Viewed in
2008
Premise
Based on a true story about bank robbery/hostage situation that turned into a media circus.
Who should watch
Al Pacino fans. Those who love a great story with great writing.
Thoughts
What an awesome film.
Not only was I on pins and needles, but I was blind-sided by the unexpected humor of the whole situation. Like his other masterpiece, 'Network', Sidney Lumet created genuine, desperate characters caught in incredible situations of madness. For the longest time, I always saw the 'Attica' scene out of context. I finally understood how special that scene was, and I smile every time I think about it. As with 'Network', I was shocked by the timelessness of the themes and how it was a harbinger of today's world of media.
Last but not least, there was the great Al Pacino. Of all the films I have seen, I think this was his best work, mainly because I did not see him as Al Pacino, but as Sonny the desperate man.
This tour de force of a film deserved all the accolades. I will now bow down to Sidney Lumet's greatness.
What I would change
Nothing.
Random
I never knew about the true story this was based on, so I seriously did not know who was going to survive the ordeal. During the climax, I had flashbacks of the climax of Speilbergs' 'Munich'.
Also, the homosexual aspect of the story probably was much more jarring to the audience back in the 1970's. Still, it was handled realistically.
Showing posts with label 1975. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 1975. Show all posts
Jaws
Viewed in
2005
Premise
A Great White shark terrorizes a sleepy beach town.
Who should watch
Those who want to see suspense done to perfection.
Thoughts
One of the greatest, scariest films of all time. It had a perfect sense of timing, music, pacing and most importantly, plausibility.
As pointed out countless times, the reason why this film was so scary was because Spielberg forced the audience to use their imagination to visualize the size, stealth and teeth of the Great White.
I loved the part when the coroner described the damage done to a victim, piece by piece. No special effects were needed for that scene. And When the shark finally appeared, it made everyone jump, which was then followed by one of the best one-liners ever.
Film buffs claim that a movie score should never be noticed during the film. That rule had been tossed out for this case. When you see those famous scenes, you hear the music. When you hear those famous melodies, you visualize those horrifying scenes.
What I would change
Nothing.
2005
Premise
A Great White shark terrorizes a sleepy beach town.
Who should watch
Those who want to see suspense done to perfection.
Thoughts
One of the greatest, scariest films of all time. It had a perfect sense of timing, music, pacing and most importantly, plausibility.
As pointed out countless times, the reason why this film was so scary was because Spielberg forced the audience to use their imagination to visualize the size, stealth and teeth of the Great White.
I loved the part when the coroner described the damage done to a victim, piece by piece. No special effects were needed for that scene. And When the shark finally appeared, it made everyone jump, which was then followed by one of the best one-liners ever.
Film buffs claim that a movie score should never be noticed during the film. That rule had been tossed out for this case. When you see those famous scenes, you hear the music. When you hear those famous melodies, you visualize those horrifying scenes.
What I would change
Nothing.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Viewed in
1999, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2007
Premise
Monty Python pokes fun at the King Arthur story.
Who should watch
Monty Python fans.
Thoughts
Monty Python's best/worst work. Either you will love every scene of random, British, silliness, or you will throw this DVD against the wall.
For the record, I love everything about this film.
What I would change
Nothing.
1999, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2007
Premise
Monty Python pokes fun at the King Arthur story.
Who should watch
Monty Python fans.
Thoughts
Monty Python's best/worst work. Either you will love every scene of random, British, silliness, or you will throw this DVD against the wall.
For the record, I love everything about this film.
What I would change
Nothing.
Rocky Horror Picture Show
Viewed in
2010
Premise
The cult classic musical about a lost couple trapped in a mad (transvestite) scientist's castle.
Loved
Tim Curry and the music.
Liked
Susan Sarandon, Meatloaf and Richard O'Brien.
Thoughts
A very fun film, but definitely not for the conservative-minded.
Tim Curry was born to play Dr. Frank-N-Furter (whom I'm certain the One Piece character, Ivankov, was based on). Not only did he generate a magnetic, off-kilter presence, but he also sang and acted with zest, bravado, and pure musical joy. Acting courage comes in all sorts, and here was a perfect example of one, as he embodied such a flamboyant, dangerous character.
I liked the rest of the cast as well. Meatloaf had a cool singing cameo. I'm used to seeing the mature, serious-actress version of Susan Sarandon, so I was shocked to see her so young, vibrant, and sexy. Wearing only underwear through half of the film accentuated that third quality. As a fan of Dark City, I was giddy to see Richard O'Brien as Riff Raff. Funny that he seemed to have not aged between those two films (yes, yes, I know, it's the makeup). I could see why he was cast as Mr. Hand.
Like most musicals, the story was lacking in quality. Nevertheless, thanks to all the fun I had with the memorable music, wanton debauchery, overt sexuality, and kinky costumes, I could care less about its flaws.
I did not go to one of those midnight theaters with crazy (I mean, enthusiastic) dressed-up fans, but I still enjoyed this film immensely in the comforts of my home. Though I could see why a midnight experience would be awesome.
I also now understood why this deviant, over-the-top musical had become a cult classic, thanks to the music, style, and a once-in-a-lifetime performance by Tim Curry.
What I would change
Kept all the characters human. Not sure if the alien subplot really added anything to the story. Plus I think it would be cooler to imagine all of them just being plain weirdos.
2010
Premise
The cult classic musical about a lost couple trapped in a mad (transvestite) scientist's castle.
Loved
Tim Curry and the music.
Liked
Susan Sarandon, Meatloaf and Richard O'Brien.
Thoughts
A very fun film, but definitely not for the conservative-minded.
Tim Curry was born to play Dr. Frank-N-Furter (whom I'm certain the One Piece character, Ivankov, was based on). Not only did he generate a magnetic, off-kilter presence, but he also sang and acted with zest, bravado, and pure musical joy. Acting courage comes in all sorts, and here was a perfect example of one, as he embodied such a flamboyant, dangerous character.
I liked the rest of the cast as well. Meatloaf had a cool singing cameo. I'm used to seeing the mature, serious-actress version of Susan Sarandon, so I was shocked to see her so young, vibrant, and sexy. Wearing only underwear through half of the film accentuated that third quality. As a fan of Dark City, I was giddy to see Richard O'Brien as Riff Raff. Funny that he seemed to have not aged between those two films (yes, yes, I know, it's the makeup). I could see why he was cast as Mr. Hand.
Like most musicals, the story was lacking in quality. Nevertheless, thanks to all the fun I had with the memorable music, wanton debauchery, overt sexuality, and kinky costumes, I could care less about its flaws.
I did not go to one of those midnight theaters with crazy (I mean, enthusiastic) dressed-up fans, but I still enjoyed this film immensely in the comforts of my home. Though I could see why a midnight experience would be awesome.
I also now understood why this deviant, over-the-top musical had become a cult classic, thanks to the music, style, and a once-in-a-lifetime performance by Tim Curry.
What I would change
Kept all the characters human. Not sure if the alien subplot really added anything to the story. Plus I think it would be cooler to imagine all of them just being plain weirdos.
Tommy
Viewed in
2007
Premise
A rock opera with music by The Who.
Who should watch
No one. Not even stoned people.
Thoughts
This might be the worst movie I ever saw. It was so bad, I did not even find it unintentionally funny. I was bored most of the time, except for the cameos of Tina Turner, Elton John and Jack Nicholson.
There were some good songs. But there were some pretty horrible music as well. The main reason for the movie's failure the nonsensical, and very disturbing story about a boy gone Helen Keller after watching his father killed by his cheating mother. Bad acting did not help their cause.
What I would change
Never made the movie.
2007
Premise
A rock opera with music by The Who.
Who should watch
No one. Not even stoned people.
Thoughts
This might be the worst movie I ever saw. It was so bad, I did not even find it unintentionally funny. I was bored most of the time, except for the cameos of Tina Turner, Elton John and Jack Nicholson.
There were some good songs. But there were some pretty horrible music as well. The main reason for the movie's failure the nonsensical, and very disturbing story about a boy gone Helen Keller after watching his father killed by his cheating mother. Bad acting did not help their cause.
What I would change
Never made the movie.
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