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Reviews
Three to Tango (1999)
Truly the best romantic comedy I've ever seen!
Well, I had NO idea that this movie was being 'bashed' or receiving negative publicity. The first I heard about this movie, I only wanted to see it because Dylan McDermott (The Practice) was in it, but when I saw the trailer I thought it would be hilarious too. And I was absolutely right! I don't think I've laughed this hard during a movie for ages! I mean, usually most romantic comedies are way too mushy and when they're over, you kinda think, 'That was IT?' But in Three to Tango, from the opening credits to the little scenes which appear with the ending credits, it is HILARIOUS! Matthew Perry gave a superb performance, being totally misunderstood by EVERYONE (I expecially liked the father's reaction), and Neve wasn't really as bimboesque as I thought she'd be... The whole time I thought it was funny how Oliver Platt was secretly laughing at everyone... I could go on for ages, but my advice is that you MUST see this movie, even if you've been put off by the bad press you DO have to give it a chance, because you might end up loving it totally like I did! My only regret is that at the end they didn't show us Dylan wearing the... the thing that his wife bought him! (Y'know! ^o^)
Futurama (1999)
Better than 'The Simpsons'
Now don't get me wrong, The Simpsons is and always will be a classic, but Futurama should really be overshadowed by it - it's fresh and original. Instead of many typical futuristic shows, it's actually *realistic*, even though it's a cartoon. I made the mistake of not watching the first few eps because I thought it would be lame, but how wrong I was! Anyway, I absolutely LOVE Bender (who doesn't? ^.^), and the thing I like most about the show is that it does things that no other show has done before. Seriously. When you expect them to say and do the same old cliche stuff, they go and do the opposite! It's totally unpredictable, and the improvement in animation and addition of 3D graphics provide more attraction for the eyes. I especially love the same old attitude as to how stupid humans are in the series. It's also endless entertainment for me to see the new inventions and gadgets they came up with in the future, which are so not-typical, and I'd LOVE to own some of them.. the advertising in your dreams is creepy though. ^.^;; I strongly suggest you go watch it!
Oh, and BENDER ROCKS!!! ^o^
The Sixth Sense (1999)
Strangely humourous at times
Wow, there sure are a LOT of comments for this movie! Anyway, overall I thought it was fantastic, since it was quite refreshing from regular action films, and the whole plot (to me) was quite satisfying. Most people have already said what I wanted to say, but I wanted to contribute my two cents too. ^.^ Actually, in quite a few bits, e.g. Cole busting to go to the toilet, etc, made the whole (packed) cinema laugh.
The only downside to the movie was that even though I was only seeing the movie for the first time and hadn't read anything on the internet or any spoilers (not even this page yet) concerning the ending, and yet because ONE person told me there was a twist at the end of the story, halfway through I guessed what it was, and kept hoping I was wrong but I had guessed correctly! (which kinda took away most of the suspense) But still... and also after reading the other comments, isn't Haley Joel a main character, not a supporting actor? (I mean, if he got nominated for an Oscar, which I think he should too) He sure stole the show from Bruce Willis... ^_^ Anyway, the filmmakers were quite smart because now I want to see the movie again, in the point of view of KNOWING for sure the ending and trying to make sense of it during the movie... If you haven't seen it, DO go see it, and don't try to guess the ending, just WATCH the movie, okay? ^.^
Cube (1997)
This must be the coolest movie!
Well, I didn't actually KNOW anything about this film, and it was showing at the Rialto (which is more foreign-filmish than mainstream). But I was surely not let down! I'm no film-buff, and I'm not experienced yet either (only 15 so far), but I definately recommend anyone to give it at least a chance! The fact that it's so low-budget, but doesn't really reek of it, and the simplicity of the setting, is quite refreshing from the typical films of today. At first I was rooting for the cop, since he had 3 kids, but... well, let's just say I didn't exactly want him to survive near the end (that bastard!) And also the actual scariest movie I've seen all year! I mean, actual covering-my-face muttering 'No! God! No!', especially during the silence scene... despite what some other people have said, I thought this movie wasn't predictable at all (I was totally wrong about who was going to die and what happened in the end). The ending was also perfect, and they should leave it like that... I came out of the cinema, speechless, only thinking 'Wow! What a cool movie!', and satisfaction that you have got your money's worth. The only thing that bugged me during the whole film was trying to remember what other things the girl that played Leaven had been in (Deepwater Black, and other sci-fi things - anyone else detect typecasting here? ^.^) Go see it if you haven't!
Deepwater Black (1997)
Read the blimmin' book!!
First, let me just say that Deepwater is actually based on a trilogy of books (Deepwater Black, Deepwater Landing & Deepwater Angels) by a fantastic New Zealand sci-fi writer Ken Catran. The credits for his name roll by WAY too quickly. And I apologise in advance for any fans of the show, since I know how annoyed I get when other people bash the shows I like with petty accusations, but... well, I tried to give it a chance, I really did. But I felt really let down after reading the books (DO go and read them). Apart from the character names, the ship's name, and other such names, the whole STORYLINE is different... the whole issue of prexing is reversed. After a few episodes I couldn't take the weakish plots, the kinda of gaudy special effects and the so-so acting any longer. Reb is NOTHING like how he's supposed to be. Even his HAIR is different from how it's described in the book. So, to sum it up, if you don't really have anything more important to do for half an hour, then watch Deepwater. But PLEASE just read the books by Ken Catran. They show the true story, they are actually challenging, interesting, there is a POINT, the character's relationships actually develop! Don't be put off by these TV series... and I hope they re-make the series or a movie based on the REAL plot soon!
Deep Blue Sea (1999)
Who's next on the menu?
Well, there are already so many comments for this movie, but I decided to add mine anyway. ^_^ (Warning! Spoilers!) It's not really a BAD movie, if you're looking for something to see it, by all means, go and see it in the cinema, but when it comes out on video, and you don't have a brilliant sound system and wide-screen TV, get something else. I must say during the WHOLE movie I was tense, even from the beginning credits. My friend (who was sitting next to me) kept complaining about how noisy I was ('No!' 'Oh, s**t!' 'Swim faster!' 'Behind you!' 'Eeeeeeeeeeeek!!!!'). ^.^;; I don't know if it's just me, because I don't watch TOO many 'scary' movies (like, I haven't seen 'Jaws' or 'I know what you did last summer' before), but I thought it was really unpredictable, what was going to happen and who was going to die next. One of my other friends said that she *liked* the movie because it was so unplausible - like that would ever happen in real life (so she wouldn't be scared to go swimming in the sea or something, I suppose). Anyway, the theater was packed when we went on the Friday night, and the audience were quite responsive...
I think the BEST part was when that other blonde girl (the one whose hubby just met an unfortunate accident) called Susan McAlester 'You stupid bitch!' (for increasing the shark's brain mass), many people in the audience (including me) cheered and clapped. OH, and another favourite part of mine is when Preacher does the egg omelette recipe to the camera. ^_^ Overall... uh, the female lead is WAY to wooden and has no expression on her face whatsoever anytime... the only smart thing she does all movie is at the end... but go watch it anyway because it's one of those movies everyone watches and talks about the next day.
Yu yu hakusho (1992)
A fantastic and original action-adventure anime.
Yuu Yuu Hakusho is one of my favourite japanese animes. Like many other anime, it was first released as a manga (comic), written by the talented Yoshihiro Togashi.
The story revolves around a juvenile delinquent, Yuusuke Urameshi, who, in the first minutes of the anime, DIES saving a child from a traffic accident. Wandering around as a spirit, confused as hell, he meets Botan, a ferry-girl who guides spirits to the Reikai (spirit realm) after death. She informs him that his death was totally unpredicted and unexpected, a mistake, so is given a second chance at life by Enma Daiou (Lord of the Dead), by undergoing a series of challenges and tasks, thus becoming a Reikai Tantei (Spirit Detective). One of Yuusuke's first tasks is to recover 3 treasures stolen from the Reikai. Two of the thieves, Kurama and Hiei, are later 'punished' by having to also to do services for the Reikai and become spirit detectives, but of course later they become best friends.
Yuusuke's attack is a Rei-gun (spirit gun), a bolt of energy shot out from one finger with his hand shaped like a gun, capable of great destruction. He also uses his fists a lot in a fight, being more physical than, say, Kurama. He mightn't seem too bright, but often surprises even the most experienced opponents with his actions. He can be arrogant, but brave, determined, he adopts a happy-go-lucky, reckless attitude that often gets him into strife but comes out stronger for it at the end. He thrives against stronger opponents, being able to increase his power tenfold in a short period of time with hard training. In the end it's always his childhood sweetheart, Keiko Yukimura, who's his inspiration.
Kurama is a youko (fox demon) reincarnated as a human, the (now) teenaged 'Minamino Shuuichi' (his human name) is a top-student and perfect son. He uses his youki (demonic energy ?) to manipulate plants, his preferred weapon is the Rose Whip, which can slice, dice, and chop away his opponents. In times of extreme danger, when angered, or in other special circumstances he can revert to his youko form, thus becoming MUCH more powerful. He's good-natured, kind, polite and best friends with Hiei - he's the only one who can make fun of him and get away with it. ^.^
Hiei is a fire demon with a Jagan ('evil' third eye) giving him the ability to use the 'black fires of the Makai' (demon realm) in attacks like the Jaou Ensatsu Kokuryuuha (a huge firey black dragon, which normally stays as a purple tattoo winding around his arm, which can easily annihlate enemies). Hiei has a dark past, abandoned as a child, he was raised by a band of thieves. He has no qualms about killing anyone, and went to the Ningenkai (human realm) to search for his long-lost twin sister. Hiei's really short, with a grumpy demeanor, he has a trademark scowl and often answers a short, distainful 'Hn' when questioned. He can be arrogant and is always eager to fight. Hiei and Kuwabara can't seem to stand each other, constantly bickering and at each other's neck, but deep down they're friends.
His longtime arch-rival Kuwabara Kazuma (who constantly tries to best Yuusuke at fighting, and constantly gets a royal whipping) later becomes his best friend, joining him as a Spirit Detective. Kuwabara shapes his reiki (spirit energy) into a weapon, the 'rei ken' (spirit sword). Kuwabara may seem loud, annoying, and not as 'attractive' as the other three, but he definately can't be underestimated. Like Yuusuke, he was a juvenile delinquient at school, having an arrogant and tough-guy macho attitude, but inside he's a big softie, caring and unconditionally loyal to his friends, possessing a huge inner-strength, in the end he also proves he's as smart as anyone else, maybe even smarter, when he studies hard to get into university.
The four have many adventures together, like competing in the Ankoku Bujuutsukai, a (martial arts?) tournament, facing foes like Toguro, later Sensui. Though some may say the animation isn't exactly exceptional, its plot sets it apart from the rest. The characters are highly developed, the heros have flaws and develop, and the villians aren't always the clear-cut baddies who are totally evil, but they have their own agendas, which often don't turn out to be 'evil' at all. Actually, the whole defintion of 'evil' and 'demons' are turned inside out and upside down, as two of our heroes are demons themselves. The theme of friendship, comradeship and even love is prevalent, Yuusuke overcomes seemingly impossible obstacles, changing and growing from a young, undisciplined drop-out to a truly admirable hero who never lets down his friends, and becomes immensely powerful. Among it are many interesting sub-plots about the other characters, there being a large number of 'minor' characters, offering refreshing scenes every episode.
I personally feel the second movie 'Poltergeist Report' didn't do the anime or manga series justice, as the plot was a bit serious and lacked the comedy in the original series. By all means, do watch it, but people who haven't seen the anime may not understand why Yuusuke has these powers, or why Hiei and Kurama are fighting on Yuusuke's side if they're demons. I don't think I enjoyed the movie that much because the villain, Yakumo, was totally devoid of the separate agenda and 'human side' that YYH showed as a series, like the excellent opponent for Yuusuke, Sensui, with his multiple personalities and reasons behind his (albeit deranged and destructive) actions. Hinageshi was totally unnecessary, I feel, Botan was portrayed as too serious, Keiko too much of a damsel in distress, Genkai too harmless... but after all that criticism, I think that all YYH fans should see this movie, and non-fans should see it because it's the only easily obtainable English form of YYH, and also it may help you decide whether you want to search for more YYH.
I HIGHLY recommend YYH, go see it! ^_^
Ekkusu (1996)
Watch it for the graphics, but read the manga first!
X, or X/1999, is the work of CLAMP, a group of four highly talented female manga artist group, consisting of Nanase Ohkawa, Mokona Apapa, Mick Nekoi and Satsuki Igarashi. X is undoubtedly one of their most famous works, which has been running as a manga (comic book series) since 1992.
The basic storyline is about a 16 year old boy, called Kamui Shirou. He returns to Tokyo after 6 years absence, being instructed by his mother to do so before she... okay, to say more would give away the story. ^.^ Anyway, he must choose his destiny - to become a Dragon of Heaven or a Dragon of Earth. Because the Earth is dying, due to the destruction wreaked by mankind, the aim of the Dragons of Earth is to eliminate all humankind, so the Earth can recuperate. However, the aim of the Dragons of Heaven is to save humankind, and defend the 'kekkai' (magical barriers) of Tokyo from collapsing (because if they collapse, they will cause huge earthquakes, which kill thousands of people).
Hinoto, who is blind and mute, therefore communicates telepathically, can see into the future in her dreams, and guides the Dragons of Heaven, while her younger sister, Kanoe, can 'shadow' her dreams, therefore being also able to see into the future. Kanoe in turn guides the Dragons of Earth.
There are mixed opinions on the X movie... while some say the plot was TOTALLY ruined by trying to squeeze the epic, already 13 volume and approaching 22 volume story, into a meagre 2 hours (?), the graphics are FANTASTIC, definately superior to many other anime movies, and the music and sound effects are wonderful (especially 'Forever Love', the ending song, sung by X Japan - a Japanese band, not to be confused with X the manga or movie - is particularly beautiful and suits the mood of the movie perfectly). As many people have already mentioned, you must read the manga first, because in the movie everyone appears too quickly for the audience to become attached to the characters, and there are hardly any introductions. The movie is also THE most gory anime movie I've ever seen (the only slight rival being a bit of Mononoke Hime). There is MUCH violence, the plot is EXTREMELY dark... not your typical light-hearted Miyazaki film, and definately NOT for the weak-stomached... people being decapitated, in slo-mo, eh, that's a feature (oops, did I give some of the plot away? ^.^;;). Some of the character's personalities are kinda (or vastly) distorted, and they REPLACED Kakyou with some cocky high-schooler (damn, Kakyou is so much more adorable ::sigh::). But, it is definately worth seeing if you're an X or Clamp fan... if you're not, I actually don't recommend it (even though I'm avidly obsessed with Clamp ^.^), until you've read the manga at least, and decided whether you like it or not, because it may... uh, put you off other perfectly okay animes. X is, unique, to say the least.
But if X isn't your cup of tea, Clamp has a WIDE range of works, with vastly differing themes, from cutesy magical girl series (and I mean that in a GOOD way) like Magic Knights Rayearth and Cardcaptor Sakura, they've ALSO done kind-of hentai (if you don't know, don't ask ^.^) titles like Miyuki-chan in Wonderland, to adventure tales from ancient myths like RG Veda... find a title that suits you and give Clamp a chance!
Oops, wrote a bit too much, didn't I? Oh well, my only advice is like everyone else says, read the manga first! ^_^