fearfact0 Reviews

Cabin Fever (2002)

This is a pretty good horror movie...to say the least.

[7/10 · 25 June 2006]

Horror is subjective. Some people like jump scares, some people like building tension, some people like slasher films, some people like vampire. You get my point, and if this doesn't illustrate it perfectly, my stepbrother likes jump scares and while I like gore, I prefer the thinking-man's eerie kinda horror movie. Hence he prefers Feardotcom to The Ring, and I chastise him about it. And he doesn't care, he hates the Ring but loves Feardotcom, it's his kind of horror.

Cabin Fever is for horror fans who like the fact that not all of them take themselves seriously. The Evil Dead is in my opinion of the twenty greatest horror movies ever made...and it's hilarious. Dead/Alive also. You get what I'm saying. Cabin Fever is of that mode, not particularly being SCARY in a traditional sense, but gory as all get out (on a budget of 1.5 million, no less) and funny. If you watch Cabin Fever thinking it is going to resurrect horror, then you would be wrong. What it did was begin the writing/directing career of Eli Roth, who is one of the people resurrecting horror. This was the predecessor to Hostel, which is brilliance in horror. Interesting enough, I still like this more. Can't wait to see what he does with Cell.

ATL (2006)

I can't understand this film's rating...

[6 May 2006]

I thought this film was rather sensational. Not sensational in the same sense as The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King, The Aviator, or Goodfellas, but in the same sense as 8 Mile and Hustle and Flow. This is a good film about a man trying to rise above who he is, but not trying to be God. He is simply trying to be a better version of himself...a la Rabbit in 8 Mile. T.I. may not be the best rapper ever, and he may not be the best actor ever, but he did a fantastic job in this film (although the best debuts are still eminem in 8 mile and ice cube in boys in the hood). I think that with the exception of the skating scenes (which were in themselves not terrible) this movie should be considered a hood classic along with boys in the hood, south central, 8 mile, hustle and flow, and menace 2 society. I was impressed.

The Crow (1994)

Brandon Lee was a godsend...

[10/10 · 23 April 2006]

There was nobody else that could've played this like Lee played it...he truly was sent from Heaven to play this role...before he died. Yes, his death was tragic, all the more tragic considering the movie and the source material (ironic is a better word.) This is one of the greatest movies of the 1990's, and anyone who claims otherwise is sadly mistaken. As with most decades, it is the smaller cult films that take the cake. Clerks, Pulp fiction, The Matrix (although bigger budget), and the crow are on the list of the ten best movies of the 1990's. A ten year span and one of the best? 13 years later (almost) and still a classic? Yes it stands the test of time. Brandon Lee rules.

Memoirs of a Geisha (2005)

Perhaps the most beautiful looking film in years...

[7/10 · 18 January 2006]

And yes, I understand that the word that perhaps stands out the most is "looking", as it pertains to the appearance of the film instead of the film itself. Let me explain...but first with the problems many have...

Yes, Memoirs of a Geisha is a fictional tale. Yes, Memoirs of a Geisha is English language yet taking place in Japan many many many years ago. Yes, Memoirs of a Geisha is flawed compared to the extravagance and excellence of the book. Yes Memoirs of a Geisha is more lush than full, pretty than ripe with flavor, visual rather than grand.

All that aside...

this is a movie about Japan in this age, pure and simple. while reading the book I took away a knowledge of a subculture that I never fully understood (yet thought I did) and became more acquainted with something I never knew existed entirely. When I watched the film I came away not with an understanding of the Geisha (the book did that), but with an understanding of the era and time and place and so on with which the Geisha in the film exists. This is more like a companion piece to an indomitable novel than an adaptation of said novel. While the novel lets you into the world of the Geisha, this lets you into the world of the world of the Geisha, if that makes sense. And while I would rather have seen a tremendously faithful adaptation and subsequent transformation of the words into visage, I do admire that somehow such was not done and instead we see the full canvass for the first time, the story through words and the world through visual context. While I (again) would rather have seen the world fully realized, I admit that seeing it in this manor is no less grandiose.

Supercross (2005)

Not as bad as you'd think/not as good as they'd think.

[3/10 · 20 August 2005]

Supercross is a movie you know. Everyone here has seen countless movies just like this before. Nothing new, however, does not necessarily mean nothing gained.

The motocross action in this is superb, and even though I'd never heard of the director (or in the case of the action perhaps the second unit director) I felt the motocross parts of the film were more than well done and well filmed. So for motocross fans, you will get some distinctive motocross action to consume lovingly.

The acting doesn't fare as well, but what do you expect? I'ts called Supercross: The movie, stars a bunch of unknowns (the two most well known are Robert Patrick in a small supporting role, and either Mike Vogel of Grind/Texas Chainsaw Massacre fame or Sohpia Bush of One Tree Hill.)While the acting doesn't necessitate awards, should it? The audience for this is not going to care as much about the acting ability as much as the ability of the movie to entertain, and it does. It's fun. Enough said.

I read a review that compared the plot to The Karate Kid, and while I could see the similarities, there are deviances; but the film itself does borrow from other sports destiny films and when you think about it...it has too. There is nothing but cliché left in this genre. So just sit back and enjoy a good time and shut your brain off. Wait for DVD if you aren't a motocross fan.

p.s. my friend saw the preview for this and his literal quote was "I'd rent that just for the hot chicks." There ya go boys.

Cradle 2 the Grave (2003)

completely mindless, but that's a good thing

[6/10 · 5 March 2003]

cradle 2 the grave is another one of those "Joel Silver action movies featuring DMX" that everyone knows began with Romeo Must Die and also includes Exit Wounds. Cradle 2 the Grave fits solely in between them both I feel, right behind Romeo Must Die but far ahead of Exit Wounds.

DMX takes center stage, not Jet Li, as Tony Fait, leader of a group of thieves that steal a lot of diamonds and some black stones. Jet Li plays Su, a Taiwanese Agent keeping tabs on the stones so that they are not stolen. What seemed like a Jet Li starrer became a DMX vehicle, which may be a good thing. DMX may bark a lot and curse, but he shows some real acting chops in this film, being both unpredictable and restrained in the same film. The fight scene where he is taking a beating while protecting his daughter stands out as a scene of genuine action and caring. DMX may be a star yet. Jet Li, on the other hand, is given little to do except fight and say a few lines of dialogue. Is it just me, or has his English actually gotten worse since Romeo Must Die? His charisma in this movie is also lacking some, but DMX more than makes up for it and they both come out as victors.

There is no real complicated plot to speak of, nor is there an Oscar-worthy performance out of anyone, yet the film still has high points that I choose not to share, but rest assured if you're looking for action, rap music, fighting, or a striptease by Gabrielle Union, this is your film.

Just Married (2003)

a quirky, funny little comedy

[7/10 · 6 January 2003]

I found Just Married to be a funny little comedy (I would say romantic comedy, but when I think of those I relate them as being equal parts of the film, and this is mostly just comedy) with a decent performance out of the stars. Brittany Murphy shines bright as usual, although this film will do little to put her higher on the Hollywood power list. It may land her some nice comedic roles in the future, however. Ashton Kutcher displays some finely tuned comic timing and a sense of energy that is contagious. That 70's Show has honed those skills and he puts them to good work here. This could just be considered Dude, Where's My Car? with a romantic gimmick (I'm sure it will, having Mr. Kutcher in it and all) but there is a little more to see in this film, with some clever lines to accent the broad physical strokes the comedy plays upon. Amusing.

Insomnia (2002)

will nolan be shunned come oscar time again?

[8/10 · 24 May 2002]

christopher nolan may not have matched the intensity and mind-bending storyline of memento, but insomnia is not only a worthy follow up, it may in fact be one of the best reasons to be in a theater this year.

Insomnia stars al "I can act circles around most people but i'll downplay my awesomeness" Pacino as will Dormer, a decorated l.a. detective with a penchant for finding the little things. His department is under investigation by internal affairs (with good reason, watch and see)and his partner is about to cut a deal with them. While this is going on, Will and his partner are sent to alaska to investigate a brutal killing of a 17 year old girl. the cops in nightmute know their jobs, but will sees through their by the book exterior and realizes this is his show. hilary swank plays a rookie cop who has followed will's career. I really don't want to give too much away on this, but let's say somebody accidentally dies, Dormer cannot sleep because of the always sunny alaskan summers, and robin williams puts in an oscar-worthy performance as Walter finch, the killer who is revealed very nearly at the beginning (i said that so as not to make it a spoiler).

Al Pacino is always great in his roles, and robin williams does what nobody thought possible in portraying the ultimate coldhearted yet downtrodden and emotionally battered killer with more to lose than he'd ever let be known. hilary Swank sheds any doubt in her abilities as an actress with a standout performance among such high talent. nicky Katt also puts a good one in as a fellow Alaskan officer of the law. But this show belongs to al, as any movie even having a Pacino cameo always does. His perils in trying to sleep will even exhaust the audience, but in the best way possible. A must-see over the summer, for anybody who likes smart movies in the "dumb popcorn flick" summertime.

Ocean's Eleven (2001)

do movies get any more watchable?

[9/10 · 8 May 2002]

I work in a movie theater, meaning i get a chance to view upon not only every movie imaginable that comes in (I saw Lord of the rings 5 times for fun)but a chance to see what comes before it comes, if you know what I mean. I didn't do that with Oceans Eleven, but it's so good it makes me wish I could turn back time and change my course. Starting off with George Clooney in a goatee discussing his reasons for being paroled, the movie grabs you by the lapels and never lets go. Clooney and Pitt steal and own the show, most notably Pitt, who is easily becoming the all around coolest actor in all of Hollywood. Everything he touches turns to gold these days. From frame 1 to the joke credit for Julia Roberts, the movie is one great ride. Don "Scenestealer" Cheadle comes in as a guy named Basher, further adding to the element of this movie being the "it" movie of 2001. Not a ten, but a solid, bold, bright, tall nine.

Spider-Man (2002)

how can a movie be so good but still lack from time to time?

[8/10 · 3 May 2002]

Spider-man is the kind of movie people wait a while for. Not because it's a 40 year old comic icon, or because it's the tentpole picture of the summer season, or because it's guaranteed to be huge, or even because Kirsten dunst is in a wet sleeveless shirt (my favorite). Spider-man is the kind of movie people wait for because it is guaranteed fun. From the origins of Spider-man, to the Macho Man cameo (Bonesaw? rock on), to some of the choreography, Spidey swings. Now onto complaints.

Special effects lacked in numerous areas. for instance (minor spoilers alert) there is a scene reminiscent of The Matrix where Spier-man is dodging pumpkin bombs. While impressive, I couldn't help but notice the lack of joints on Spider-man. The most obvious special effect in the movie. In fact, you can tell without even paying attention when Tobey ends and CGI begins...for shame. Same goes for The Green Goblin. Dafoe and CGI create a viable villain, but they're like fraternal twins instead of one person.

Sam Raimi is a brilliant director, but if he can't keep track of Spider-man in the webslinging scenes, how is the audience expected to? Raimi tries his best to keep up with the CGI effect, but eventually he just resorts to filming Spidey in a circle, obscuring the background in favor of trying to keep the hero on screen. This is a suffering point. Near the end, he seems to have the hang of it a little better, but for the first hour and 40 minutes, I was annoyed.

New York is pretty clean in a lot of the scenes. why? Because they were obvious sets. The balcony was terrible looking. I kept waiting for Mary Jane's friend Juliet to appear, but nothing ever happened. Honestly, it's not that bad. But man, if you look, you'll see what I mean.

I admit that I had a lot of fun with the movie, and I'll watch it again. but I can also admit that i'm not the biggest spider-man fan ever--I preferred X-Men. I gave the movie an 8. It was terrific and fun, but it wasn't flawless.

The Scorpion King (2002)

a guilty pleasure in the truest sense

[6/10 · 29 April 2002]

Have you ever come out of a movie wishing you had your money back, or could at least have only paid for the scenes that paid off in a major way? that is my opinion of the scorpion king. for every moment where you groan or look at your watch, there is a scene that will have your jaw on the floor and wanting more more more. for instance, the first fight scene in the movie was mediocre, and that is saying it lightly. But the close-up on the rock's face and watching him utter "boo" in a low whisper was film brilliance and even though it had its share of groans, it was a great way to start a fun movie. another example of some good stuff is a battle in a sandstorm, which is edited to death but makes up for it with some impressive action. The rock isn't the most gifted actor on the planet, but he holds his own and has personality and charisma to spare. The man is better than even present day Arnold, so there. not conan, not The mummy, but a decent stand alone (notice the reference to the soundtrack song?) film that has franchise potential. i gave it a 7

Rushmore (1998)

cinematic art in a thin candy "comedy' shell

[9/10 · 29 April 2002]

Rushmore. If this movie were to be found in the dictionary, the word character study would be found. Why? Because Rushmore is not a comedy, but a character study. Max Fischer, Herman Blume, rosemary Cross, dirk Calloway, Margaret Yang...all characters analyzed in given situations. By the time the 90 minutes is up, you know every character like you were watching an old home movie of your nearest and dearest relatives. Jason Schwartzman followed this up with slackers, a movie that only he could really save. Murray is a legend, and the others have gone on to important things as well, but owen wilson and wes anderson created a masterpiece that reflects the true spirit of people in general. sure there are funny moments, but what even completely idiotic person hasn't at one point said something funny? they're real people living real lives, which is what makes the movie so real and great.

Death to Smoochy (2002)

terrific cast, fun time

[7/10 · 20 March 2002]

robin williams Ed Norton Catherine Keener Danny Devito Jon Stewart

those names alone signify what can only be described as a "can't miss must be funny" movie, but how deliberately dark it is, Danny Devito gets sole credit. The movie is terrific, but not without its flaws. Keener is left with little to do but roll her eyes a lot in this film, while jon stewart is too small a role (but in the trailer, seeing stewart go "Get me Smoochy!" is hilarious to me three weeks later). ed norton shows a comic side never really seen before, further proving just how talented he is, how versatile he is, and how he is one of the best actors of my generation. Robin Williams is Robin Williams, if i have to describe his skills to you, you don't deserve to read this right now. All in all a great movie, but it's no ten. one of the best of spring.

Undeclared (2001–2003)

judd apatow is brilliant

[10/10 · 11 March 2002]

this show is show hilarious! after one episode (i watched it on accident once after that 70's show, which is still the very best show on tv), i was hooked. My personal favorite episode is the one where steven and lizzie each have a respective night out with their gender, where steven, lloyd (my fav character), ron, and marshall (my 2nd fav character)go to a party and marshall gets lloyd's overflow. lizzie, rachel, and a bunch of extras go to a bar and have a good time also. hilarious episode. the most underrated show on tv, and while th andy richter show looks really good, i hope it doesn't replace the best attempt at a new show since malcolm in the middle (fox works wonders by going against convention...look at it, simpsons is a cartoon, 70's show is a period piece, malcolm introduced a new style, undeclared is breaking new ground, grounded for life is flashbacked, titus is hardcore...man i love fox)watch it, you won't be disappointed

The Time Machine (2002)

gorgeous escapist fare, but not oscarworthy

[10/10 · 6 March 2002]

The Time Machine, without giving away spoilers, had what I thought it had, which is to say that I thought it had a story that pretty much centered on time travel, fantastic special effects, and a likable character by Guy Pearce. Correct on all counts, The Time Machine far from disappointed me. Guy Pearce gives a terrific performance as Dr. Hartdegen (my one complaint about the film is that the book had no name for the traveller while that movie does, and Samantha Mumba dazzles me with her appearance as well as her abilty to actually act (how many pop princesses really can? Moore? Spears? Prince?). Jeremy Irons short role as the head morlock is short but sweet. It can be noted that the eroding rocks look magnificent and sell the movie to many, because I know it did me. One small complaint besides the named traveller would be that Simon Wells (relative of the great H.G. Wells), an experienced director of animated film, made The Time Machine so short. But given that most animated film is short, I chalk that up to him being able to tell a story in a more cliffsnotes-esque way. By no means best picture of 2002, but by no means a waste of time. I recommend one viewing just to see for yourself.

Crossroads (I) (2002)

a word worse than bad?

[23 February 2002]

we need one, kung pow should win best picture over this garbage. i work in a theater, so in closing a door or en route to cleaning a screen ive seen the three parts i need to see (keep in mind some of these scenes are so short i combined them)

--britney dances in her underwear

--britney flashes the kid with the missing eyes from jeepers creepers with smaller underwear before not "doing it".

--britney in a bikini

--britney in the shower

--britney makes like 7 hundred dollars singing i love rock n roll with as much emotion as a lawn mower in a karaoke dive that isn't having a contest, only allowing people to keep what tips they make. $700?

other than that, the movie is bad, and even those scenes aren't good save for the digital effects. bad bad bad