bspice Reviews

Lupin III: Farewell to Nostradamus (1995)

An under rated venture

[8/10 · 4 January 2017]

Only recently have I stumbled across the Lupin III series, and they have found a way to tag along at the end of my daily routines. Distinct characters, interesting plots, and an unusual sense of anxiety on what could happen next. The first few I had seen were intriguing none the less, but it wasn't until I had seen Farewell to Nostradamus that I had truly been engulfed by this world that Monkey Punch had created.

These movies are usually very fast paced and chaotic. Farewell to Nostradamus handles this well and succeeds where a lot of the Lupin III spawns blunder, at creating a smooth and climactic story line. There is never a point where the viewer is overloaded with plot material, all while building up to a tense and very satisfying ending.

Quick synopsis: Lupin III is a sly, suave, and slick international thief. He is accompanied by; Jigens (a nicotine addicted gun slinger), Goemon (a patient samurai), and Fujiko (a heart and neck breaker).

After a successful diamond theft, the team quickly turns their attention towards a high paying job. To find the lost pages of prophet, Nostradamus. Soon they are stuck in the middle of a presidential election, a kidnapping, and the eerily accurate predictions of a modern day doomsday cult. All while being chased by INTERPOL's leading investigator, Zenigata.

The Shining (1980)

Though an amazing masterpiece Stanley Kubrrick CANT call it 'The Shining'

[8/10 · 22 September 2006]

It is a great movie the fact of the matter is, it's not "Stanley Kubricks"'The Shining'. Stephen King thought of an amazing and wonderful tale of the pain of your loved on trying to kill you, in a way Stanley Kubrick stole Stephen King's beloved masterpiece and remade it. People that saw the movie read the book thinking it is the same but they are disappointed because either the book was better but different, or the book was worse and different. Then die hard Stephen King fans are disappointed at this because it is either better then the book or worse.

Personally, I like the book better but I still love the movie. So both S.K. fans can argue of which is better when I'm sorta in between(sorta by the 8). Now just because Stanley did make up an entirely different story doesn't mean you have to hate it. I like it. It's just that Stephen King puts more suspense and chills and complexity then a man going crazy over his family in a secluded hotel in the winter. Another thing that makes Stephen Kings better too is that HE DID NOT GO CRAZY! The hotel ghost possessed him and made him think about how bad his family is and that they should be 'punished'. Also the roque mallet was something I wanted to see Jack use. An ax does fit a psychopath but no one WOULD EVER THINK OF A ROQUE MALLET! That is pure wood and rubber and is much more effective and terrifying then an ax. Also there were no living hedge animal... I WANTED TO SEE HOLORANN FIGHT OFF THE HEDGE ANIMALS! And why in a snow chance in hell would Wendy be Shelly? WENDY WAS TO HAVE BLONDE HAIR! The last thing I would have appreciated seeing would be the man in the dog suit chasing Danny in his dreams. that gave me nightmares and fears of my hall, imagine what seeing it in the movie? I wouldn't be able to go to the bathroom without a flashlight(only 13 here). Finally I liked both endings but the books was better. I mean the hotel blowing up, hedge animals burning, Jack telling off the ghosts when he lets Danny and others go and guards the boiler so it can blow up. Also Jack killing himself by a hard smack with a wooden mallet! Awesome!

Now comes why I liked Stanley's. Though I didn't want it to happen I liked how Holloran died. Also I loved Jack Nicholson. Though Jack Torrance was not to be that evil Jack Nicholson is a terrifying man. He's got the happy/irritated grin yet it contains such evil. Also there is the 'All work and no play' thing. I like the suspense and how he has the talk with Wendy in the lobby. Finally(like i said in previous paragraph)I like this ending just a little less then the books but it's still very Gothic and great.

So in conclusion the two S.K. fighters can have their war over a silly movie and book mis-copyright but I could care less. The movie does act like the book in the beginning to about just before the middle so there isn't much to complain, and there are parts that were in the book it's just Stanley modified them(ex. Book:elevator continuously moving, Movie:elevator full of blood). So enjoy or... don't.

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)

The first classic comedy that actually made it to the top list!(Besides Dr. Strangelove)

[9/10 · 22 September 2006]

And i do think it deserved it. Now... I am sorry to say but there are people that do dislike the humor... but they are the ones that you see putting down the good and overrating the bad now aren't they(click on their names to see what they hate or like). But I find this humor just right. Not to dry like 'Napolean Dynamite'(which I HATED!), not to dark like 'Beeteljuice', and not to crazy(and it is still crazy)like 'Airplane!'. And the fact that it is a combo of all of these genres of comedy and more is why it deserved to be up here as #49.

Plus taking something as sacred and holy such as the last cup Jesus drank of and spoofing it all as much as all the knights tales made is hilarious. And most the humor is that type of humor that you just can't but at least giggle at. The silliness is amazing.

*Spoilers*

The Knights that say "NI"(pronounced like "knee"). I mean honestly... thats just crazy. Then the most famous part, the black knight battle, in which the black knight continues to fight until he has no more limbs. And yet he still wishes to fight. And then there is my personal favorite, the killer rabbit whoms't rips faces off.

*End of spoilers*

There is so much more to laugh at in this movie that allows it to be on this list. And honestly, I think this deserved an Oscar for its work. This is a better comedy classic then any other.

Better Off Dead (1985)

A true teen comedy, Nepolean Dynamite is better off dead(lol sorry)

[8/10 · 4 September 2006]

I think that this movie is way better then Nepolean Dynamite, just like Ferris Bullers' Day Off. It is the best teen movie out there because it shows the comedy of teen suicide. Plus it has one liners... but they're not annoying like Nepolean Dynamite.

It's one of those movies that is funny because it is showing the life of a teen and his mind around his girlfriend dumping him, while there are hilarious happenings that are important to the story too. Like the evil paper boy who wont stop at anything, EVEN A CAR WASH AND FALLING OFF A MOUNTAIN! just for two bucks that the main character owes him. Also there is the guys that keep racing him at the same stop light. And then there is the foreign-exchange student that he falls for but is in the hands of this fat, ugly kid and his obnoxious mother.

Plus you have Dan Schneider from the Revenge of the Nerds movies to make it better. The fact of the matter is that this is a comedy teen classic that i think the critics should have given better reviews to (in Delaware it got **1/2 of ****).

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

An amazing prison tale of how people can get threw the toughest times if they stay together

[10/10 · 3 September 2006]

This is one of the best stories of freedom in the world. It shows how the human heart can work to get you out of the worst situations. Sure i never cried during watching it but it made me feel good.

This movie tells a tale back in 1949, a man is convicted of the murder of his wife and her lover(sound familiar 'Green Mile'/Stephen King fans?). Of course with all Stephen King's twisted books/movies... he didn't do it but he is sent to prison anyway. Since prisoners were thought of lesser human in the 40's-70's if you were caught doing something you weren't suppose to(or if yo u just annoy the guards) you are beaten badly. Luckily Andy Dufrense makes acquaintances with the warden and guards.

He makes friends with 'Red' Redding(Nicely done by Morgan Freeman), a man who can get you anything from the outside. They bond together with other inmates and conquer over the warden. BUT one day a new inmate comes in and tells the story of how he knows Andy is instant.

The rest people can figure out for their own but they have to be careful... though this is one of Stephen King's rare dramas, it will have the evilness and twists that we all love him for. Plus look for the most feel good ending in the world. I'm honest this ending will shock you so much and make you want to know more of what happened.

Batman Begins (2005)

I prefer the first Batman but this hits a big #2 on my list(In Batman movies)

[8/10 · 1 September 2006]

This movie is a great prequel to the original Batman. I prefer the first one but I still think this one has character. It has a great cast (I'm sorry to say this but I don't like Christian Bale as a Batman, I'm not a fan of darkness and yelling in super hero*Superman didn't, Michale Keaton, and Spiderman*) especially Cillian Murphy's Scarcrow. I enjoyed him about as much as the Joker, Green Goblin, and Lex Luthor(Fan of retro even though I'm 13). The movie had a great plot too. How the Scarcrow dumps the drugs into the water pipes to blast it all out in gas form, which makes the citizens kill each other in panic. Another good thing is how is shows how Batman began(Duh, the title) but what I mean is that 1989 Batman showed only his parents dieing, it however did not show the fear of bats, martial arts in the Alps, and finding the cave that haunted him as well.

But now time for the bad stuff... I'm sorry to say but I do find parts...well a bit boring. Also I think that it should have shown some more action, BUT the parts that did have action were intense and amazing. Yet i do wish for some more action, Batman(1989) showed quite a bit of action in it. THEN there is the whole Scarcrow thing at the end, WHAT IS WITH THAT SHORT FIGHT? I mean he says "No... it's Scarcrow" then Rachel shocks and he gallops away on the horse. I was expecting there to be a fight with Batman and the Scarcrow too. Thats another reason i liked Batman better because he actually fought the Joker. You don't even knows what happened to the Scarcrow after that. And the most important thing this is missing, is Danny Elfmans amazing music. There isn't one person from seeing Batman(1989),if they hated it or not, that did not like that music OR at least know it.

Now if you can get passed these things then you can realize that this is an amazing movie and I recommend this movie to all, especially the Batman fans.

Batman (1989)

'Batman' is without a doubt one of the best heroes and movies out there

[10/10 · 26 August 2006]

OK so he doesn't have any powers but that doesn't matter, he is one of the greatest heroes out there. This movie is great still. PLUS ITS THE ULTAMITE REVENGE STORY(you don't find out the Joker killed his parents until the end).

OK so its a little out-dated, Batman is short(height wise), and yes it does show the villain more then Batman. But if you get past all that you can realize how amazing this movie is, I personally think its the best in the series, even better then Batman Begins. If you people cant get past these things then respect it still, like Superman, its the same problem. YOu cant watch the 1978 Superman and not expect perfect picture, graphics, sound, and color.

But out with the bad and in with the good, Jack Nicholson played an amazing Joker(you CAN NOT watch this movie and not like Jack Nicholson) for starters. None of the other movies not directed by Tim Burton, especially not Batman Begins, can compare to Danny Elfman's WONDERFUL music. Jack Nicholson and Tim Burton shared with the world their dark humor. The Joker even had his own little saying("You ever dance with the Devil by the pale moon light?"). And if I do say so, I thought the death sense were pretty cool.

If you at least give this movie a chance you will eventually come through and see that Batman is one of Tim Burton's best yet.

Jaws: The Revenge (1987)

It is a definite must see! It made me laugh SO HARD! Wait...WHAT!?It's not a comedy?

[24 August 2006]

This is an embarrassing movie. It doesn't deserve life. It made Jaws 3 look like The Godfather or Shawshank Redemption. IT MADE ME WANT TO SEE BATMAN & ROBIN!

The fact that Bruce(I Don't THINK STEPHEN SPIELBERG Meant FOR HIM TO BE NAMED!)the shark can ROAR like Godzilla and King Kong is a stupid idea. And that is almost as stupid as the idea of a shark getting revenge...AND IT Wasn't EVEN REVENGE! He already ate the son, following them to that island isn't revenge, it's really the mom's revenge anyway for stabbing him. And if it WAS suppose to mean the moms revenge, then how did she know it was that same shark? There are millions of sharks around those Caribbean islands.

Now I please ask the people that wish to see this, see an actual horror. Like The Shining, The Excorsist, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Cabin Fever, and Scream. But I say if you are looking for a comedy you should watch this movie, at first I thought this movie was a SPOOF of Jaws(Also for some good laughs see Animal House, Caddyshack, Monty Python and the Hunt for the Holy Grail, Airplane, and Blazing Saddles).

The Daily Show (1996– )

One of the funniest shows around, But I prefer Stephen Colbert

[10/10 · 23 August 2006]

Jon Stewert is a kickin' show but it has lost most of it's funniest people(Steve Carell and Stephen Colbert were the funniest). Though it has gotten a little bit worse I still think it deserves it's Emmy's. Ecpecially since he and Stephen Colbert have Gorge Bush and other politics to laugh at(but Stephen Colbert makes fun of more then politics which is why i like him better)

The Daily Show and The Colbert Report are slowly becoming T.V comedy classics such as The Simpsons. WARNING: If whoever is reading EVER becomes famous for whatever reason, be careful that you never do anything stupid because Jon Stewert and Stephen Colbert WILL BE ON YOU IF THEY DISAGREE!

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)

Jack Nicholson Please, Take Your Oscar In Pride As You Are 'Shining'

[10/10 · 18 August 2006]

I'm sorry, I couldn't help it. Every movie Jack Nicholson has been in was a HUGE success. Batman, One Who Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest, The Shining, the list goes on and on. Jack Nicholson was at the top of his game when he acted in this movie and got even higher at 1980's The Shining and even higher as he took his second role of a villain as Joker in 1989's Batman.

Now I am only 13 but since I saw The Shining and Batman I thought, Jack Nicholson CANT get any higher then this but my friend let me borrow his DVD of this and i jumped out of my seat. Even if this movie doesn't get you to cry you are still doing that sort of thing when you get teary because you see a man faking but he is surrounded by people that aren't and hes trying to get them more active. Sort of like 2005's amazing movie The Ringer.

There is nothing else to say but to watch this movie and you are in for a nice treat.

Family Guy (1999– )

Well.... It is O.K

[5/10 · 6 August 2006]

This show is funny at many times but the humor is at the same time, plan and stupid. You are always going into flashbacks or dreams of Peter's. The Simpsons is a better show.

And by the way this IS a rip off of The Simpsons everyone. A nagging wife, a perverted father(usually the start of the problems and pretty much the main character), a fat-ass,dumb-ass son, a sister that is a very big nerd and tries to fit in, a baby(if there is another thing funny about this show it is Stewie, he is the best and the only reason to watch this), a crazy neighbor(Simpsons its Flanders the Christian, Family Guy is Quagmire the perv.), and finally a family pet(even though he does talk, walk, and drink).

I still like Family Guy and you do get A FEW laughs from time to time but it doesn't beat the classic Simpsons. And I'm sorry to break all you Family Guys maniacs out there but I'm pretty sure it will be canceled in about 3-5 more years but The Simpsons have been on for about 20 years.

Family Guy is an O.K show but will NEVER beat The Simpsons.

Batman & Robin (1997)

Why God! Why!

[1/10 · 2 August 2006]

This movie gave a bad name to the super hero genre. I cant believe they made this a movie. If only this score could go to 0 maybe even -1. This made me feel like: *FRIEND*"Hey man, wanna go watch Batman and Robin with me?" *ME*"UMMM...Sorry i have to go watch Date Movie see ya" Honestly, I mean Arnold was an alright Mr.Freeze but poison Ivy was just a stupid character.This brought a bad name to Batman, my friend saw this and then didn't want to go see Batman Begins with me! Those of you that liked this movie watch the following movies too while you eat yourself out of depression: DATE MOVIE SCARY MOVIE 3 VEGAS VACATION CADDYSHACK II AND HOW ABOUT AIRPLANE!II:THE Sequel(OK THAT ONE WAS Alright-**OF*****)

Airplane! (1980)

One of the funniest movies ever!

[9/10 · 2 August 2006]

The 10 funniest movies(to me(I'm 13 so you might think some are dumb)) are in this order:

10.Monty Pythons Hunt for the Holy Grail

9.Wedding Crashers

8.Old School

7.Dodgeball:A True Underdog Story

6.Blazing Saddles

5.National Lampoons Vacation(first-3rd one Vegas Vacation sucked)

4.Airplane!

3.The Naked Gun:Files from the Police Squad

2.National Lampoons Animal House

1.Caddyshack

I believe that all these movies are must-see comedies but since we are on Airplane I'll talk about that.

The plot couldn't get funnier, Ted Striker is a washed up war pilot following his ex-girlfriend to an airplane to Chicago. While telling his boring story of the past to everyone on board the plane which leads them to their deaths people that have eaten fish for dinner are getting sick("Jim never vomits at home..."). Of coarse to make it funnier the captain, co-captain, and the navigator have eaten fish(captain done by the hilariously serious Peter Graves("Do you like movies about gladiators?").

THEREFORE the one of the most funniest actors, Leslie Neilson, comes in as a doctor and helps the sick people while helping the sturdists look for a man"...that can't only fly this plane...but who Didn't have fish for dinner(dramatic music)." So Ted has to fly the plane all the way down to Chicago with the most important and funniest character(sarcastic), Otto the automatic pilot(a balloon pilot).

Alien (1979)

"Here kitty kitty kitty"

[9/10 · 2 August 2006]

^^^^My favorite lines and death scene in the movie. Though I am 13 and didn't see the original theatrical version, I got the directors cut and watched it, and this movie amazed me(not scared, I'm not scared easily). I don't like the fact that it is very Gothic though like The Shining, I couldn't see some stuff(death scene with Veronica and Yaphet) but i could just barley make out what was going on.

This movie (and War of the Worlds(the original)) was what brought the thought of aliens and things living on other planets and brought other great movies such as Independece Day.

But it is certain to bring chills to you and to others maybe horror but it will entertain you nether the less. ***1/2 stars of ****

Misery (1990)

A good thriller, Stephen King's book was better

[8/10 · 2 August 2006]

This was an amazing movie don't get me wrong, but it just wasn't scary. I still think it is great but was not as good as the book(same with The Shining,Carrie,Pet Semetary,and It(haven't read any others, just started Salems' Lot)).

****Spoilers****

The book has more 'horror' in it then the movie,though Stephen King does not try to be scary but thrilling. For example, instead of the *sheriff* getting *shot* in the *basement*. A *deputy* is run over with a *lawn mower* in the *front yard*. Also, the book Paul wrote/Annie made him burn did not have a title, but in the book it was 'Fast Cars'.AND(last one i could find(e-mail me if u find others))instead of having his *ankels broken* with a *sludge hammer* for the hobbling. His foot(left i believe) is *cut off* with an *axe*.

****End of Spoilers****

The acting of Kathy Bates is amazing because of how she can go from "OOHHHHHH I just bought the first edition of Miserys' Child!" to "You dirty bird...YOU KILLED MISERY*shakes bed*, I Don't WANT HER SPIRIT, I WANT HER!" is amazing. Although Kathy has done great acting in some of my other favorites(Waterboy("Did someone hurt you boy*picks up butchers knife*you just tell momma who hurt you")).

This movie has it's ups and downs, at points it has you dragging and bored but then a couple minutes(give it about 10-25)and Kathy Bates will come in as mean as possible creating one of the most feared and infamous 'horror'(more like suspense)character ever.

Like Carrie you have to respect the stuff that's going on and look at the thrilling suspense stuff then complaining because it isn't scary and drags you at points until it gets good. 8/10