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Reviews
Bak fat moh lui zyun (1993)
A Truly Original Villain
While I truly enjoyed this film, there is just so much to comment on and not enough room so I must be brief and comment only on my favourite aspect of this movie. Of all the villains throughout cinematic history I don't think I have ever seen one so original, twisted, or down right messed up as the one in this film. From the Wicked Witch of the West to Darth Vader and Creature Gollum, Ji Wushuang takes the cake. Being a psychologically tortured, incestuous, Siamese twin; this antagonist truly pushes the boundaries. I'd have to say the most messed up part is when Wushuang (F) becomes aroused with Wushuang (M) as he begins to rape Nichang--weird.
The 7th Voyage of Sinbad (1958)
The Least Good
Out of all of the films I've seen involving Harryhausens work this one is probably the best in terms of special effects. This film was made in 1958 and the effects are nothing short of phenomenal. It was certainly more convincing in comparison to other films of its time and even looks better than many special effects used today. However the film as a whole is good. Not great, but good. It seems that they invested much of their budget into special effects and almost none into acting. This cast of automatons act like they were dragged off of the street and given a twenty. Seriously, they make Hayden Christensen look like Marlon Brando. Other than this, it's a good movie.
Reservoir Dogs (1992)
The Greatest Movie Ever
Everything about this movie is spectacular. It's virtually flawless its cast, acting, dialogue, choice of music, it could not have been made better. The movie is always doing something, it never drags, you are entertained the whole time you are watching it. I don't think I've ever seen another film to capture as much coolness as this one either, i mean even so much as a still from this movie carries an unexplainable suaveness to it. Honestly, I feel that this movie is pretty underrated by both critics and movie goers alike. This movie lacked nothing, had everything and it lives up to every positive appraisal it receives which is why it is number one on my list.
Desperado (1995)
Best of the "El Mariachi" Series
This one is my favourite of the "El Mariachi" series because it tells the best story without being too over the top or too pretentious. The first movie is good despite the resources Rodriguez had to work with but it still could have been more action packed and had less silliness in it. "Once Upon a Time in Mexico" was good too, still I think it went too over the top even by "El Mariachi" standards. "Desperado" is an excellent part of the "El Mariachi" series. Though, I've always wondered why being a mariachi is such a deadly occupation in this series of film. It is a great shoot 'em up, tells a great story, and is cheesy only to a point where it puts a smile on your face.
Death Wish (1974)
Classic That Started a Genre
This film was followed by four sequels, it was the inspiration for the "The Brave One", and was the first of the vigilante genre. At the time of this film's release it featured themes that had already been seen by movie goers at the time, but in a more controversial way. The rape scene was very graphic for that time period and in someways, still is today. It is also noteworthy, that this is one of, if not the first movies to drop a "C" bomb. I like how all of the bad guys are the same. Like, why do they all jump around like they belong to the ministry of silly walks? I'm not sure why that is, but as the film series progressed the bad guys did get a little more realistic.
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie (1995)
Aged, But Still Enjoyed
I loved this movie when I was a kid but looking back, they made some odd decisions when approaching this film. Shortly after the films release, the t.v. show had begun to feature its third mega-zord. The story arc that encircles this new mega-zord as well as their ninja powers are entirely different from the movie, making it stand on its own. Yet somehow, its much lesser sequel is the exact opposite with series. Then they portrayed the mega-zord in the cheapest c.g. I've ever seen in my life. Why not use a suit, like on the show? It's not like they didn't have a budget. Even so, it is a fond piece of my childhood that I still enjoy watching today.
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (1993)
Power Rangers are Forever
While I couldn't tell you as to what is happening in the "Power Rangers" series today, I can however tell you how fortunate I am to have been a kid when the "Power Rangers" series was its prime. Sure my opinion of it has changed. Where as before it was awesome, now it's both awesome and hilarious. The past few years the film industry has made attempts at making films based on old t.v. shows like "Power Rangers" and giving them a more serious overtone. How super cool would it be to see a new "Power Rangers" movie not only with a more serious overtone the original cast as well!? This series is one that shall forever be embedded in my mind as the greatest series ever made.
Men with Steel Faces (1940)
Unusually Entertaining
While it may be ridiculous to compare Gene Autry to Michael Jackson in any way, shape, or form. Autry sold himself in the same style, his films were self indulged just as Jacksons music videos were. However, this film was bizarre. So bizarre it came right back around again and became entertaining. While his music wasn't quite blue grass as it was...something else, I even saw some "O Brother Where Art Thou?" in this movie. Where "O Brother Where Art Thou?" was a blend of Greek myth and blue grass, this was an interesting mix of music from that time period and Sci-Fi. To blend the western and science-fiction themes was both over the top and creative on Autry's part.
Maciste all'inferno (1925)
One of the Greatest Fanties Ever Made
The themes of hell, Satan, and other demonic entities as a source of entertainment have always been met with controversy. "Maciste in Hell" certainly has had its share after having met its audiences with images of scantly clad women, devils, demons, and even what I believe to be one of the first decapitions to be portrayed on film. Aside from all the uproar however, this movie also excelled in its use of special effects. It featured animatronics, stop motion, and costume design. Out of all the movies that make one wonder as to how "they did it?", this film is at the top of my list. I definitely recommend watching it whether you like silent films or not. It's certainly worth a watch.
Godzilla, King of the Monsters! (1956)
Stands Apart
If you are a fan of Godzilla you will know that this movie stands apart any other Godzilla film. It's different in that there is so much more drama put into Godzillas actions and as a result can be taken more seriously. In almost every other movie he can run right over a building and we know nothing about the people inside it. Yet, this film encircles that very subject. I think this film was very much the "Cloverfeild" of its time. It's dark, scary, and even a little emotional. Godzilla has had quite a transformation in the last 50 years whether he is a child's hero, saving the world, or destroying it; he is a timeless classic.
Mi ni te gong dui (1983)
The Most Insane Movie Ever!!!
This is the silliest, most over the top, insane movie I have ever seen! It has it all; a musical number, amazons, wizards, Nazis, and even a haunted house. The first time I saw this movie half way through, I realized that I could no longer be supprized, I was waiting for the robot pirate ninja Martians to make an appearance! Too often I think movies try too hard and as a result damage or sometimes even destroy themselves in their own pretentiousness. The people that made this movie knew exactly what it was. In order to fully appreciate this film you HAVE to be in the right mind set because it's just so silly. So if your in the mood for a wild and crazy film; check it out:)