dementos Reviews

Grounding - The Last Days of Swissair (2006)

An awful, manipulative pseudo documentary

[1/10 · 23 December 2006]

The film makers managed to reduce the fascinating example of arrogant mismanagement to a manipulative, confusing wannabe tearjerker. There is an abundance of irrelevant, sappy characters. My favorite being the heroic stewardess, who saves the life of a passenger who has a heart attack - and all she keeps worrying about is that she may be neglecting her poor pubescent son.

The facts are totally distorted. The incompetent manager "Super Mario" is depicted as the altruistic hero, who only wants the best for all his poor employees. And the bankers, of course, are just greedy cold-hearted monsters.

All in all, extremely annoying.

Trinity and Beyond: The Atomic Bomb Movie (1995 Video)

Interesting stock footage, but not very informative

[3/10 · 7 May 2005]

This documentary contains lots of impressive footage of atomic explosions. Those "atomic mushrooms" are frightening, yet beautiful.

I just wish the whole documentary were a bit more informative. For instance, instead of showing one explosion after another, I wish they had explained the difference between a regular atomic bomb and a hydrogen bomb, for instance. And what's a "thermo-nuclear" bomb? Furthermore, I was missing a more critical view of the risks of atomic weapons. The social and political implications of nuclear weapons are barely touched upon. This would have been so much more interesting than just mentioning codenames for various tests and their corresponding explosive power, measured in "kilotons" and "megatons".

Where were all the ridiculous American propaganda movies (like the classic "Duck and Cover")? What about other countries with nuclear weapons programs besides the USSR and China? All in all, the whole movie casts a picture of the atomic weapons race which is too neat and uncritical.

All in all, the movie feels like a new piece of American propaganda: We are the good guys ("nuclear weapons are good and necessary, and we are great because we invented them"), and they are the bad guys ("they only use those weapons to put us and the free world in danger").

The Corporation (2003)

Naive look at the world, bordering on outright propaganda

[1/10 · 13 March 2005]

This 'documentary' presents a naive and one-sided view of today's economic system. The film basically implies that most (if not all) of today's problems are the direct cause of big, evil corporations.

Nobody can deny that the current global economic system does have its flaws. Managers, owners and employees of corporations commit crimes and fraud on a daily basis - as do people who are not associated with any corporation. But no respectable economist will argue that 'the corporation' is the root of all evil.

The film does not address the logical implication of its anti-corporation message: What would be the alternative? Would the world be a better place without any corporations? Would the film makers prefer totalitarian governments that always make the appropriate decisions in the people's interest? Do they believe that everybody was better off in the Middle Ages? The film makers often proceed in a very manipulative manner: First, they show some actual or perceived problem. Immediately afterwards, they show a specific firm or some other piece of information. By doing so, they suggest a direct link or even causality between the two, without offering a proper argument or proof.

Another blatant manipulation that occurs repeatedly is taking people's statements out of context and perverting the speakers' messages.

This film is propaganda in its purest form.

The Killer (1989)

Stupid, cheap, and boring

[2/10 · 22 June 2003]

This movie is so badly done, it is hard to believe. It is just a complete mess. On top of the countless continuity problems, what is really annoying is the totally ludicrous and simple-minded plot. The terrible acting also contributes to the overall cheapness of this movie (especially the blind girl and the stereotypical gangsters come to mind).

2/10

The Animatrix (2003)

Lots of eyecandy, but little substance

[4/10 · 1 June 2003]

First off, I have to emphasize that I love 'The Matrix', the movie. But these shorts only bored me and at times even tended to get on my nerves.

Why? Because it's all eyecandy and no substance. These shorts don't add anything to 'The Matrix'. On the contrary. After the fourth or fifth variation on the theme, the whole concept gets very old (nothing is like it seems, reality vs. virtual reality, the evil machines, etc.) In fact, by repeating everything over and over and by trying to 'explain' everything, these shorts manage to destroy all the mystery and uniqueness that made 'The Matrix' so special.

Furthermore, these shorts are bursting with spectacular camera movements, cool sound effects, and non-stop action. But that's not a good thing. Because here again the problem is that repetition and the overuse of these elements is counter-productive. It's like a small child telling the same joke over and over again: You might be amused the first time you hear the joke. But the n-th time you have to endure the same lame joke, you just wish the kid would shut up.

Serving Sara (2002)

Surprisingly funny - if you like sarcastic humor

[7/10 · 26 May 2003]

After having seen the low rating on IMDb, I was prepared for the worst. But to my pleasant surprise, the movie is actually quite funny! The dialogue features a lot of sarcasm and witty remarks - without being annoying. (If you don't like or don't understand sarcasm, you won't like this movie.)

Of course, the plot is silly. But it doesn't hurt the movie because the plot is basically irrelevant, anyway. It's just an excuse to put the cast in various awkward and funny situations. Those that complain, have they really expected some epic drama with deep philosophic insights? Come on!

If you hesitate to watch this movie because it is supposed to be a 'romance' movie, don't worry. The cheesy romantic bit is kept to a very bearable minimum.

This is not the best or funniest movie I have ever seen. But I really enjoyed it. I give it a deserved 7 (out of 10).

Equilibrium (2002)

Heavy handed, derivative, and inconsistent.

[2/10 · 26 February 2003]

To start off, I have to say something positive about this movie: The action sequences and fight scenes are quite entertaining. If you have seen 'The Matrix', there is not much new here. But at least it is copied well.

Now the not-so-good aspects: First, the symbolism is annoyingly heavy handed. The 'subtle' allusions to historical totalitarian regimes are too obvious. For instance, the obvious variation of the Nazi flag (the swastika) made me cringe. The bad guys even look like your stereotypical SS henchmen. A slightly more subtle approach would have been more effective.

Second, the movie is very derivative and doesn't add anything that hasn't been done or said before. The movie feels like a mixture of '1984', 'Fahrenheit 451', 'Metropolis', and the mentioned 'The Matrix'. Nothing new or surprising here.

Third, and worst of all, is the unconvincing story telling. The premise that all feelings are eradicated may be implausible, but at least its imaginable. However, the realization of that vision is done totally inconsistent. For instance, even those people in the movie who are supposed to be free of any feelings, constantly display a wide spectrum of feelings (e.g., pride, anger, envy, gloating). Furthermore, the movie contradicts its own premise by having the propaganda repeat descriptions of war and 'bad' feelings. If people don't know anymore what war is, or if you want them to forget, why do you keep reminding them? (Of course, the answer is related to my first point: The director wants to be as obvious and heavy handed as possible, so that every moron will understand that something evil is going on here.) Just about every non-action scene in the movie is spoiled by those recurring contradictions and inconsistencies.

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)

Boring, confusing, and highly overrated

[3/10 · 12 January 2003]

If I had to name the most overrated movie, this would be it. While it features some nice eye candy, it falls totally short in the plot.

I can imagine that this movie may have some interest, if you have read the book. You may recognize bits and pieces you remember and have some fun comparing the visualizations with the way you imagined things. And as in the first part, some of the scenery is breathtaking. But aside from that, the movie is simply boring and confusing.

It's boring because it lacks a coherent, compelling story. In a nutshell, this movie is about a bunch of people wandering around rather aimlessly. To disguise the simplicity of that 'story', many names of people, places and things are thrown at you constantly. As a consequence, I was rather annoyed than entertained.

It's no use arguing about taste, but I cannot begin to understand why this mess is considered by so many to be one of the best movies of all time.

Con Air (1997)

OK, if it weren't based on total ignorance of diabetes

[1/10 · 28 October 2002]

Unbelievable how little 'research' is done for multi-million-dollar productions these days! Given the fact that about 5 to 10 percent of the American people suffer from diabetes, it shouldn't be that difficult to get a few facts straight.

Diabetics DO NOT die or display symptoms as suggested in the movie if they don't get enough insulin! A lack of insulin only causes a high blood sugar level (so-called hyperglycemia), which is harmless unless sustained for years. Instead, the opposite, i.e., a low blood sugar level, will cause the symptoms shown (hypoglycemia). That condition, however, is not life threatening and can easily be cured by eating some food.

Unfortunately, the whole plot collapses if you consider these facts. That pretty much spoiled the whole movie for me.

Minority Report (2002)

Intriguing idea - disappointing movie

[5/10 · 14 August 2002]

The starting point of the movie is very intriguing: If we could predict crimes, would it be justifiable to arrest imminent criminals BEFORE they actually committed the crime? Unfortunately, the movie raises that question briefly in the beginning - but then quickly forgets about any 'intellectual' issues and turns into a predictable, average action movie.

Most of the action sequences were totally unnecessary and distracting. The run-of-the-mill chase and fighting scenes seemed out of place and did not add any suspense. They were only distracting.

Instead of worrying about stunts and computer effects, the makers of this movie should have put more effort into fixing at least some of the many holes in the plot. I am not talking about a lack of 'realism', but a lack of consistency and inner logic.

All in all, a rather disappointing experience. This movie could have been so much better.

Mr. Deeds (2002)

Aaaaargh!!!

[2/10 · 12 August 2002]

I can't believe it. This movie is awful. I am still in shock. Or is it disgust? And I am saying this as a person who actually likes some of Sandler's other movies. But I can't remember when I last saw a movie that was as cheesy, naive, and annoying as this one. At times, this movie got so bad, I felt like crying out loud. Pathetic, from beginning to the end. Avoid this movie at all cost if you have an IQ higher than a lawn mower.

Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002)

Horrible movie

[3/10 · 19 May 2002]

This is one of the worst movies I have ever seen.

The script is pathetic. It's a mix of a totally unconvincing love story and a random collection of pointless action scenes.

In combination with some remarkably bad acting, the movie frequently becomes a real pain to watch.

Monster's Ball (2001)

Boring collection of cliches

[4/10 · 31 March 2002]

This movie is nothing but a boring collection of various cliches: A couple of father-son relationships, poor black man being executed, young black woman having to struggle in a mean world, interracial relationships and racism,... Please!!!

The plot is based on so many unbelievable coincidences and sudden changes of people's characters, it's pitiful. And that forced happy ending tries to make sure we all leave the theater with a sense of hope and joy. Very, very annoying!

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

Special effects do not make a great movie

[4/10 · 27 January 2002]

I admit that the special effects were very well done and some of the scenery was breath taking. But that definitely does NOT make a great movie.

I don't even consider this a good movie. I really had to struggle to stay awake during those three hours of tiring story telling. No suspense, no surprises, no real character development.

By trying to put as many characters and events into one movie, everything stayed at a highly superficial level. The result is a very poor, confusing, and boring story.

Black Hawk Down (2001)

'Anti-war' movie that celebrates war

[5/10 · 20 January 2002]

This movie tries to be another 'anti-war' movie, but ends up celebrating war instead. As a viewer, you get almost two hours of constant shooting, gore, and heroism. Here it just comes along with the excuse that those events actually happened. As if celebrating violence is bad if it is fictional, but it is perfectly OK if it is 'based on a true story'. Even those scenes that supposedly demonstrate the hell of war are taken as an opportunity to show how brave 'our boys' really are.

Emotionally, this movie is extremely flat - which is mainly due to the fact that we don't get to know any of the characters. They all are just one-dimensional stereotypes. So we do not really care about them. The psychological stress those soldiers must have been under never really comes across.

Technically, this movie is well done, but it doesn't offer enough substance to be considered a good movie. At least the American propaganda and patriotism are not as heavy-handed as they could be...

Message in a Bottle (1999)

Almost made me cry - out of sheer boredom!

[2/10 · 6 January 2002]

I must admit that I didn't expect much from this movie. I was prepared for the worst, so to speak. But even those low expectations were not met.

The only feeling that movie provoked in me was anger. Anger about a predictable, inconvincible, shallow story. And anger about the fact that they had to stretch out that terrible story well over two hours.

This must be the most boring movie I have seen in the last few years. Seriously.

Baise-moi (2000)

Not shocking, but utterly boring

[2/10 · 22 November 2001]

Just the fact that a movie was banned does not make it a movie worth watching. This one definitely is NOT worth anyone's time. If I hadn't known that the movie would only last a bit more than 70 minutes, I would have stopped watching it. And I hardly ever walk away from a movie.

The violence and sex may upset some people, especially as unnecessarily explicit and annoyingly repetitive as shown here. But the thing I find most upsetting about this movie is its lame attempt to shock just for cheap publicity.

And it is very poorly done. While being visually explicit, the movie does not manage to create any kind of mood. As a viewer you never get to 'know' any of the characters. They are all very one-dimensional, superficial stereotypes. You just don't care about them. At all.

Concerning the story and the 'message' (whatever there is of that), you have seen everything before - just much better. This movie looks like a horrible combination of 'Deliverance', 'Thelma and Louise', and 'Clockwork Orange' - with just the worst parts taken from those films.

Finally, just because the film was made by women doesn't make it any better. It only proves that women are capable of making lousy movies, too. And boy, did they do a great job at that!

Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999)

Superb satire of the American dream

[9/10 · 31 October 2001]

If you like cynical humor and bitter satire, this is a must-see! The fact that the movie respects no taboo is highly refreshing in today's obsessively 'politically correct' world.

This is not a silly comedy. In fact, if you are expecting obvious slapstick humor, you will be very disappointed. It's the absurdity of situations and the brilliant dialogues that distinguish this movie.

If you enjoyed 'American Beauty' and the way that movie made clever fun of the American way of life, you will love 'Drop Dead Gorgeous'. However, if you do not understand the use of irony and satire, you will not like either movie. The fact that 'Drop Dead Gorgeous' provokes so many angry responses is proof that this is a satire which actually deserves to be called a satire.

Frankenstein (1931)

From today's point of view, this movie is awful!

[3/10 · 21 May 2001]

Yes, this may have been a huge hit in its day. It may have scared people silly. And Karloff's make-up is a true classic. But by any modern standards, this movie is simply unbearable!

I am not complaining about the movie's not being faithful to the book at all. But aside from the points mentioned above, this movie 'sucks' in every respect - as a previous reviewer has so eloquently put it. The (over-)acting is ridiculous. Even Karloff's grunting, stumbling around, and waving his hands around theatrically is pathetic. The script is terrible (what script?). The plot is thin and predictable. The dialog is highly artificial and annoying. Some of the sets are pitiful (skies with wrinkles are really 'interesting').

How can anybody with a 'normal' brain call this cheesy B-movie a 'masterpiece'?

The General (1926)

Not really funny - at least in today's world

[4/10 · 7 March 2001]

Yes, this may be a milestone in (comedy) film making. And yes, maybe this movie was indeed perceived as funny when it came out. But looking at it now, it seems rather dull, predictive, and -- well -- not funny. After having watched it, I am not sure anymore whether it even made me smile anywhere at all. But I am positive I never had to 'laugh out loud' as some other reviewers remark.

And it definitely does not represent a critical comment on war. The Civil War only serves as a background and an excuse for the 'adventure'. If you want a truly critical statement from that period, I'd recommend 'All Quiet on the Western Front' (1930) instead.

However, if you are not expecting a hilarious or brilliant comedy, you might still enjoy watching the movie. But you have been warned.

The English Patient (1996)

Patience required - lots of it!

[4/10 · 5 March 2001]

This movie isn't really bad. It's just plain boring. The story takes forever to take off - but eventually doesn't really get anywhere. And despite the long running time of the movie, all the characters remain remarkably 'flat'.

The love story is rather pathetic and unbelievable. Add to this the mandatory evil Nazis, some unnecessary action sequences, and a little bit of explicit violence - and you have your average, cliche World War II romance-adventure movie.

While flashbacks can be an effective device in telling a story, this movie simply overdoes it. After a few switches back and forth between 'past' and 'present', it becomes quite annoying.

It is a puzzle to me why this movie was so well-received when it came out.

Brassed Off (1996)

Annoyingly naive and simplistic view of the world

[4/10 · 28 February 2001]

This movie features just about every cliche about the 'evils of capitalism'. Most importantly, all hard-working men are good and honest, while management and government are mean and cold-hearted. This is not a question of politics, but rather one of common sense and most basic economics! At times this general naivity and simplicity gets so annoying, it pretty much spoils the movie.

Out of Sight (1998)

Average movie - definitely no 'Pulp Fiction'

[5/10 · 8 February 2001]

This is definitely not the 'Pulp Fiction of 1998' as some reviewers suggest. Not at all. This is just your non-memorable, non-remarkable, average movie.

It's neither the trivial story nor the two leading actors (Clooney and Lopez), but rather some of the refreshingly odd secondary characters that may warrant watching this movie on video/DVD.