JimWile Reviews

The Monkey King (2001)

Nice feel for a westernized Chinese story

[6/10 · 29 April 2006]

An excellent blending of the classical stories of the Monkey King and his friends with the modern world.

Whenever a movie is made that attempts to blend classical stories with the modern world you have to give it the benefit of the doubt. The feel of the movie is much more important than the neatly pulling together points from the classical stories by Wu. The Lost Empire (Recently released on the Sci Fi channel as "The Monkey King". Does an excellent job of tying the intent and overall feel of the 4 books of the "Journey" saga into the modern world.

For those who like to nit pick movies like this one, they should realize that there is not a classical Chinese movie made which holds up to scrutiny versus the original texts. Movies just are not supposed to be a replacement for reading. This movie does a very good job of giving the feel of the old movies a more than passing homage. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys Fantasy and Classical Chinese stories.

Charlie's Angels (2000)

Popping microwave popcorn is more exciting

[2/10 · 16 June 2002]

I could not believe how bad this movie was. When they created the new movie, I heard from a reviewer that they had 'dumbed down' the original Charlie's Angels. I didn't think it was possible, but it was! I was in a hotel room watching my popcorn pop rather than the movie because it was more interesting. Nudity wouldn't have helped. Arghh!

Four Rooms (1995)

Wild Tarentino at his surrealistic best

[9/10 · 15 June 2002]

When Tarentino did his homage to Jerry Lewis's 'The Bell Boy' he gave it a twist of psychoactive mushrooms with a sprinkling of late night TV. Don't enter this movie with preconceptions and try to look at it as a beautiful slice of a psychotic's mind. I am so glad that Tarentino watched too much TV while growing up.. er older?

Curdled (1996)

Nice little Black Comedy

[7/10 · 14 June 2002]

When you want a black comedy that will tickle you without too much mental action, this makes a good choice. It works much like an old Twilight Zone and won't stress you too badly. Well photographed and acted with an enjoyable soundtrack. Can you hear me Gabriella!?