djtaco59 Reviews

Old Fashioned (2014)

Old Fashioned is everything it wasn't supposed to be

[3/10 · 15 February 2015]

I put a great deal of trust in IMDb ratings and reviews, and this Christian love story hanging just below 7/10 was more than enough encouragement for my girlfriend and I to give it a shot this Valentine's weekend. Let me advise you to do otherwise.

We received reliable reviews that this film was "not preachy", and a cut above other Christian films. I enjoyed 'The Ultimate Gift', 'Fireproof', etc. but could not choke this one down, though there was plenty of choking. We winced at each exchange between the main character and his 'predestined' love. The dialogue bluntly beats the viewer over the head with the message that Victorian-era courtship is the only proper way to interact with a woman in a laughably misogynistic presentation of our culture. In the film, simple-minded women are totally at the mercy of their man's virtue or lack thereof, and men are bound to take advantage of that unless they drink tea with their aunt periodically, or something like that. Filmmakers are free to present their message, but someone should tell Swartzwelder that a little subtlety and creativity goes a long way.

We chose not to stick around and learn more about the protagonist's dark past of Girls Gone Wild videotapes. The pretty cinematography couldn't distract from the 'Leave it to Beaver' morals, gushy prattle and suffocating veneration of gramophones, shooting hoops and wood working. Neither of us had walked out of a film before, but 'Old Fashioned' proved to be a ground-breaking film in this regard only.

Once Upon a Crime: The Borrelli Davis Conspiracy (2014)

One of my most moving cinematic experiences

[10/10 · 22 December 2014]

I can't remember what film I intended to see that evening at the Austin Film Festival, but deterred by the long line I headed up the street to see what was playing at the State. What I found was one of the most moving and memorable cinematic experiences of my life. This story deserved to be brought to light, and Sheldon Wilson more than did justice for two men who haven't received much of that.

As Mike Borelli and Bob Davis become more entangled in this police blunder, the film is fair to both sides, but thorough enough to show how ludicrous the case becomes. With all the facts laid out, this case becomes a landmark for the need of police department oversight. The film handles the issue of the victims' race practically, without dwelling on it. There is really no narration required as the incredible interview footage allows the judges and policemen to put their feet in their mouths again and again. But the documentary is so much more than an exposure of a tragic injustice. It takes an incredibly inspirational turn as we see how Mike and Bob respond to their persecution: with optimism and forgiveness. I cannot imagine what these gentlemen felt when something this unfair happened to them, but their response is what humbled everyone in the audience.

As the lights came back on, the filmmakers took the stage and introduced the two main subjects. I'll never forget the moment I realized that these two men, who have been through more than I ever will, were sitting in front of me for their film's premiere; free men surrounded by their family and friends.

Dark Mountain (2013)

Paranormal Activity with more Frights and Eye Candy

[5/10 · 27 October 2013]

I caught the premiere of this movie at the Austin Films Festival last night. The experience was enhanced by the screen writers and producers being in the audience. Firstly, the cinematography was very enjoyable. Shot in Arizona by the real-life Superstition Mountains, this movie is easy on the eyes with nature shots (and Sage Howard shots) alternating with sepia scenes (for when the characters are supposedly filming on their camera phones). The film makes great use of seemingly extended pauses before any tense moment, which left us leaning forward in our seats. However, I'll admit that the jump scares and sudden loud noises got old to me after a while, because I think I jumped every time the radio came on randomly. The filming in documentary style really helped us meet the characters. I enjoyed the dilemma the main character faced in her friends' safety versus great footage for her documentary. My biggest complaint is the number of unanswered questions. Three or four plot elements were introduced and then not later addressed to my satisfaction. This added to the suspense in the case of the time warps, but in most cases distracted me because I was left curious. The ending was complete but cliché. Conclusion: Paranormal Activity with more Frights and Eye Candy.

Love Never Dies (II) (2012)

Love Never Dies stands alone

[8/10 · 8 March 2012]

Andrew Lloyd Webber's Love Never Dies will not disappoint the Phantom faithful. The film version is an unfortunate necessity, as the live musical will not be played in the USA with its original cast. My only complaint with the filming of the musical is that instead of a broader, panned out view, the shots are very zoomed, leaving out other happenings on stage and exposing actors' microphones and hair pieces. Ben Lewis does the great Michael Crawford homage with his strong, clear voice. ALW triumphs with beautiful recurring themes and an exciting rock sound for songs like 'Beneath a Moonless Sky' and 'The Beauty Underneath', delighting Phans with the occasional riff from the original. Finally, the last half hour is consistently unpredictable, edge-of-your-seat exciting. Love Never Dies is sufficiently unique, yet powerful and unique to hold a flame to its precursor and stand alone as another spell- binding ALW show.