters were two dimensional. The average performances from the actors (except for Lewis doing her usual psycho role) made it a lot worse.
I can only recommend this movie when it comes out on video. "The Way Of the Gun" would be bearable if there is a forward button handy.
the movie *1/2 out of **** action scenes ***1/2 out of ****
Mission: Impossible II (2000)
Man, a let down indeed....
I first saw this movie the day it was released. After watching it, I thought, "Not bad." Then, my little brother wanted to see M:I2. I though why not, don't mind seeing it a second time. Well it's the second and last time I'm watching this crap., I finally get what everybody's talking about. The movie was predictable and bland. The chemistry between Cruise and Newton was obviously forced (I would say though that Thandie Newton is the eye candy of the movie, not the special effects). Dougray Scott, as the villain, sucks too. I have enjoyed a few of Woo's movies in the past (Face/Off, Hard Boiled, Killer), and I must say that this would've been a lot better. I give the last half hour of the movie a thumbs up though. Hey the stunts maybe unbelievable but it really kicked a$$.
Oh yeah, wasn't the whole Mission:Impossible theme about teamwork. What the hell was this Mission: Tom Cruise?
Movie *1/2 out of **** Action Scene *** out of ****