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scarecrowman
I was born again in The Christ, Yeshua at the age of 9.
I currently live in Calera, Alabama.
Someday I hope to make my first independent film.
Reviews
The Village (2004)
He's a genius and critics are busy praising crap like Training Day and Gladiator.
I have become a great fan of M Knight over the years. Of his four films since the Sixth Sense and including it he has stunned me with his imagery and his ability to make a film ultimately look and feel real. His staple plot twists are what has made him a box office success, but ultimately you cannot watch a Knight film without feeling like you have been somewhere. The Village (to me his best film to date) is not exception.
While one of the two major plot twists in this film can be seen from miles away, this does not take anything away from the film. In fact all the while why you think you have figured out the twist you are ignoring the other hints that lead to the final twist. I think Knight knew this all along and sacrificed one for the protection of the other, to me that is genius. However, I think it is ignorant if not just plain ridiculous to critique any film on it's plot twist and whether or not you can figure it out before the film maker reveals it. The Usual Suspects is still a great film almost a decade after finding out who Keyser Soze really was. The Sixth Sense was a great film and I figured out Bruce Willis' secret before it was ever revealed in the film. Let's not forget that Hollywood is the reason why we look for plot twists in every film. Knight did not overkill the "plot twist", nor did Brian Singer, and nor did O'Henry. The fact that in the last seven or so years at least thirty percent of the films released had plot twists from Basic to Taking Lives to Fight Club to Secret Window to In The Cut, it has been one plot twist after another. Don't blame Knight, blame Hollywood.
The Village looks wonderful, and has a very fairy tale esquire feel that even Tim Burton couldn't pull off with double the budget. The is superb all around, and there is a feeling of freedom and innocence throughout the film, something few films do these days. There isn't any sex, language, and the violence is extremely mild. Knight creates his atmosphere with great set designs, amazing sounds, and superb acting. As a film in full this is a wonderful film not to be forgotten. Knight to me is the Steven Spielberg of this generation a man with a unlimited imagination, who reads people with the camera, and who is not afraid to tell a tale without gimmicks like nudity, sex, language, and violence. In this day and age where movies like Fast and The Furious dominate the box office with sex, sleaze, stupid unbelievable stunts, ridiculous Tarrentino challenges language, dumb plots, and horrible acting Knight should be a breath of fresh air to both critics and to movie fans.
I for one can't wait for the next one from M Knight.
Nine out of ten crows fed as an offering to Those We Don't Speak Of.
Paparazzi (2004)
Cole Hauser gets his shot finally.
I may be the only one outside of the Hauser family who has been waiting for son of B-movie star Wings Hauser, Cole to get his shot. He is a show stealer from small roles such as his roles in (Dazed and Confused, and Good Will Hunting). I never thought that he would get a leading part, but now he does in a Icon Pictures (Mel Gibson's company) release known as Paparazzi.
The film starts off with Beau Laramie (Hauser) getting his first shot in a action film (the irony of Cole Hauser getting his first shot in an action film, playing an actor getting his first shot in an acting film is quite laughable). He becomes an overnight sensation and therefore has to begin personal dealings with the "Mondern Day Hunters" the Paparazzi. After shots of he and his family on a nudist beach are published he decides to approach a member of the Paparazzi and politely asks the man not to take pictures of his family. The man ignores this request and Beau Laramie slugs him, this causing the life of the up and coming star to spin out of control. He and his family are in an automobile accident after being chased and blinded by the Paparazzi, causing his Laramie's wife to lose her spleen and son to go in a coma. The revenge plot begins, and the action takes off.
The film looks great, it has an independent feel, with just the right amount of Hollywood to make it not seem like a USA movie of the week. The acting is hit and miss, with only two of the cast members actually giving what I would consider a consistent performance Dennis Farrina (who in my opinion makes Dennis Franz look like a rookie cop in comparison to cop acting roles), and Tom Sizemore gives perhaps the best performance of his career in this (that is arguable). I was impressed with Cole Hauser though I think a few scenes were too stale, he does a great over all job, just maybe not good enough to win him another leading part in the near future. Daniel Baldwin is the Mister Stinky of this one. Of the Baldwins I always said that Daniel was almost as good as Alec, but with a performance like he shows in Paparazzi I think Steven and Billy both crawl over his rotten carcass. He looks to be reaching way too much for his role, and tries too hard to be the standout. An argument can be made that he does stand out, but it is not for good acting, it's for bad casting job by the casting director.
The film has in my opinion on major flaw that makes it overall unsatisfying. There are way too many cameos and too many mentions of celebrities in this film to pull it off as a world unto itself (which is what every movie should strive to pull off). Mel Gibson, Matthew McCaugnehay, Chris Rock make appearances while mentions of George Clooney, Jennifer Lopez, and Alec Baldwin are made. The most irritating of the mentions is Alec Baldwin due to the fact that his brother is playing a character in the film, it quickly makes you lose your sense of belief.
For a first film by the director and a first leading role for the star this film is a success on any other level it is an ultimate failure, but one that is not a complete waste of time. Give it a look see.
6 of 10 crows bludgeoned with a baseball bat, one left wounded.
Without a Paddle (2004)
Bears, Rednecks, and Three Morons = Morality Tale.
Our film starts off looking to be a surprise buddy flick gem, such as "Crossing The Bridge, or Good Will Hunting." It begins with three friends going to the funeral of their deceased "daredevil" friend. All three of our heroes, starring Scott Evil, Shaggy, and I am famous because I work with Ashton Kutcher; decide to venture off into the wilderness in search of DB Cooper's treasure. I mean this with all honesty, this to me had the makings of a great buddy film. The DB Cooper part of the film gave me a good "Goonies" vibe, but the film goes stale trying to hard to be funny.
From a bear attack that goes awry, to two of the stupidest rednecks in the history of stupid rednecks (and that is saying something), to dog's tripping on pot (I know Hollywood smokes the green occasionally, so why do they always make heads have visuals. I know several heads, and being a former head myself, I nor they have ever tripped off of weed.). Burt Reynolds makes a brief appearance and shows us exactly why they say he is the biggest actor to ever star in so many bombs, his range is so limited as seen in this film.
The plot is not bad at all, in fact to some degree is somewhat a original spin on an overused idea (White Water Summer, Deliverence, City Slickers, etc.). I also must say that Dax (from Punk'd fame) is the stand out in this film's cast. However, over all the film loses way too much merit on trying to be too cute. Take out the bear attack, the marijuana field scene, Burt Reynolds, and make the rednecks about ten percent less stupid and you have yourself one hell of a gem. Those factors, however to me make this film barely average, and ruin an otherwise good idea. Watch it for entertainment, watch it for fun, and then forget about it.
5 of 10 crows drown.
A Man Apart (2003)
A Man Gets His Career Back.
Ok a few things out of the way first. I hated Fast And The Furious,and the only thing I looked less forward to than it's sequel is impotency. I also hated with the ever passionate waves of loath, XXX. I, however have been defending Vin Deisel for a while now. While, he has chosen some ridiculous, and quite mindless roles, I know he can act. I saw his short film project back when Deisel was just a retired wrestling gimmick and a fuel type. Vinny stole the show in one of the most overlooked films of all time, "Boiler Room". Not to mention his few moments in "Pitch Black" and "Saving Private Ryan", were worthy of recognition. I know he's appeared in more films than that, but that is all I have seen. Now, that out of the way. I am a film fan. I like movies, but I am the kind of film goer that is hard to impress. I saw the previews to this film, and was intriqued by the mere production quality. "Man Apart" looked really well done. Then, came the tragedy. I actually went to see the film.
Tragically, I think the Vin Deisel bashing should be over. If you did not like this film, that's your choice. I, however see a lot of xerox machines in the world of IMDB have been running slower than others. Vin Deisel was terrible in "Fast and Furious" and everyone's grandmother, grandfather, aunt, uncle, and sister bashed Vin's acting in that film; myself included. The same thing happened for "XXX". Wait there is a point.......... You morons who waited three damn movies to bash Vin Deisel's acting and jump on the bandwagon after even Justin Timberlake took his own jet away from the trendy cliche scene, are not film critics. You are robots, and the gears are starting to rust. This is not to mention the fact that this film, of all films is not the film to jump on the bandwagon with. If you cannot see truely fine emotional acting in Vin Deisel's facial expressions and even his delivery, then I would hate to see the film in which you become a casting director. I could just imagine how many performers would be so willing to show obscene over acting in the tradition of such performances like Timothy Daulton in "Wuthering Heights", or even worse Nicholas Cage in "Con-Air". It would be best if you freaks would simply "Put the bunny back in the box" and eject your over played David Bowie album. There is no future for you people in the talent search department. Come back and play when the next Ben Affleck movie comes out, we can then discuss horribly over-hyped acting. "A Man Apart" is the best action film that has been made in a very, very long time. There are a few scenes that probably should have wound up on the cutting room floor. There were not any plastic cars with really cool paint graphics, nor was there a cameo from Ja Rule, or Ludachris, for that matter. I will also say that the ending is a little open ended for an action flick, but that is what makes it a great movei experience. Vin Deisel was amazing. His facial acting reminds me of early Richard Gere. And, no that's not my gerbel talking. Not much of a review, huh...Well I mainly wanted to bash the jammed xerox machines that most of you painsy dancers are. Until next time nevermind the Ben Actless, I'm still Scarecrow from the crops.
7.5 out of 10 crows were torn apart, then a faux scarecrow came and xeroxed my corn.
The Dead Hate the Living! (2000)
More Than Expected.
I enjoy Full Moon Entertainment films, The Puppetmaster series is a favorite of mine. I, however do not expect films that I would consider to be "good", coming from Full Moon. "Dead Hate The Living" was a welcomed exception to this rule. I was highly impressed by the remarkable job done on this film. For fans of "Living Dead / Zombie" films "Dead Hate The Living" quenches that ever present thirst. It also makes a lot of obvious references to the best of the genre. References to Lucio Fulci, Dario Argento, David Warbeck, George A. Romero, Tom Savini, etc. If that's not enough it duplicates the ending to Lucio Fulci's masterpiece "The Beyond" in a very professional and honorable way. Some may call this a rip off. I call it a salute. The dignity that this film displays, from what must be true blue (or shall I say red) horror fans, is great to see. Worth the time. Worth the effort. This film Rocks! (I always think the use of Rocks, when describing something is corny but not in this case.)
Dead Hate The Living - "8 crows dead out of 10. One is wounded."
Snake Eyes (1998)
Leave it to Nicholas Cage to ruin a Brian DePalma film.
Maybe that is unfair to say. Brian DePalma himself actually ruined this film. The plot is hideous. This is nothing more than a stylish art film to show off the visual ability of DePalma. That is pointless, DePalma is well known for his vision, so why show it off with crap like "Snake Eyes".
Nicholas Cage is bad in this film, but to his credit he did not have much to work with. Nick, Satan has told me the secret and now the world shall know.
Snake Eyes: "3 crows dead out of 10."
Face/Off (1997)
Why would anyone want to wear the face of a bad actor like Nick Cage?
Oh Boy! This one is about 3 months past ripe! You need a gas mask or an on hand ambulance to make it all the way through this one. John Travolta goes from Pulp Fiction to this, how dumb. Nicholas Cage, everybody's favorite rusty robot, plays another bad role. Well, maybe it's the role that plays a bad actor. Either way, as expected this film sucked like a giant Hoover vacuum hose in a tornado. Nicholas Cage as expected, chewed on his tongue and babbled a lot of lunacy, while casting expressions that made me want to jump into the screen to check for his pulse. The question remains, Why do people love Nicholas Cage? If this were Shakespearean times Nicholas Cage would be lucky to get a job playing the witch's cauldron in Macbeth. The guy casts an aura that has only been rivaled by gravel and asphalt. Satan if you are out there, enquiring minds want to know how many films you gave Cage for his soul? When will we be rid of the violent, putrid stench that is Nicholas Cage? Most importantly, is hell an eternity of Nicholas Cage films? If so, maybe that is all preachers need to focus on to scare the Jesus into people.
The Rock (1996)
He has all the guns now, sir!
Ok my question is this: If Sean Connery had all the guns why didn't he save us all by shooting Nicholas Cage in the head. This filmed sucked like a leech on a blood packet! Nicholas Cage is amusing with his comments on how much he loves the Beatles. This, because people really want to see Nicholas Cage in a Yellow Submarine, miles below the surface where nobody can hear his voice ever again. Satan how ever will have Nick soon enough. As we all know, Nick sold his soul for stardom. That is the only rational explanation for his success!
The Rock: "3 crows dead out of 10!"
Se7en (1995)
Perhaps America's Best Suspense Film Ever!
Maybe I will shoot myself for saying that one day. It might even be possible I will want to take those words back when I finish this review. Still, at this particular moment I cannot think of an American Suspense Thriller that has ever been as beautiful and compelling as this unique serial-crime drama. Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman are both amazing and play well off of one another, Freeman especially. Gwyneth Paltrow does a brilliant job with her brief stint in the film. Kevin Spacey's portrayal of John Doe is uncompromisingly haunting and utterly disturbing. This all wrapped up with, what at the time was the most courageous ending in years.
Se7en: "10 crows be-headed out of 10"
Braveheart (1995)
The greatest epic ever filmed!
While there are a lot of sweeping epics that have and always will stand the test of time (Spartacus, Gone With The Wind, Ben Hur, The Ten Commandments, etc.) few will hold that 100% entertainment value along with the intellect that can satisfy the most cynical of cynics like "Braveheart".
This film is perhaps the best "Movie" that Hollywood has done since it's golden age. Not a shock, considering it's director and star (Mel Gibson) is the most non-Hollywood celebrity in Hollywood. He has spent most of his career as a soft spoken gentlemen, and when he has taken the opportunity to speak out Hollywood shuns his opinions. (Yeah! goes to show how well Hollywood loves the 1st amendment, "Only when it applies to the corporate Hollywood masses.") "Braveheart" is a beautiful and brilliant portrait and story. While many argue on how true the film stays to the "real" William Wallace, I say whether this film is biographic or a fictional work, it dazzles with brilliance. It deserved so much more than it won at the Academy Awards. Then again, however I think the Academy was bitter because Gibson wasn't wearing his red ribbon.
BRAVEHEART: 10 of 10 dead! It's that simple.
True Romance (1993)
True Romance, "YOU'RE SO COOL!"
There has never been a film that I have felt more passionate about. True Romance is the film that got me into film. This is the film that showed me the difference between gloss and substance. I remember seeing this film at the age of 15 and from that point on I was hooked. I rented it several times before finding a used copy for sale. I have recently purchased the special edition DVD, and I am again hooked.
There are some films that people claim to have seen 100 times. Well, I have more of a life than that. I have seen more films than most people. It is only a few select that I have seen more than once or twice. "True Romance" on the other hand I have seen enough to recite every line at will, whenever and wherever. I can visualize it frame by frame.
Before most people were getting to know Quentin with Pulp Fiction, and the post PF re-urge of interest in Reservoir Dogs, I was spouting out Tarrentino dialogue with my friends from True Romance. My favorite lines being "You know what we have here? A m----- f----- Charlie Bronson. Mr Majestik." , "Do I look like a blonde with big t--s and an a-- that tastes like French Vanilla ice dream?" and "I knew something must be rotten in Denmark. I mean, I can't tell you how relieved I was when you took off your clothes, you didn't have a d---."
That's not to mention what I consider to be the single best piece of dialogue and cinematography in film history, (The scene between Christopher Walken and Dennis Hopper). That scene includes my all time "Badass" comment of all time. "I'm the anti-christ. You got me in a vendetta kind of mood. Tell the angels in heaven, you've never seen evil so singularly personified as you did in the face of the man who killed you."
The cast is tremendous. The characters are all stand outs. The performances are brilliant. The dialogue is realistic and intelligent. The cinematography is breath taking to recognizable. The directing job is flawless. "True Romance" all in all is the only film, in which I have been 100% satisfied with the production. If ever a perfect film were made other than Citizen Kane, it was True Romance. (For all you CK fans I am not comparing the two or lumping them in. I am simply making a statement.)
True Romance: "10 crows out of 10 killed. Then I reloaded and looked for another one. He died as well. Making this my only 11 out of 10. Because you see I shot to of the crows with one bullet. I killed the 11th with the 10th round."
Pet Sematary (1989)
A Pretty Good Horror Film.
There is nothing mind blowing about this film at all. It falls way off the mark of the book. Not that I was expecting it to hit the mark. Still overall this film turns out to not be half bad. It does get a little creepy in moments. Overall, this is a horror film that is just a little above average.
Props on the Ramones track.
Pet Sematary: "5 Crows Dead and burried in the Pet Sematary. One is till kicking around."
Beetlejuice (1988)
Creative and Humorous!
This is one of Tim Burton's first feature films, and it is still among his best. With Beetlejuice, we are introduced into the wonderful vision and story telling of a man who has now become the most original and entertaining film maker in Hollywood. Michael Keaton gives his finest comedic performance, while Alec Baldwin (A man with such a dry and boring personality that he seems dead.) gives an almost biographical performance. Wynona Ryder is a stand out, excluding Keaton. The film is both wacky and outrageous. It rates a 10 on the entertainment level. What is more important however, is that "Beetlejuice" will stand the test of time and be one of the most memorable comedies of it's time.
Beetlejuice: "9 crows dead out of 10."
Day of the Dead (1985)
Romero slipped!
Romero slipped and bumped his head. While the Zombies are excellent, (thanks to Savini again), the plot stinks. This film, which I expected as well as most Romero fans, to be a genuine horror flick, turns out to be a B-movie with good fx. I do think the underground cave, concept was cool. The caves, however, gave the proper atmosphere for a film that seemed rushed out. I really hate to give negative words on Romero, but the plot in "Day" was really off the mark and lame. However, on a B-movie scale this film is entertaining.
Day Of The Dead: "5 crows dead out of 10. One is wounded."
The Evil Dead (1981)
Senseless, Ridiculous, and Awesome!
This film is madness wrapped up in a good insane egg roll. The best description I could give is "Evil Dead" is the Three Stooges meet in a old Horror comic mag from the early 60s. This film is a pure entertaining masterful achievement. Nothing more ridiculous, senseless, and amusing has ever been put on film.
Evil Dead: "9 out of 10 crows stabbed by sharp, penetrating branches!"
Phantasm (1979)
Don Coscarelli delivers a visual nightmare with a rapid pulse!
As a young kid I remember this being one of the scariest films I had ever seen. Not too long ago I viewed the film again, and though I was not scared by it in anyway I have to give credit for the visual nightmarish sequences that made this film ahead of it's time. The Tall Man is still to this day one of the more imitating villains in all of serial horror. Though he speaks very seldom, his image alone casts a creepy feel over the viewer. The remarkable thing about this film is the ability to make the horror genre, more stylish. The fact that Don Coscarelli does not try to scare you with cheap startles, but rather to amuse you with his unique details of the Nightmare world. Deadly silver balls, the Tall Man, The large funeral parlor, severed crawling fingers, giant bugs, and midgets from hell make this film's entertainment level through the roof.
Phantasm: "9 crows cremated out of 10!"
Halloween (1978)
Carpenter's classic. One of the scariest ever!
Of the slasher films in series "Halloween" is the best all around series. Of the stand alone first films "Halloween" is the best as well. It is visually haunting with a well made killer, who is believable. Jaime Lee Curtis is remarkable. Donald Pleasance gives a great performance as well. The fact that this film succeeds even today in the terror/fright factor is astounding. Not to mention that this film was made for so little of a budget.
Halloween: "10 crows dead out of 10!"
Dawn of the Dead (1978)
A Horror Film with all the ingredients.
"Dawn" is by far the best of George Romero's three (so far) Living Dead films. "Night" accomplished more for it's time. For all out fun, however "Dawn" is the ticket. It may or may not pick up where "Night" left off. Most fans argue that point, but it really doesn't matter. This film was an absolute onslaught on Hollywood. Tom Savini's zombies are impressive at worst. The make-up in this film is what separated Savini from the rest of the make-up and creature creators. The strength of this film lies in what I consider the most brilliant living dead atmosphere "The Mall". Who would've thought that. Romero did. That setting is what makes this film so out right entertaining. "Dawn" is dramatic, at times scary, bloody, and even funny which are the proper ingredients for a Horror film.
Dawn of The Dead: "10 crows out of 10 mutilated!"
Night of the Living Dead (1968)
Horror Began Here!
I don't think I need to rant in several paragraphs on the importance of this film. Most people know and accept it's significance in post-60s Horror. In fact while pre-60s horror was a little spooky, Horror itself actually began to live up to it's definition with this film. The opening is still one of the scariest and creepiest scenes ever. The ending is still as thought provoking as it was during the time of the Civil Rights struggle. Whether you are, or are not a horror fan you cannot deny "Night Of The Living Dead" a spot as one of the all time greats.
Night Of The Living Dead: "10 Crows out of 10 were EATEN ALIVE!"
Anatomy of a Murder (1959)
Anatomy of a Masterpiece!
Nothing, this side of sane can be said in conflict with the brilliance of this film. "Anatomy of a Murder" was ahead of it's time, and more compelling, some 40 plus years later than any court room drama since.
It never really shows us anything, but yet shows us everything. the dialogue and top rated performances paint us a picture that we, the viewer can see several different ways before it is completed. Even in the end, the film leaves us only slightly resolved. Preminger's vision in the film is astounding and worthy of study. If you have never gotten a chance to sit down for this one, do so. If you hate black and white films, as so much of you plastic people love to say, make yourself watch one, and let it be "Anatomy of A Murder".
Anatomy Of A Murder: "10 crows of 10, found guilty and executed."
Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954)
Universal Studios' best CREATURE Feature!
I miss the days of the old "Creature Feature" television shows on Sunday Afternoons. Every Sunday after church my father and I would rush to eat dinner and sit down to watch "Creature Feature" which played some of the early Hollywood Drive-In Horror Classics, such as: Them, Night Of The Lepus, Day Of The Triffids, The Last Man On Earth, and the Universal Monster classics such as: Frankenstein, Dracula, Wolfman, including my all time favorite "The Creature From The Black Lagoon." There is something about the atmosphere of this film that sets it apart from the rest. Although, now at an older age the costume looks more unrealistic than it used to I still love this film. It just feels good, and for the time it was filmed the monster looks terrific!
I definitely recommend "Creature From The Black Lagoon" to any young kid, who can't watch the gore yet, and even to the older Horror Cynics. who feel they got to have gore-o-rama! "Creature", to me stands the test of time!
The Creature From The Black Lagoon: "9 crows dead out of 10!"
Sorry, Wrong Number (1948)
Stanwyck and Lancaster! How can this be a wrong number?
I love Barbara Stanwyck, who gives one of her finest performances in this film. Who doesn't love Burt Lancaster, who pulls off a great performance as well. There is not much action to this film. It is extremely dialogue based. In fact, I am almost certain "Sorry Wrong Number" was a long running stage act either before or after the film. Don't hold me to that, but I think so. The dialogue and nerve piercing camera techniques are what make this film so thick with suspense. That, is the genius of this film. Today this film could not be pulled off, atleast not in color. The Black and White help the mood of the atmosphere. "Sorry Wrong Number" is a classic.
Sorry Wrong Number: "9 crows of 10 killed. One is calling for an ambulance."
La sindrome di Stendhal (1996)
Argento's best since Phenomena!
Dario Argento never falls short for me. I was told over and over by some Argento fans that Stendhal Syndrome would be the first Argento film to disappoint me. They were all wrong. I really enjoyed "Stendhal Syndrome". It was Argento's return to artistic violence to make beauty out of the ugliness of crime. I also thought the plot was very interesting. While some people may think this film's point was only to set up an amazing twist, I think they are wrong. I believe in all honesty that Argento did not want your chin to hit the floor at the end because of the twist. I think Argento wanted your jaw to drop because of the complete twist on persona. Not the actual plot twist, but the personality twist. In all honesty about 20 minutes before the plot twist, most people can probably figure out where it is going. Asia Argento gives an amazing performance as the victim in this modern masterpiece written and directed by her father. If nothing else is obvious after you see this beautiful film, Dario Argento's ongoing vision for beauty should be!
The Stendhal Syndrome: "9 out of 10 crows murdered!"
...E tu vivrai nel terrore! L'aldilà (1981)
Fulci's best. Possibly Horror's best!
I have been on both ends of the Lucio Fulci argument. On one hand he made a lot of pure certifiable garbage, on the other hand he made a few films that were genius. The Beyond is one of those films that made Fulci the superstar that he was. David Warbeck pulls off a genius performance in this one playing the doctor. The rest of the cast does a well enough job, but Warbeck is the stand out performance. The effects in this film are top of the line, for this time period. There is a lot of gore, but also a lot of necessary tension in the film. My one problem with the film is (according to many Fulci fans) one of it's most famous scenes and that's the flesh eating tarantula scene. It just didn't make sense. None at all. In fact had the film not picked up from the point after that scene, it would have ruined the entire film. The greatest strength of "The Beyond" is in the ending. The final 15 minutes of this film are stunning. The film ends with a shock that in my opinion is unequaled by any other horror film made prior or since.
THE BEYOND: "9 crows dead out of 10. One is wounded severely!"
Jisatsu sâkuru (2001)
Brilliant and Haunting Pop Culture Satire! Eastern culture's answer to Heathers!
If you have ever had the good fortune to read any of my reviews you may have noticed how much I enjoy Eastern Film. I love films from Japan, Hong Kong, and Korea so much that sometimes I tend to ignore the mistakes and plot errors in some of these films. "Jisatsu Circle" or as my US copy reads "Suicide Circle" is possibly the most error free film I have seen in many years. The film made me feel a variety of emotions from awe struck to nerve struck. The biggest suprise of this film however is that it is a nerve pinching dark satire that, (in that area) even puts the acclaimed "Battle Royale" to shame. This is not to mention that it demolishes one of my favorite American dark satires "Heathers". Now, I don't know if this film was intentionally trying to take the basic idea of Heathers to a new level, or not. I just know that every good idea Heathers seemed to pull off well, was pulled off even better and more brutal in this film. And even the glossy all girl band which the film is based around ,(while bubble gummish) turns American Suburban Pop into KFC extra krispy. As always I will not go into detail on the plot because I want everyone to be as amazed as I was. I will however say this: If you think George Lucas is as special effects genius check out the scene where flesh is being torn from a girl's back then put it in slow motion. Also be prepared for a very troubling yet cynically beautiful scene at a subway station. This film is highly recommended.
Suicide Circle: "10 crows out of 10 racked, stretched, and severed."