jrfranklin01 Reviews

The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)

So Much Potential But Then...

[7/10 · 15 March 2018]

I can't recall how I came upon this film, but can honestly say, for the most part, I'm glad I did. It offers something few other films I've seen have, which is horrifying mystery through the eyes of coroners. Many users have written good overviews of the plot, so I'll give you the 10,000' version and then my opinion.

The movie is about an unidentified body discovered in the basement of house where multiple murders have taken place. The body is sent to the local coroner, who works out of his house, along with his apprentice son. As the father and son perform the autopsy, strange and insidious happenings occur.

I liked the film right up until the ending (!SPOILERS FROM HERE ON!). For such a great plot and good suspense, I thought it fell short of its potential. For example, the dad allows Jane Doe to trade her physical pain and injury with his healthy body, thereby taking some of his life force. Yet, the dad does not lose his tongue and can still speak. Jane Doe also does not take everything from the father, otherwise he would be instantly dead, as his organs replaced those of Jane Doe's which decomposed. And Jane Doe does also not live up to her end of the bargain, instead killing the son.

I think a much better ending would have been her draining the father of everything until he dies and then, slowly, lifting herself up off the autopsy table and walking over the son, whereby she heals the rest of herself while killing him. Then she would walk right out into the sun outside, with that odd song playing. The next scene would have the sheriff arriving and, once again, find himself dumbfounded as to what happened. After going through all the corpse lockers, he would ask, "Where's the Jane Doe?' Then the film would cut to Jane Doe walking down the side of the road and hitching a ride (with an ominous smile for the camera).

Wanted (2008)

Know What You're Getting Yourself Into

[4/10 · 11 July 2008]

I saw the trailers, like everybody else, that were run up and down the block. The big thing was the curving bullets and the assassin son right-of-passage bit. I gathered it was a new-kind of Matrix-style- effects film. I guess, somewhat in that sense, the film delivered. But the first five minutes had me surprised at the cheap-trick hype of vulgarity usage. Another half hour in and I thought okay, this is like "Shoot 'Em Up" except no Clive Owen. Another fifteen minutes later, as the plot unravels, Angelina Jolie isn't good-looking enough to overcome disinterest in the film. And lastly, I'm thinking, "Wow, at least "Shoot 'Em Up" came off as an action farce. All you had to do was just sit back, laugh, and watch the bullets fly." "Wanted" attempts to delve into a complex plot amid action and drama. But the drama fails to deliver and things only get corny toward the end. After seeing Morgan Freeman last week in "Bucket List" and respecting his reputation as an actor, I was surprised he signed on. James McAvoy's performance in "Last King of Scotland" only makes this film look like he decided to go on acting vacation. And Angelina Jolie......well, expect more Tomb Raider, without the accent. It seems like too many actors with potential are getting role happy these days. What film will Jason Statham show up in next?

Hellraiser: Deader (2005 Video)

Kari, Kari, Kari....

[3/10 · 14 June 2005]

What do you do when you have an incredible body (with face to match) and want to get into doing predominately horror-type movies? You become Kari Wuhrer. From "Thinner" and "Eight-Legged Freaks" to "Anaconda" and now this (Hellraiser VII), Kari has quickly made an image for herself as the hottie horror actress. I don't mean to imply she hasn't diversified her career, but recently horror seems her genre. Did anybody see "Hitchhiker II"? Anyway, skins flicks and scary movies seem to go well together in a teenager-ish sort of way. Far be it from me to tell Kari to put some clothes on. And speaking of which, "Hellraiser VII" surprisingly gives you a peek at Kari's peaks (pun intended) as does "King of the Ants".

Okay, so I'm getting off track. The guys reading this will understand. As to the movie's story, it is far less entertaining than what I have written thus far. It has all the no-brainers - the box, Pinhead, and grisly pain and suffering in a hellish existence. But none of this was portrayed with the craft and cleverness of Hellraiser V, which was a mirror image of the video game series, Silent Hill. Hellraiser VII's story is all about a reporter, Amy Klein (Wuhrer), who begins investigating a cult in Europe called the Deaders. The members of this group commit suicide and then are brought back from the dead by an enigmatic ring leader. Amy's ambition and intrigue to uncover the truth soon lead her to a story, the makings of which she would rather not have known. This plot runs parallel to the in-hell-ignorant theme of some of the other sequels but adds a prophecy to it about a chosen one who can open the box. Unfortunately, this doesn't add anything useful to the story and leaves the ending full of pins, I mean holes. 3/10

The Forsaken (2001)

Vampire Flick With Little To Offer

[4/10 · 14 June 2005]

The movie seems to take a little of "The Lost Boys" and "Near Dark" and regurgitate it all into your nowadays mundane vampire movie. Little originality shows other than in introducing drugs you can take, known as "the cocktail", to stave off vampiric infection. The story has a couple young guys driving around in the middle of nowhere. They run into an infected girl and the vampires responsible for her doomed existence. What ensues is a ridiculous game of cat-and-mouse falling on a flaccid and incredulous conclusion. Don't expect much in the way of transformations or other special effects as this film rides on a modest budget. I give the actors credit for their part in trying to support a plot with little future. 4/10

Spanglish (2004)

Surprising All Around

[7/10 · 24 May 2005]

First of all, let me say the title alone had me expecting some sort of farce or comedy obviously relating to language barriers. I was also expecting the film to be a little bit insulting to the Spanish language (the word Spanglish often seems used that way). With Adam Sandler cast as a lead, it seemed my suspicions would all but be realized. Boy was I wrong.

Spanglish takes everything you presume to know about the film and its actors and turns things around entirely. It shows that Adam Sandler can really act in more than just the goofy, silly man roles. It also shows that a slang word often used to describe our inabilities to communicate with other people can actually encompass and define quite a bit more.

Adam Sandler play upscale chef John Clasky, who with his wife (Tea Leoni) and children, live in a domestic madhouse. When they hire a new maid, Flor (Paz Vega), everyone's life is affected. Since Flor cannot speak any English and the Clasky's cannot speak Spanish, this makes for an odd arrangement indeed. Add Paz's daughter to the mix (in a giant live-in relationship), a wealthy lifestyle, adultery, weight insecurities, and alcoholism......and you get a whirlwind of problems that, in the end, speak deeper than what their surface shows. This is a chick-flick but also a great movie guys can enjoy. It's not really a film where anyone really wins or loses, but more of story about what happens to different people, how they come to be, and where they are going, regardless of what language they speak. 7/10

All About My Mother (1999)

A Spanish Surprise

[7/10 · 3 May 2005]

While the title of this film would simply suggest a maternal story, more exists in also giving an intimate view of women and the bizarre and horrid lives that many people lead in trying to make ends meet. "All About My Mother" is a heart-wrenching saga of love, children, death, sex, loneliness, and birth. Perhaps what is most odd, especially in retrospect, is that all of these elements seem to be omnipresent, much like real life.

For its acting, this is a rare gem. I was unfamiliar with all of the cast but found their talents (especially the lead role's played by Cecilia Roth) to be remarkable. SOME SPOILERS - A few unknowns occur early on in the film such as who is Esteban's father and where is he. Also, the car accident as Esteban is trying to get an autograph seems a bit stretched. Later, the irony of who Esteban's father is and Sister María's baby (played by Penelope Cruz) leads to a shocking discovery. While some of these elements may not have be too plausible, they help to present a film revealing some of the dirty, chaotic, and ultimately senseless aspects of life. In the end, the film feels as if it leaves you with more than just a story. The character Agrado shows, despite any distaste, that drag queens are people too and can have quite a sense of humor to boot. "All About My Mother" is a European street-life tale that emerges with a happy ending. 7/10

Elektra (2005)

Not A Prequel

[3/10 · 30 April 2005]

I was under the impression this film might be on the prequel-frenzy that others were, but I can assure you that isn't the case. "Elektra" is actually something of a sequel to "Daredevil" where she plays a love interest that is slain by the villain, Bullseye. But don't expect to seen Ben Affleck even though he is in one of the deleted scenes. This movie is solely about the heroine played by Jennifer Garner. She is resurrected and studies ancient arts to make her something of a superwoman. She plays a contract killer that gets close to a family that end up becoming her next hit. When her compassion renders her unable to destroy them, she decides instead to protect them against evil forces.

Like many supernatural actions flicks, this one starts with an ancient legend. It is one that prophecies the coming of a great warrior to bring peace to the earth and eradicate all evil forces. The film leads you into believing Elektra is that warrior. But her character, while strong, is far from superhuman. Towards the end of the film, things almost get a bit ridiculous when we see similar invincible performances taken from "Alias". Garner remains all dolled up and ready for combat only to have easily been defeated a thousand times already. She appears way out of her league.

One of the more entertaining elements of the film was the good C.G. sfx, especially with villains Tattoo and Typhoid. 3/10

Ocean's Twelve (2004)

Connect The Invisible Dots?!

[4/10 · 30 April 2005]

I have said it time and time again that no matter what kind of a cast you have, if the story isn't there, neither will be the movie. "Ocean's Twelve" definitely has the cast (Julia Roberts, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Catherine Zeta-Jones, etc.) and while it does have some story, it falls way short of its casting achievements. In a sense, there is little equilibrium between actors and the plot, which later just makes you wonder if you can get people to go to the theaters just by mustering up an incredible amount of star power...? Answer: yes.

"Ocean's Twelve" picks up where "Ocean's Eleven" left off, with Daniel Ocean (George Clooney) and his crew trying to enjoy the fruits of their ill-gotten labors. Unfortunately, a competitor-thief (The Night Fox) has tipped off Andy Garcia to the whereabouts of Daniel and his crew and now Andy wants his money back, plus interest. The criminals work out a plan to repay the money but things begin to go awry when a former girlfriend and detective picks up on their trail (Catherine Zeta-Jones). A challenge is made by the Night Fox in which he will pay the price on their heads if they can steal a priceless egg. It's sort of a "whoever is the best thief wins" type of thing.

While this is an entertaining enough story, its contents are jumbled together straight from the opening. There is no clear succession in the film's plot and with so many characters, it jumps around quite often. It also feels like many pieces are missing and makes the viewer feel that either the film is lacking in discussion or that the audience consists of a bunch of dolts. Other aspects don't make any sense at all even from a Hollywood perspective (unless of course this was some dry satire). You'll be asking yourself plenty of questions as to the possibility of the ending, which to save you some breath and frustration, I will tell you that is next to impossible and furthermore isn't worth spinning your wheels on. I can understand why the behind-the-scenes interviews all came back with the cast saying they had an incredibly fun time making this film. I just wish the audience could say the same thing regarding watching it. 4/10

Suspiria (1977)

Not Bad For It's Time

[7/10 · 30 April 2005]

You can't watch a 1977 horror movie and compare it to today, at least not on a special effects level. But what "Suspiria" does do effectively as a horror film for its time is to incorporate some good suspense and shock.

The film is about a American, Suzy Bannion, who goes to Europe to study at a prestigious ballet academy. Upon the night she arrives, another student dies in a brutal stabbing (scenes of this are shocking). Afterward, other bizarre and deadly things begin to happen. The staff also seem controlling/manipulative over the entire school's attendants and goings on. Soon the occult and witchcraft become suspect.

Mostly costume design is used given the film's date but there is one scene with a brief glimpse into some of the "advanced" sfx technology of the time. It's appears almost comical today as I'm sure our sfx will appear to others years down the road. The musical score (by The Goblins) reminds me of other old horror films that use music to scare or amp up the suspense. One scene in particular is shocking as it involves a student falling into a room filled with barb wire. If Clive Barker had directed this, it would have probably been a little too unsettling. 7/10

Troy (2004)

Drawn Out Pretty-Boy Story

[5/10 · 30 April 2005]

It's no surprise that this film was set up with female audiences in mind when they cast Brad Pitt as the lead role. Complete with golden locks and a surfer's tan, Pitt plays Greek hero Achilles. "Troy" is the modern day re-creation of the Trojan War. For those unfamiliar with mythological history, Achilles was the mightiest of the Trojans in the war, suffering only one weak spot, his heel. The film brings this and other common legends (the Trojan horse ambush) together with an expensive budget to back up fight scenes similar to "Braveheart" and "The Patriot". Unfortunately, "Troy" carries on unrelentless and seemingly oblivious to the staminas of the audience (runs just under three hours). The later half represents a weak pulse to a dramatic conclusion, which quite honestly was something of a let down. And despite following legend, the whole Trojan horse bit seemed to far fetched, but then again.....5/10

Wrong Turn (I) (2003)

It's Got The Gore

[5/10 · 25 March 2005]

If you want to see some disgusting scenes involving a bunch of mutated redneck siblings, then this one's for you. "Wrong Turn" is the story of six youths that end up stuck out in the wilderness after a car accident. What they don't realize is that they just been stranded in an area renowned for missing persons and a group of mysterious and cannibalistic "mountain men".

The first thing that might cross your mind is what in the world are they doing in the woods down some dirt road, without a map and any clue in general? Likewise the fact that people are actually choosing outdoor recreation where countless others have turned up missing, presumably dead. I guess you could just blame it on poor local law enforcement. Yeah, right. One scene in particular (the car graveyard) will definitely make you wonder how anyone in this day and age could get away with killing so many people. Now I know that a story involving a bunch of disfigured cannibals sounds outrageous, but for those who can't help to look for some sense in what they see, you're going to have to let it go with this one.

As to the gore factor, it's pretty high up there. A few scenes in particular are apt to disgust and shock. But then again, that's probably you're motivation for watching this in the first place. The cast is a list of small stars (Elisha Dushku, Jeremy Sisto, Desmond Harrington) who fit their roles quite well. Bludgeoning aside, some great wilderness scenes are shot, although I don't know any few forests where you can walk from tree to tree. You'll see what I mean. 5/10

Phantoms (1998)

Quasi-Spook Flick

[4/10 · 25 March 2005]

Dean Koontz came up with a good idea when he wrote the book this film was based on. Instead of some alien presence arriving from another planet, there is one on our own that we've been oblivious to for centuries. When the residents of Snowfield, California start mysteriously missing and dying, there turns out to be an old evil at work.

The cast includes stars like Ben Affleck, Peter O'Toole, and Liev Schreiber. Good CGI is used to give eye candy to the film. The ancient evil is an organism from beneath the earth's surface. Somehow it is able to manifest itself as apparitions. This seemed a bit far-fetched and out of place, especially since the story tries to hold true to science. As to the acting, the characters could've been a little more believable in how scared they were. I thought Scheiber's character, while deranged, was a bit funny.

"Phantoms" has a few good suspense scenes and definitely shows that a bigger production budget was used compared to your average creature feature. The ending, despite being VERY predictable, at least makes some sense. 4/10 P.S.: It's amazing what two women with shotguns can do when shooting at a monster.

The Gift (2000)

Predictable But Good

[6/10 · 25 March 2005]

"The Gift" stars Cate Blanchett ("The Missing") as Annie Wilson, a widowed mother of three who uses her psychic powers to tell fortunes for her local townsfolk. When a town official's daughter turns up missing, local law enforcement decide to consult the psychic on her whereabouts. Meanwhile Annie is being terrorized by the husband of one of her customers.

"The Gift" has a big-name cast that includes Greg Kinnear and Keanu Reeves. While some of the film is rather predictable, the cast and suspense keep things interesting. I only found one scene completely unrealistic (court room interrogation) in light of the film's paranormal theme. "The Gift" serves as a simple and spooky ESP-type flick set in a small town. 6/10

Anger Management (2003)

Ridiculously Funny!

[7/10 · 22 March 2005]

Any film that has Adam Sandler and Jack Nicholson in it shouldn't (obviously) be taken seriously. "Anger Management" pits these two crazy guys head-to-head in a comedy that, while unrealistic, is over the top in silly laughs.

Sandler plays Dave Buznik, a big-city marketing creator for pet products. When a plane incident sentences Buznik to anger management therapy, his therapist, Dr. Rydell, proves to be more than...eclectic in his approach. The film takes us through Dave's anger rehabilitation with some very funny and crazy scenes. Jack fuses his bizarre old-school style with Adam's zany personality, making for a few good fits of insanity. Don't ruin the surprise ending by reading any review spoilers. 7/10

Dead Again (1991)

Theatrical Coincidences Too Far Gone

[3/10 · 22 March 2005]

Kenneth Branagh is a good director and can act well to boot. I liked his "Mary Shelley's Frankenstein". But "Dead Again", while starting off with a good idea, went a bit too far.

Branagh plays detective Mike Church. He ends up helping an amnesic woman named Grace (Emma Thompson) try to discover her past. Several flashbacks by Grace show that she and Mike are the reincarnations of two former lovers. When a hypnotherapist appears and offers to help Grace further discover her past and the cause of her nightmares, things begin to get a bit too coincidental and dangerous.

"Dead Again" is anything but a scary film, despite it's title. Branagh uses half the film on flashbacks of the past and other on the present in order to display how Grace and Mike have a romantically tragic history. But despite this clever and poetic tale's attempts, Branagh goes to far in certain respects, where irony becomes gratuitous. I can't go into any details without ruining the film, but suffice it to say that there are a few surprises that come across as more ridiculous than crafty. These unfortunates aside, the film has some good acting by Thompson and Branagh himself. Andy Garcia makes several appearances as journalist Gray Baker. 4/10

The Ring Two (2005)

Ring Around The Rosie

[4/10 · 21 March 2005]

I was sorry at not having seen the original "The Ring" in theaters, so I certainly didn't want to miss a chance at seeing Samara a second time on the big screen. As a sign of how the original has caught on, there were an abundance of teenagers in the theater, albeit few seemed to understand movie-theater etiquette. Anyone with any lick of sense knows that few can/will write a review of a sequel that applauds it as good as the original. With that said, I will do my best to describe the film knowing you already expect to be at somewhat disappointed.

"The Ring Two" picks up pretty much where the first left off. Rachel (still played by Naomi Watts) and Aidan (David Dorfman) decide to leave the big city for small-town life in order to get away from the terrors they experienced there. But it appears Samara is still in "circulation" when a copy of the horrific and lethal tape turns up in town and kills a teenager. Rachel discovers the body to be afflicted by the same frozen scream-like expression that acts as Samara's calling card. It is at this moment that Samara finds where Rachel and Aidan have moved to. But rather than continue to torment society with her morbid video-tape, Samara set her sights on a real life again through Aidan.

This film dances around trying to develop the complex and bizarre story of the original, but only offers small substance in its attempt. We still don't really understand why Aidan calls his mother Rachel. In fact, rather than offer an explanation, it tries to use that enigma to aid the plot. I thought the same thing this time around as I did during the first, "odd". As to the visual effects, suspense, and general mind job that was given in the first, expect less in "The Ring Two". There are a few good scenes that will make you jump, especially one involving CG deer. But even the deer scene leaves some unanswered questions, one of which is how does Volkwagen make such a strong car? And the ending is a bit of let down in how easy our heroes succeed. But did they really succeed...? Kudos to Naomi Watts and David Dorfman for a great job acting. 4/10 P.S.: Don't worry about sleeping with the lights off after this one.

The Astronaut's Wife (1999)

Southern Depp With Aliens

[3/10 · 20 March 2005]

Spencer Armacost (Johnny Depp) is one of the top astronauts working at NASA. When contact is lost on a routine space mission, something happens that changes Armacost and endangers our planet.

"The Astronaut's Wife" as the title suggests is really about Spencer's wife, Jillian Armacost (Charlize Theron). Her character is reminiscent of her role as Mary Ann Lomax in "The Devil's Advocate". She is supportive of her husband but begins (ironically) to suffer all sorts of afflictions as a result of his job. It takes a bit to get used to Depp with a southern accent and to see Theron in one of her early more subdued roles (especially after you've seen "The Italian Job").

The film brings a simple alien abduction/possession plot in, which sadly seems to drag out until the end. I think the director was still trying to keep the audience second guessing, but this works to no avail as the film's direction is pretty basic and easy to figure out. I won't spoil anything other than to say the ending isn't a happy one and is rather hokey to boot. Clea Du Vall makes a few brief appearances as Jillian's sister, Nan. 3/10

The Girl Next Door (2004)

Every Teen Guy's Fantasy...Almost

[7/10 · 20 March 2005]

For those of you who saw "Milk Money" with Melanie Griffith, this movie runs along the same lines. Basically, you have a beautiful woman with a seedy background who falls in love with your average guy living in the burbs. "The Girl Next Door" takes things down to a teen level though when a former porn star moves in next door to a boy and steals his heart. Elisha Cuthbert (sure to be famous for her sizzling looks alone) plays the former porn star Danielle. Emile Hirsch plays head-over-heels Matthew Kidman. The film teeters a bit on how convincing it is, despite the unusual circumstances. It's interesting to note how Matthew treats Danielle like the sex toy he thinks she is when he discovers her past. I think this stigma or stereotype is probably true for most guys and how they think of porn stars, which makes a serious relationship all but impossible. What is unconvincing is how Danielle goes along with this. But perhaps she's just used to being treated this way even though she clearly wants a different future. I guess on a serious note and looking at the bigger picture, you could look at the whole film and wonder how realistically it portrays a porn star's life. Are there those that want to quit and just can't seem to get out of the industry, either because they are under duress or just don't have any skills...? And what about their boyfriends, husbands, etc.? Do they and should they accept their career choices or is there a better and more wholesome life out there they can help them achieve? I don't mean to sound too didactic, as "The Girl Next Door" is just a love story (obviously a bit complex though). Don't worry about the film being as serious as I am in its description. Plenty of laughs and nail-biting moments are had with a funny and surprising ending. 7/10

Collateral (2004)

Odd Roles for Both

[4/10 · 19 March 2005]

This film definitely takes a bit of a turn from previous roles for both Jamie Fox and Tom Cruise. Cruise plays a hit man who uses a cabbie's services to complete a list of marks for the evening. The cabbie, played by Fox, is a well-educated man who almost comes across as not fitting the part correctly. I'm not trying to slant cab drivers, but Fox didn't seem convincing, maybe because of his comedic background. Cruise wasn't much better. For a guy that usually plays the hero's role, seeing him act darkly was a first. I will say that his new image (grayish hair, unshaven look) helped him at least look the part. The polished wit and outfit gave him a distinguished presence. But then his philosophy on life, psychology, etc. threw him out of the stereotypical hit-man mix. In the end, I guess they both were so oddly paired for their roles that the director thought the movie could work. But really, how plausible is any film where a contract killer uses a taxi-cab driver as his personal chauffeur for killing people?! The outrageousness of that alone is almost too much, albeit sensationalism is one of the things viewers can't seem to resist. 4/10

The Dreamers (2003)

Unsure Point

[4/10 · 19 March 2005]

"Dreamers" is a film about an American exchange student in France who is caught up in the cinema of the time (1960's). He meets two French siblings who share his knowledge and passion for cinema. They wallow in their decadent and misguided lives while Paris is lashing out at the artistic community.

Michael Pitt plays a look-alike Leonardo DiCaprio as the American exchange student (Matthew) in France. His awkwardness seems genuine for his age and feelings of separation as an American in Europe. Eva Green and Louis Garrel play Isabelle and Theo, the two French siblings. Their relationship is something of a disgusting oddity, where incestuous themes float throughout the film. Their openness (sexually, etc.) make be acceptable for the French, but is sure to make any American crawl. In fact, this film pushes the envelope with American audiences in some of the sexual portrayals, especially of Isabelle losing her virginity on a kitchen floor. Amongst the trio's intoxicated conversations, there is some insight and truth to be found, most particularly with Matthew. But his inadequacy keeps him subdued and timid most of the film. The ending is probably the only time at which he appears to take a side or stand up for himself, although it's evident early in the film that his perspective on life is different from majority.

I asked myself at the end of the film what the point was. Other than showing the interactions of a bunch of young people in odd scenarios, I was unsure of the purpose. If think it did a good job of making me feel like I was actually witnessing the three main characters' lives. It even took me back at times to how young I once was. But ultimately, the genesis of the film has a stranger meeting two locals, becoming an intimate part of the lives, and then fading back into the crowd to become a stranger again. Their very youth must be what the director was trying to impart with the title. Although, I saw less dreaming and more chaos of a bunch of insecure individuals living on "apartmental" island in Paris. 4/10

Duran Duran: Arena (An Absurd Notion) (1985 Video)

Cut the Theatrics

[2/10 · 19 March 2005]

For loyal Duran Duran fans who want to watch a good music video, skip this one. The producers decided to get creative and make this 80's video something of a sci-fi story, involving the evil Barbarella villain from which the band got its name.

What makes this idea fail is that right in the middle of some great 80's Duran Duran songs, confusing and annoying cut scenes take place showing the fictional antagonist trying to stop the band at one of their concerts. Not only is the good music repeatedly interrupted, but we have to suffer through some cheap spin-off story hosted by an evil Dr. Mario. It's almost too much to bear. 2/10

The Sweet Hereafter (1997)

That Green-Eyed Monster

[7/10 · 8 March 2005]

Why would the loss of a small town's children to a school bus accident estrange neighbors and dilute a community's integrity? That is the concept behind this story in which Ian Holm plays an out-of-town lawyer wishing to bring a class-action lawsuit on the town's behalf. This film goes through a few flashbacks and flashforwards as Holm interviews residents and cajoles them into retaining his services. He wants to make someone pay for the great injustice committed in the death of the town's children. But there is no money in blaming the bus driver.

The irony in this is that while the town has lost their children, Holm is losing his daughter. He seems full of nothing but rancor and bitterness after years of being called up by her for money. Her drug habits leave him suspicious and distrusting. And too many years of just going after a cash prize have left him insensitive to life. Unfortunately, these small-town folk aren't wise to the lawyer's deceit and own corruption as he gathers followers to lead his charge. You'll find the director employs a wonderful Pied Piper story to go along with this. And as to the children, there was a survivor to represent them as well, albeit her interests are muted by that of her parents and the rest of the town, who, as if they has sold their souls, have their green eyes set on riches instead of mourning.

Excellent portrayal of a small-town community and how a tragedy transformed them for the worse. Riddled with ironies. 7/10

Absolution (2003 Video)

Where Was the Amateur Section?

[1/10 · 8 March 2005]

After I rented this one, I thought it would've been nice if someone created an amateur section to put it in. The film makes the production for "The Blair Witch" project look expert in comparison. Not only is the film quality poor, but the audio is awful. I had to turn the volume up and down. Then you have the cheesy acting, where the kids on Sesame Street do a better job.

I don't mean to step on toes here, as the plot was creative, if not definitely unique. I just couldn't get past feeling like I was watching someone's home videos and endure the whole thing, much less enjoy it. 1/10

Dirty Pretty Things (2002)

An Accurate Portrait...?

[7/10 · 8 March 2005]

"Dirty Pretty Things" is story about an illegal Nigerian immigrant, Okwe, who is trying to make a living in London. He works insane hours as a cab driver and as a hotel concierge. His bed is the sofa of Turkish immigrant, Senay, who is in London seeking asylum. Both of them work hard to earn a living and make ends meet. Things become even tougher for them when British Immigration runs Okwe off and creates work problems for Senay. Soon survival means you'll do anything.

I think a bit of over-dramatization is created with the British Immigration's involvement and Okwe's chivalry. But very good detail is created by the director in showing how Okwe and Senay are sort of the bottom-feeders of society and the ones who sit in the dirt and serve the privileged. Privileged in this case means those who are free, truly free. Okwe is an illegal and Senay, under asylum laws, is not allowed to work or harbor illegals in London. If caught, she could be deported. What soon unveils is an entire world build upon citizenship, where those who have it take from those that don't in return for it. For the callous and immoral, there is no measure as to what they want, including human organs for a passport.

I can't say as to how accurate a picture this film paints, although for the sake of humanity, I hope it is distorted. But in all reality, I think "Dirty Pretty Things" may be more precise than we'd like to admit. It show us that people are people regardless of citizenship and displays a life of hardship through the eyes of a illegal alien. Maybe we should try not to take so much for granted. 7/10

Spider (2002)

Off In Under 45

[1/10 · 8 March 2005]

It's films like these that remind me of how much stamina you sometimes need to watch a movie. I guess I wouldn't qualify for the movie-watching Ironman tryouts because I had to turn this off less than forty-five minutes after turning it on (a little under half way through). I saw no reason to go any further, as "Spider" hoped to entertain me with an insane man's family flashbacks and his sanitarium's daily affairs. I can't argue and won't attempt to debate the ending or the movie as a whole. I have little right after turning it off around the halfway point. But I can say this, if a movie hasn't grabbed you or given you some incentive to keep watching after forty-five minutes, what's the point? Even if the ending was one of the best, how many people honestly want to spend that amount of time waiting for the coup de grace? Or anything remotely entertaining for that matter? Maybe next time I'll have to wear my running shoes and play the "Stayin' Alive" soundtrack in the background to endure the whole thing. 1/10