Yet another selection of film mini-reviews culled from Facebook; very little to recommend this time around apart from the highly enjoyable Teeth.
Grace Is Gone (*)
mawkish and overwrought, Cusack neither has the requisite subtlety to pull this off; ultimately this study of the loss of a loved one in Iraq, whilst well-intentioned, just doesn't ring true
Teeth (****)
independent comedy classic that is both dark and camp in equal measure - its originality more than compensates for its occasional flaws; recommended (but maybe not for a date)
Diary Of The Dead (*)
I stick to my adage that a bad zombie film is better than a good vampire film yet, even so, this latest failure by Romero is frankly rubbish and manages to make the Resident Evil franchise seem like a masterpiece: DOTD is utterly lacking in tension and suspense, has appalling acting, and a D-movie script; truth is, he urgently needed to see [Rec] or even Cloverfield before attempting the handheld video approach; and the super cheesy horror soundtrack (and its rationale) is simply embarrassing
Forgetting Sarah Marshall (*)
atrocious comedy made by idiots with idiots for idiots
The Grand (**)
the poker world's Spinal Tap completely runs out of ideas half way through but still fun for fans of the game (and note the bizarre role for Werner Herzog as 'The German')
Honeydripper (**)
prize hams Stacy Keach and Danny Glover, a wooden dialogue that wouldn't be out of place in the Dukes Of Hazzard, and a slow and predictable plot, are all compensated by some terrific supporting performances and pleasing photography
How She Move (**)
I've always had a soft spot for dance movies ever since the classic Breakdance (and sequel!) - this one isn't such a bad movie but ultimately bogged down with too much serious plot and unlikeable characters
Terror's Advocate (****)
fascinating documentary that covers so much history that it's really best appreciated with some preparatory groundwork in the events' protagonists and historical contexts
Ms. 45 (***)
Zoe Lund (aka Tamerlis), who curiously enough also wrote the screenplay for Bad Lieutenant, is bewitching as the mute seamstress vigilante in this decidedly odd rape revenge flick
I Really Hate My Job (*)
and I really hated this atrocious film and I'm sure you will too
The Bank Job (**)
neither brilliant nor awful in any department (I guess that would be extremely average then)
Savage Grace (*)
a film whose selling points are its lush photography, its homoeroticism, and incest storyline, can't afford to be prudish when it comes to showing us the action - Tinto Brass would have made this rather more watchable
Assassination Tango (**)
without the ridiculous 'hitman' backdrop, and while still being an exercise in Duvall's self-indulgence, this would actually be an enjoyable exploration of the magic of Argentinian tango
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6 comments:
as far as movies "by idiots with idiots for idiots", 'knocked up' was surprisingly enjoyable given how atrocious all the others have been (also leagues above 'juno' or any other Pregnancy Farce movie that has seemingly become a genre as of late)
didn't see 'the grand' but herzog's equally bizarre roles (i can only assume) in 'julian donkey boy' and 'mister lonely' have given me the notion that most movies would be better served with him in them
Totally on the money about Ms .45 (which some of you might have seen under the title of Angel of Vengence), one of Abel Ferrera's finest in my opinion, it manages to be so much more than the average 'I Spit On Your Grave' type revenge flick, by showing less it achieves so much more.
I went to see "Terror's Advocate" yesterday, and agree with your assessment of it - a great and fascinating documentary on a rather unique character. There is a lot of information to take on board, but well worth trying to make sense of it. I was wondering how he would explain his reasons for choosing to defend Klaus Barbie, and found myself surprised by agreeing with some of his points about taking on the case.
The doc overall I found to be very even-handed and non-judgmental too, allowing the viewer to make up their own mind. The only slight omission for me was not finding out about his reasons and feelings for taking on the Milosevic case. Perhaps with Slobodan being a lawyer by trade, perhaps they fell out at some point?
if someone gave me 'teeth' to watch on a date, I'd be thinking two things-either this person has a very black sense of humour, or
WTF?are they trying to tell me?
Either way, it would make for interesting discussion on VD before having sex.( assuming it was someone I wasn't close friends with, which at my age is par for course on high wierdness anyhow.)
if someone gave me 'teeth' to watch on a date, I'd be thinking two things-either this person has a very black sense of humour, or
WTF?are they trying to tell me?
Either way, it would make for interesting discussion on VD before having sex.( assuming it was someone I wasn't close friends with, which at my age is par for course on high wierdness anyhow.)
v
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