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Reviews
Inland Empire (2006)
One of the few films to actually scare me - a wild, beautiful trip
I just saw the NY premier of Inland Empire, and it was so refreshing to once again be transported in a way only David Lynch can transport somebody. Inland Empire is Lynch at his best - funny, thoughtful, eerie, beautiful, dark, deeply disturbing, and terrifying in a way that few horror films have ever affected me. The film is a slow burn, taking its time (about 3 hours), leaping through realities and bizarre encounters, continually keeping the audience asking themselves what reality they are experiencing, and what that reality means.
Laura Dern gives an outstanding performance as the tagline's "girl in trouble." She goes to places I don't ever remember seeing her go, from the naive to the terrifying, truly exposed. I've heard Lynch is campaigning for an Oscar nod for Ms. Dern, so maybe this is the one. She really blew me away.
This film - like all of Lynch's endeavors - is certainly not for everyone. It's vague, bizarre, jumps all over the place, and at times is deeply frightening (one of the few films in a long time to actually give me nightmares), but in my opinion it's also truly beautiful, almost serene. If you like a linear, clear-cut story, then don't see this film. If you appreciate non-linear, surreal drama/horror, however, then by all means go see it. Lynch is independently producing this, so I know he's banking on a lot of word of mouth for Inland Empire to be successful. Help him out. It's a fantastic film.
Fainaru fantajî sebun adobento chirudoren (2005)
A great follow-up to a great game
I watched FFVII: Advent Children late last night, immediately after downloading it, and instantly wanted to watch it again. Of course, since it's a little over 1.5 hours long, that wasn't quite possible, but rest assured that today I got my repeat viewing. I won't lie to you, the story is a bit confusing, even if you have played the game. Granted, the game's story is confusing as well, and it took me two play-throughs (of 5) to really understand it.
But enough about the game...the movie serves two purposes beautifully - continue the story of Final Fantasy VII, while fully realizing the dreams of FFVII fans around the globe. Character cameos, a badass Cloud, plot twists, and even an appearance by a certain famous Summon Monster all make this an incredible, fun movie to watch. If you don't know the game, you will be very very lost, but the incredible action sequences and amazing CG animation will still keep you riveted. I loved it. Loved it loved it loved it. The only reason I didn't give it a 10 is because I felt at times it gave up story for action. Now, that's a fine substitution, but part of the beauty for me of the game were the characters, and I felt that an iota of that was lost in the movie so that extra action sequences could be plugged in. Like I said, it's hard to find anything disparaging to say about this movie, especially since the game is so near and dear to my heart (and subsequently the characters of the game), and the movie truly does both justice. For a kick-you-in-the-ass movie, and/or a great revisitation of the FFVII world, watch this film. I can't recommend it highly enough.
Dawn of the Dead (1978)
A perfect mix of horror and comedy
Dawn of the Dead is easily one of my top 50 films of all time. At times the encroaching horror of the zombies is almost tangible, while at others the comedy makes you laugh out loud. From tense scenes of harrowing decisions of the heroes, to the hilariously appropriate - and now legendary - pie fight, this film has everything for a great night of film watching. See this film, you'll enjoy it.