Showing posts with label 1996. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 1996. Show all posts
Beavis and Butt-Head Do America
Viewed in
2011
Formats
HDTV
Premise
It's a Beavis and Butt-Head movie!
Loved
The Great Cornholio.
Thoughts
Honestly, I've never seen a complete episode of the popular 1990's series when I was a teen. So watching this in 2011 was kind of weird.
One effect was my ignorance about the Great Cornholio. Holy cow, that character was a sight to behold! Easily the funniest and best part of the movie. I was amused by observing what appears to be an early incarnation of Hank Hill's character. The soundtrack was quite dope, especially the rock songs.
Even non-fans like me could recognize the two leads' pattern of speech, which was equally unique and irritating. Hearing that for half and hour was probably tolerable. Trying to endure that for 80 minutes was a trial of survival for my sanity.
As expected, Beavis and Butt-Head were in full-out rude, ignorant idiot mode. I didn't laugh much, but there was an oddly dated charm to the movie. The shock value had long been obliterated by South Park. Yet it was almost like a time capsule of what was considered inappropriate.
I'm sure Beavis and Butt-Head Do America was a much bigger deal back in the day, but now it's only worth watching for curiosity sake. Having said that, my life is now complete now that I've finally experienced the Great Cornholio.
What I would change
No idea.
Bottle Rocket
Viewed in
2005
Premise
Three wannabe robbers attempt to rob their ex-boss, very poorly.
Who should watch
Wes Anderson fans. Those in the mood for something small and light-hearted.
Thoughts
This was the movie that introduced the world to Wes Anderson and the Wilson brothers. Though far from great, it foretold Anderson's quirky screenwriting and Owen Wilson's scene-stealing, comedic ability.
What I would change
Nothing.
2005
Premise
Three wannabe robbers attempt to rob their ex-boss, very poorly.
Who should watch
Wes Anderson fans. Those in the mood for something small and light-hearted.
Thoughts
This was the movie that introduced the world to Wes Anderson and the Wilson brothers. Though far from great, it foretold Anderson's quirky screenwriting and Owen Wilson's scene-stealing, comedic ability.
What I would change
Nothing.
Emma
Viewed in
1997, 2012
Formats
VHS, Netflix streaming
Premise
Gwenyth Paltrow stars in the adaptation of Jane Austen's book about an 1800's English woman matchmaker whose latest attempts to find her friend a husband creates unexpected results.
Liked
Cast.
Disliked
Distracting camera movement.
Thoughts
It's got its cute moments.
Overall, all the actors/actresses were very likable and well-cast. Paltrow was charming as the titular character. But I really enjoyed Alan Cumming and Juliet Stevenson with hilariously smarmy portrayals of characters you love to hate. Another fun performance was Sophie Thompson (Emma Thompson's real-life sister) as chatterbox Miss Bates.
I guess future-Jedi Ewan McGregor was good too, but I was too distracted by the atrocity of hair that made him look like Willy Wonka after an all-night bender.
Like her books, the film suffers from predictable Austen story lines, such as the male "friend" who isn't afraid to call our the heroine on her flaws, or the smooth-talking suitor who's not as honorable as he appears. If you're familiar with her works or corresponding film adaptions, don't expect surprises.
What I didn't like was the odd cinematic choices. I think the director tried to get too cute with camera movements, instead of focusing on getting some photogenic close ups of the talented cast. It was distracting to say the least.
My mom is a Jane Austen expert, so I take her word that this was one of her lesser works. As a movie, Emma was lighter, but lesser, compared to other recent Austen film adaptations. Nevertheless, it was light-hearted fun, thanks to the charming cast.
1997, 2012
Formats
VHS, Netflix streaming
Premise
Gwenyth Paltrow stars in the adaptation of Jane Austen's book about an 1800's English woman matchmaker whose latest attempts to find her friend a husband creates unexpected results.
Liked
Cast.
Disliked
Distracting camera movement.
Thoughts
It's got its cute moments.
Overall, all the actors/actresses were very likable and well-cast. Paltrow was charming as the titular character. But I really enjoyed Alan Cumming and Juliet Stevenson with hilariously smarmy portrayals of characters you love to hate. Another fun performance was Sophie Thompson (Emma Thompson's real-life sister) as chatterbox Miss Bates.
I guess future-Jedi Ewan McGregor was good too, but I was too distracted by the atrocity of hair that made him look like Willy Wonka after an all-night bender.
Like her books, the film suffers from predictable Austen story lines, such as the male "friend" who isn't afraid to call our the heroine on her flaws, or the smooth-talking suitor who's not as honorable as he appears. If you're familiar with her works or corresponding film adaptions, don't expect surprises.
What I didn't like was the odd cinematic choices. I think the director tried to get too cute with camera movements, instead of focusing on getting some photogenic close ups of the talented cast. It was distracting to say the least.
My mom is a Jane Austen expert, so I take her word that this was one of her lesser works. As a movie, Emma was lighter, but lesser, compared to other recent Austen film adaptations. Nevertheless, it was light-hearted fun, thanks to the charming cast.
Fargo
Viewed in
2010
Formats
HD TV
Premise
Frances McDormand stars as a pregnant police officer investigating a triple homicide near Fargo, North Dakota.
Loved
The accents, the acting, the wood chipper scene.
Thoughts
Very bloody and cute at same time. Weird, huh?
The acting was fantastic all around, although I am not sure if McDormand was truly the lead, as she did not appear until a third in, and meanwhile Steve Buscemi seemed to have more screen time as one of the killers. Both performances were incredibly funny and memorable, for very different reasons. I loved the dichotomy of all this bloodshed and terror, and this adorable pregnant lady waddling around with that adorable accent. Kudos to Buscemi, who him and his character went through a lot of physical pain to tell the story. William H. Macy was not likable but fascinating as the "mastermind".
Another interesting aspect was that it felt like a really toned down Coen brothers film. The dialogue was more realistic and less decorated, and the Roger Deakins' cinematography was very to the point with minimal flair. I thought those were good choices, so the style would not usurp the performances. And there was nothing needed to be added when it came to that hilariously awesome wood chipper scene.
As much as I loved the acting, it felt like more of an actor's film than a complete film. The story was not as interesting as other Coen brothers films, partly because I kind of already knew the ending and the antagonists were not much of a threat as they kept stepping on their own toes. Lastly, the subplot with old classmate didn't seem to fit at all.
One of the Coen brothers' defining moments, thanks to great performances and that darn accent.
What I would change
Taken out the classmate subplot.
2010
Formats
HD TV
Premise
Frances McDormand stars as a pregnant police officer investigating a triple homicide near Fargo, North Dakota.
Loved
The accents, the acting, the wood chipper scene.
Thoughts
Very bloody and cute at same time. Weird, huh?
The acting was fantastic all around, although I am not sure if McDormand was truly the lead, as she did not appear until a third in, and meanwhile Steve Buscemi seemed to have more screen time as one of the killers. Both performances were incredibly funny and memorable, for very different reasons. I loved the dichotomy of all this bloodshed and terror, and this adorable pregnant lady waddling around with that adorable accent. Kudos to Buscemi, who him and his character went through a lot of physical pain to tell the story. William H. Macy was not likable but fascinating as the "mastermind".
Another interesting aspect was that it felt like a really toned down Coen brothers film. The dialogue was more realistic and less decorated, and the Roger Deakins' cinematography was very to the point with minimal flair. I thought those were good choices, so the style would not usurp the performances. And there was nothing needed to be added when it came to that hilariously awesome wood chipper scene.
As much as I loved the acting, it felt like more of an actor's film than a complete film. The story was not as interesting as other Coen brothers films, partly because I kind of already knew the ending and the antagonists were not much of a threat as they kept stepping on their own toes. Lastly, the subplot with old classmate didn't seem to fit at all.
One of the Coen brothers' defining moments, thanks to great performances and that darn accent.
What I would change
Taken out the classmate subplot.
From Dusk Till Dawn
Viewed in
2010
Formats
HD TV
Premise
Two crooks, with three hostages in tow, hide in a Mexican bar, only to discover it houses vampires.
Liked
The enthusiastic gorefest.
Hated
The boring first act.
Thoughts
A very uneven movie.
The second half was fun, with all sorts of nasty and gross stuff involving human/vampire blood and guts. Considering its budget, it had some decent makeup and one gnarly animatronic. The cast was pretty cool, with George Clooney's leading role debut, Quentin Tarantino, Cheech Marin pulling triple duty, Tarantino stable regulars like Danny Trejo, and Harvey Keitel in a nice performance in the second hour.
However, the first half was a complete bore. It lacked any interesting dialogue that we're used to from Tarantino. A lot of stuff happened that meant nothing to the story, including all the time dedicated to the sex offender aspect of Tarantino's character, only to have it be completely inconsequential. It was so boring, I wasn't even up for it when they finally busted out the boobies and bikini-clad Selma Hayek.
This movie would have been much more entertaining if the movie makers had reduced the first act. Considering that Robert Rodriguez and Taratino were behind his, and the genre-hybrid nature of the story, I wonder if this was their attempt at making the Grindhouse films before making Grindhouse.
What I would change
Start the movie at the five characters reaching the bar, then gradually explain how they got there in between the vampires and squirting blood packs.
Random
Robert Blake was mentioned in the Special Thanks section.
2010
Formats
HD TV
Premise
Two crooks, with three hostages in tow, hide in a Mexican bar, only to discover it houses vampires.
Liked
The enthusiastic gorefest.
Hated
The boring first act.
Thoughts
A very uneven movie.
The second half was fun, with all sorts of nasty and gross stuff involving human/vampire blood and guts. Considering its budget, it had some decent makeup and one gnarly animatronic. The cast was pretty cool, with George Clooney's leading role debut, Quentin Tarantino, Cheech Marin pulling triple duty, Tarantino stable regulars like Danny Trejo, and Harvey Keitel in a nice performance in the second hour.
However, the first half was a complete bore. It lacked any interesting dialogue that we're used to from Tarantino. A lot of stuff happened that meant nothing to the story, including all the time dedicated to the sex offender aspect of Tarantino's character, only to have it be completely inconsequential. It was so boring, I wasn't even up for it when they finally busted out the boobies and bikini-clad Selma Hayek.
This movie would have been much more entertaining if the movie makers had reduced the first act. Considering that Robert Rodriguez and Taratino were behind his, and the genre-hybrid nature of the story, I wonder if this was their attempt at making the Grindhouse films before making Grindhouse.
What I would change
Start the movie at the five characters reaching the bar, then gradually explain how they got there in between the vampires and squirting blood packs.
Random
Robert Blake was mentioned in the Special Thanks section.
Gulliver's Travels
Viewed in
1996
Formats
Network TV.
Premise
Ted Danson stars as Gulliver in the NBC TV movie adaptation of the Jonathan Swift novel.
Thoughts
Don't remember much, except I liked it for the special effects and being quite close to the novel. While it had an interesting way of tying all four tales together, the ending was kind of lame. Also, it seemed to lack the political bite of the novel.
What I would change
No idea.
1996
Formats
Network TV.
Premise
Ted Danson stars as Gulliver in the NBC TV movie adaptation of the Jonathan Swift novel.
Thoughts
Don't remember much, except I liked it for the special effects and being quite close to the novel. While it had an interesting way of tying all four tales together, the ending was kind of lame. Also, it seemed to lack the political bite of the novel.
What I would change
No idea.
Hamlet
Viewed in
1997 (2)
Formats
VHS
Premise
Kenneth Branagh's faithful adaptation of William Shakespeare's masterpiece.
Thoughts
My memory is hazy, but I recall loving this film. I thought it had great acting, great execution, and had wonderful visual designs. The only thing that bugged me was that it had a lot of big names doing cameos that were a little distracting.
What I would change
Less cameos?
1997 (2)
Formats
VHS
Premise
Kenneth Branagh's faithful adaptation of William Shakespeare's masterpiece.
Thoughts
My memory is hazy, but I recall loving this film. I thought it had great acting, great execution, and had wonderful visual designs. The only thing that bugged me was that it had a lot of big names doing cameos that were a little distracting.
What I would change
Less cameos?
Hunchback of Notre Dame, The
Viewed in
1996
Premise
A Disney-fied movie about the Hunchback of Notre Dame.
Who should watch
Fans of animation.
Thoughts
Most blasted this movie as one of Disney's worst. I disagreed because of the beautiful animation and smooth integration of computer graphics. I really enjoyed the lively style and vivid use of colors.
Unfortunately, this was not child-friendly enough. The story was too dark and filled with adult themes. Like all the other characters, Esmeralda was beautifully drawn, but she was too sexy for a child cartoon. Lastly, some of the violence at the end was a bit strong.
What I would change
Made things goofier and cartoonier. Put some clothes on Ezmerelda.
1996
Premise
A Disney-fied movie about the Hunchback of Notre Dame.
Who should watch
Fans of animation.
Thoughts
Most blasted this movie as one of Disney's worst. I disagreed because of the beautiful animation and smooth integration of computer graphics. I really enjoyed the lively style and vivid use of colors.
Unfortunately, this was not child-friendly enough. The story was too dark and filled with adult themes. Like all the other characters, Esmeralda was beautifully drawn, but she was too sexy for a child cartoon. Lastly, some of the violence at the end was a bit strong.
What I would change
Made things goofier and cartoonier. Put some clothes on Ezmerelda.
Independence Day
Viewed in
1996 (x2), 1997 (x2), 1998
Premise
An swarm of flying saucers invade the Earth.
Who should watch
Fans of the cast.
Thoughts
My favorite part about this movie was the cast. Everyone was just cool. I enjoyed seeing Brent Spiner out of his Data from Star Trek costume. It was weird to see Jeff Goldblum and Will Smith are the same height. Obviously, this was the movie that launched Will Smith's extremely successful action movie career.
The special effects were still pretty neat. Other than that, everything else about it was pretty average. So overall, an enjoyable summer movie that made more money than it deserved.
What I would change
Nothing.
1996 (x2), 1997 (x2), 1998
Premise
An swarm of flying saucers invade the Earth.
Who should watch
Fans of the cast.
Thoughts
My favorite part about this movie was the cast. Everyone was just cool. I enjoyed seeing Brent Spiner out of his Data from Star Trek costume. It was weird to see Jeff Goldblum and Will Smith are the same height. Obviously, this was the movie that launched Will Smith's extremely successful action movie career.
The special effects were still pretty neat. Other than that, everything else about it was pretty average. So overall, an enjoyable summer movie that made more money than it deserved.
What I would change
Nothing.
Jackie Chan's First Strike
Viewed in
2013
Formats
HDTV (dubbed)
Premise
Technically the fourth installment of the Police Story series, Jackie Chan tries to locate a stolen nuclear warhead in Australia.
Loved
Sea urchin fight.
Liked
Underwater fight.
Thoughts
Well, now I know what a Jackie Chan impression of James Bond would look like.
This entry had all sorts of silly action-y stuff that harked back to some of 007's iconic moments, such as snow boarding/skiing chases, exotic locations, lethal creatures, and espionage. My favorite comedy moment was Chan and a bad guy getting stung by sea urchins while fighting. Also, the clearly foam sharks added to the movie's cheeky charm.
Another interesting gimmick was a play on the theme of height. There were stunts involving jumping on/off helicopters, scaling down trees, fighting tall enemies, ladders as weapons, and even stilts. A lot of the climax took place underwater. You'd think fighting in slow-motion (due to water drag) would look silly, but somehow it came of as unique and cool.
While the flaws of goofy plot and cartoony performances were expected and part of the charm, I was kind of shocked that this was made in 1996. It gave off a bad 1980's action flick vibe, with its production value, bad logic, and ridiculously large suit jackets.
Now matter what language you watch Jackie Chan's First Strike in, there's no denying its fun action and stunts. I wouldn't consider this in the same category as his best, but Jackie Chan fans should enjoy it's physical comedy and underwater fights.
2013
Formats
HDTV (dubbed)
Premise
Technically the fourth installment of the Police Story series, Jackie Chan tries to locate a stolen nuclear warhead in Australia.
Loved
Sea urchin fight.
Liked
Underwater fight.
Thoughts
Well, now I know what a Jackie Chan impression of James Bond would look like.
This entry had all sorts of silly action-y stuff that harked back to some of 007's iconic moments, such as snow boarding/skiing chases, exotic locations, lethal creatures, and espionage. My favorite comedy moment was Chan and a bad guy getting stung by sea urchins while fighting. Also, the clearly foam sharks added to the movie's cheeky charm.
Another interesting gimmick was a play on the theme of height. There were stunts involving jumping on/off helicopters, scaling down trees, fighting tall enemies, ladders as weapons, and even stilts. A lot of the climax took place underwater. You'd think fighting in slow-motion (due to water drag) would look silly, but somehow it came of as unique and cool.
While the flaws of goofy plot and cartoony performances were expected and part of the charm, I was kind of shocked that this was made in 1996. It gave off a bad 1980's action flick vibe, with its production value, bad logic, and ridiculously large suit jackets.
Now matter what language you watch Jackie Chan's First Strike in, there's no denying its fun action and stunts. I wouldn't consider this in the same category as his best, but Jackie Chan fans should enjoy it's physical comedy and underwater fights.
James and the Giant Peach
Viewed in
1997
Formats
VHS
Premise
A claymation adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic book.
Thoughts
Sadly, I don't remember anything about this, except that it was directed by the same director as The Nightmare Before Christmas, so the style was similar, but not as dark. It's probably not a good sign if I can't remember anything about it.
What I would change
No idea.
1997
Formats
VHS
Premise
A claymation adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic book.
Thoughts
Sadly, I don't remember anything about this, except that it was directed by the same director as The Nightmare Before Christmas, so the style was similar, but not as dark. It's probably not a good sign if I can't remember anything about it.
What I would change
No idea.
Jerry Maguire
Viewed in
1996
Formats
Movie theater
Premise
Tom Cruise stars as a sports agent who decides to create his own agency.
Thoughts
What I remember best was the strong performances by Cruise, Renee Zellweger, the scene-stealing by Cuba Gooding Jr., and two memorable (now overused) lines of dialogue.
What I would change
No idea.
1996
Formats
Movie theater
Premise
Tom Cruise stars as a sports agent who decides to create his own agency.
Thoughts
What I remember best was the strong performances by Cruise, Renee Zellweger, the scene-stealing by Cuba Gooding Jr., and two memorable (now overused) lines of dialogue.
What I would change
No idea.
Mars Attacks!
Viewed in
1999
Formats
DVD
Premise
Tim Burton's take on the Martian invaders genre.
Thoughts
I don't recall much, except that I was sorely disappointed. It was star-studded with Burton at the helm, but there was a lack of memorably funny moments or characters. Probably my least liked of Burton's movies.
What I would change
No idea.
1999
Formats
DVD
Premise
Tim Burton's take on the Martian invaders genre.
Thoughts
I don't recall much, except that I was sorely disappointed. It was star-studded with Burton at the helm, but there was a lack of memorably funny moments or characters. Probably my least liked of Burton's movies.
What I would change
No idea.
Mission: Impossible
Viewed in
1996, 1998
Formats
Movie theater, DVD
Premise
Tom Cruise stars in a movie adaptation of the 1960's TV series.
Loved
Danny Elfman's score, De Palma's style.
Disliked
The ultra-confusing plot.
Thoughts
It has been a long time since I watched it, but I remember Brian De Palma's cool visuals, Danny Elfman's kick-ass score, and some fun action like the wire scene. It had two of the coolest actors in Ving Rhames and Jean Reno as sidekicks.
I also remember getting extremely confused by the plot, even after multiple viewings. And even though I never saw the series, I did not like that it was more of a Tom Cruise vehicle than an ensemble effort.
What I would change
Not sure.
1996, 1998
Formats
Movie theater, DVD
Premise
Tom Cruise stars in a movie adaptation of the 1960's TV series.
Loved
Danny Elfman's score, De Palma's style.
Disliked
The ultra-confusing plot.
Thoughts
It has been a long time since I watched it, but I remember Brian De Palma's cool visuals, Danny Elfman's kick-ass score, and some fun action like the wire scene. It had two of the coolest actors in Ving Rhames and Jean Reno as sidekicks.
I also remember getting extremely confused by the plot, even after multiple viewings. And even though I never saw the series, I did not like that it was more of a Tom Cruise vehicle than an ensemble effort.
What I would change
Not sure.
The People vs. Larry Flynt
Viewed in
2012
Formats
HDTV
Premise
Woody Harrelson stars in the biopic about the creator of Hustler magazine and his fight for freedom of speech.
Loved
Courtney Love.
Liked
Rest of the cast, courtroom scenes.
Thoughts
An enjoyable film due to the performances.
Harrelson was perfectly cast, especially as he transformed from charmer to bitter clown. Having said that, Love stole the show as Flynt's wife. I recall this being a very unusual casting decision, but watching the film, I was entranced by her presence and impressed by her range, morphing from plucky youngster to stark junkie/AIDS victim. Together, Harrelson and Love effortless gave the story the heart.
Meanwhile, the rest of the cast was rounded out with strong performances from recognizable faces like John Schiavelli, Crispin Glover, and James Cromwell. It was incredibly amusing to see an adorably babyface Edward Norton, and James Carville pre-Skeletor.
My favorite scenes were the courtroom scenes. Since I was so invested in Harrelson's character, I bought into/was entertained by his antics and jests. Throughout, there were interesting explorations into both sides of the first amendment and price of civil liberties, which I found smart, not preachy.
The writing was solid all around. In addition to funny/sharp dialog and well-crafted characters, it did a good job of upping the ante, raising the stakes for Flynt and his misfits, leading to the final showdown in the Supreme Court. I knew very little about Flynt's life, so it was amusing to learn about his brief Christianity detour.
The People vs. Larry Flynt was a fascinating and entertaining look into a controversial figure who flummoxed many Americans, who only could exist in America, and fought to make sure that possibility remained so.
2012
Formats
HDTV
Premise
Woody Harrelson stars in the biopic about the creator of Hustler magazine and his fight for freedom of speech.
Loved
Courtney Love.
Liked
Rest of the cast, courtroom scenes.
Thoughts
An enjoyable film due to the performances.
Harrelson was perfectly cast, especially as he transformed from charmer to bitter clown. Having said that, Love stole the show as Flynt's wife. I recall this being a very unusual casting decision, but watching the film, I was entranced by her presence and impressed by her range, morphing from plucky youngster to stark junkie/AIDS victim. Together, Harrelson and Love effortless gave the story the heart.
Meanwhile, the rest of the cast was rounded out with strong performances from recognizable faces like John Schiavelli, Crispin Glover, and James Cromwell. It was incredibly amusing to see an adorably babyface Edward Norton, and James Carville pre-Skeletor.
The writing was solid all around. In addition to funny/sharp dialog and well-crafted characters, it did a good job of upping the ante, raising the stakes for Flynt and his misfits, leading to the final showdown in the Supreme Court. I knew very little about Flynt's life, so it was amusing to learn about his brief Christianity detour.
The People vs. Larry Flynt was a fascinating and entertaining look into a controversial figure who flummoxed many Americans, who only could exist in America, and fought to make sure that possibility remained so.
The Rock
Viewed in
1998
Formats
VHS
Premise
Sean Connery and Nicolas Cage star as two guys sent to take down a madman who's taken over Alcatraz.
Thoughts
Don't remember much, but it was pretty loud. Not surprising, since Michael Bay directed it.
What I would change
Don't know.
1998
Formats
VHS
Premise
Sean Connery and Nicolas Cage star as two guys sent to take down a madman who's taken over Alcatraz.
Thoughts
Don't remember much, but it was pretty loud. Not surprising, since Michael Bay directed it.
What I would change
Don't know.
Romeo + Juliet
Viewed in
1996
Formats
Movie theater
Premise
Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes star in Baz Luhrmann's modernized take on William Shakespeare's most famous work.
Thoughts
Sadly, I don't remember much, but I thought it was an interesting interpretation.
What I would change
No clue.
1996
Formats
Movie theater
Premise
Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes star in Baz Luhrmann's modernized take on William Shakespeare's most famous work.
Thoughts
Sadly, I don't remember much, but I thought it was an interesting interpretation.
What I would change
No clue.
Rumble in the Bronx
Viewed in
1996
Formats
VHS (dubbed)
Premise
Jackie Chan stars as a visitor in New York City who helps fight bad guys harassing his uncle.
Thoughts
Don't remember much, but I recall it being a bit more darker and serious than most of Jackie Chan's action-packed stuff. This movie introduced me to his entertaining stunt-filled works.
What I would change
No idea.
1996
Formats
VHS (dubbed)
Premise
Jackie Chan stars as a visitor in New York City who helps fight bad guys harassing his uncle.
Thoughts
Don't remember much, but I recall it being a bit more darker and serious than most of Jackie Chan's action-packed stuff. This movie introduced me to his entertaining stunt-filled works.
What I would change
No idea.
Scream
Viewed in
2010
Formats
HD TV
Premise
A teen slasher movie about teens who know about the genre, and still get slashed.
Liked
The creativity, the shoutouts to the classics.
Thoughts
A well-executed horror movie with some unique twists.
My favorite part was the references to other movies of its ilk, like Halloween and Silence of the Lambs. Sometimes they wink at the camera (loved the Freddy Kruger joke), other times they flat out talk about them as the plot points. The humor from those scenes definitely enhanced the scary experience.
The cast was pretty good and recognizable, including David Arquette' silly mustache, Rose McGowan' fantastic breasts, Courtney Cox, and solid work by Neve Campbell as the lead. Most were able to use this as a stepping stone to do mediocre stuff. Drew Barrymore's opening scene was fantastic. Most amusing casting was the Fonz as the principle.
Another creative thing Wes Craven and Kevin Williamson did was regarding the identity of the killer. I liked that twist, although I am positive if I thought twice about it, the implausibility would be glaring.
It definitely earned its R rating, but it was actually pretty low on gore, and high on tastefully-done blood. I am pretty certain the success of this film led the new wave or slasher movies, and unfortunately the wave of torture porn. Even though this film was more about psychological terror and blood packets.
The main problem with the film was how outdated it already felt, mainly because phones and caller ID played a giant part in the suspense and plot. Taking a whole day to retrieve phone lists from police database was laughable. And I loved that they used the full name for a cell phone.
Despite the outdated and implausible aspects, I enjoyed the tribute/satire of its own genre and its refusal to be unoriginal.
What I would change
Better use of the stinger chords. I think they overused it at times, losing the element of surprise.
Random
I loved the credit hate for the city of Santa Rosa, for not letting them film there.
2010
Formats
HD TV
Premise
A teen slasher movie about teens who know about the genre, and still get slashed.
Liked
The creativity, the shoutouts to the classics.
Thoughts
A well-executed horror movie with some unique twists.
My favorite part was the references to other movies of its ilk, like Halloween and Silence of the Lambs. Sometimes they wink at the camera (loved the Freddy Kruger joke), other times they flat out talk about them as the plot points. The humor from those scenes definitely enhanced the scary experience.
The cast was pretty good and recognizable, including David Arquette' silly mustache, Rose McGowan' fantastic breasts, Courtney Cox, and solid work by Neve Campbell as the lead. Most were able to use this as a stepping stone to do mediocre stuff. Drew Barrymore's opening scene was fantastic. Most amusing casting was the Fonz as the principle.
Another creative thing Wes Craven and Kevin Williamson did was regarding the identity of the killer. I liked that twist, although I am positive if I thought twice about it, the implausibility would be glaring.
It definitely earned its R rating, but it was actually pretty low on gore, and high on tastefully-done blood. I am pretty certain the success of this film led the new wave or slasher movies, and unfortunately the wave of torture porn. Even though this film was more about psychological terror and blood packets.
The main problem with the film was how outdated it already felt, mainly because phones and caller ID played a giant part in the suspense and plot. Taking a whole day to retrieve phone lists from police database was laughable. And I loved that they used the full name for a cell phone.
Despite the outdated and implausible aspects, I enjoyed the tribute/satire of its own genre and its refusal to be unoriginal.
What I would change
Better use of the stinger chords. I think they overused it at times, losing the element of surprise.
Random
I loved the credit hate for the city of Santa Rosa, for not letting them film there.
Shall We Dance?
Viewed in
1997
Formats
VHS
Premise
A successful but unhappy Japanese accountant finds the missing passion in his life when he begins to secretly take ballroom dance lessons.
Thoughts
Don't remember much except that it was nice and characters were likable.
What I would change
No clue.
1997
Formats
VHS
Premise
A successful but unhappy Japanese accountant finds the missing passion in his life when he begins to secretly take ballroom dance lessons.
Thoughts
Don't remember much except that it was nice and characters were likable.
What I would change
No clue.
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