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Reviews
Marco Polo (2007)
Disjointed Soap Opera
I gave a 2 (instead of 1 - awful)because of the attentive grand costuming, scenic beauty, and the breathtaking Asian girl that is the love interest of Marco.
But in this day and age it is outrageous that a Caucasian plays the Mongol king. Plus that incongruity continues to break the story flow thru out the movie. I was hoping to see a story that included more about the travels of Marco, the technological and cultural discoveries of the lands he visited. Instead, we get about 5 minutes of that, gunpowder its main obsession. The rest of the movie seems to be fabricated love triangles, invented King and Marco interactions, ridiculous "uprisings" with a smattering of poorly choreographed kung fu fights, internal convoluted political machinations with a sprinkling of "wise" Chinese sayings, and discussions of "freedom" that are extremely unlikely to have occurred. Save your money, save your time do not watch this movie unless you want to see a long boring soap opera.
Seize the Day (1986)
Is this movie about the USA ?
Probably yes. Greed, value of a person equal to their bank account, unemployment, financial swindles, homelessness, salesman, drugs, ruthless bosses....? Robin Williams gives a haunting performance of a man launched into a sucking downward spiral after losing his job. What makes the movie so painful to watch is it essentially true and could happen to just about anybody. His father (a M.D.) seems more concerned about the fatness of his wallet than medical care, or even his son's life who is begging for help, a commentary about the USA health care system. Great performances by Dr. Tamkin, the Father and just about every actor in the movie.
The last scene has Robin crying with such intensity you will not forget it soon. Its the cry about the destruction of a feeling, sensitive human being by the USA system.
Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Deeper than you think ?
"Sounds Good ?" You bet ! Great performances by Brad, Waltz, Diane and others.
This movie qualifies as an art masterpiece in so many ways.
See how Tarantino weaves the American Indian sub text thru out the movie. (For those who do not know it the American Indian saved hundreds of thousands of Allied lives during WII. See for example Wind Talkers). Anyway, Alpo Raine ( as in rain dance) is part American Indian, the card game in the bar scene references a great Apache chief, again when Shosanna dons make up like war paint. Even the premise of the Basterds is about guerrilla warfare practiced by some American Indian tribes against the "Americans" stealing their land. Finally, Hans complains at the end of the movie but we had deal, we had a deal. A reference to virtually every treaty the American government broke with the Indians. Lets not forget the genocide of the American Indian perpetuated by the Americans.
The Jewish revenge scene in the theater echos the gas ovens of the concentration camps. Also, recall the beginning of the movie begins with the Nazis machine gunning DOWN at the Jewish girls. The movie ends with the Jewish basterds machine gunning DOWN at the Nazis. The Nazis tattooed jews in the concentration camps, so the basterds brand the Nazis.
A case may be made that this is an antiwar movie. For example - the war hero leaves the theater in disgust at the premier of "Nations Pride" ! Tarantino masterly crafts the opening scene - the tension is palpable. Similarly the basement bar scene and others.
There is also humor, especially revolving around the Italian language imitations. Alpo alleges his Italian is the best of the bunch. Cee, Cee, Bonjorno, Bonjorno with a hillbilly/NY accent..
It's a movie you can watch and rewatch.
Eorin shinbu (2004)
Funny with underlying cultural message
(From an USA Caucasian white male).
It was difficult getting by the young age of the bride, but even in the USA there used to be and still are some very young brides, legal or otherwise. Certainly young brides occur in many countries, even though I frown on it.
Cute and funny movie, especially the 2 ghost scenes. Even though Sang and Bo are both "modern" they continue the long Asian tradition of respect, arguably obedience to parents and grandparents by getting married just to please a whimsical idea of grandparents. Traditionally, the wife cooked, so even the busy college bound Bo becomes a good cook.
Bo especially, and the high school student actresses are very convincing in their facial expressions and body language nuances.
Bonus - most of the adult actresses are absolutely gorgeous.
The Spirit (2008)
Will Eisner is rolling over in his grave.
Being a huge Eisner fan I was very happy to see a release of the Spirit. Boy was I disappointed.
Will Eisner is rolling over in his grave because of Frank Millers corruption of Will Eisner's spirit (pun intended). Shame, shame, shame on you Frank.
There are many anachronisms within the movie that disrupt viewing. Mixtures of 1930's clothing styles, gadgets with 2009 gadgets and clothing.
Dialogue and story is targeted to a lowest common denominator, just what Eisner resented about sequential art.
Gratuitous violence.
Weak story, poor story flow including unnecessary scenes. Compare the amateur Millers pitiful rendition to a master like Eisner.
Eisner's stories often had a moral to teach, while this movie has no redeeming value.
Enough said.
How dare Frank Miller cast Eisners Spirit in Miller's (Sin City) style.