jochooi Reviews

On the Lot (2007)

Love movies - love on the lot

[9/10 · 4 July 2007]

I love my movies. I come out of the cinema with lots of opinions and theories (some good - some bad) and my friends tell me to shut up already.

Here we have a bunch of aspiring producers (some good - some bad) having their short films completely taken apart by well known directors each week.

What more can I ask for? Can wait each week to see what new ideas there are. Even the bad ones aren't that bad because they end in 2 minutes.

I pity those that are around me when I'm watching this - like my friends and family say "shut up already and watch the show!"

On the Lot: 15 Directors Compete (2007) Season 1, Episode 5

At last - reality TV for movie goers

[10/10 · 3 July 2007]

I love my movies. I come out of the cinema with lots of opinions and theories (some good - some bad) and my friends tell me to shut up already.

Here we have a bunch of aspiring directors (some good - some bad) having their short films completely taken apart by well known directors each week.

What more can I ask for? Can wait each week to see what new ideas there are. Even the bad ones aren't that bad because they end in 2 minutes.

I pity those that are around me when I'm watching this - like my friends and family say "shut up already and watch the show!"

Signs (2002)

Ahem, i beg to differ

[1/10 · 23 January 2005]

Sure, its new, its different, its 'fresh', etc.

But it suffers badly from lack of pace. I'm sure it depends on the type of audience you are. I come home from a long day at work busting my brains/guts out - I want to be quite simply entertained.

Yes, if you watch a lot of movies (most people on IMDb) then the way this movie is presented will impress you because it is different.

For me, if a movies goes down a different route - it had better be good - otherwise the next button I press is *off*

Incidentally, I think there might be a slight bias in some of the comments which rate this one of the best movies (think deep guys and girls - think!)

The Five People You Meet in Heaven (2004 TV Movie)

worthwhile movie

[9/10 · 5 December 2004]

I usually don't manage to sit through a whole movie after dinner. The ever so frequent commercial breaks and the kids screaming in the background usually is enough for me to turn off lesser movies. I did not in this case (much to my surprise) because I felt there was something special in this movie. Its premise is by no means unique - several movies come to mind eg 'what dreams may come' but it is still refreshing to watch. Clever cinematography to reflect the different decades and a sensible script made this a winner. I might even consider reading the book now! Thought provoking movies like this usually mean different things to different people. Go see what it means to you.

Man Dancin' (2003)

Melodrama Anyone?

[19 February 2004]

Overall this movie is well above average. It gives a different spin to the usual gangster theme. It is a drama about an ex-convict trying to make it good in his old neighbourhood and all the obstacles he comes across. I noticed a Christianity theme which was fairly prevalent throughout the film. Right form the beginning when he 'turned the other cheek' through to his 'sacrifice' at the end. Alex Ferns (as Kerrigan) puts in a very credible performance as the reformed convict. You can almost feel his frustration as he holds himself back from lashing out at those badass criminals. Obviously Brits will appreciate him more given his background as the badboy in Eastenders. James Cosmo was excellent as the Kingpin 'Quinn'. I'd only wish be got what he had coming to him (no wife beater ever gets away in my books/films). Some of the locations picked for this show are classic. Was it the Glasgow Royal Infirmary for the hospital scenes? I tried to look for clues but couldn't see any. The clincher for me was the 'Garage' nightclub in Glasgow! Again this will strike a note with locals. You've not seen Glasgow until you've been to 'The Garage'!! The toilet scene in particular is not far from reality! In summary, Melodrama? Maybe. But good melodrama nonetheless(4/5 stars).