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jerry-worley76
Reviews
Wonder Woman (2017)
Pleasantly Surprised; Mildly Disappointed
I grew up in the Linda Carter era and remember the male response to her physique well. She was perceived as a bimbo by many and received no respect. That memory made me oppose the idea of this movie. "Here we go again."
What changed my mind was reading some initial reviews by women and looking at Gal Gadot's bio. I was astonished to read a woman say she was going to take her daughters to see the film. That could only mean strong approval for Gal Gadot's presentation, and no 'jiggle-factor'. Reading that she was a combat instructor in the Israeli Army as well as being a former Miss Israel was intriguing. This might work! Seeing it was a great experience!
I am not a sociologist, but "Wonder Woman" seems to come at a time when girls/women are yearning for an ideal heroine they can own. Strong female disapproval of this film would have killed it in days. Gal Gadot superbly provides a believable, fully-developed character that taps into what women want. A woman director was the key to "Wonder Woman". Chris Pine, Robin Wright, and Connie Nielson are all effective in shaping Wonder Woman's growth and evolution as a person. Well recommended, BUT, the final climactic battle is way Overdone. It follow the same kitchen-sink formula as Man of Steel, Transformers, etc.
The Objective (2008)
'The Objective' Needs A Roadmap
A standard-issue modern war film that splits off mid-way through into the occult is an interesting premise. Other reviewers have deciphered the Middle-Eastern mythology operating in the film, but the viewer is left too far adrift to be satisfied when the film is over. Still, 'The Objective' is worth watching for its atmosphere, and conveys dread if not horror very well. The Special Ops unit operating in a VERY remote part of Afghanistan are convincing as soldiers not acting, rather than actors being soldiers. The narrative is problematic and with some re-working of the last segment 'The Objective' might become a minor classic. Ironically, the only frightening aspect of this film is the Earth itself--imagine being cut-off in the true Middle Of Nowhere where the mind begins to play tricks on itself devoid of civilization. Anyone who has driven off the map and spent a few nights in the desert alone has, in a sense, dared fate to come and get him. The Superstition Mountains of Arizona are a local example of eeriness. So, 'The Objective' is entertaining and almost works. Added special effects would make no difference improving it, as it operates in the mind. Give it a try.
300: Rise of an Empire (2014)
Forget History--Remember Eva Green!
This film suffers from cartoon excess that make the original '300' look conservative. More is not better, but the flying blood reminds you this is a comic book sequel and not history or even mythology. No doubt, ancient wars were gruesome and personal, but CGI has been pushed here beyond historical parody into an over-stylized, self-contained universe of gore that overwhelms the mind. In other words, this is a great popcorn flick. Nothing more.
Within that universe, the female warrior reigns supreme. Eva Green must be seen and beheld as possibly the greatest female villain ever: Artemisia. She owns the movie and is deadly believable in her role. Her evil energy and slicing sword overshadow anyone else in a scene with her. She makes love the way she makes war, and has made a deep impression on other reviewers who basically despise 'Rise Of An Empire' for its many sins.
Lena Headey, Sparta's queen Gorgo, narrates the storyline and shows regal gravity. She wades into the Persians with cold annoyance and no armor. A patriotic counterpoint to Eva Green's burning vengeance.
The lesson of '300-Rise Of An Empire' might be never abuse women--they may grab a blade and use it.
The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
We Have Seen This Movie Before-Maybe
Take 'Animal House', 'Glen Gary Glen Ross', 'Casino', and 'Wall Street', puree in a blender, then add lots of nudity and drugs, and you have a pretty good picture of this picture. The first thirty minutes is repeated throughout the next 2 1/2 hours. No one really changes their spots over the course of this epileptic frenzy of greed. Except maybe the FBI agent who dogs Leonardo DiCaprio and takes stock of himself at movie's end. The Wolf Of Wall Street excels in reaching new heights of outrageousness and personal degradation in the pursuit of money. It is hard to say whether Martin Scorcese is accurate or making a parody of the broker class. I lean toward parody. The director, as usual, brilliantly controls a vast, complex environment and draws excellent performances from his entire cast. The dialog is excellent, if vulgar, and recalls the 'Casino' style of exposition by Joe Pesci. So is this movie worth seeing? From the standpoint of style, yes. We have never seen human sin pushed to this level since maybe 'Caligula'. Ultimately, 'The Wolf Of Wall Street' offers nothing but obscene, if often hilarious spectacle. It is utterly contemptuous of anyone who would ever dare to invest in anything.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)
Well-Crafted And Well-Acted.
It's not necessary to read the trilogy by Stieg Larson or have seen the original film with Noomi Rapace to judge this film. The most intriguing female literary character to emerge in recent years was interpreted beautifully by both Noomi Rapace and Rooney Mara. But Rooney Mara excelled in displaying the fragile and ferocious aspects of Lisbeth Salander in a performance that was nominated for a Golden Globe/Oscar. This film, directed by David Fincher, raises the story two notches above the original movie with Academy-Award winning editing, masterful cinematography, and solid acting by all lead and supporting actors. Christopher Plummer's portrayal of Henrik Vanger is quite impressive. Daniel Craig gives a capable portrayal of Mikael Blomkvist, the discredited journalist solving a mysterious disappearance for Henrik Vanger. To write a review after many others have contributed much analysis pro and con begs the question "Why bother?" Here, I must recommend the film with a strong warning. The great failing of this film is Fincher's decision to push the envelope and introduce near- pornographic elements; here, sadistic sexual assault. Ironically, Rooney Mara's gutsy and believable performance leaves you wincing or fast-forwarding. Whether this follows the book or not, Fincher takes you into forbidden territory. IF one can get past this hurdle, you have an intricate story full of suspense. While no one under 18 should view this film, it is worthwhile for the compelling and memorable performance by Rooney Mara.
Captain Phillips (2013)
As Real As You Could Ask
This is a film of relentless tension and believable action, crowned by a masterful performance by Tom Hanks as the title character. I won't presume to compare the film's authenticity to what may actually have happened when Captain Phillips' freighter was hijacked off Somalia. It is usually a bad sign when the military provides its hardware in films such as "Top Gun" and similar action epics. Here, there is no macho, stupid dialogue or over-the-top heroics. The Navy is portrayed as professionals, and the camera work stays close to all actors and keeps the adrenaline pumping. Tom Hanks' portrayal of Captain Phillips is that of a thoughtful, humane individual trying to protect his crew. The unpredictability of his situation is truly frightening. A film that is a masterpiece of its kind.
Samsara (2011)
A Film That Gazes At You
This film has tremendous power, not just from camera technique, but from the simple device of a human face steadily gazing at you. Time and time again humanity intrudes its collective face on you as life plays out across the Earth. Acceleration contrasts with contemplation; Earth rhythms overshadow human activity; no one seems to notice.
Samsara is beautiful, bizarre, and unforgettable. As the film progressed, my convictions as to what is 'for real' began to weaken. We may really be stuck in the same dream state. And always someone 'sees' back at you. Or is Samsara 'only a movie'?
This is not to say there is one correct way to experience or interpret Samara. Your reaction will reflect you only. At times uncomfortable, viewing Samsara is an experience worth having.