Actor4L Reviews

Brokeback Mountain (2005)

Brokeback - compelling, inspiring

[10/10 · 9 January 2006]

Brokeback Mountain is one of the most refreshing tales told in the past decade. Amidst a world of the trite and overrated, Brokeback steps beside itself and delivers an awe-inspiring tale of love and the consequences we endure.

Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger give some of the most honest, brave performances that we have seen in a long time. To take such a chance and exposing themselves emotionally and stretching as only actors of high respectability can, these two men should be commended for their efforts.

Brokeback will make the coldest heart turn warm as it follows the tale of two cowboys and their relationship over twenty years. Ang Lee's direction is beautiful as it never settles too long on any scene to let the audience feel the world never stops for any single person.

The final scene between Gyllenhaal and Ledger is that of the greats, truly gut-wrenching and perfectly performed. Gyllenhaal and Ledger have truly matured to movie stardom.

Everyone should see this film as it will open up the eyes of the general public to see love for what it truly is, a special entity between any people.

Elektra (2005)

Great Action, Hot Heroine

[10/10 · 15 January 2005]

The critics must have seen a different movie than I did. I eagerly awaited ELEKTRA, mainly because of Jennifer Garner and being a huge fan of her TV show, Alias. Elektra not only lived up to my expectations, it surpassed them mainly because of the great action and, of course, phenomenal acting by the great Jennifer Garner.

The movie has a X-MEN appeal to it, with bad guys doing supernatural things. Ranging from Tattoo, a villain with animal tattoos covering his body that come to life when he beckons them, to Typhoid Mary, an evil villainess who plants a deadly kiss upon her prey, the villains surely are a substantial match for Elektra.

It follows an interesting plot of Elektra Natachios, assassin extraordinaire, finding her own identity through helping others. A father and daughter pair, her next targets, render Elektra to evoke her maternal instincts and instead of carrying out her orders, she opts to protect the pair whilst going against her instincts and evil counterparts.

The new young actress playing the daughter pair, Kirsten Prout, gives an honest, action packed performance. The villains also emit a spine chilling performance that makes you truly wonder whether this movie will end with Good conquering Evil or vice versa. Jennifer Garner gives an EXTREME performance through her dedication to each and every action sequence that are beyond awesome!

Everyone should see this movie if they want be entertained and can suspend reality for a brief 97 minutes. The critics were too harsh, wanting an Oscar quality COMIC BOOK tale, rather than a fun, action packed thriller. This movie is high quality action!

Alias (2001–2006)

Best Show on Television

[28 December 2004]

Alias is the last of the greats on television today. With the action packed thrill rides to the emotionally gripping acting of the great Jennifer Garner and cast, Alias provides a non-stop journey through the extraordinary life of Sydney Bristow. From the first episode, Alias has yet to disappoint in it's excellent portrayal of struggle and joy within the CIA.

With the shows on television today, boring and lackluster, Alias is a pioneer, allowing for story lines that are bizarre and surreal. One of it's most commanding story lines involving Milo Rambaldi, an ancient fortune telling prophet, provides for a suspended belief in the supernatural where a man could foresee the future and allow for great turmoil to ensue.

Jennifer Garner, television's most underrated and outstanding actresses, gives nothing but 150% to her role as the complicated Sydney. Other great supporting roles include Victor Garber as Sydney's poker-faced father, Jack Bristow, as well as Carl Lumbly, Ron Rifkin, Michael Vartan, Greg Grunberg, and the nerdy, but lovable, Kevin Weissman as Marshall. All the cast provides for unbelievable chemistry that is a rare attribute within any dramas today.

Having received numerous nominations, ranging from Emmy to Golden Globes, and wins, such as Jennifer Garner's Best Actress Golden Globe and Best Drama People's Choice Award, critics have given their ultimate approval as well as the underground cult following of fans.

One of Alias' biggest attribute is its ability to make addicts out of its fans. It's almost like a potato chip, you can't enjoy just one, you want the entire season and then some. If you haven't already been drawn into the world of Alias, you must rent or buy the DVDs of Seasons 1 through 3 and let the addiction begin.

10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

Greatest of the Teen Genre

[20 February 2004]

10 Things.. is honestly a very honest and genuine representation of teenage life. I saw the movie thinking that it would be like "She's All That" which is a great teen movie. I left feeling that it surpassed its predecessors.

The movie follows the story of the Shakespeare classic "The Taming of the Shrew." Now, I personally do not like Shakespeare, due to the overemphasis on his "brilliance" which probably only caught on in his time due to the lack of any originality of his period. But, the story of a tough girl whose sister cannot marry or date until her sister takes a suitor, does provide an interesting opportunity for a contriving plot.

Bianca Stratford, a prissy, uptight princess wants to be Miss Popularity, and in today's society, that means going out and selling your soul to the popular kids. Only, Kat, her "evil" sister is very liberal in her pursuit of a unpopular lifestyle paradox. The rest of the story is contrived on a bet involving an outcast, Patrick Verona, to begin dating Kat in order for Joey Dahmer, the classic dumb jock/model, to "land" Bianca.

The movie has some great moments, including a serenade of "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" from Patrick (Heath Ledger) to Kat in order to win over her heart. As well as Bianca beating the crap out of a Joey when she realizes her stupidity in his intentions. The humor is up-to-date and is still quoted amongst teenagers with lines including "There's a difference between like and love. I mean I like the sketchers, but I love my Prada backpack." and "I know you can overwhelmed and you can be underwhelmed, but can you ever just be whelmed? I think you can in Europe.." It's stupid comedy on Bianca's part, but smart sarcastic retorts from Kat (Julia Stiles).

Definitely recommend if you haven't already seen. It makes you laugh and what is better than that?