blackasp98 Reviews

Law Abiding Citizen (2009)

Law abiding citizen

[10/10 · 1 November 2009]

This was a great example of how and why the law sucks as it does. To have criminals set free to do a crime again after they are released even by turning on their so called friends, was an excellent example of how the lower life forms have become less than human. But the lawyer's who work with them are just as lowly themselves getting them released in the first place. Gerard Butler was fantastic as a father who lost his family to two thugs who did not give a rats ass to life. And seeing the justice system fail to such a degree, would give any person the right idea to do it themselves. He plays a high level think tank, a person who comes up with the most imaginative ways to kill anyone without leaving traces behind to link him to the deed. A secret operative who more or less retired to live his life with his daughter and wife, only to be erased from existence from cockroaches. But his resolve was to wipe out the trace elements who gave one of the killers freedom just after serving three years for doing the actual killing, and the cohort being executed who did nothing except watch. Yet in the end it was sad to see Gerards character die, it should have been the lawyer who should have been in his place. Though without a family it would be a lonely existence for Gerards Character. This was a great film in many forms, and also a great example of how the law is failing badly to those who really need the justice system to work.

The Ten Commandments (1956)

Beautiful every time i see it.

[10/10 · 13 April 2009]

Since i was a kid, i have seen this film every year with the same result. Awe stricken with the graceful pictures and wonderful story mixed with breath taking special effects. This story of moses was by far the best display of Hollywood magic other than Ben hur. A man born of a slave to be raised by a princess in the house of Egypt to avoid infanticide. Growing up to be a man and finding his roots by happenstance, had become the deliverer of his own people in a few years time from the whips and chains of their task masters to ultimate freedom. Charlton Heston was brilliant as the only man alive other than Jesus who saw the real face of god. And with this new faith went back to Egypt to have his people released from the vile clutches of Ramses. Yet to do this, he had to create a few miracles in that time to give the pharaoh the incentive to do so. But as with all powerful royal mongers he wanted more power, and was keeping the people for his own sake. But with moses the idea of plagues would have done it, but again, with power comes more power so ramses kept the people until his only son was killed from the last plague which ramses gave himself to thwart moses. When this happened of course the people were set free. I loved the way the sets were arranged where we see the people stand in such ways it was like looking at old paintings done by DA vinci or other renaissance painters. The images of miracles happening, and ex slaves watching in horror and awe of the power of god. Brilliant way to show a painting. I cannot understand why anyone would give this film just seven stars. It won numerous Oscars and to me this film will always remain the ultimate classic film.

Knowing (2009)

Knowing fantastic

[10/10 · 29 March 2009]

From what i thought of the apocalypse, turns out to be a one way ticket to another world altogether. This was a very enjoyable film from frame one to last. The strangers were a bit under done but what the hell, looks are not everything. I really thought they were the seven arch angels of the apocalypse making one wonder if this was a religious aspect to the movie. But to my misdiagnosis i am glad i was wrong. The twist of having the strangers look for the very few who could be touched to the inner mind so that they themselves can have a second chance was refreshing. On a distant planet where no sickness or diseases can run rampant, and collectively having all the children in one spot to restart the race. And having the old wiped away in a burning cinder was quite original. Leaving behind the old memories and mistrusts of the human race, until the earth became a scorched ember ready to reconstitute itself for another million years, and to have the children come back to repopulate the species. Wonderful way to show how we really do not need this planet by the way its going right now.

The Godfather Part II (1974)

All round the most fantastic mafioso film ever made

[10/10 · 22 March 2009]

Seeing this film after the first one was probably the most classic ever made. Having us see Vito as he was before becoming the beloved godfather as we all know. His role was hailed by nearly all critics as the most powerful he has done. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Al Pacino as Micheal. Using someone else would have been blasphemous, because i heard someone else was going to take the role because of certain arguments in the high ups department. But when the air cleared, it was back in business as usual. Francis ford Coppola has been in my view a very exacting director and screen writer to bring us such wonderful films. Like the godfather series and also apocalypse now which in my view had to be the greatest war film since Ben hur. Coppola hasn't done much lately these days but it would be nice if he could direct another film soon. One that has his time and critical notions to get him some more Oscars. And who ever gave this film a point of one out of ten really does not know how to appreciate great artwork in film that Coppola has given us in these past years. This person sounds to me like the usual gore in mafioso flicks like departed or good fellas or other films. not that i don't mind these films themselves, i do. But there are more ways to express art than just using guns in every frame of a mafia movie.

28 Weeks Later (2007)

Incredible film

[10/10 · 20 March 2009]

From the first time i saw 28 days later i was so hoping to see this film when it was completed. For this reason was one of two things. First Robert Carlyle, this guy in on my top list of favorite actors. His no nonsense approaches to his characters is always flawless what ever he plays. I first saw Robert in a good film called formula 51, a kind of knock off guy who works for the local mafia in Liverpool. Seeing his abilities when acting reminds me of how players in films should act, with no barriers in the way. The second reason i wanted to see this film was because of the premise this story holds. The aftermath of the infection, where survivors are transported back to Britain where their lives can re-establish. But in this friendly chaos a lone survivor who was bitten became an infected, but with a immunity to its shortcomings. The survivors husband Robert Carlyle, makes a small reunion, and not knowing she is infected, kisses her with affection. And in that kiss becomes the nightmare all over again by becoming the rage virus, spreading through the citizens one by one until the army has no choice but to eliminate everybody, infected or not. I am really hoping again that another film to this successful genre can be made to offer a more broadened area of infectees to roam around, such as France and then the United states where i think all people should see Americans run around like madmen.

Quarantine (2008)

Not very worthy

[2/10 · 19 February 2009]

Now i know why this film went straight to video. This movie was based on another title which was made to look real as it was filmed. What i really hated about it was when the camera guy kept going out of focus. Which made it really hard to concentrate on the movie. At least cloverfield when i saw it was spontaneous in every way. This movie was expecting the public to expect the unexpected. This was a sad move, if this film was made like 28 days later or weeks later it could have been more interesting in why the quarantine was needed. I actually was disappointed in this film, it was not very original except for the virus or whatever caused a person to try and eat another. And using the look real concept was not what the public needed, they needed to see a more impactive motion to make it more scary. And with not using music made it more less plausible. Like i said cloverfield was much more cause and effect, very original, and downright scary at most points. This did not move me.

Taken (I) (2008)

Taken to the limits

[10/10 · 6 February 2009]

What a kick ass movie this was, Liam Neeson by rights is an excellent hero in my book. From various movies in the past including rob Roy, this was his best by far. And quite a martial artist too in fact. This was exhilarating to watch beginning to end, to have a father who goes to his daughters rescue in such a way that no one stands in his path. Not even so called friends from his life who would not help him. A ex secret preventer who uses methods to stop evil, he gets the results he needs with no mercy shown. To him his daughter means everything, and if scummy vile no good human traders get their just desserts, then so be it. Though in short comings it was sad to see his little girl see the world for what it really is, at seventeen it can obviously be a nightmare. But to have a father rescue his girl and to see her staring back into his eyes, was all worth it in the end. Because not only was he a preventer, he will always be a super hero to his little girl. Bravo Luc Besson and Robert Kamen, and hats off to Pierre Morel.

Se7en (1995)

se7en, what a masterpiece

[10/10 · 15 September 2008]

This movie was by far the most powerful psychological thriller ever made to date. Three of the best actors in one film giving an air of electricity could hardly be achieved by any other than The Usual Suspects. A film where two cops try to unravel the mysteries about a series of homicides, stemming from the seven deadly sins. Each character seeping a film of evil from themselves even though they are dead made the public think what if a serial murderer is right. That each death was necessary as he saw fit, making sure that the deadly sins was carried out to such a degree that the outcry from this maniac was heard by the public. And in turn having each person reconsider their lives and why we are here. David fincher did a brilliant job directing this film, giving us a glimpse into the horrific underworld of the deadly sins, in the cracks of the streets or sidewalks and where the stragglers walk the alley ways, and even capturing the stink of the scene where the public cringes their noses watching. Brad Pitt, Morgan freeman, and Kevin spacey was magnificent together. Making the end scene the most powerful ever created, and along with the end scene the music that gave the film its most impactive climax to date. Wonderful movie.

Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)

awe inspiring film

[10/10 · 25 August 2008]

I watched this film with my mother one night, and she doesn't exactly take to the genre of martial arts films except where Bruce lee was concerned. But Kill Bill had to have been the greatest story i have watched for a long time. I understand that uma Thurman learned to use the katana from the legendary Sonny Chiba himself who had a role as a sushi bar chef. For over six months uma learned the art of wielding the sword like a pro, and my own mother was awed by her use of it as well. I said after the film, that this was the greatest display of swordsmanship i have ever seen in my life. To which my mother agreed in reply your not kidding where she gasped for breath at the end of the scene. Never in my life have i ever sat with my mouth open during a battle like that, the carnage was unbelievable in a artistic way as well as historic. The katana has always been revered as the most civilized way to solve disputes in warring clans of the sho-gun and samurai. This was no different where the blue leaves café was concerned, warriors fighting to the death with honor and accepting defeat in the long run, with no honor lost in the process. And the final scene o-rin and kiddo, that was something to behold, where two female warriors facing off in the traditional manner until one is left standing. Unlike any other film i have watched containing martial arts, this one held my breath, and tarentino captured it perfectly giving us the broadside view of how the sho-gun lived and died with honor. But just to let you all know, in the second film where we see kiddo train with pai-may, using kung fu was excellent, but it would have done more profound impact if they used the old world martial art where the sho-gun were trained with an art which was forbidden to outsiders until about 65 years ago. The art is called Hwa-Rang-Do, and with this art the sho-gun were the most unstoppable force walking the earth, which is why even the roman empire never tried to conquer because of the fact the sho-guns always won every battle. Kung-fu uses about 800-950 moves and techniques white to black belt, but hwa rang do when learned is over 4000 moves and techniques making the art the deadliest art on the planet. Tarentino should have used that as a good plot for the scene, not relinquishing a strict and hard teacher, in fact using a true hard teacher from Korea in the art would have given the excuse to showing why she used the katana, because the sho-gun or samurai was the ultimate masters of the weapon. Still we both thoroughly enjoyed Kill Bill, fantastic display of traditions.

Death Race (2008)

Well not bad

[5/10 · 25 August 2008]

After seeing this film i have to say that, one,... they should have had the race in the desert like the previous version had. What i do remember about death race 2000, is that the race was held outdoors in the open, where anybody was fair game and not just the prisoners. Points were awarded for each kill of who ever it was in the way. Also this new version was a little short sighted with the cars, using great special effects with huge guns and missiles was really original. But it would have been better in the open land, the carnage would have been more impactive showing debris flying every where resulting in more points and greater chaos. Using a prison was at best un-original, we have seen too many films about winning freedoms from races or fighting, in the old version Frankenstein was a celebrity not a prisoner, neither was his race mates. It could have done a whole lot better using the original script, unless roger corman wrote the original script using a prison but never achieving it. Which ever the case, i did enjoy this for eye candy effects, but the story lacked somewhat substance in the characters. But all in all not a bad move for the car enthusiast.

Kung Fu Panda (2008)

Always great to watch

[10/10 · 13 August 2008]

Well every time i see this movie i always laugh and hold my seat for the next scene. Dreamworks out did themselves with this movie because of the fact of the learning curve we all have to go through. Po being a non kung fu student dreams of being the best fighter in the valley, yet his simple look to the art is childish not realizing what learning this art entails. And having to grow up just a little bit faster in the face of danger lurking around the corner from the most rageful student shifu had to train. Po suddenly realizes that being the dragon warrior is being the savior to the valley and to his father and his friends. This film gave us every kind of ingredient that all people face each day in order to over come the obstacles. And Po trained awesomely with shifu, learning the skills that a panda bear only can master, and becoming the warrior that oogway foretold. The team that gave us Kung Fu Panda was awesome, showing kids that growing up and learning new things to keep people safe from danger is the only positive message that this film can provide. And also trying to learn how to make good noodles.

The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008)

Seems so sad

[3/10 · 31 July 2008]

I have not seen the movie yet, but i would like to in accordance with tradition sequels. Yet not having Rachel Weiss was a very bad move indeed. From the reviews i have read about their character son being too old i must agree that it is not balanced enough. Having a son too old in the picture is by far a drop out money gainer. This script was not thought out enough, by the looks of Brendan Frasier he hasn't aged a day really, but seeing the fully grown son throws it off base by a mile, but it would have been more plausible having a pre teen take the role making the scene more believable. To me Stephen sommers did a great job of the first two mummy's it would have been much more of an adventure if he did the third installment. But since another director took the reigns, it seems to me that the films creators were under pressure to get it made as soon as possible, cutting corners to fit the script to the screen. This is bad movie making in full force, and not having RW there was a blow to everyone who made or watched the first two films. With her she gave Evelyn the charisma and bravery and funny hip jokes which made her lovable on the big screen. It was a bad blow to my nieces when they found out that their favorite female hero was not there to help Brendan face more mummy's or evil sorcerers from two thousand years ago. If it could be possible, it would be nice to have Stephen sommers consider making a new film with the original cast, a kind of full throttle movie with more spills and chills and roller coaster rides that we are used to seeing from the legendary sommer team.

The X Files: I Want to Believe (2008)

Hmmmm what next?

[3/10 · 29 July 2008]

Well i have to say that Chris carter did not bring up the expectations i was led to believe. From the commercials i saw on the second installment of the x-files movie i thought yes another great film from ten-thirteen group. But when i saw the film i was about to walk out of the theater mainly because the movie did not do anything for me at all. What the public is used to is seeing both Mulder and Sculley together working on some of the most mind boggling cases that the x-files was known for. Except in this case, the story is just about a pedo-psychic who's visions led them to a small compound where some back yard quack doctors were doing experiments on human subjects for the sake of so called science. It was a most unremarkable story to date from Chris carter, nothing was original at all, in fact some of the story had past elements to give it more flavor but it didn't work for me. And the story as i understand it was that both Mulder and Sculley were still at the bureau doing what they knew best about the cases that come in. Instead we see them both out of the FBI doing what ever they are doing, Sculley doing her med research and Mulder doing grizzly Adams, what gives with that?. I remember both saying in the first movie, if we give up they win. So..... did they give up? or were they fired or laid off?... or asked to leave?.... there are the questions people are asking because really we saw them still in the FBI ready to do their work again, with the x-files re-opened. We need answers please.

WALL·E (2008)

Flawless

[10/10 · 22 July 2008]

You know i commented on this film once already, but you know every time i see this film, it becomes more wonderful each time i do see it. Pixar has become the most influential animation studio on the planet to this date. Wall-e is absolutely mind boggling with camera sequences and lighting and brilliant special effects. The story is top notch on how we the people have or are becoming complacent in our daily lives and how we all depend on mechanical things to keep ourselves lazy in so many ways. In the film when we see earth nearly barren of all life except for one little plant that an eve robot had recovered from wall- e. The idea of seeing our world slowly drying up and dying is more profound than most of us realize. We are not in the position to go into space yet like in this film, but in the near future it is not far off from what we or scientists know because of all the global warming and such. Governments who are key in promotional exploration of oil do not care what the people think any more. We are not necessary to bring about the changes we need to keep ourselves from destruction, and the government knows this. Yet in this film even protocols can be broken to free the minds of individuals of oppressions or slavery to their own demises. And you know something?, not one government official would ever see this film on his or her own, because if they did, their conscience would ultimately change the way our lives have been. Yet military issues and others keep the oils at bay by force now, nobody can be free from the governments unless we become just as free as wall-e and eve. We can certainly learn from both of them.

Godzilla (I) (1998)

sort of OK

[5/10 · 21 July 2008]

Alright here it is, for one i have been a Godzilla fan since i was a kid. This movie was excellent for special effects and story line. BUT.... what i didn't need to see was a few actors from a previous movie of both dean Devlin and Roland Emmerich. For those who don't remember during the sub scene one of the captains from the sub was from independence day. A helicopter pilot who came to one of the ships in order to make contact. A black guy i cant remember his name offhand, but it was so disconcerting to see him in there playing again a soldier or captain or such. Some of the other actors also appeared in the film from independence day. I hate to say this, but even though i hold very high regards for both dean and Roland, it would have been nice to see some new fresh faces on the screen rather than looking at a few of the same actors who made their film independence day so huge. Other than that Mathew Broderick was very classy in this film as a biologist in the field of chemical attributes from fallout effects on animals. Along with his cohorts who help his theories of trying to convince the army that Godzilla has laid eggs in Madison square garden. It was a very approachable story and to watch Godzilla in action again was a treat. Very well done special effects and keeping his size the same. But for the downside it was sad to see same actors in this film from a previous one. This is the first time i gave a movie of this caliber below ten.

Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008)

Fantastic

[10/10 · 17 July 2008]

This definitely out did hell boy 1, i enjoyed this film for the intense characters that were truly out of the ordinary. Seeing the troll market full of characters of different species and races of the underworld gave it a very rare look of us seeing how the unsee able lives. Much like us in some respects but with a certain chaotic feel of being in a realm where only creatures are only allowed. And if one human enters, instant death albeit except Sherman. mainly because creatures can sense other creatures with unique gifts or powers. And the prince and his sister, regal to the end, and even though the prince wanted to reclaim the upper world as his own he still kept to the rules of protocol all except the final battle. With a self sacrificing sister taking her own life to end his, keeping the golden army at bay forever from Sherman's help. I have to say this was Ron perlmans better roles in his career, i like the hell boy franchise and how its gotten much bigger and better over the last few years. As we remember when Ron was the beast in the famed TV series opposite Linda Hamilton, we can see that Ron's persona fits his role perfectly, using slapstick comical quips and real butt kicking techniques to get the job done. But what was a refreshing new character was Johann Krause, the ecto plasmic by the book individual who let his hair down when it was needed. He was a very fine addition to the team i hope if there is a next hell boy, they will include Johann again. And hopefully seeing both Sherman's and hell boys kids growing up to be like mom and dad,

Hancock (2008)

Loved it

[10/10 · 9 July 2008]

This was will smiths better films since i am legend. The remake of i am legend comes from the omega man, and it didn't do will smith justice at all. This did how ever, using a bad mannered super hero who stays drunk most of the time other than trying to have the world made a better place. Realizing he has a past of some kind, stemming possibly more than ten thousand years, where he understands in a small way that he is one among another who is the only deity left in existence. His people were born i guess you could say gods at a time where gods roamed the earth, with far reaching powers we only dream of. But each one has to be paired with another to have them mortal so they can live through the times of ages. But if one becomes separated from the other they succumb to the most awesome powers which keeps them alive for eons. But if they return to one another they are mortal again. This was a rather unique and interesting look into the lives of superheros where they have weaknesses like everyone else. I loved the special effects and how john Hancock's can suddenly feel and know that there are people who keep superheros alive and well in their hearts. I loved the comic aspect and the puns which made it more human than anything else. Hopefully there may be another john Hancock's film in the works.

The Andromeda Strain (2008)

Andromeda strain

[7/10 · 14 May 2008]

I have to say that this movie did a turn around pretty well. Although the containment labs were somewhat more open than the original it did manage to capture each characters opinions. The story was about the same for plot such as keeping with Dr. Kim's epilepsy and the two in sick bay without so much as a hint of the bacteria. As for the theory of Andromeda coming from another time that was hard to swallow unless in the book it also tells of this theory. But still all in all this film was nice to see remade from the legendary ridley Scott, who's possibly the most prolific director of our time. With works such as Alien, white squall, and the most famous of his directing Blade runner. And not to forget his Oscar winning movies gladiator and Black Hawk Down. Doing a TV made movie is out of his area of expertise but seeing as his directing does really well in anything he does, i hope to see more of his films hit TV soon again. The Andromeda strain is a classic no matter who says what, all i know is that this film was a good attempt and it made me smile to see such diversity. But i did notice how much homeland security is being mentioned in this film, a sort of screw you government, kind of thing to let the public know that this homeland security thing is all crap. Just another way to dominate the American people in any way possible. And this film just made homeland security about as federal as fed ex, i don't think anybody wants it in America and i don't think anybody wants to see bush any longer in office. The Andromeda strain was a good teaching tool about our environment and how over mining can damage what we know as our own salvation. See what happens when the heads of state fool around with things they know or want to know nothing about?. Excellent film.

The Ruins (2008)

Yeesh a bad move

[1/10 · 14 April 2008]

I have to say that this movie was not what i expected. Even though i have not read the book the fact that plants can one bait and then wait for a killing to happen only to have it drag off a corpse for lunch is about the worst scenario anyone has come up with. With the title ruins you would think that out of 3000 years that some kind of deity or ancient animal or god would be the culprit. This is like another movie primeval where you would think it was something strange that villagers fear the most, but not a crocodile. Either way this film was like that, it entices you to think about ruins of Mayan or Inca folklore resulting in awakening and old god or the people had another agenda for sacrifice or something to that effect. But plants?.... come on, is there nothing else producers can come up with to wow a crowd?. As for this movie it will hit the 'b' list in no time. I have to say that some of the gore was excellent to see, but it didn't make up for the rest of the film. And a plant mimicking a cell phone sound or peoples voices is just too much to be believed. I am a fan of horror films but i am not a stereo typed fan who relies on just gore or mechanical effects. I do rely on great suspense and whats the next scene going to bring for more suspense. The thing had a better story line than this did. Even the ring had me jumping for more, but the ruins is just that..... ruined for using a plant to coax victims into killing or be killed by the villagers. The premise was alright for the villagers to keep it at bay with salt and such but still a simple blow torch and lots of napalm can easily do the trick to end those pesky plants with a flesh eating disorder.

Day Watch (2006)

Wonderful film

[10/10 · 8 April 2008]

Very interesting film, part comedy and horror thriller, unique in every way. Although i don't understand Russian i could actually get the gist of it watching the characters. For me it looked like good versus evil, demons against angels that sort of thing. But set in a modern day world where certain individuals have special gifts to defend themselves. And a company or organization that hires or contracts out these people to stop evil doers in their tracks. But what got me more intrigued was the main characters able to leap out of one location to another i guess by glass only. Like jumping through an open window, but as i suspect they cannot do it often except in emergencies. Really creative cast and settings, and i love the special effects that put it all together, buildings crashing around people and a huge ferris wheel tumbling through the streets. As i understand it, through folklore and legends, the chalk that was protected by a monk was i guess the universal pencil of change. Or to put in a better term, future writer of our destiny. Excellent concept of this used in the film, it is said there was such a thing long ago but as we saw in the early wars it was still held by the monk, and still kept through the ages away from evil doers. Imagine something like that to be used to change history or the future as we see fit. But as we all saw it can also create more chaos than good. But one has to imagine what lies beyond the borders of our future?.

Dante's Peak (1997)

Excellent movie

[10/10 · 2 April 2008]

For a lot of years i have seen enough disaster movies to be critical at seeing how we could see from a on site persons point of view as a vulcanist. This movie was very accurate in showing what the stages are when a volcano erupts violently. From small burps to the anxious singing a volcano does when the esophagus clears for more. The pyroclastic cloud was top notch and just as violent as always shown in the learning channels or discovery channels descriptions. Pyroclastic clouds can reach Fahrenheits of about 600 degrees outside part of a cloud and reach a higher inwards to about 850. It can also burn some ones lungs to a cinder in seconds, and blow buildings off of their foundations in about the same amount of time. This was a great movie to watch, the characters were really good, the backup characters of harry's team was also done well. And the special effects were also top rate, i almost believed that a real volcano was erupting in the movie. As for the other movie volcano with tommy lee Jones, it didn't come close in anyway to the insurmountable disaster that volcanoes have. Roland Emmerich will have to do better next time in his disaster tries down the road. As for this movie i was very impressed.

I Am Legend (2007)

A bad disappointment

[2/10 · 2 April 2008]

I have to say that remakes are a bad idea at times. This movie was done out of context of The Omega Man with Charlton Heston. And at that time when the movie was made was a more understandable version than this one with will smith. yet will smith did a fantastic job of acting alone for the most part. The creatures that evolved after a cataclysmic epidemic resulting in the deaths of billions of people, his character was to make a antidote to reverse the effects of the mutagen. Not a bad story but lacked more cohesive answers to the questions. Like such as why this outbreak happened during a cancer cure. Or why he was the only man to stay unaffected or why survivors found him after listening to a radio broadcast?. The creatures as far as i understand it in the omega man all talked and no grunts or loud screaming. Now i don't know if the story was to be that way or they changed it for that reason of rage bellowing endless hours after dark. But it was more feasible than todays version, and it also bordered too close to 28 days later for my taste. This movie should have been thought through a little more before production, and using graphic visuals for the creatures was a bit too much as well. You could actually see the mechanical movements border lining each one when they moved. Real people should be used for this sort of thing, acrobatic or not. I would not recommend this film unless you are a will smith fan like i am. And thats all i saw it for.

Shot Through the Heart (1998 TV Movie)

Why did this happen?

[10/10 · 4 March 2008]

I have to say that of all the docudramas i have watched this one impacted me the most. As the movie starts,you can see people going about their daily business of shop keeping or industrial jobs for the common folk. Streets lined with walkers shopping,school children playing and elderly watching it all on park benches. This is the world that Sarajevo knew before the government collapsed. Muslim,croates,and various other religions living together in one city and village,working together to make their worlds just that much more happy. Until the new appointed dictatorship stole it all away. This film was excellent in showing the lives of a select few who survived to tell their story of this horrible genocide that took place in 1992. People that used to live and breathe the same air together becoming enemies in the vast war that followed. Separating the Muslims,croates and others,killing each other in cold blood,snipers firing on children for the sheer pleasure of watching them die. And the most horrible tales of women and very young girls being violated in the most evil ways a human can imagine. Today there are still some remnants of those years but not as conflictive,but still in some small way could explode again. Sarajevo and all of its history of neighbors living together has been lost for all time,with children laughing during or after school,people shopping for their families,businesses helping to expand their way of life,and the elderly watching on park benches smiling no more. The cast of this movie was impeccable,i was moved seeing the despair rise out of newly formed ashes and the cast,Linus Roache was fantastic in his role. Along with his Serb character Vincent Perez,two lifelong friends separated by the conflict. I would recommend this movie even for the universities who study the human mind and why they can change at any given time out of fear.

Midnight Express (1978)

Excellent portrayal

[10/10 · 10 February 2008]

This movie was a fantastic rendition of the real life story of billy Hayes,which haunted me since i first saw the film. After watching The Learning Channel about great prison breaks,i had to go and rent this movie. Oliver stone delivers as always the sheer magnetic horror of how a persons life can be turned upside down through one mistake. Getting caught at the airport with hash stuffed in his boots and shirt billy was sentenced to an original fifteen years until it was overturned to thirty. This made an all too clear idea to billy Hayes that he was going nowhere except insane in his mind. But as history tells it,he was the very first human prisoner to escape a Turkish prison. Making him the all time number one escapee. Making it to Greece he was almost turned back to turkey until an agent spoke on his behalf to the American consulate,giving him his freedom once again. He never stepped foot back on Turkish soil,and he also had given speeches about his plight back home in schools and drug rehab centers,hopefully opening the eyes of people who dwell on the idea of trying to make it big in the drug trade. I think we can learn a lot from billy Hayes and why the only prison left is one without a key,and sanity.

Rambo (2008)

Still the greatest soldier

[10/10 · 1 February 2008]

Well i have to say that this film was something else. From my memories of the first three,as they were all about rescues and honor to fellow soldiers. But this one took it to a whole new level,with missionaries who were brought in to look after the sick and wounded,because the Burmese hillsides were clustered with land mines laid by the military. After the abduction of these missionaries by the merciless military,john Rambo was hired to bring them out of captivity along with some other mer cs,who are in a league of their own to help him. The scenes were awesome using explosions of such brutality that some of the characters were dismembered which is what happens in small or large military campaigns,grossly explicit in content and without a doubt the best film sly had to offer in a long time. He looks bigger than ever before which is good to see in his role as Rambo. But what made it more appealing was his return to his homeland of Arizona where he could finally reconcile with his dad,though we don't see it,all except his ranch. Still from being a mindless killing machine who had a grudge with the world,he was still human who needed family,much like colonel Troutman was to him from fort brag. Excellent to watch,hope to see a new Stallone later on.