MJShep87 Reviews

Casino Royale (2006)

Daniel Craig is NOT James Bond

[1/10 · 2 January 2007]

First of all, the movie did not develop like a James Bond film at all. Instead, it tried to develop along the lines of one of the Bourne movies, and by no means are James Bond and Jason Bourne the same person. Daniel Craig does not have the height of James Bond, the dark hair, or the suaveness. He is an unattractive Rambo type character running through the streets in jeans and an unbuttoned white shirt. Compare him to previous actors who have played Bond...Connery, Moore, Brosnan...they were always in suits and commanded an air of coolness. Craig is nothing more than a sloppy, buffed out, animal. His accent sucks and he has to compromise for his awful presence with pecs and a six pack (nothing former Bond characters had to do). Daniel Craig = Not Bond.

Elvis (2005)

Very good adaptation

[9/10 · 25 June 2005]

Elvis was a fascinating figure and remains so today. He basically invented Rock and Roll and was in my opinion the first true rock star. This movie does him a great credit. The actor who plays him looks and sounds very close to the way the real Elvis did. The use of actual songs sung by the real Elvis makes the movie all the better. This movie truly shows the pressures and troubles Elvis faced in his life. All in all it presents as a generous and good person, which he really was as sources say. Despite the drug dependency, Elvis was a great person who revolutionized music and set the stage for all performers to come. This movie is captivating and moving.

The Doors (1991)

Excellent Portryal of Jim and the '60s

[10/10 · 24 June 2005]

Val Kilmer was casted perfectly as Jim Morrison. He looks exactly like him and his voice closely resembles Jim's also.

This movie truly captures the turbulent lifestyle of Jim Morrison. This movie explores all aspects of his life from his experimentations with hallucinogenic drugs such as LSD and peyote to his alcoholism and even his wild sex life. The camera acts as a window into the mind of an obsessive and troubled, but extremely talented rock star. It cuts through all the garbage talk about Morrison being some prophet or visionary, as many believe he was, and exposes him for the true drugged-up, troubled human being he was.

The whole scene of drug experimentation, sex, and the cultural revolution of the '60s is shown in this movie.

The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms (1953)

Outstanding Sci-Fi

[10/10 · 24 June 2005]

This film is extremely well done for its mere budget of $200,000. Ray Harryhausen's incorporated many "firsts" in the field of visual effect on this limited budget. The monster in this film appears very realistic and does not have the traditional "jerking" motions of many of its predecessors.

The story line of this movie is equally captivating. The monster is released from its frozen captivity as a result of an atomic explosion. This incorporates the devastating effects nuclear weapons can have and was appropriate at a time the movie was released (1953). Thr monster wrecks havoc along the shoreline on North America until it reaches NYC. The scenes in NYC with the monster rampaging through the streets are thrilling. The movie concludes with a truly original ending with the climax taking place at Coney Island.

This movie is truly a classic '50's Sci-Fi/Horror film. It captivates and thrills.