p3r3 Reviews

The Sum of All Fears (2002)

Only good if you didn't read the book.

[29 May 2002]

Definitely don't read the book first, if you haven't yet. The movie itself was decent, good action, fairly consistent to plot. It irked me that plot points were missing and other things changed rather seriously. The book is NOT a prequel, as this movie kind of implies. In the book, Jack Ryan has already established his character in the CIA, in fact, he's the deputy director. He's married, he has kids. I don't know why they changed that, except maybe due to Affleck's age. Affleck's performance surprised me in a good way. I wasn't sure he could pull off the intensity of this role, but he handled it really well. It's definitely worth seeing on the big screen.

Gladiator (2000)

Color me impressed!!!

[8 May 2000]

I walked into Gladiator with high expectations and an overhanging dread that they would not be met. Were they met? Yes. Were they surpassed? YES. This movie astounded me. I'd had the somewhat cynical view that it would be another bash'n'slash violence flick which gave only lip service to the plot. Instead, it was a wonderfully depicted film which, while including many violent elements, kept them off the main focus, as if the director didn't want the audience to get so wrapped up in the fighting that they lost track of the plot. The plot was excellent, but I won't include spoilers. The scenery and cinematography.. blew my mind. While I knew they used computer CGI and enhancements to create most of the backdrop, I couldn't see it in the movie. They blended the real and the not real so perfectly, I couldn't tell it wasn't an actual reproduction of the Coliseum. THIS is how CGI should be used in movies! As for the actors.. R. Crowe pulls off a splendid Maximus, fully as heroic as you could ever wish, but the true glory should go to Joaquin Phoenix, who portrayed a disturbing and heartbreaking character, Commodus, spectacularly. Anyone can play a hero, but to play a villain well enough for the audience to both love and hate him takes true talent. Phoenix is one of the few actors who crawls so completely into the character's skin that it ceases to be acting, because the character seems so real. Reed plays a delightfully debauched Proximo, and again, a wonderful use of CGI, since I could not see the scenes filmed after his death. This movie is definitely on my 'must buy the day it comes out on video' list, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves truly wonderful movies.

Instinct (1999)

GO SEE THIS MOVIE!!!

[10/10 · 1 June 1999]

I was lucky enough to see a sneak preview of this movie last saturday, and I was so incredibly impressed!! Sir Anthony once again portrays his character brilliantly. Cuba Gooding, Jr. kicks major booty as the young psychologist determined to save the Ape Man. The story is reminiscent of Gorillas in the Mist, set in the same cinematic style as Silence of the Lambs. The editing is terrific, the story is spectacular, the acting is so utterly mindblowing.. you must see this movie. I had high expectations from an Anthony Hopkins film, and they were not only met but exceeded with this absolutely wonderful film. Get thee to a theater NOW. Go!

The Mummy (1999)

A stunning, beautiful remake!

[10/10 · 26 May 1999]

A must-see film, especially if you're a classic horror buff. This remake is stunning, absolutely brilliant in its use of computer animation to enhance the live actors. They took one of my all-time favourite horror creatures and given him new life, using computer animation to turn what was once a bandage covered, moaning, shambling thing into a villain we can love to hate! I cannot possibly describe the richness of this movie any more without spoilers, so go see it for yourself!!!!!!

The Twilight of the Golds (1996)

The evils inherant in genetic testing

[10/10 · 26 May 1999]

The movie was a wonderful portrayal of the difficult choices facing women who undergo genetic testing on unborn children. It shows the anguish that too much knowledge can bring, as well as the callous outlook society has on certain types of physical or emotional differences. In this case, homosexuality. The views expressed in this movie are horrifying, and unfortunately, all too common. It's awful in its realness, the foundation for movies like 'Gattaca'. Really makes you wonder. I suggest this movie strongly. It should have gotten bigger publicity, especially with debates raging about genetic testing lately.

The Passion of Darkly Noon (1995)

Psychological drama.

[26 May 1999]

Honestly, this movie gave me the creeps. The intense psychological symbolism going on in it really makes for a total mind-candy movie. It takes you on a journey through the deconstruction of a young man's mind through conflict with his religious beliefs and outright lies. You once again get a new facet of Brendan Fraser's acting ability during his portrayal of the tortured Darkly Noon. The movie is absolutely chilling. I recommend it, if you're into movies that make you think. It may be hard to get, Blockbuster had to order it for me.

The Scout (1994)

Cute movie.

[7/10 · 26 May 1999]

As someone who knows absolutely nothing about baseball, and therefore can view the movie without that particular bias, I'd have to say it was cute. Light humor interspersed with bizarre, bratlike antics on the part of all characters. It'd almost be a good kids movie if they could have left out the swearing.

School Ties (1992)

GREAT movie!!

[10/10 · 26 May 1999]

If you haven't seen this movie yet, GO DO IT! Rented it on the suggestion of a friend, loved it so much I went out and bought it. It's a heart-touching movie, sad and yet triumphant. (Although I agree with Mr. Fraser about the wince he does at the end.. he should have let the other kid just have it.)

Wonderful movie, two thumbs up from me. Go rent it. Lots of major actors back when they were young and relatively unknown, but still very, very good.

V (1984–1985)

Best of the 80's mini-series

[24 May 1999]

"V" and "V: The Final Battle" were definitely two of the 80's best mini-series. It actually became a full series after "Final Battle", but those episodes never made it to video. The original two mini-series are classics, and wonderfully done. The plots are intense, the special effects are cool and were, at the time, state of the art. Even by today's standards, these are still two very exceptional pieces of work. People who like this series may also want to check out "Alien Nation".