velvets203 Reviews

I Heart Huckabees (2004)

My favorite movie of the year

[9/10 · 1 February 2005]

I can see why the typical internet posting, movie watching person would not like this film. It has normal actors, but with a philosophically charming script. The movie makes many remarks that come off as pretentious and trying too hard. The problem with that analysis is that the movie IS smart, and they have to try to get such a complex message across. The writer of the film has tapped into some of life and reality's nuances that intrigue even the most feeble mind. Some will say he didn't question enough, say enough, and said it too plainly and matter-of-fact. I feel to reach a wide audience and to not leave anyone out, he had to make it accessible to the majority of people who watched it. Apparently it was STILL too much for some movie goers to handle. (as you can see from over the top negative posts...) I absolutely loved this movie. The premise is original, unique, and non-formulaic. The cast plays itself into its parts with perfect ambition and flair. The music fits the light-hearted feel of the movie's progression. There is really not anything bad to say about the production of this movie. This is the type of movie that breaks down walls about what a large-budget Hollywood movie can accomplish and say in cinematic form. I suggest this movie to anyone who has ever thought about life, reality, religion, or philosophy. It will be an interesting tale, if nothing else. rating 9 of 10.

Pi (1998)

Excellent philosophical work

[9/10 · 22 January 2005]

Pi is a remarkable movie, and should be on the top 250 in place of Aronofsky's Requiem for a Dream. Instead of being based on a Hubert Selby novel (Requiem) this story is incredibly unique and philosophically enchanting. Aronofsky uses black and white with grainy film to prove you don't need millions to make a worthy cinematic treat. His trademark use of excessive (or at least numerous) cuts is prevalent throughout the movie. However, it is the storytelling that makes me love this movie. The plot may be filled with mathematical loopholes and unsound theories (I imagine it would take at least a master's degree to know that, but apparently that just isn't enough for educational elitists these days), the excellent use of metaphors made me really enjoy the underlying meaning of the movie. Examples include the bugs in his apartment, as well as his delusions of seeing and manipulating his own brain. The whole movie is perfectly set up, with drum and bass music flowing during times of high thought and progress, and droning, mechanical music playing during times of mental anguish. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, it is a wonderful convergence of storytelling, philosophical meaning, metaphoric plot devices, proper use of sets, camera editing, and music. I wish more movies came together so perfectly in what they were attempting to convey to the audience. Anyone interested in non-standard movie fare, mathematical philosophy, independent film, or tormented genius films, should check this one out. Only a slow starting third act lowers my rating from 10 to 9.

The Simpsons (1989– )

Greatest show of all time, forget about it

[12 January 2005]

Although some pundits would like you to believe that this WAS a good show, and that at some point it lost its flair, these people could not be more incorrect. The show changed from typical sitcom format with a satirical joke here and there to a complete satire of television, movies, and our very culture. People just cannot accept that a show can be this good for this long. Well, it can be, when the writers are constantly innovating new ways to make us laugh. Those who say the new ones are not funny are either not watching them, or disappointed that the jokes come faster, the editing is MUCH faster, and that it doesn't fit the old standard sit-com format. Those seem to be invalid points, as do the critics who say the creators made Homer too dumb, or too lazy, or blah blah blah. It's a cartoon, ANYTHING is possible. Get over yourselves and enjoy the best show that this generation will ever see in its prime. I hope the show is on for 15 more years, it is still better than anything else on television (including the shows it has inspired, i.e. Family Guy). Incredible voice acting, sharp, witty writing, and willingness to bash anyone has made this show the BEST of all times. Highly recommended to ALL.

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977)

Say what you will

[10/10 · 12 January 2005]

Say what you will about this movie, its legions of fans, its prequels and sequels. No other set of movies is as well-liked by both "geek" and normal cinema lovers than Star Wars. People of all ages, race, and gender enjoy the movie, unlike many other cult-ish sci-fi movies (Star Trek anyone?) This movie has crossed all culture barriers, with characters, lines, and creatures all well known from one set of movies. You have to live under a rock to not know some of the story lines, statements and characters from this film. The funny thing is how some special effects from this movie look BETTER than some effects made in the 2000's (The Rock in Mummy Returns, anyone??) CGI, to someone like me, just can't compete with scale models, puppets, and camera tricks. I highly recommend this movie to the five people in the universe that have not seen it yet. 25 years later, and it is still, and will forever be, a classic. 10 of 10

Girl, Interrupted (1999)

Why o Why must you change the book?

[6/10 · 12 January 2005]

I read the book before seeing the movie, and was disappointed with the cinematic version. Winona Ryder's character in real life was much less attractive, which added to many a person not feeling her pain as directly as they should have. My biggest problem with the movie is that they find the diary. This does NOT happen in the book, and I truly have no idea why they decided to add that to an already fine story. Did we really need the "emotional climax" of them finding out what Susanna had to say about the each of them? I don't know why they needed to embarrass Susanna into realizing that she had problems too. Of course she had her own problems, she is in the institution with them. Jolie's character is more defined as truly insane in the book, which allows Susanna to realize that she in NOT insane, since Lisa (Jolie) is. I hate to be the elitist crying foul when a book is changed, since almost no movie (LOTR excluded) does NOT change something in the theatrical version. But this book is a quick, fun read, and I suggest anyone who liked the movie to find a time to read it. Overall, with fine performances by the actresses (Britney Murphy earns some stripes here), this movie is a pleasure to watch if you are into the mental psyche of people. Nothing too disturbing here, so if you are a fan of the actresses and/or want to see an Oscar winning performance, by all means give this movie a shot. Book changing screenplay for no reason lowers my vote from 7 to 6.

Prozac Nation (2001)

Elizabeth Wurtzel novel comes to the screen!

[9/10 · 12 January 2005]

Excellent movie about the mental issues of a literary student. I felt the pain of Ricci's character, as much of my childhood was spent being mean to those I loved for no apparent reason. Michelle Williams continued to impress me with her role as Ricci's roommate/friend, who ends up taking much of the brunt of Ricci's pyschosis. As a manic depressive who also loves Lou Reed, perhaps I am biased, since this movie has so much personal baggage to rope me into liking it. However, I truly believe that the movie has a great message, (despite it saying that basically SSRI's and anti depressants are the answer to solving one's problems). I also really felt a connection to Jason Biggs character, the first time I can say that and not burst out laughing, but his subdued performance matches well with the absurdities happening around him. It shocks me that Ms. Ricci has no formal acting training, as she seems to carry the role with theatrical flair and substance. I suggest this movie to those who can sympathize with mental issues and all that implies. Some may not have the patience to sit out Ricci's horrible decisions, but in the end it is worth it. I would give this movie a 8.5, but with an appearance by Lou Reed, it bumps it to a 9.

The Big Lebowski (1998)

Coen Brothers comedic masterpiece

[9/10 · 12 January 2005]

Even with Raising Arizona on their cinematic belts, the Coen Brothers made their comedic masterpiece in this triumph of a comedic movie. (Is it the highest rated comedy on the top 250??) This movie defined my college years, as people had "Lebowski parties" with White Russians, (etc) and the movie going the whole time. People just could not stop watching and re-watching this movie. Instead of the typical slapstick, gross out, or physical comedy that has so dominated movies since the 1990's, BL uses slick writing, creative characters, and a convoluted, but fun plot to make the audience laugh. No lame sex jokes or tense moments between a female and male, nothing forced or built up to force us into laughing; just good old fashioned hilarity. The entire movie has become quotable, with John Goodman providing most of the lines with his over the top character. It is such a classic that I know many a person who knows the entire script almost line for line, like it's Star Wars or some other cult movie. It even makes Jeff Bridges always seem to be "the Dude" to me now, even when I see him in movies he performed in well before this movie. All the actors put in fine performances, with Steve Buscemi and John Turturro making their regular Coen Brothers appearances. Some people may take this movie too seriously, and I am sure if one does one would scoff at its high ranking. But don't let yourself become a cinematic elitist, just relax, and realize that this is one of the reasons why people make such a big deal about the Coen Brothers. A unique film that deserves credit for taking chances, but for also being intelligently written. Incredible laughs, and relevant, caring characters force me to give this a 9, or A-

Magnolia (1999)

Ensemble piece of cinematic grace

[9/10 · 12 January 2005]

Excellent work of film-making in our modern times. Despite a three hour running time that nearly dooms any movie in today's channel-flipping universe, the movie seems to be much shorter. All actors and actresses put in fine performances in a character-driven story of people's relations and lives. The casting of character actors (John C Reilly, William H Macy, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, etc) is a perfect choice for such a moving drama. The feeling of regret, and how there are things in this world that one cannot take back or change, is a refreshing theme in such forgiving times. I highly recommend this movie to high-brow cinema types who love a good story with relevant characters. If you are looking for an action, light hearted, no brain, all filler, typical 150 million dollar budget movie, stay away. (this site is filled with such young, impatient minds) Put in time and effort into this movie and you will be rewarded. I give this movie a 9 of 10, or A-.

Step by Step (1991–1998)

Remember those Friday Nights???.....

[17 December 2004]

Step By Step was a typical, TGIF, ABC sitcom of the era. Stereotypical characters run rampant on the show, but let us remember the REAL reason it lasted seven years. The show's creators knew that they had TV gold when they enlisted TV veterans Duffy (Dallas) and Sommers (Three's Company) to play the role of Mom and Dad. Now, parents of young preteens and teens could watch the show with their kids and have "adult" eye candy to gaze upon. One cannot discount both of their abilities as all-time television sex symbols. Nor the casting of Staci Keanan, the cute as a button girl from "My Two Dads". These three vets allowed for the creators to not worry about finding good writers or creative ideas, but ride the wave of the familiar faces. As for the characters, with so many kids, all stereotypes are fully represented. The "best" (or worst) has to go to Cody (Sasha Mitchell). He alone dropped the comedic IQ of this show from average to pathetic. His "dude", "whoah" and "wow" is more than 50% of his total dialouge. Although an idiot is found on nearly every sitcom post 1980, Cody may take the cake for the worst written. Besides not being a real child of the family (he's a cousin) and living in a van in the garage, Cody doesn't do much but walk in and marvel at something he finds interesting, say one of the three words, nod his head crazy, and move on. The writing/acting makes "Bill and Ted" (who had to help inspire the role) look like Mensa members. Keanan acts well for her part as the intelligent anti-male, with Angela Watson portraying the hot ditz with adequate flair and substance. Christine Lakin also acts well as the tomboy (AL), then Hottie in a tomboy's body in the later years. The women overcame bad writing with being gorgeous and actually acting the part they were given, knowing the roles they needed to fill. However, the guys in the show really didn't hold up to the bargain. Castille IS the biggest wimp in TV history as Mark, and Brendan (Josh Byrne) came across as nearly retarded in trying to get out his lines. Only JT (Brandon Call), the smart-witted, no common sense son actually gets what he is trying to convey as the "this is the way it was, and will be" attitude towards the family, as well as being a perfect beta-male in the house. I always wondered why NONE of the guys was an "IT" guy, like Karen the model, cheerleader-esquire character. All the guys seemed to be wimps, losers, and dorks who just could not get what they wanted. Had JT been the ladies man, Big man on campus guy, I feel the show would have added a nice dimension. Anyways, the characters in the show all live up to their strict gender roles, with Mom being a hairdresser, dad the construction man, etc. etc. Other characters came and went: JT had a perverted friend Rich (James Marsden) that Dana actually dated later, which will blow your mind if you see an early episode with Rich featured. Sommers had a sister helping cut hair, she left after season 1, Sommers decided to have MORE kids (original storyline) and at the end, Perfect Strangers alum Bronson Pinochet came in to string along another 52 weeks of paychecks for the show. I must also add that this is the one show with school-aged kids who, to my knowledge, were rarely shown actually IN school. (They did have the occasional school function, but the show was not normally set around an AT school problem) I do not doubt they went, but the show was so much more about the house, family, and their interactions. Even the Brady Bunch had some school scenes, but not on SBS. I think the viewer would have had a better understanding of characters had we see them interact with ANYONE besides their stereotypical family.

Re-watching this show may give you a different perspective, as previously stated this show was over-sexed and strangely written. (and I didn't notice at age 12, but age 22). The sexual overtones of this show, after watching again, is shocking. Duffy and Sommers reprise their sexual appetite from their former shows, always wanting to get the kids asleep for some fun under the covers. No show in history had more kids walking in as their parents were "asleep" than Step By Step. Some episodes had 5-10 minute scenes of Duffy "begging for sex" as Sommers contemplated one of their many kids' current problems. Their acting seemed so easy to them, I think they just acted as themselves the entire show. Other issues include a cousin, Cody, being in love with Dana (Keanan) and parents always wanting to sneak off for alone time, proving this show would not be thought of in the "family show mold" of 2004. I am shocked to see it on ABC Family, because the show rarely had the -aww, shucks- moments practically trademarked by ABC's TGIF. Where as Boy Meets World, Hangin' with Mr. Cooper, and Family Matters seemed to always have a moral, lesson, or rule to be found, followed, and understood, Step By Step seemed to throw away any diverse message and just stuck with "love your family, it is the only one you have". That is a fine mantra to live by, but hardly revealing. Overall, a show with a permanent place in history considering its stars and placement as a 90's TGIF staple, and worth seeing on re-runs, just to see what television was putting in young minds from 1991-1998. 6-7 stars out of 10.