benjajamim Reviews

24 (2001–2010)

Breath-taking storyline.

[9/10 · 10 April 2007]

(this message contains NO spoilers)

I just finished watching the first season of 24, and I just had so much fun watching it. There were certain breakdowns in the plot and the strength of the script, however they make it even more realistic. Nobody can expect a series to be as pro as a movie at all, however each 24 season is really as fun as the best of movies and even more. I juts can't wait to see the second season. The acting was, well, neither good nor bad, I mean... Keifer Southerland had no breakdowns, no mistakes at all, however I fail to see some kind of personal characteristic on him that the rest of the characters don't have. I suspect that all of those faces he does when he's angry, etc... are just Keifer Sutherland's faces, rather than Jack Bauer's. That makes it not worse, of course, because it is still presenting emotions. However I am amazed how well the characters (all except Jack) go loosing their energies throughout the night, it is very realistic. The parallel story of David Palmer, the senator (NO SPOILER HERE EITHER) is, I believe, a parallel story to simply occupy some time space in this format of real-time, because it is a hard format to work with. However the parallel story is just fine and fun, and it is just like watching 2 sop operas at the same time. I really admire David Palmer as a senator and as a human being, and truly disgust his wife Sherry. You'll see that as the story goes along... however it looks so real that some people could like him and dislike her, and other viewers could dislike him and like her. It is well opened for the psychology of the viewer. VERY GOOD SERIES, I plan to see all of the seasons, and in case someone of the crew sees this, don't stop making this thing... I am just one of your billion best clients.

Trainspotting (1996)

true as watching society's mirror

[10/10 · 23 April 2006]

Trainspotting is my kind of movie, it reflects both the feelings of the characters but at the same time the exact situation that many, many, young adolescents live today everywhere in the world. Great acting, great angles, perspectives, colors, camera movement... The plot of this movie could be summarized very simply: A man who wants to get out of heroine addiction.

I must admit that the baby scene was very horrifying and touching. I almost felt high at some point, and I felt tired and patience-less and horrified when he is trying to sleep with that need for heroine. I believe that TRainspotting is a piece of art you can't miss... this are the movies I want people to rent, I want people to pay for, so society knows that still some are against drugs... Though for some people this movie may represent at some points a good face of drugs, the message of it is absolutely anti-drugs. Unless you want to be like him and hang around with that kind of "gang" killing, kicking, stealing, getting ran over...

The Godfather (1972)

A film you will not be able to refuse...

[10/10 · 10 January 2006]

Elegant crime and respected Italian leaders is the best setting for a Mafia. The Godfather is truly a great movie. When I saw it I felt identified even though I have nothing to do with any mafia. The main point of this film is how Michael Corleone inherits the work of his father, Vito Corleone. This movie touched my emotions. It is greatly directed by my friend the great Francis Ford Copolla, greatly written by my dearest Mario Puzzo and PERFECTLY ACTED by my masters Marlo Brando and Al Pacino. It is not by coincidence that this is ranked Top 1 in the IMDb list. The character of MArlo Brando is the perfect character a film like this should have: an old wise man who knows whats good and bad for his business, who even though leads a huge criminal bloody almost gore mafia, has a soul of his own that manages to love his family.

The Godfather is truly one of my favourite films, highly over-passing all the modern day high-tech criminal movies. The point that sets this whole story in motion is that it is not about crime, but about business, not clean but big business. And then comes Al Pacino as Michael Corleone, a humble little man whose life is happy and truthful. He's loyal to his country and opposes to work for his father and brother Sonny. Al Pacino, due to his usually expression-less face during The Godfather, shows he's was meant to be the one to inherit the "familia".

The music is probably the memory that will remain longer from this movie in my mind. The famous waltz, and the famous theme used many times in the scenes of Scisilly. Try to never hear this songs until you see the movie and it will cause to even the bravest hearts some bit of emotion (which is hard to accomplish).

Last but not least, Francis Ford Copolla direction is probably his best. He includes beautiful settings in Corleone, beautiful enegeryfull angles in the wedding scenes, some great camera movement, great timing so it is not too slow or too fast. Francis Ford Copolla is certainly one of the best directors and it is shown in this film. The Godfather is a classic which movie lovers cannot die without seeing. If you don't like it (something that I've never heard as a reaction to this film)you better begin question yourself.

House of Flying Daggers (2004)

After "Hero", I expected more...

[7/10 · 21 December 2005]

House of Flying Daggers is a beautiful movie. In terms of settings, locations and visual effects, it is a great movie. Nevertheless, it seems to me that the director emphasized more the setting and landscape use in House of Flying Daggers, forgetting the importance of the trama. Even though its ending is pretty unpredictable, Hero's trama was a much more complex one and therefore, more fun. The battles are, of course, very well made but not as original as those of Hero. The script was very well developed but it seems to me the actors didin't do a job as good as that of the director. The dialogues weren't as deep as Hero's, at least not how I watched it (with Spanish subtitles). The music is beautiful, and the daggers are awesome. Worth watching, perhaps before Hero, to enjoy more (Hero) when you watch such a piece of art... Hero is better, but House of Flying Daggers is good.

Johnny English (2003)

I can't stop laughing...

[10/10 · 21 November 2005]

Allthought I wouldn't rate it as a well thought artistic piece of art in the cultural aspect (such as a Kubrick movie, for example) Johnny Enlighs is probably the funniest movie I've ever seen. If you are in the mood for a good laugh out of a not 100% stupid movie, then, only then, its a must see. I saw it a year ago and I still remember Johnny's face and actions. I must admit that really stupid movies make me sometimes angry, this is not that kind of movie that has no sense at all, it has a clear setting, and a great cast (perfect cast if you're talking about Johnny's selection). Probably better than the Mr. Beans, "Johnny English" is a must see for those who laugh easily. Another very important hint: don't watch it alone. Watch it with someone who makes you laugh. The last hint: if you don't laugh, probably Blockbuster® gave you "Lost Highway" instead of "Johnny English", a pretty uncommon mistake.

A Clockwork Orange (1971)

insane but suddenly sane.

[10/10 · 13 October 2005]

When I saw Stalney Kubrick's "A Clockwork Orange", my breath was taken away. First, the opening scenes of the gang are very strong and gave me an idea of how ultra-violence worked. Second, i found myself starring outside the limits of my TV screen for a second. A mixture of Beehtoven's finest music, Kubrick's finest novel choosing and, last but not least, Kubrick's magic, unreal but breathtaking touch were hitting my eyes, maybe too much of a good-strong, picture for my eyes and my brain. Malcolm McDowell gives us an excellent interpretation of the rare, crazy Ludwig Van lover Alex. This is a classic and probably the best movie I've ever seen, nonetheless I wouldn't recommend this movie to any person unless I know they are old or mature enough to see it. The ultra-violence is nothing to be censored or rated, but yes the raping scenes. And, last but not least, this movie was so well made that it gives us the sensation of being as lost as Alex in his life. Sci-Fi and Drama are mixed with a Kubrick touch, i mean... how better could it get?