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Reviews
The Quiet Earth (1985)
Dated and Over-Dramatic
While many people seem to have fond memories of this 1985 film (based on the high ratings), I am baffled as to why.
Watching for the first time this year (2008), Quiet Earth comes off as campy, over-dramatic, and just flat out cheesy. The special effects seem like something out of a 60's movie, the actors do things relational-wise that are on a whim, without showing motivation. And the ending is muddled and doesn't explain the last 90 minutes. As the credits role, we are presented with an image that leaves us completely baffled as to what happened. Is the actor in Heaven, or an alternate reality? Who knows? ...but better yet, who cares.
Frankly, the best part of the movie was Alison Routledge revealing her perfect backside in scene 10. Other than this, not much to remember.
The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008)
Not For Younger Children
Having read and enjoyed the books, I was surprised by some aspects of the Spiderwick movie. A warning to parents of children 9 and under: this movie is quite scary, and contains violence - yes, violence. There are many sword slashing scenes which feature puncturing, slashing, biting and blood. While most of the blood is monster (green) blood, Spiderwick also features scenes which reveal monster bites that make the monsters much more scarier and real than your average children's flick.
Spoiler below....
Another disappointing aspect to Spiderwick is the portrayal of the father. The father is seen as cold, uncaring, and unloving. The father cheats on his wife, abandons her, and abandons the children - even at the end of the movie. Lastly, there is a scene in which it appears that the father has come to the rescue, but in reality, the father is actually a hideous monster in disguise.
Why Spiderwick goes out of its way to portray fathers in such a very negative light to such a young and impressionable audience baffles me. This is careless, cruel and irresponsible.
The movie could have easily - by a country mile - left the blood, violence and father bashing out, and Spiderwick would have been a 8-10 star movie. With the "junk" left in, it was 5 stars at best.
In conclusion, I wouldn't say this is a movie for children under 10 unless a parent is involved. My younger daughter was scared to death by what was taking place on screen. Older children should be able to process the violence and father-bashing a little better.
Flicka (2006)
One of The Best I've Seen This Year. 100 out of 100
I have many movies this year. Most likely my total is over 100 films. Flicka ranks as one of the best that I have seen.
I didn't know what to expect walking into the theater. My wife likes Tim McGraw, but I don't care much for him. My daughter is horse crazy, and would love anything with horses in it. I expected a decent movie, but I didn't expect an amazing film.
Flicka is the story of a girl, Katy McLaughlin (played by Alison Lohman) who is struggling to carve her own way in life. She is failing at school, and like most teens, her relationship with her father (Tim McGraw) has its straining moments. During a summer ride, Katy stumbles upon a mountain lion, and a wild mustang horse which she later names Flicka. It is here that the story begins.
Flicka has all the elements of a great film. The acting was amazing. Tim McGraw and Alison Lohman were wonderful. I never expected Tim to be so good, but despite the fact that I dislike his singing, I loved his acting. But the best part of the film was the story.
Flicka is a real American film, and will have you laughing and crying. In the end, just like Katy's essay, you will be reminded that America is not about capitalism, stuffy politicians, expensive-suited businessmen, or any of the 9,000,000 other stereotypes. Katy McLaughlin (and Flicka) heart wrenchingly remind us that America is about freedom.
I walked out of the theater with tears, not just because of the story, but because of the story of America hidden within Flicka. And for this reason, it is a brilliant film.
Please, take yourself to see this film. Look at it as a story of America and freedom first and foremost, and within this story, a girl and a horse learn to ride. Flicka is an amazing piece of cinema.
Total Score (out of 100) = 100
50 (out of 50). Enjoyment. A rating based on my overall enjoyment of the film. 10 (out of 10). Acting. How good was the acting? 10 (out of 10). Immersion. Did the movie suck me into the story? 10 (out of 10). Intangibles. Special effects. Movie pace. Is the movie forgettable, or something you will talk about and remember for weeks? Years? 10 (out of 10). Must see. Is this movie worth seeing/renting? 10 (out of 10). Must buy. Is this movie a must buy/purchase?
The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)
Great Film. Incredibly Unsettling. 89 out of 100
The Exorcism of Emily Rose caught me off guard. I thought I was in for a thriller/horror movie with the same old Hollywood elements. Man, was I wrong.
The Exorcism, of Emily Rose is a movie based on the real life story of Emily Rose, a young lady who headed off for college and ended up losing her mind or being possessed by Lucifer...you decide.
All the elements of a great film are there: wonderful storytelling, incredible acting, good pacing, and entrancing visuals. Jennifer Carpenter (as Emily Rose) puts in one of the best acting performances I have seen in a while. I am headed to find more movies with Carpenter in them as I write. Laura Linney as Erin Bruner and Tom Wilkinson as Father Moore are strong as well.
Make no mistake, the Exorcism of Emily Rose is not a horror movie, per se. But...it is very scary. I found this movie more unsettling than any horror movie I have watched this year, and I have watched many. The scene with Erin Bruner in her home was amazingly tense. Also note that there is no blood and gore in the film.
This is not a film with average frights, as it may linger in the minds of even seasoned fright buffs. I went to bed after the film (I work second shift), rolled over to look at the alarm clock, and it read 2:59. It turned 3 AM as I looked. I had to get up and check all the doors in the house. I was truly creeped out.
I guess the fright in the film comers from the fact that it could happen to any of us. It also comes from the unknown. Was Emily crazy?
Anywho, I can't say enough good about this film. It is a court drama, a story about people you will care about, and one heck of a frightening and unsettling film that tackles huge questions about God and demons.
Total Score (out of 100) = 89
48 (out of 50). Enjoyment. A rating based on my overall enjoyment of the film. 9 (out of 10). Acting. How good was the acting? 8 (out of 10). Immersion. Did the movie suck me into the story? 9 (out of 10). Intangibles. Special effects. Movie pace. Is the movie forgettable, or something you will talk about and remember for weeks? Years? 10 (out of 10). Must see. Is this movie worth seeing/renting? 5 (out of 10). Must buy. Is this movie a must buy/purchase?
The Passion of the Christ (2004)
Awesome! Stunning! Best Film I Have Ever Seen!
I had a chance to witness a special preview of the Passion of Christ in Chicago, and it was easily the best film I have ever seen. Regardless of what you think about Jesus, please do not miss this film. It was brilliant.
I did not move in my seat during the whole movie. It literally stops you in your tracks, plants you in your seat, and draws you into another world.
Mel Gibson out did himself here! Oscar! Oscar is calling!