The Human Centipede (First Sequence) - No rating
This is the most awful thing that I have ever seen in my entire life. I watched the first hour and then could not stand anymore - after reading a summary of the final 1/2-hour, I am so glad that I did not finish. I'm still nauseas and wish that I could wipe this entire concept from my memory forever. You can't even consider this a movie - it is a sadistic expression of Tom Six's psychological instability. The two girls are absolutely AWFUL actresses and I was glad that the script did not waste any time developing their characters, having them abducted less than 10 minutes into the film. However, anything would be better than what followed. Dieter Laser gives meaning to the term "mad scientist," and I wish that I hadn't discovered that through this film. I used to think that the Saw movies were shocking and it must have taken a really sick mind to come up with all of those awful situations but next to this, the Saw movies seem like FernGully. "The Human Centipede" is the most demented thing that I have ever seen and I do not recommend this for anybody. I refuse to give this abomination a star rating because it cannot be considered "entertainment" by any standard. I have a strong stomach, but nothing could have prepared me for this horrific display of evil.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Revenge of the Nerds - 5 stars out of 10
Revenge of the Nerds - 5 stars out of 10
Who DOESN'T want to see the nerds beat the jocks? This predictable 80's comedy stereotypes the main cliques in high school/college society and allows the brains to dominate the braun. You'll be rooting for Carradine and Edwards from the first scene until the final battle. P.S. The talent show scene is awesome. =)
Who DOESN'T want to see the nerds beat the jocks? This predictable 80's comedy stereotypes the main cliques in high school/college society and allows the brains to dominate the braun. You'll be rooting for Carradine and Edwards from the first scene until the final battle. P.S. The talent show scene is awesome. =)
Paths of Glory - 3 stars out of 10
Paths of Glory - 3 stars out of 10
There's nothing too thrilling about Paths of Glory. Although it has been applauded as one of the strongest anti-war films ever made, it cannot compare to films like Platoon and Saving Private Ryan. The court scene is fantastic and the film has a few other high points, but overall it failed to engage my emotions. Krik Douglas plays his role well but most of the characters die or disappear from the script before their characters can be properly developed. It is an interesting story but was not realized in the detail that would have done it justice.
There's nothing too thrilling about Paths of Glory. Although it has been applauded as one of the strongest anti-war films ever made, it cannot compare to films like Platoon and Saving Private Ryan. The court scene is fantastic and the film has a few other high points, but overall it failed to engage my emotions. Krik Douglas plays his role well but most of the characters die or disappear from the script before their characters can be properly developed. It is an interesting story but was not realized in the detail that would have done it justice.
American Graffiti - 8 stars out of 10
American Graffiti - 8 stars out of 10
The thing that is great about this film is not the movie itself, but instead the statement that it makes about rock 'n roll culture of the early 60's. It takes the form of a historical preservation of events, as George Lucas turned three phases of his life into three of the main characters. That being said, I don't find the story to be particularly impressive. The above-average acting creates memorable characters who grow as the movie progresses, but they could've grown through a better plot. If nothing else, it is entertaining to see some of our favorite actors (Dreyfuss, Howard, and Ford) performing at a young age. I was particularly impressed with the characterization of Mackenzie Phillips and Charles Martin Smith (as well as Dreyfuss), and honestly cannot understand how Candy Clark received an Oscar nod and none of the others. If anything, I'd list her 6th or 7th of the performances that I enjoyed. The film rightfully did not beat The Sting for best picture, but it will certainly forever be remembered as an accurate and realistic depiction of the cruising culture of the 60's.
The thing that is great about this film is not the movie itself, but instead the statement that it makes about rock 'n roll culture of the early 60's. It takes the form of a historical preservation of events, as George Lucas turned three phases of his life into three of the main characters. That being said, I don't find the story to be particularly impressive. The above-average acting creates memorable characters who grow as the movie progresses, but they could've grown through a better plot. If nothing else, it is entertaining to see some of our favorite actors (Dreyfuss, Howard, and Ford) performing at a young age. I was particularly impressed with the characterization of Mackenzie Phillips and Charles Martin Smith (as well as Dreyfuss), and honestly cannot understand how Candy Clark received an Oscar nod and none of the others. If anything, I'd list her 6th or 7th of the performances that I enjoyed. The film rightfully did not beat The Sting for best picture, but it will certainly forever be remembered as an accurate and realistic depiction of the cruising culture of the 60's.
The Count of Monte Cristo - 10 stars out of 10
The Count of Monte Cristo - 10 stars out of 10
Wonderful old-fashioned story, amazing acting, awesome climactic ending - "The Count of Monte Cristo" is a dark, non-stop thrill ride of passion and vengeance. I have never seen Guy Pearce in a purely evil role like this, but he really engaged my emotions and made me despise his character. Despite excellent performances by Richard Harris and the stunning Dagmara Dominczyk, Jim Caviezel easily steals the spotlight in his epic journey. His emotions come to life in prison, perfectly setting up the second half of the film. Although I like Luis Guzman, I couldn't help but feel that he was out of place in this role, but everything else was so great that I didn't mind too much. I highly recommend this clean action film with great fighting, a classic storyline, a beautiful musical score, and of course the dynamic acting of a delightful cast.
Wonderful old-fashioned story, amazing acting, awesome climactic ending - "The Count of Monte Cristo" is a dark, non-stop thrill ride of passion and vengeance. I have never seen Guy Pearce in a purely evil role like this, but he really engaged my emotions and made me despise his character. Despite excellent performances by Richard Harris and the stunning Dagmara Dominczyk, Jim Caviezel easily steals the spotlight in his epic journey. His emotions come to life in prison, perfectly setting up the second half of the film. Although I like Luis Guzman, I couldn't help but feel that he was out of place in this role, but everything else was so great that I didn't mind too much. I highly recommend this clean action film with great fighting, a classic storyline, a beautiful musical score, and of course the dynamic acting of a delightful cast.
12 - 9 stars out of 10
12 - 9 stars out of 10
This Russian remake of "12 Angry Men" (which is arguably the greatest court film in cinema history) stays true to the original through amazing acting performances by developing characters that do not even possess names. This modern take on the story does seem a bit more presumptuous than the original but still keeps you on the edge of your seat as the jury members slowly unravel the court case in the deliberation room. Touching stories from the lives of individual jurors presented with incredible emotion help them to see the evidence more clearly as they struggle to reach a unanimous decision. Russian director Nikita Mikhalkov (who also plays one of the jurors) brings his culture into the story to keep it from feeling the same as 12 Angry Men, all under the guise of a beautiful musical score. If you love 12 Angry Men, this movie will surely be a treat for you; however, if you have not seen 12 Angry Men, I would definitely recommend seeing it in place of this remake.
This Russian remake of "12 Angry Men" (which is arguably the greatest court film in cinema history) stays true to the original through amazing acting performances by developing characters that do not even possess names. This modern take on the story does seem a bit more presumptuous than the original but still keeps you on the edge of your seat as the jury members slowly unravel the court case in the deliberation room. Touching stories from the lives of individual jurors presented with incredible emotion help them to see the evidence more clearly as they struggle to reach a unanimous decision. Russian director Nikita Mikhalkov (who also plays one of the jurors) brings his culture into the story to keep it from feeling the same as 12 Angry Men, all under the guise of a beautiful musical score. If you love 12 Angry Men, this movie will surely be a treat for you; however, if you have not seen 12 Angry Men, I would definitely recommend seeing it in place of this remake.
Grown Ups - 7 stars out of 10
Grown Ups - 7 stars out of 10
"Grown Ups" is another film in a string of comedies that fails to identify a target audience. The previews (and much of the film's slapstick content) is obviously intended for children, as if this is a family film; unfortunately, some of the language, sexual content, and breast feeding give it the sensation of a late-teen/young adult comedy. The highlight of the film is unquestionably Steve Buscemi, working the full-body cast with expertise. I really enjoyed the stereotypical interactions between Sandler, James, Schneider, Rock, and Spade, but the interactions often became confused when mixed in with kids for a family-movie feel. It isn't Billy Madison or 50 First Dates, but Sandler's humor shines through to create an entertaining story - just don't pick it for Family Movie Night!
"Grown Ups" is another film in a string of comedies that fails to identify a target audience. The previews (and much of the film's slapstick content) is obviously intended for children, as if this is a family film; unfortunately, some of the language, sexual content, and breast feeding give it the sensation of a late-teen/young adult comedy. The highlight of the film is unquestionably Steve Buscemi, working the full-body cast with expertise. I really enjoyed the stereotypical interactions between Sandler, James, Schneider, Rock, and Spade, but the interactions often became confused when mixed in with kids for a family-movie feel. It isn't Billy Madison or 50 First Dates, but Sandler's humor shines through to create an entertaining story - just don't pick it for Family Movie Night!
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