mrrockandroll Reviews

World's Greatest Dad (I) (2009)

Not For Me

[1/10 · 2 April 2010]

CAUTION: SPOILERS --- First let me say that I totally understand the concept of "to each their own," so if some people liked this film then good for them. I, however, thought this film was pretty lame. Yes, I understand 'black comedy' and sometimes it's fantastic, but I thought most of the major themes, as well as the movie itself, was more disturbing than humorous. I'm also a pretty big Robin Williams fan, but I was pretty surprised he chose to play this character and just didn't think he fit with his role in this film. As for his son, Kyle: jeez, I don't know if I've ever hated a film character as much as that kid. I just can't easily recall being bothered so much by a character in a movie nor can I remember a more grotesque (teen) character ever. The brightest moment in the whole flick, as far as I'm concerned, was when the kid died. I've known some real pigs in my time and have, like most guys, heard (and have sometimes partaken in) quite a bit of 'trash talk' in my life, but I honestly never heard anyone talk like such a pig ever. The kid obviously had some serious issues, but we're never given any indication about why he's actually so disturbed (and disturbing). Were we ever told anything about the mother, or why the kid has such a negative attitude, especially towards his father? I guess it doesn't make any difference since it's not the point of the movie. Either way, I got absolutely ZERO entertainment value from this flick and thought the 90 minutes watching it was a major waste of time. It's all just my opinion, of course, and "good for you" to anyone else that liked it, but it just wasn't for me.

Baby Snakes (1979)

A MUST for Zappa Fans!

[6/10 · 29 December 2003]

Excellent late 1970's concert footage from Zappa and his crazy band of extremely talented musicians. An absolute must see for any Zappa fan and an adequate introduction for those unfamiliar with the genius of Frank Zappa. This footage centers around a New York City concert from '77 so it doesn't totally encompass the many complex layers and personalities that Zappa emulated over the years, but it still provides a nice document to one of Frank's more accessible periods. It helps if you're a huge Zappa fan to begin with, which I am, so to me this footage is a treasure. A couple of points, though, just to be a bit objective: Others have mentioned the claymation, which for claymation is really some of the coolest I've ever seen, but I can only watch that stuff for a few minutes before I'm bored with it. It's cool and it's wild and it fits right in with Zappa's strangeness, but it's still only claymation to me. I'd just as soon watch some trippy computer generated psychedelic images to be honest. There's probably only about 15 minutes of it or so in the whole film anyway, so it's no big deal.

I would have also preferred a set list that had more guitar work in it, but we still get some great tracks including "San Ber'dino," "Muffin Man," "City of Tiny Lights" and the amazing "Black Napkins." Take a real good listen to "Black Napkins" and try and tell me this guy wasn't at least as good, if not better, than Hendrix himself. Overall, this is a great film for those that are already into Zappa. For those that aren't familiar with him, this film gives you a good idea of what it was like to see him in the late 1970's (his performances, style and content constantly changed over the years, so Zappa in concert in 1977 is a LOT different than Zappa in '69 or '73 or '85 ... you get the picture). Narrow thinkers and those with closed minds might want to stick with Dave Matthews or whatever else the corporate labels are spoon-feeding you on commercial radio these days. Man, do we need Zappa now more than ever! Can you image the way he'd rip into Brittney and Bush and O.J. Simpson and all the crap we're putting up with in the world today?? Long live Frank Zappa!!

Benny & Joon (1993)

Innocent and odd romantic comedy.

[7/10 · 18 October 2003]

Innocent romantic comedy that's at least mildly entertaining for the most part, but it probably helps if you like Johnny Depp, which I do. It's a bit odd and contains a large bucket from the fairytale trough, but better than a lot of other movies that have attempted to be wholesome, romantic and entertaining. Not for those that like their movies hard edged, but then again why would they be watching this in the first place? Probably a good date movie for teens/young adults. If I don't hear that damn Proclaimers song again for a thousand years, though, it'll still be too soon. How 'bout walking five hundred miles in another direction, eh mate?

Dogtown and Z-Boys (2001)

Interesting documentary that also works as a time capsule.

[7/10 · 13 June 2003]

Let me say first of all that I spent a total of about two minutes of my life on a skateboard before I realized I was totally uncoordinated. I've always thought it was cool watching cats that know how to get extreme on 'em do their stuff, but I've never been a skateboarder and have never really followed the sport. That being said, I thought this was a very informative and interesting documentary. Some reviewers have said that these dudes were sort of waving their own flag a bit, but what the hell? It looks to me that these guys probably deserve as much credit as anyone for giving the skateboarding world a jolt and they've provided some good footage of their innovations to back it up. It's great the way viewers are allowed to see these guys both then and now and the footage they shot while they were teens growing up in California provides some interesting nostalgia that goes a bit beyond the sport of skating. I never would have realized where extreme skating came from, but this films sort of ties all the pieces together and gives us an informative documentary. I'm sure it's at least a tad biased, but aren't all documentaries? Worth watching for anyone interested in the sport or, as in my case, anyone who grew up in the 1970's.

The American Nightmare (2000)

Examines the directors' true meanings behind horrific films.

[13 June 2003]

This excellent and entertaining documentary examines the deeper meanings behind some of the most disturbing films from the 1960's and 1970's. Director interviews are intermixed with footage from their films as well as news footage from the era to provide a bit more insight than is usually provided to horror movies. A great documentary that gives deeper meaning to many of the most popular horrific films of these turbulent decades. Very interesting and informative and just might make you look at all horror films in a new light.

200 Motels (1971)

For Zappa diehards and film students only.

[3/10 · 13 June 2003]

There probably aren't a lot of people out in IMDb land that are bigger Zappa fans than I am (I have ALL of his records for starters), but even so this film just doesn't do it for me. Others who are big fans of this late genius may want to give this one a look for curiosity or nostalgic purposes, but as a cohesive film it leaves a lot to be desired. It'd probably be great to have on if one were to be, say, experimenting with hallucinogenic mind altering substances, but other than that it leaves a lot to be desired. I recall about 10 minutes of entertaining segments in this long production and again, I'm a HUGE Frank Zappa fan. Thankfully there's more suitable footage available for those who want to see what this often underrated musician was really like. Then again, I've always thought Zappa was ahead of his time musically and philosophically, so perhaps this somewhat dated production will be more appreciated in years to come. Like his music, though, there's certainly not many other things out there like this. Sorry, Frank, but I still have to give this one a 2 out of 10. Long live Zappa!

Braindead (1992)

Man, was this movie DUMB!

[1/10 · 27 October 2002]

I wouldn't even waste my time commenting on this cheese-flick, but seeing as nobody else on the comment board had anything negative to say about "Dead Alive" I figured I better chime in with a different opinion. I thought this movie was so STUPID that I could barely sit through it. It might be alright if you're sitting around with a bunch of your juvenile friends (or you're under the age of 13 yourself) or your tripping or just looking for the ultimate b-movie gore-fest, but unless you fall into one of the aforementioned categories don't waste your time with this lame flick. Not scary in the least, and not as humorous as, say, "Frankenhooker", this movie is not for anyone with even the least bit of taste. For grade schoolers or drinking parties only.

Memento (2000)

This movie messes with your head.

[8/10 · 9 March 2002]

Very original, very intense movie. The overall premise of the thing sort of tweaked my mind just a little bit making it a very interesting movie. Unique perspectives with good filming and mostly good acting. A+ for originality, this psychological thriller certainly isn't a waste of time.

One Night at McCool's (2001)

Partially funny and partially stupid.

[6/10 · 25 February 2002]

"One Night At McCool's" is one of those films that had possibilities, but in the long run it ends up being rather juvenile. It probably doesn't help matters much that I'm one of the few men (?) that doesn't think Liv Tyler is all that hot. Seeing as her sexuality is the main point of the plot, I had a hard time believing that all these guys would fall for her so easily. I'm not sure if she is just a terrible actress or was purposefully acting bad in order to develop her conning character. The lame and overdone sex scenes must have been done to placate the teenage boys that Liv may have drawn to the theaters. Matt Damon and John Goodman's characters are excellent, however, and provided quite a few laughs in their roles. The retelling of the same set of events through different viewpoints is always interesting and several comical retellings were what saved this movie from being a total wash.

Ladies and Gentlemen: The Rolling Stones (1973)

Excellent concert film, but probably for Stones-freaks only.

[7/10 · 3 November 2000]

It's great to have some good footage of the early 1970's Stones (during their "Exile On Main Street" tour), but it's probably best suited to hard core fans and other nostelgic types. Keith Richards is especially cool during this era, and many would agree that the band is pretty much at their peak here. Great rock and roll music, originally released in quadrophonic sound. Recorded live in Texas, with all on-stage footage and no backstage or interview shots whatsoever. The biggest problem is that you CAN'T BUY THE THING!!! Why has this never been released officially on VHS? Where's a new remastered DVD? Most likely Allen Klein is to blame somehow for this great footage not being (legitimately) available, but let's hope that someday we can actually go buy an official release of this classic. Stones fans HAVE to see this thing, but casual fans may want to stick with "Gimme Shelter," which you can at least go buy/rent.

Magnolia (1999)

The WORST movie I've ever seen!

[1/10 · 21 August 2000]

I'll let everyone else examine the excruciating details of this stupid movie and just sum up my review my saying: THIS MOVIE SUCKS! This is the worst piece of ridiculous Hollywood trash that I've ever seen in my life! I am very much an art lover and am also, by the way, a very intellectual person, so don't hand me this, "Oh, you just didn't understand it,"-line because I completely understood it (even the dumb ending) and I still think it was an utter waste of time! One good thing about this movie is that it finally made me realize that I really don't like Tom Cruise; horrible acting for a horrible character by a terrible actor--very fitting. People may think this movie is trying to be "deep" or something, but they must be pretty shallow themselves in order to think that this adolescent tripe is actually thought-provoking. This is brain candy for a grade-schooler at best, or juvenile existentialism, if you will. The bottom line is: don't waste three hours of your precious time on this piece of crap. Without a doubt, the worst movie I've ever seen.

American Graffiti (1973)

EXCELLENT film about early 1960's American pop culture.

[9/10 · 21 August 2000]

It may seem a bit dated by today's standards (afterall, it is a movie about the 1950's/1960's made in the 1970's), but "American Graffiti" remains one of the best teenage/cruising of all time. I won't even go into how so many current day film masters made a career launching-pad out of this one because it is so well known at this point. I will say, however, that this movie is a classic and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is timeless in its own way with a great rock and roll soundtrack to boot. Well written, well-acted, and a couple of messages about life thrown in as well. I loved it when I was a teenager in the 1970's and I still love it now. Comedy, drama, cool cars, chicks & guys, rock and roll, summer fun.....what more do you need? All in all, an excellent film.

Apocalypse Now (1979)

Excellent movie, but a bit long.

[10/10 · 30 June 2000]

I'll tell ya' straight up that I'm not a big fan of war movies, but this Francis-Ford endeavor is absolutely fantastic. The craziness, the confusion, and the entire "Who's in charge?" attitude probably provide one of the best fictionalized accounts of what it was like to be in the Viet Nam war. It already appears to be a bit dated, and the journey up the river and meeting with Kurtz do seem to drag on a bit, but it's still an excellent movie all the way around and still does a good job at pointing out how senseless war really is.

Like I said, I'm not a big war-movie buff, but this enthralling movie is one of my all-time favorite films. It also helped revive the music of The Doors, which isn't a bad thing in and of itself.

Once you've seen it, make sure to check out "Hearts of Darkness," a documentary about the making of "Apocalypse Now" that will make "AN" all the more interesting and perhaps inspire you to even watch it a second time.

The Sting (1973)

My favorite movie of all time!

[10/10 · 30 June 2000]

EXCELLENT movie! Yes, both its setting and release-date go back to a more innocent time so don't expect blood, guts, and explosions, but what a well written film this is. The characters and acting are superb, the story is fantastic, and the ending is one of the most classic of all time! Newman and Redford are both great, as is the entire cast. Cops, comedy, and cons at every turn! What an excellent motion picture. If you're disappointed in "The Sting," then you have no idea what a classic movie is all about and maybe you should try and write a better movie yourself. Just look at the awards this classic won and you'll get the drift. The scenes of the poker game on the train are classic Redford/Newman/Shaw and remain among my favorite pieces of film writing/acting of all time. I saw this movie when it was released, was blown away by it then, and it remains, perhaps, my all-time favorite film. They don't make 'em like this anymore!

Dogma (1999)

Funny movie, but a bit juvenile at times.

[8/10 · 29 June 2000]

Funny movie, although the humor is a bit sophomore at times (i.e. the "s**tdemon"). If this movie offends your religious beliefs then you are totally missing the whole point! Open your eyes, people: this is a MOVIE, not a testament to an actual belief system. It's meant to be entertaining and it is. The first hour had me rolling on the floor with laughter, but it sort of leveled off in the last half. Still, a good movie worth watching. Also: religious people that claim this movie is blasphemous need to get a clue. Why couldn't Jesus have been black or why can't God be a woman? If you think that's blasphemy then you need to open your mind a bit more. The most outrageous claim is probably George Carlin as a Catholic priest! Now, THERE'S a stretch!! Overall, not a bad movie and Affleck and Damon's characters and lines make the whole movie worth watching.

The Kids Are Alright (1979)

As a true rock and roll fan, this is my absolute favorite rocumentary!

[8/10 · 7 March 2000]

Without a doubt the best "rocumentary" ever! If you even have a slight interest in The Who this film will entertain and inform. Only the earliest VCR/Beta versions seem to be complete, but hopefully they'll re-release the complete version soon on DVD (certain scenes seem to be omitted from later analogue tape prints). Also remember that the scene of the Who playing "A Quick One" at the Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus was unseen footage at the time "TKAA" was released; it has since been released as part of the complete Rock and Roll Circus. Either way, this film still captures the excitement and energy of one of rock music's truly legendary bands. Highly recommended for all rock music lovers.