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Reviews
See No Evil, Hear No Evil and Everything Else (2009)
See 'See no evil, speak no evil and everything else'!
I managed to see this film at a university film festival, and I've got to tell you; it blew my mind away. Rarely do you see such an interesting, awe inspiring film, yet alone the likes of a student short. The film was incredibly professional judging on the slick experimental editing, making use of split screen and various other techniques. 'See no evil, speak no evil and everything else!' constantly references the film industry, and the idea of an audience under the control of a film maker. The opening sequence is clearly inspired by Derek Jarman's 'Blue'. It plays with visual and audio effects, causing the spectator to constantly question what they are witnessing, and sit on the edge of their seats waiting for the film's final conclusion. The storyline plays with the idea of the senses, and how they form a persons perception. The title clearly being a reference to the three wise monkeys (Mizaru, Kikazaru and Iwazaru), not the delightful Richard Pryor, Gene Wilder picture. Unlike other films (especially student shorts) it does not patronize its audience by attempting to preach obvious morals. The makers seem aware that it is simply a student short, testing storytelling and film making skills. I think this is at the essence of the film.
Jackass Number Two (2006)
So much better than i expected.
I reluctantly went to see this film, pulled along because a friend wanted to. However from start to finish this film entertained me. It made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me vomit in my mouth. The film is funny throughout. The stunts are fresh and daring. The more comedic scenes, such as the elderly woman and man, are absolutely hilarious. I've never been one of those people that laughs so loud that you stand out amongst a sea of laughing faces. But in Jackass Number Two i really was. I am convinced that they save all of their best stunts for these films rather than the television show. The commentary from all the characters throughout the scenes is also fantastic, they're all so funny. I will definitely buy this film when it comes out, and i'll rent the first one, which i didn't go to see because i thought it would be rubbish. Thankyou for reading. Say this comment helped you, otherwise the little girl from the ring will get you!
Hard Candy (2005)
watchable, nothing special though.
Pretty good storyline, although it was ruined by poor casting. I found myself sympathising with Jeff's character, yes the paedophile. I can understand that the whole idea was that he has this likable facade of a nice man, but you slowly realise that underneath it he is a paedophile and murdered. I think that the reason i liked him was simply how much i hated Hayley, or should i say Ellen Page as Hayley, because i believe that had someone else been cast then my feelings may have been different. Her constant whiny voice scratching my delicate ears was what sealed the deal. I think that the film was watchable, worth watching simply to feed by curiosity as i had herd about it. But believe me it was nothing special. With it's storyline i believe it could've been something more, but in this case it has been wasted I'm afraid.
Waiting... (2005)
a tasty dish, well worth...being patient for.
I expected this film to be a typical American comedy, comparable to some of the star's former films like 'Van Wilder' or the 'Scary Movies'. But 'Waiting...' turned out to be something a little special. It's one of those modern comedies that prove that the Americans humour is beginning to step up a level. Maybe in a few years time it will be as sophisticated as merry old Englands. 'Waiting...' gets the balance between subtle humour and simple toilet humour perfect, the outcome; a brilliant film. Go and see this film its very very good, i mean it, go, go and see it now! The only bad thing about this film is that it may put you off ever eating out in a restaurant again.
Ota out, damn I'm good.
London (2005)
A flawed Masterpiece
'London' is a superb film that consumes it's spectator from beginning to end. The Plot line is brilliant, the directing in perfect, the look of the film is perfect. However it has some obvious flaws. The idea of two strangers stuck in a room together comparing their problems, almost competing to have the more troubled life, slowly removing their many layers of clothing and getting deeper and deeper into their psyche is pure brilliance. But perhaps Richards could've given Chris Evans' character 'Syd' a bigger problem. So he split up with his girlfriend...people are dying of Cancer! Although i do like 'Bateman's' (Jason Statham), an impotent man, because it's an issue that isn't really thought of...the effect of impotence on a relationship and on a man's ego as it literally is taking away his manhood. Also the film has many plot holes for instance where the hell does 'Syd' get his money from; to buy cocaine, and the many presents for 'London', and pay for his apartment? Also why does Isla Fisher's character have an Australian accent when she was supposed to have gone to Syd's high school and grown up in America? Most of the issues are pretty tiny anyway and can easily be overlooked. I do however think that the casting was a little off. Despite the fact that all of the actors do a grand job i feel that some of them could've been chosen better. Jason Statham acts brilliantly but i think that Bateman should have been a more 'well-spoken' character instead of a cockney. I also think that someone else should've played the part of 'London'. Jessica Biel's presence in the film, i think, makes it seem a lot more 'Hollywoody' and main stream as if Hunter Richards needed 'a name' to be in the credits. Everything i've said seems to make them film sound awful...or makes me sound pedantic...but it's not and i'm not. 'London' was a surprisingly good film to watch and i thoroughly enjoyed it, it consumed me, i felt for all of the characters and became emotionally involved. The music is perfect too. In terms of aesthetics it is perfection. It looks god, sounds good and is bloody bwilliant. Saying that, the reason i wont rate it 10 is because of films like 'The Godfather I and II' and 'Appocalypse Now' or 'Goodfellas'...they're 9's to me and i regard them as the best films ever made.
Surviving Christmas (2004)
Well i liked it.
I liked it, i really did. Please don't think that i'm an idiot but i have to admit that i enjoyed this film. I expected it to be crap, it was crap, but sometimes its OK to relax and watch a crappy film that you don't have to concentrate too much on isn't it? I didn't expect any hidden meanings or morales, and there wasn't any, but that doesn't matter because i only watched it for entertainment, and it did entertain me throughout. Films like this are why the Ben Stillers (excusing 'there's something about Mary') and the Vince Vaughns (however you spell his last name, i couldn't be bothered checking)have jobs. It's OK to watch a crap film as long as you don't expect too much from it, and i for one shall take a stand, jog, perhaps run, but not drive because i don't have a car, to Blockbuster Video, or even Choices, and rent a bunch of these toilet humoured films and stay in one night watching them. Good day to you reader. P.s if you do not say that this comment helped you then i don't like you, if you do say it helped then god bless you, you will go to heaven.
In Cold Blood (1967)
Very good film
I recently watched this film after studying Capote's novel 'In Cold Blood' for five months or so. The films storyline stays quite close to that of the main storyline of the book, however key themes have been changed. Instead of having a careful balance between descriptions of the Clutter's lives followed by Dewey's life, and Perry and Dick's lives building to an eventual collision, the film is mostly focused around Dick and Perry. The directors interpretation of one of the messages of the book is also clear to see, dedicating 5-10 minutes on the execution of the prisoners, when in fact the books description lasts only half a page, Brooks obviously wanted a climax for his film, which is why the seen builds up for such a long time. Richard Brooks also chose to leave out the fictionalised meeting between Susan Kidwell and Alvin Dewey at the end of the novel. I think that these changes are a good thing, Brooks is conveying his interpretation of the book. Scott Wilson and Robert Blakes performances were of the highest standard.
Catwoman (2004)
the worst film i have ever seen, worst film in existence, a complete disgrace
This film is the biggest piece of sh*t that i have ever seen, God knows why i picked it up in blockbusters, i have regretted it since. Every single actor/actress was terrible. The music was just so sh*t i couldn't believe my ears, especially at the time of the fight between Halle Berry and Sharon Stone. The only decent thing about this movie is that it makes you laugh because it is just so terrible, however you will also feel sickened and disgusted at the crap which is being made these days, what a total waste of money and time. Look at most superheroes/heroines, take spider man for example, Peter Parker was given a spidey sense, he can make webs and he can stick to walls- all awesome powers where as Whatever Hall Berry's characters name was, i don't give a rats ass, got to hiss at people she didn't like, constantly drink milk and sleep on shelves, what the hell is going on. Another final comment, look at the people who have reviewed this and loved it, some have said that it is the best film ever made, fair enough some people may like it more than me but no way is it the best film ever made come one how could people be so stupid. I'm going to stop writing because the total annoyance of this film is making be sick.
A film disgrace. 0 stars out of 10
Class of '76 (2005)
A big let down
I expected this program to good, or at least entertaining,. as Robert Carlyle fronted the cast, however it turned out to be an incredible let down, not only did the cast not fit together, a middle aged Scotsman and a young cockney- it's just crazy!, but half of the story seemed to be stolen from crime/horror films such as Se7en-The Experienced older police officer and the eager, cockey new cop on the job, Hannibal- The criminal brought to justice by the police officer, in this case Tom Monroe and that bloke in the wheelchair (whatever his name was) and Psycho- The insane person with two personalities. Was anything in this program original? 'Class of '76' wasn't even exciting, Tom Monroe (Carlyle) seemed to spend the whole damn thing driving backwards and forwards to the town where the woman he sleeps with lives, you know who i mean - the lady who turns out to be crazy. The program was a disappointment! Goddamn i'm not going to buy the DVD which was advertised at the end, i found it hard enough watching it once yet alone again and again and again.
The Amityville Horror (2005)
got what expected and more
I expected this movie to be an average horror movie, in other words a few scary and jumpy scenes then a couple of hours of boredom, with a slow start showing how lovely life is getting you all happy for when the terror begins. However it was a lot better than i thought it would be, opening with a gruesome scene, about 20 minutes of normal life then getting straight into the horror conventions we love. When seeing a horror movie you can usually only remember a few scary bits, where as 'the amityville horror' it pretty much disturbing all the way through. Very successful movie, very successful remake, very successful horror. Otatom out!
Cidade de Deus (2002)
Surprisingly good storyline.
Being a fan of gangsta movies anyway, i thought that i would find this film enjoyable, expecting typical conventions like Blood and Gore, conflicting gangs, Crime, and a slick super-stylish main character. However this film actually follows a true story, and the main character, telling the story and managing to see all the different perspectives, a photographer. The movies has several story lines linking together explaining how it ended in the way it did. The movie follows a non-linear storyline going backwards and forwards in time, Rocket's life from being a child to his age in the story is explained in some detail. This movie is more than a gangsta movie, it is the story of someone's life in the slums and the lengths that people went to to get money. A must see,although it is in subtitles you quickly get used to reading them and stop even noticing.
Walking Tall (2004)
good, OK, just above mediocre but enjoyable.
I think that the only reason that this movie scored a 6 is because i though it to be so terrible. I only went to see it because there was nothing else on, so when faced with desperation i ended up playing eeni meenie minee mo with 'Walking Tall' and 'Mean Girls' and this one won. After watching, it ended up being OK compared with my expectations. The Rock's third movie and you can already see that he is getting better at acting since those bloody mummy movies, and i don't mean that there was lots of gore. The movie got overall bad reviews from film magazines etc. But i think that they just wanted to hate it seeing it as the stereotype kind of movie that the rock would be cast in. The movie really wasn't that bad, the storyline was OK, possibly due to it being based on a true story, and the acting was quite good too, even Knoxville. Go and see, by some popcorn and have a good time, don't be too critical of film and you'll see it's not so bad.
Be Cool (2005)
Not the Best movie ever, but definitely cool.
I didn't really expect much from the film, just another comedy. However after seeing it i realised that there was something different about this one. It is quite hard to rate out of 10 because the storyline was great, nothing strange or compelling, and the humour wasn't 'burst-out laughing' but i still really enjoyed watching the film. I'm a bug fan of the Tarantino movies and Be cool reminded me of a Quentin Tarantino, using similar kinds of humour. I think that one of the funniest and best performances was by 'the rock', this guy is getting a lot better at acting and is becoming pretty good. Seeing such a big guy as a gay character is funny in itself, but the highlight of the movie had to be 'the rock' in a tight cowboy costume, Brilliance. By the way thats not because i'm gay, it's because it's just funny seeing him in a cowboy costume frolicking about.
National Lampoon's Van Wilder (2002)
OK, not great but no terrible. Good or bad depending on the spectator
I'm not a fan of this kind of humour and wouldn't have gone to see this movie, rent it or even watch it if it came on television, however i came to see the film when a friend of mine told me to watch it. After sitting through a couple of hours of this kind of humour my conclusion was that the film was a great let down. The humour was poor, not even as funny as toilet humour, and the storyline was pretty boring. National Lampoons Animal House being a surprising favourite of mine, i saw this movie as an insult to the previous national lampoons pictures. There were similarities between the two films, however Van wilder just seemed to be a rip-off of Animal house, with a more dumbed down humour. The movie wasn't completely trash which is why i gave it a 5, it had some parts which were remotely funny and, i suppose, could be hilarious to some people.
The Beach (2000)
superb!
I never went to see 'The Beach' or even bothered to rent it. The first time i saw it it was on television and i expected it to be just 'ok'. However 'The Beach' proved to be an intensely exciting film and was completely different from what i had expected and had been led to believe. The second time i saw it i found it even better than before. Many other reviews say that it was an insult to the original novel which i haven't read, so i wouldn't be able to judge that. People have said that the film is dumbed down and even a movie aimed at teenagers, i disagree with this, just because it doesn't seem to be a 'deep' movie and hasn't been marketed in this way doesn't mean that it is for morons, it has a lot of meanings and if you can't see them then it is a problem with you, not the movie. The acting is brilliant and the soundtrack is equally good. I don't understand how some people hate this film but enjoy other films like 'Meet the Fockers' which i think is 100% trash! This film is perhaps one of the most enjoyable movies i have ever seen, and anyone who hasn't seen it should do.
Thankyou for reading. Otatom has left the building.
Meet the Fockers (2004)
don't go and see!
fellow IMDb people, this movie isn't worth being watched by anyone, i wish to god that i hadn't seen it myself. it was possibly the worst film i have ever seen and i cannot understand anyone enjoying it. if you like 'toilet humour' then this isn't the movie for you because the humour is even lower than that for example a baby that can swear. if you like real comedy, a bit more subtle then believe me, go and see something else. p.s i cant believe that this film got better ratings than the beach, what the hell were people thinking, if you agree with me then please go and vote a higher mark for the beach. thank you. Otatom has left the building.