DaRitz Reviews

Antarctica (1991)

Very good photography, very shoddy script

[5/10 · 15 October 2009]

The film "Antarctica," which I viewed today in IMAX format, is a documentary about the continent of the same name. The movie opens with an excellent shot of an icebreaker plowing through sea-ice like a hot knife through butter. Then a narrator starts talking, which kills the mood. This pretty much sums up the entire movie: great cinematography, mediocre to poor narration.

As other reviewers have pointed out, the writers seemed to try to cram as many subjects as they could into the 40-minute running time. This had the result of being the viewer being yanked away from a topic just as she was getting interested in it, such as during the visually spectacular underwater caverns sequence. Many of the subjects were just plain dull, such as the semi-obligatory pronouncements about the harm humans are doing to the earth and its climate. While most likely true, this is always a downer when viewed in a documentary one paid $9.50 to see.

In addition, the film had several factual errors, not the least of which was saying the Scott Expedition met its tragic end "eleven miles from safety." In fact, they were eleven miles from an unmanned depot, hardly safety. Also, as any serious student of Antarctica knows, the ceremonial "barber pole" at Amundsen-Scott Station is NOT the true South Pole, as was strongly implied in the movie.

In conclusion, I can recommend this for Antarctica buffs only, and even for them only with the above caveats.

High Maintenance (I) (2006)

The grass isn't always greener.

[10/10 · 28 April 2008]

Since this short film is heavy on plot twists, it's almost impossible to give a synopsis without spoilers. I'll say it's an excellent commentary on the modern throwaway nature of romantic relationships, with a bit of a sci-fi angle. Although the basic elements of the plot have been done before, the direction it took was pleasantly unexpected.

The acting, writing, directing, and set layout were all superb, and I hope the cast and crew will continue to work together. The pacing and timing of this film were of critical importance, and were handled perfectly, with not a single wasted second. Hilarious ending, too, at least if you're a guy.

Anamorph (2007)

An artsy Hannibal Lecter

[5/10 · 26 April 2008]

Stan Aubray (Willem Dafoe) is an NYPD detective who likes to collect Renaissance-era chairs and has a mild case of both OCD and alcoholism. Five years ago, he was the lead investigator in the "Uncle Eddie" serial killings, in which victims were posed in settings, as if to create a work of art. Stan is still haunted by the last killing, which he feels he should have prevented. However, Stan eventually solved the murders. Or did he?

Now, there are new serial killings that are similar, yet different. The artsy posing is there, but is much more gruesome and elaborate, involving Renaissance techniques such as camera obscura and anamorphosis. Many in the police and press are calling these new killings "copycats." Stan isn't so sure.

While watching the plot develop, one inevitably makes comparisons with the Hannibal Lecter movies. While this film aspires to that level, it falls short, mainly because although the basic premise is not without interest, the writing fails to deliver on the promise. Stan's character is unfortunately made a lone wolf, with minimal dialog and interaction with other characters, even keeping his partner in the dark. Willem Dafoe, he of the high forehead, hollow cheeks, and strong chin, does a great job with what he's given, but can't quite carry this film on his own. The supporting cast was, somewhat understandably, very uninterested in their roles, with the exception of Peter Stormare as the character of the low-level art dealer. Finally, the lighting effects of the flashback scenes and final scene can only be described as bizarre, and not in a good way.

The writers made the mistake of trying to make up for the film's deficiencies by upping the gore scale, and in doing so, probably cut the film's box-office receipts considerably. Parents: the film's R rating is *very* well-deserved. Even adults should ask themselves if they're strong of stomach before going to see this movie.

In conclusion, I would recommend this film only if you're a big fan of Willem Dafoe and/or this genre.

The World's Fastest Indian (2005)

A non-mushy feel-good movie

[10/10 · 25 January 2006]

Seeing the movie "The World's Fastest Indian" reminded me why I go see movies. I average about one every two weeks, and this was one of those rare movies that actually made me feel *happy* afterward.

The main character, New Zealander Bill Munroe as played by Anthony Hopkins, is a true man's man. He has spent his entire adult life tinkering with his streamlined motorcycle, a 1920 Indian (hence the title.) Now in his 60's in the year 1963, he wants to realize his life's dream of taking it halfway around the world to the Bonneville Salt Flats Test Track in Utah, the only place where he can find out how fast it will actually go.

The movie pulls off two often-used themes, The Long Journey and Overcoming Adversity, without a hint of phoniness or melodrama. The Long Journey from New Zealand to Utah takes up most of the movie, with Munroe scrounging up travel money, working off part of his passage on a dilapidated freighter, and the long, event-filled drive from the California coast to Utah in an old used car. Overcoming Adversity is portrayed in two ways: by Munroe's awesome mechanical genius as shown by his ability to fashion spare parts out of almost anything and to improvise a la MacGyver, and in his charm and likability when confronted with more human obstacles. Indeed, one of the movie's chief strengths was the character's ability to make friends easily under any situation, with a cast of colorful supporting characters who wonderfully complemented Hopkins' acting.

After finally reaching the test track, the movie's focus shifts from the acting to the cinematography and drama. The dozens of colorful cars, motorcycles, and drivers' outfits contrast strikingly with the blinding white of the salt flats and the mountainous backdrop. And when Munroe finally gets the chance to make his test run, two questions come to mind. How fast can he go? More importantly, will the 64-year-old man and the 43-year-old patched-up bike hold together under the strain?

After seeing the movie and while still in my euphoric state, my skeptical mind wondered how much of it was actually true. I did a little research, and the portrayal of this amazing man seems to be true enough. Go see this movie; if you do, you'll leave the theater feeling good, and perhaps even a little inspired.

Fantastic Four (I) (2005)

Not bad for an origin movie

[7/10 · 29 July 2005]

This movie was handicapped by having to tell the story of five origins and deal with all the resulting emotional angst of the characters, which at time threatened to overwhelm the movie. That having been said, I thought it was as good a movie as could have been made under those circumstances, and look forward to the sequel. Keep in mind that X-Men I, to which this has been unfairly compared, had no such baggage, since the protagonists, being mutants, had had their powers since birth or childhood.

Since everyone knows the plot, such as it is, I'll talk about other points. First, Jessica Alba was miscast. She got the irritating role of the uptight schoolmarm constantly breaking up fights between the 'boys'. And whose idea was it to bleach-blonde the hair of the dark-complexioned Alba? I thought the result looked disastrous.

Michael Chilkis, by contrast, had wanted to play the Thing since childhood, and it's obvious that this Emmy-winning actor gave it everything he had. He manages to pull off the two most touching scenes in the movie, while in heavy makeup/costume to boot.

Finally, I lost count of the number of laws of science this movie violated, but hey, it *is* a comic book! Enjoy it for what it is.