C_K_DexterHaven Reviews

Zorro (I) (1975)

Here's To You and Me... Z-Z-Zorro's Back

[8/10 · 6 January 2006]

Yes - I actually like the strange song featured throughout this film.

As others have commented - growing up in the seventies, this was THE Zorro film, probably my favorite Zorro film... slightly campy, but thoroughly entertaining - reminiscent of the Three & Four Musketeer movies, also from the early seventies.

Alain DeLeon is as good as can be - the film covers all the classic Zorro elements and delivers far better than average fight scenes - especially the finale. Simply fun to watch.

One warning: I purchased a cheap VHS copy and was very disappointed to find it re-edited from the original (which I remember very clearly) - a few scenes are completely botched. Where's the DVD release... with extras?

Birth (2004)

Set your expectations low... very low - and you might enjoy this film

[2/10 · 6 January 2006]

Pros: Great cinematography, locations and score. Nicole Kidman acts very well; Cameron Bright is intense; Anne Heche pulls through and almost saves the film with her portrayal.

Cons: My expectations were high - I had wanted to see this from the first preview. It seemed poised to deliver emotion and questions that would leave you talking about the film afterward. The only talking after was 'what a waste of my time'. It didn't come close to fulfilling my expectations - which is the kiss of death in my movie world. Many other reviews of this film were right on with their comments - it starts strong, doesn't deliver in the middle, almost pulls through, and then (finally - thankfully) blows the ending. I'm not going to spend any more time explaining this mess... there are several great reviews, especially "The most divisive film ever?, 9 December 2005" by jonbg.

Note: Danny Huston is one of the scariest, meanest looking actors I've ever seen!