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Reviews
Futurama (1999)
Best show ever...
It's too bad that Futurama was cancelled, because it was one of the best shows on television. It did not catch on due to the fact that it's content was sci-fi related and a bit esoteric at times, coupled with the fact that it kept getting pre-empted and shuffled around in the schedule. I bet that Fox feels stupid now when shows like this one or The Family guy are selling so wildly on DVD. Perhaps they could consider new episodes of both shows?
Futurama (created by Matt Groening of the Simpsons) features the voice talents of Billy West, as well as John DiMaggio, Katey Segal, Tress MacNeille, Maurice LaMarche, Phil Lamarr, David Herman, Lauren Tom, and a host of awesome special guests, including Beck and The Beastie Boys, as well as the cast of Star Trek (except Scotty! hahaha!). Any show that features Richard Nixon as President of the Earth can't be all bad. Though as he puts it, "If I'm elected, I'll sell children's organs to circuses for meat...I'll go into peoples houses at night and wrrreeeck up the place! hahahahahahaha (evil laugh ensues)." Hi-larious.
Rider Pride (2001)
See this short!!!
Rider Pride is a short film that is the collaborative effort of Writer/producer Craig Courtice and Director/Producer Tony Hrynchuk. It tells the hilarious story of Les, a fanatical Canadian football fan, who is called in to work the day of the 1989 Grey Cup, one of the only times that the Saskatchewan Roughriders have ever won. The film itself is well paced, with a wry sense of humour, and well acted by comedian Brett Butt and NYU acting teacher John Boylan. The film uses colours as a theme, including the green and white of the Rider team and the yellow and black of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats to build atmosphere. Director Hrynchuk and Cinematographer Darryl Kesslar both have amazing eyes and ideas and this is reflected in the quality of the shots. Noteworthy is the fact that Rider Pride secured an unprecedented theatrical release through Alliance-Atlantis, opening for the feature "Men With Brooms in parts of Western Canada." If you get a chance, see this short comedy. 4 out of 5 Stars.
Life as a House (2001)
A Low Profile American Beauty
Life as a House was an incredible sleeper. It had all the gusto, heart, and wit of American Beauty. Though it is a tear-jerking film, it does not fall prey to a melodramatic sappiness. The characters are twisted but loveable and the actors portray them with sound and fury. The metaphors and interactions make this film much deeper than the regular Hollywood drivel. It is not as visually stunning as American Beauty, but the lack of slickness works for the stories and the characters. They are, after all, real people. I wouldn't be surprised to find out that a lot of the dialogue was ad libbed. One note, other than mentioning the obvious Hayden Christiansen/Darth Vader thing, is that Jena Malone is blossoming into an incredible young actress. But I digress. Life as a House is a film that everyone should see. It is the depth that movies today should strive towards. 4 out of 5 stars.
Panic Room (2002)
Not Fincher's best work --- but he is a God.
David Fincher's thriller, The Panic Room, was a forum for amazing visuals, if nothing else. The acting was first rate, and the dialogue was very believable. However, the plot had a few holes and left a bit to be desired. Fincher is known for his twist endings (Seven, The Game, Fight Club)and great material. This foray came up a bit lacking. With that unpleasantness out of the way however, it was an engrossing thriller that did deliver chills and spills. Fincher's use of computer animation and real shots made the viewer feel as if it was a ghost floating through the house, moving through keyholes and floorboards to be privy to all the action. If Ridley Scott is one of the most over-rated directors (besides Alien and Blade Runner) then David Fincher is probably the most underrated. Like Michael Mann, Fincher has a unique visual style and production design asthetics that are astounding. David Fincher is a God. But, even Gods make mediocre films occasionally. Lucas made Episode I didn't he? The Panic Room, while better than most of the Hollywood drivel that comes out every year, does not hold up well to Fincher's earlier work. But the dude's got shots, man. 3 out of 5 stars
The Mothman Prophecies (2002)
Rent it, or better yet...don't bother.
The Mothman Prophesies had it's moments, but overall it is unsatisfying. The story is murky and vague and the ending seems tacked on. It is okay to have a vague story that does not fully disclose to the audience what is happening (ie-Eyes Wide Shut), but this film tires to tell you a lot and be vague at the same time. The contradiction doesn't work. Richard Gere was competent, not his usual wooden self. Will Patten always brings an interesting angle to a character. Laura Linney was okay, though she must have the most forgettable face in Hollywood. Debra Messing is a goddess. There are some good spooky scenes or shots in the Mothman Prophesies, however. But you know what? There were things that made you jump in Lord of the Rings too, and that doesn't make it a horror movie. Most of the strange style of shooting and editing seemed to be borrowing heavily from David Fincher in Seven or The Game. But the director is no Fincher.
As for smart modern horror films with a good dose of drama, I'd rather re-watch The Sixth Sense then see The Mothman Prophesies again. Rent it, or better yet...don't bother.