I watched this film on a lark on MUBI, and I am so glad I did. It's an amazing piece of film that gathers together the experiences of Russian people and POC in Wisconsin during a riot, as the world upends itself around the characters. Beautifully shot and scripted, it also gives screen time and representation to people with physical disabilities without coming off as a pandering ploy for extra credit. If you haven't watched this film, I suggest you do so now.
Reviews
11 Reviews
Such a lovely film
25 March 2007
The Samurai series is one of my favorites. Toshiro Mifune is by far one of the most classic and amazing Japanese actors of the screen, and he outdoes himself in the Samurai series. The colors, the settings of these films are amazing, and part III, with it's wonderful dual at Ganryu Island, is by far one of the most well-planned and conducted films in history. If you have not seen this series, you need to; it need not matter if you are a Samurai film junkie or just a cinemaphile, you will enjoy the subtle touches that make this one of the finest trilogies in film.
I'd also suggest seeing Yojimbo, Sanjuro and of course the Seven Samurai; other great titles are "The sleepy eyes of death" and The Lone Wolf and Cub series.
I'd also suggest seeing Yojimbo, Sanjuro and of course the Seven Samurai; other great titles are "The sleepy eyes of death" and The Lone Wolf and Cub series.
Palindromes
(2004)
worst.movie.ever.
5 March 2006
Warning: Spoilers
*spoilers*!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "Palindromes" was one of the worst films I've ever seen. There was just something entirely irritating about this film - its cinematography, the acting, the storyline - they all just got on my nerves. There must have been a point to Todd Solondz's prattling, but I can't see what it was. Firstly, don't believe what you read in the plot summary of this film. It's entirely misleading. This can sometimes lead to a better outcome for the viewer, but in this case, it's not. Solondz's story of 13 year-old Aviva, whom apparently wants to have a baby after feeling that she'll end up like someone named Dawn, whom we are never given any more information about other than that she killer herself, is a roundabout waste of time filled with imagery which in no way whatsoever progresses the story of the film or leads to its outcome. People will tell you that its and artistic masterpiece - but they're just saying that because they want to feel like they just wasted their time for something that matters, kind of like standing in line to vote for someone who you know is just not going to win. Don't bother with Palindromes, or anything else made by Todd Solondz, unless you really are a glutton for punishment.
This film is filed with other "artsy" pieces of trash such as "Irreversible" and "Brown Bunny" - films which are so hyped for their so-called "content" that by the time you watch it and realize it's not, it's just too late.
This film is filed with other "artsy" pieces of trash such as "Irreversible" and "Brown Bunny" - films which are so hyped for their so-called "content" that by the time you watch it and realize it's not, it's just too late.
Numb3rs
(2005–2010)
great show
4 February 2005
This is an awesome show, definitely one of the best CBS has rolled out in a long time. In an age when TV shows are playing themselves out early by relying on tired ideas, Numb3rs has the potential for great things, because it's starting with an original idea that builds from something that is a great basis for a TV show; Crime. David Krumholtz is truly awesome in his Role as Charlie, the brilliant mathematician who helps his brother, Don (Rob Morrow, of "Northern Exposure" fame) solve FBI crimes using his mind and intelligence (oh no!) thru mathematics. The show will be a bit much for some folks; lots of quick moving thoughts, fast ideas and not a lot of gun play. The series is executive produced by Ridley and Tony Scott, both whom are known for electrifying stories to new levels. Their influence is felt on the camera work; the show moves like a film, not like a TV show. These few factors plus great writing will hopefully keep this show alive for a long time, beating out the boredom of most shows on ABC and NBC as of late. Five stars out of five. Catch this show.
Poolhall Junkies
(2002)
Awesome
25 January 2005
I caught this film last night and was truly impressed. It moves at a great click, but still gives some time for the characters to develop; not too much, but enough. Mars Callahan is awesome in his role as Johnny Doyle, a small town guy who has dreamed of being a professional pool player since he was eleven and, "Walked into a pool hall, picked up a cue and just knew what to do". Playing Callahan's Nemesis and once-father figure Joe is The Italian bad-ass himself, Chazz Palminteri, who takes Johnny in when he's young and turns his talent the way of the Pool Hustler rather than pro. When Johnny gets hip to Joe's deception, he goes off to make his own way and leave the pool hall behind. He soon finds that there is nothing he can do better in the world, and has to stand up to Joe once and for all to reach his full potential. When Johnny meets Mike (brilliantly played by Christopher Walken), he finds someone who believes in him and helps him to overcome his own doubts and do what he does best; play a damn fine game of pool. Add these elements together with a great script with enough nuances to keep you interested, along with some jaw dropping trick shots, and you have a great film that never got the attention it deserved. If you're a pool player, you'll understand what makes this film fun. If you're not, you might want to pick up a pool cue after seeing it.
Better Luck Tomorrow
(2002)
more than what I expected
11 August 2004
I picked this film up on a whim, and I thought that I knew what it was going to be about, but I was mistaken; I didn't expect the dark comedy/tragedy that the film ended up being. However, this was not bad. I have watched tons of films wherein at one point, you say to yourself, "Ok, this is just not possible", and you want to think that it's not, because the characters don't seem to deserve what you know what will happen to them. "Very bad things" with Jon Favreau comes to mind, but "Better Luck Tomorrow" actually connected me to the characters and made me really feel like I just wanted to scream at them and say tell them not to go down the road they were following! This is something that not many films can do ("Bad things" included).
This film is quite impressive, especially considering it was shot for a VERY shoestring budget, and had some great camera work and very solid editing. It did not in any way look like an amateur film, at all. I don't understand how this film has been branded "shallow"; it takes an original story and tells it in a convincing manner not characteristic of many films lately.
On one final note, all the acting is great, and I really don't care if anyone in it was thirty years old playing a seventeen year old, they were great performances and they had actual heart behind them.
If you have a chance, see this film, but be prepared to get a little more than what you thought you would.
This film is quite impressive, especially considering it was shot for a VERY shoestring budget, and had some great camera work and very solid editing. It did not in any way look like an amateur film, at all. I don't understand how this film has been branded "shallow"; it takes an original story and tells it in a convincing manner not characteristic of many films lately.
On one final note, all the acting is great, and I really don't care if anyone in it was thirty years old playing a seventeen year old, they were great performances and they had actual heart behind them.
If you have a chance, see this film, but be prepared to get a little more than what you thought you would.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre
(1974)
A flaming piece of crap
19 October 2003
I can't understand how this piece of garbage has garnered cult status. From a filmmaking point of view, it's a horrible story, relying solely on it's "scary" moments to fill in it's lack of plot, believable characters or motivations. Notice that most of the facts about this film that have given it it's status are NEVER stated in the film; it's NEVER stated that the family is a bunch of cannibals. The grandfather is supposed to be 108 yrs. old - also never stated. We NEVER see the family eating a human, or stating that they eat humans... we don't even see a person being ground into meat and cooked - where the hell did this cannibal thing come from? Only one person is killed via chainsaw; hardly a massacre.
to hell with this film, and it's "cult" status... boring and bad filmmaking meant only to shock without any actual substance.
to hell with this film, and it's "cult" status... boring and bad filmmaking meant only to shock without any actual substance.
The Bread, My Sweet
(2001)
A sweet film - take it for what it is
22 May 2003
Yeah, sure, you can say that this film is stereotypical. But being Italian myself, and coming from an Italian family, I have to say that this film was not stereotypical - atypical maybe. But if you want to bemoan this film for it's racial designations and characters, you might want to see "My Big fat Greek Wedding" first. You want stereotypical? That film will give it to you. It covered each and every cliche' possible, and everyone laughed. So what?
TBMS is a good film. It's lighting can be off at times, and the camera work is slightly jumpy, but I still believe it's better than a lot of boring hollywood productions I have seen as of late. The story is original, and if anyone wants to say that the acting was "wooden", you might want to take a look at the performance by Rosemary Prinz; it's impressive, and is not cliched like Greek Wedding; she actually seems like she's from Italy. Scott Baio is impressive in a role that only he could play, and at least he's Italian, dammit! How many more films do I have to see with someone playing an ethnicity they know nothing about? Baio thankfully jumped into this role, adding a touch of flavor to a role that probably would have been occupied by someone boring and overblown.
The rest of the supporting cast is well-played, with the exception of "Sister Grace", who was probably pulled off the street and thrown into a Nun's uniform. John Seitz plays Massimo beautifully; he reminds me of oh so many old Italians I have known.
And finally, this film does for me what many never accomplish; it made me feel like I was in the environment it took place in. If you want Italians to be "touchy-feely" all the time, go see something else. Italians are gruff, loud, and self-centered, but inside most all of us have big hearts and want to take care of those around us. This film portrays that characteristic well, and if you didn't cry, tough luck, I guess you really are wooden. I'm going to go eat some Biscotti.
TBMS is a good film. It's lighting can be off at times, and the camera work is slightly jumpy, but I still believe it's better than a lot of boring hollywood productions I have seen as of late. The story is original, and if anyone wants to say that the acting was "wooden", you might want to take a look at the performance by Rosemary Prinz; it's impressive, and is not cliched like Greek Wedding; she actually seems like she's from Italy. Scott Baio is impressive in a role that only he could play, and at least he's Italian, dammit! How many more films do I have to see with someone playing an ethnicity they know nothing about? Baio thankfully jumped into this role, adding a touch of flavor to a role that probably would have been occupied by someone boring and overblown.
The rest of the supporting cast is well-played, with the exception of "Sister Grace", who was probably pulled off the street and thrown into a Nun's uniform. John Seitz plays Massimo beautifully; he reminds me of oh so many old Italians I have known.
And finally, this film does for me what many never accomplish; it made me feel like I was in the environment it took place in. If you want Italians to be "touchy-feely" all the time, go see something else. Italians are gruff, loud, and self-centered, but inside most all of us have big hearts and want to take care of those around us. This film portrays that characteristic well, and if you didn't cry, tough luck, I guess you really are wooden. I'm going to go eat some Biscotti.
Felony
(1994)
this is one of the worst films EVER made
24 August 2002
I can't believe that Henriksen did this film. I have never, ever, EVER seen a "film" that is such a total, utter and incredible waste of time, energy, celluloid and brain cells than this atrocious piece of tripe. The simple fact that I actually sat through this entire film makes me feel that maybe I need to re-evaluate the way I spend my time watching films. If you ever have the time to watch this movie, do yourself a favor and go do something productive, like counting how many cigarette burns your friends have accidentally put into the carpet in your house, because you will feel much more useful doing this than you will watching this total waste of space. I'm going to go wash my eyes out with rubbing alcohol now, as I have to cleanse myself of this god-awful "action film" with some of the worst acting and scenarios that I have EVER seen.
SLC Punk!
(1998)
This film rocks
23 August 2002
I just want to say that anyone that does not like this film is probably just not really meant to see it, if you have lived within the punk culture for any period of your life, you will love SLC Punk. The views presented in the film are awesome, making a lot of good points on people's views of other people based on how they look. Mr. "I hated this film because it was boring" (see the previous user comment) would probably get beat down at any show he were to go to, and more than likely listens to crap anyway, so do yourself a favor and don't listen to anyone who slams this film, see it because it will open your mind a little bit.
The Big Hit
(1998)
let go and just enjoy the goofy feeling of this film
4 July 2002
Firstly, I would like to say that "The Big Hit" is one of my favorite films of all time. Why? Because it does not take itself seriously. Please note that this film is produced by Wesley Snipes and co-produced by John Woo.
What does this mean? It's going to be silly. It's going to have action sequences that don't make sense, guns that don't run out of ammo (ever seen "The Killer" by Woo?) and cars that don't die, even when we know that they would. But that's what's enjoyable. It's fun to watch, the comedy is original, and it's NOT supposed to be a serious action film! Get over yourselves, all you folks that don't like it! If you actually think that the fight sequences in this film are off-the-wall, than maybe you should give up on action films in general, and never, ever watch anything with Jet Li, anything directed by John Woo, or anything starring Bruce Willis; it's action/comedy for god's sake, get over yourself and just surrender to the reality of the film!
What does this mean? It's going to be silly. It's going to have action sequences that don't make sense, guns that don't run out of ammo (ever seen "The Killer" by Woo?) and cars that don't die, even when we know that they would. But that's what's enjoyable. It's fun to watch, the comedy is original, and it's NOT supposed to be a serious action film! Get over yourselves, all you folks that don't like it! If you actually think that the fight sequences in this film are off-the-wall, than maybe you should give up on action films in general, and never, ever watch anything with Jet Li, anything directed by John Woo, or anything starring Bruce Willis; it's action/comedy for god's sake, get over yourself and just surrender to the reality of the film!
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