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Dragon S
Reviews
Sleepy Hollow (1999)
It is hard to be disappointed in this movie, and I truly enjoyed nearly every moment of it.
I was a bit surprised when I finally managed to see this film. The special effects were incredibly real, and Tim Burton's ability to direct truly shines. The music, mood, acting, and scenes are all excellent, with a plot that is surprising and entertaining.
Johnny Depp's performance was good, and thankfully the cast of characters and other performances coupled well so that nobody shone over anybody else. The characters were well thought out. Being based on an older legend, I was fearful that I would be watching a drawn out and cliche-ridden story. Of course they altered the original tale a little, but you will find yourself delightfully surprised, laughing, screaming, and cheering throughout the screenplay.
The music was incredible, and the special effects - not only on the characters - but in the scenes portrays the mood perfectly. It is hard to be disappointed in this movie, and I truly enjoyed nearly every moment of it.
Bats (1999)
...do not go see this movie.
This movie is very typical of a horror movie. Unfortunately, unlike some others (such as The Haunting or Dawn of the Dead), Bats has NO redeeming qualities.
The plot is typical, and thus predictable. The acting is average, or very poor. You will recognize the dialogue as those same lines repeated time and time again in other movies. You will see the same techniques (not the good ones) used over and over in other movies. The bats look stupid, and the characters do very unintelligent things. The movie even has the "need to start motor - and it won't the first try" scene...which you see coming several light years away.
You can predict early on who will die and who will live. The bats or the characters make it obvious when the attack is coming - so no element of surprise exists. What's worse are many of the bat close-ups are filmed in "confuso-vision", and you may find yourself looking away from the screen to avoid becoming motion sick.
The great horror movies of yesterday and today make up for a lacking plot and standard techniques by adding "something extra". The director (or screenwriter) of Bats must have been out of ideas. Unless you are an absolute die-hard horror movie fanatic that must see every one ever made, do not see this movie.
American Beauty (1999)
I highly recommend that everybody see this film.
There is little in this world that I call perfect. But sometimes something can come close. "American Beauty" is one such film.
The acting was well done. The directing and camera work are incredible, weaving and creating scenes that truly bring forth meaning and mood. The messages and emotions of this movie are portrayed very well.
The word 'plot' doesn't really seem to describe the incredible story. It's hard to pick apart such an accomplishment when the music, story, scenes, and other bits and pieces fit so smoothly together. You will find yourself laughing, sighing, cheering, and possibly crying. The beginning is as noteworthy as the end, and both are great.
I highly recommend that everybody see this film. Keep in mind that this is a powerful drama, you can be in the wrong mood to enjoy it. But those who have the chance to experience this movie (and have an open mind) may actually learn something about life and a better way to live it.
Plunkett & Macleane (1999)
Though not for everyone, the true artist should find this movie a rare gem.
This movie is not for all people. This is one of those films for which you cannot judge without seeing it. This is one of those artistic pieces of work that you will love or hate, but you cannot possibly know until finishing it.
Having said this, I enjoyed the film. The acting was excellent, but more so because of the incredible characters. This movie DOES have a plot, albeit simple and straightforward. What truly makes this film enjoyable is the character involvement, the odd but delightful use of modern music coupled with an older society, along with some humor and unpredictable experiences.
The movie begins very slowly, and I feared that all the horrible reviews were correct. Though as the film progressed, I became deeply engrossed in the refreshing portrayal, characterization, and directing style. Though the plot is somewhat predictable, the scenes are unique and, as a whole, this movie is an exceptionally "different" experience from contemporary film. One which I was glad to sit through.
Though not for everyone, the true artist should find this movie a rare gem. It combines elements that initially take you off guard, but you soon appreciate. The most enjoyable part of the film, however, were most definitely the cast of characters. I recommend that everybody with an open mind give this film a 45 minute chance.
The Sixth Sense (1999)
...a great film that delivers in both fright and enjoyment.
This is an excellent movie. It is full of moments that are genuinely frightening, and the overall mood is best described as "creepy". The plot begins slowly (a little too slowly?) but eventually develops into an ending that leaves you breathless.
I've seen the film twice now, and can vouch that it takes more than ending to create a great film. The Sixth Sense succeeds. Moments are scary, or emotional, or just plain powerful. If you're a true "movie-goer" and immerse yourself into this film (which is easily done given the great score and excellent directing) then you should find yourself shuddering more than once.
The acting is exceptional, Bruce Willis - taking into account his recent jobs - is surprisingly good. The boy and his mother are believable, and the character interaction is very nice. The film quality is dark and granular, giving you a strong sense of realism - like watching a documentary. Just like "Saving Private Ryan", great steps were taken to build scenes using mood and emotion.
The ending does much more than complete this great film. You will find yourself pleasantly surprised and in many cases your draw will land in your popcorn. Once you figure this out, you'll be thinking about it all the way to your car. All in all, a great film that delivers in both fright and enjoyment.
The Other Sister (1999)
In it's entirety this is a good movie, despite the imperfections.
A highly recommended movie for any couple or a sappy group of friends. I was pleasantly surprised by the exceptional acting and superb emotional content. The entire film (with the exception of the ending) unfolded very well.
Perfection is not a good word here, however. At some moments you feel suddenly drained and disappointed at what is occurring. You will also pity the main characters instead of loving them at some awkward moments. Though true, perhaps, in real life - this is the movies we're watching and it almost makes you want to stop watching. The ending also feels very rushed.
In it's entirety this is a good movie, despite the imperfections. The cast, score, and story leave you feeling warm and entertained.
The Haunting (1999)
Though in itself a moderately entertaining film...
If you plan on feeling fear, being constantly frightened, and shuddering from spine-tingling psychological horror...you will be sadly disappointed. Though in itself a moderately entertaining film, The Haunting proceeds with standard "horror-movie" techniques (loud noises, sudden movements, hanging bodies) and fails to succeed where the previews lead you to believe you were going.
The moving children, living statues, and windows effects - once you become immersed in the story - are no longer scary because of their involvement in the plot. Cliche story development, typical plot additions, and over-used plot-devices slowly begin to weed away at a potentially great film.
Towards the end of the movie you feel cheated at having believed that you were seeing a mind-tingling, spine-chilling movie and thrust into a fear-lacking and story-boring standard "horror flick". Worst yet is the actual ending. The defeat of the "villain" is an overdrawn scene with a "whole lot of nothing" going on.
Overall the effects were absolutely brilliant, but over-used. It seemed that some scenes had no reason to be used other than for the presentation of "special effects"...something too many films suffer from today. The acting was excellent, but the end of the movie pollutes these great characters with useless actions balanced with just as useless lines of dialogue. The word "cheesy" came to mind more than once. If you are expecting nothing more than "another horror movie" then you should enjoy "The Haunting". For those hoping for something different, let's hope that the "Blair Witch Project" can deliver.
American Pie (1999)
...excellent cast, great score, and plenty of good-natured humor.
American Pie stands out in my mind immediately as a "great film". The score was full of excellent music that plays along with the mood and the characters were three-dimensional and acted out a great script.
This film is hilarious. Non-stop laughs are seamlessly combined with well-developed emotional content. You will never find yourself let down with anything that happens, the plot carries you on to each step successfully and beautifully. A big plus is watching as the characters develop and grow - as well as waiting to see what will surprise you next.
As the ending approaches you may begin to wonder how the finale can top the rest of the movie. In the final climax you will laugh, you may cry, but you will not be able to leave for the bathroom. You will not be disappointed.
The teenage-oriented, sex-crazed humor may bother some people. If you're looking for a love story along the lines of "10 Things I Hate About You", then you need to shift your expectations. Though the movie delivers well in story-development and romance, it is walked along with humor and surprise. Overall, this film has an excellent cast, great score, and plenty of good-natured humor which come together to produce a wholly entertaining and enjoyable experience.