How do I even begin to describe this episode? Or this whole show for that matter? The mind of Nathan Fielder is quite unlike any other creators out there right now. This is a brilliantly bizarre episode of television. I can't wait to see how this whole experiment wraps up.
Reviews
8 Reviews
A Trip Down Memory Lane
23 May 2008
I've been debating all day today about whether or not I should get online and write about Indy IV. At first I didn't even want to attempt to try to describe my experience, fearing that any words would fall short in perfectly describing the way I felt. Even now, I'm almost certain I won't be able to do so. I decided though, that I should at least try.
I was only present on this earth when "The Last Crusade" was released, but I was far too young to get into Indy. When I was a bit older, however (maybe about 7 years old), my dad introduced me to the classic series by taking me to a midnight showing of "Raiders of the Lost Ark". From that point on, I was hooked on Indiana Jones. I forced my parents to buy me VHS copies of all three movies, and you'd better believe that my dad and I were back for "Temple of Doom" and "The Last Crusade" when they showed at midnight as well. Dr. Henry "Indiana" Jones, Jr. was my hero, the biggest hero I'd ever known. Even in the years to come, the years that brought reincarnations of Batman, Spiderman, and Superman, no one ever compared to Indy. I was fascinated by him. When my family visited Disneyland one year, I found myself racing first to the Indiana Jones ride, and then forking out my hard earned allowance to buy as much Indy stuff that I could from the gift shop. My dad bought me the fedora, I eventually acquired a real bull whip, and even at my young age, I was browsing the internet for memorabilia.
When I first heard that Indy IV had officially begun filming, I felt a certain surge of excitement in realizing that I was going to be able to take part in the opening of a new Indiana Jones adventure. Almost every day from that point on began with an almost ceremonial glance around the internet for news. I followed production as close as, if not closer than, everyone else who claimed to be Indy's #1 fan.
As it got closer to release time, however, I backed away, only allowing myself to look at new photos, posters, and trailers. As carefree as I usually am about spoilers, I absolutely did not want to be spoiled with this film. I wanted it to feel like how it must have felt for those that fell in love with "Raiders" and then one night, saw a trailer for "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom". I wanted it to feel like how it must have felt for those people to only have that one night of preview, and no internet or other means of glimpsing into the film before it was released. So, I bought my advance tickets, invited my dad to join me once again for Indy at midnight, and left it alone.
Sitting in that theater last night, my heart began to race. It was hard to believe I was there, that I was about to enter a realm of moviegoers defined by the fact that they were one of the first to see "the new Indy film". And then it began. At times, I had goosebumps. At other times, I fought back tears that confused me at first, but that I later understood to be simply tears of euphoria. All the classic Indy stuff was there, and I never felt my face stop smiling for the entire two hours and four minutes.
I don't think it really hit me though until the Raiders March kicked in, and the credits began to roll. To me, a kid that had literally grown up with and idolized Indy, it was the perfect movie experience. I wouldn't have changed a thing about it.
This morning, I was scared to death to read what other people thought about it. It felt like Harrison Ford, Spielberg, Lucas, and the entire Indiana Jones legacy was my family, and I just didn't want a single person talking bad about them. I know some people will love it, and others will hate it. No matter what the movie, that's how it'll always be. My best friend has never seen a single Indy movie, and when I began to describe the main storyline for "Raiders" he said, "That sounds stupid". But even so, I feel like nothing would ever be able to take away from my perfect Indiana Jones experience. It made me feel like a kid again. I think we all need something that makes us feel like that. In a world that gets more depressing and tough every single day, we need something, anything to take us back to an age of innocence, wonder, adventure.
And that, for me, came in the form of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.
10/10
I was only present on this earth when "The Last Crusade" was released, but I was far too young to get into Indy. When I was a bit older, however (maybe about 7 years old), my dad introduced me to the classic series by taking me to a midnight showing of "Raiders of the Lost Ark". From that point on, I was hooked on Indiana Jones. I forced my parents to buy me VHS copies of all three movies, and you'd better believe that my dad and I were back for "Temple of Doom" and "The Last Crusade" when they showed at midnight as well. Dr. Henry "Indiana" Jones, Jr. was my hero, the biggest hero I'd ever known. Even in the years to come, the years that brought reincarnations of Batman, Spiderman, and Superman, no one ever compared to Indy. I was fascinated by him. When my family visited Disneyland one year, I found myself racing first to the Indiana Jones ride, and then forking out my hard earned allowance to buy as much Indy stuff that I could from the gift shop. My dad bought me the fedora, I eventually acquired a real bull whip, and even at my young age, I was browsing the internet for memorabilia.
When I first heard that Indy IV had officially begun filming, I felt a certain surge of excitement in realizing that I was going to be able to take part in the opening of a new Indiana Jones adventure. Almost every day from that point on began with an almost ceremonial glance around the internet for news. I followed production as close as, if not closer than, everyone else who claimed to be Indy's #1 fan.
As it got closer to release time, however, I backed away, only allowing myself to look at new photos, posters, and trailers. As carefree as I usually am about spoilers, I absolutely did not want to be spoiled with this film. I wanted it to feel like how it must have felt for those that fell in love with "Raiders" and then one night, saw a trailer for "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom". I wanted it to feel like how it must have felt for those people to only have that one night of preview, and no internet or other means of glimpsing into the film before it was released. So, I bought my advance tickets, invited my dad to join me once again for Indy at midnight, and left it alone.
Sitting in that theater last night, my heart began to race. It was hard to believe I was there, that I was about to enter a realm of moviegoers defined by the fact that they were one of the first to see "the new Indy film". And then it began. At times, I had goosebumps. At other times, I fought back tears that confused me at first, but that I later understood to be simply tears of euphoria. All the classic Indy stuff was there, and I never felt my face stop smiling for the entire two hours and four minutes.
I don't think it really hit me though until the Raiders March kicked in, and the credits began to roll. To me, a kid that had literally grown up with and idolized Indy, it was the perfect movie experience. I wouldn't have changed a thing about it.
This morning, I was scared to death to read what other people thought about it. It felt like Harrison Ford, Spielberg, Lucas, and the entire Indiana Jones legacy was my family, and I just didn't want a single person talking bad about them. I know some people will love it, and others will hate it. No matter what the movie, that's how it'll always be. My best friend has never seen a single Indy movie, and when I began to describe the main storyline for "Raiders" he said, "That sounds stupid". But even so, I feel like nothing would ever be able to take away from my perfect Indiana Jones experience. It made me feel like a kid again. I think we all need something that makes us feel like that. In a world that gets more depressing and tough every single day, we need something, anything to take us back to an age of innocence, wonder, adventure.
And that, for me, came in the form of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.
10/10
The Bourne Ultimatum
(2007)
Perhaps One of the Greatest Motion Picture Trilogies of our Time
3 August 2007
I don't hand out ten star ratings easily. A movie really has to impress me, and The Bourne Ultimatum has gone far beyond that. Furthermore, this trilogy has come together so nicely, that I believe it to be one of the greatest motion picture trilogies of our time. Though all three films could not be any more different from the Ludlum novels, they still stand as a powerful landmark in cinematic achievement. The Bourne Ultimatum made me want to cry that the series was complete, yet I could not even attempt to stop smiling for hours.
From the moment that the opening title appeared, I knew we were in for a ride. Paul Greengrass has done it again. Everything we love from the previous Bourne films is here once again: the action, the dialogue, and of course the shaky camera. However for me, that last one was never a problem. I think it adds to the suspense.
I will be back to see this film several times before it is released on DVD, simply because it is genius. It is a perfectly satisfying conclusion, and should stand the test of time as a fantastic movie, and altogether, an unforgettable trilogy.
From the moment that the opening title appeared, I knew we were in for a ride. Paul Greengrass has done it again. Everything we love from the previous Bourne films is here once again: the action, the dialogue, and of course the shaky camera. However for me, that last one was never a problem. I think it adds to the suspense.
I will be back to see this film several times before it is released on DVD, simply because it is genius. It is a perfectly satisfying conclusion, and should stand the test of time as a fantastic movie, and altogether, an unforgettable trilogy.
Little Children
(2006)
Tremendous Movie
13 June 2007
I put this DVD in my player really late one night, not knowing much about the story, and though I was exhausted, I could not stop watching for one second. I was intrigued throughout the entire thing, and when it was done, I was left with my mouth open, and a really deep impression in my mind.
I love Kate Winslet. She has done yet another great job in this film as a suburban mother, Sarah, with a daughter and a husband that is obsessed with an internet fantasy website. Sarah is funny, serious, and just a pleasure to watch. I really enjoyed watching her various relationships unfold, such as with the other mothers, "The Prom King", and her daughter.
A lot of times, I base my reviews of movies on how much I was moved. In this case, I base it on how much I was simply intrigued. After I saw the movie twice, I have since picked up the book by Tom Perotta and have really become a big fan of the whole story.
Watch this movie and see if you can't sit there the entire time. I have a feeling you will be able to.
I love Kate Winslet. She has done yet another great job in this film as a suburban mother, Sarah, with a daughter and a husband that is obsessed with an internet fantasy website. Sarah is funny, serious, and just a pleasure to watch. I really enjoyed watching her various relationships unfold, such as with the other mothers, "The Prom King", and her daughter.
A lot of times, I base my reviews of movies on how much I was moved. In this case, I base it on how much I was simply intrigued. After I saw the movie twice, I have since picked up the book by Tom Perotta and have really become a big fan of the whole story.
Watch this movie and see if you can't sit there the entire time. I have a feeling you will be able to.
Spider-Man 3
(2007)
A Moving, Epic Film
4 May 2007
If this is the final Spider-Man film we'll see in some time, I can honestly say that it is a satisfying conclusion. Sam Raimi has done so well with the previous two films, that many have had doubts that he would be able to top himself with this one. He has done it. Spider-Man 3 is the best Spider-Man film thus far.
After the movie finished, I heard a big majority of the audience say the same thing: "It was horrible". We must have seen different movies, because to call Spider-Man 3 "horrible" is a tremendous mistake. The reasons as to why they thought it was "horrible" varied. One was because "Spidey got his butt kicked too much" or because "too much attention was paid to the visual effects and not enough attention was paid to the story as a whole". Both statements are inaccurate.
Spider-Man, in my eyes, is one of the most real superheroes of our time. He's a young guy with problems inside and outside the costume. Even when he's behind the mask, he experiences problems. Villains hurt him, buildings sometimes get destroyed, but ultimately, he comes through. For someone to say that Spidey got his "butt kicked too much" is ridiculous. After all, Peter Parker is still human; Spider-Man is Peter Parker, Peter Parker is Spider-Man.
As for the storyline, I felt as though it was the most moving and deep story lines of all three movies. Peter seems to have it all, the love of the people when he is Spider-Man, success in school, and of course, the love of his life, Mary Jane Watson. But just like any normal person, he's got his share of problems too. For one, Flynt Marko wants Spider-Man dead. Eddie Brock might take his job, Mary Jane is getting tired of his ego, and Harry Osbourne is still dead set on avenging his father's death. The course in which these events unfold really does a great job in pulling the viewer in, and keeping them there.
No one is perfect, but that's just the way life is. You make the right decisions though, and things will come together. This is the main message behind Spidey 3.
There's action, comedy, romance, but most importantly, a deeper meaning. Pay attention, and you'll take away a lot more than just a fun 2 hours and 20 minutes.
Hats off to Sam Raimi and everyone else involved in Spider-Man 3. This one steals the show.
After the movie finished, I heard a big majority of the audience say the same thing: "It was horrible". We must have seen different movies, because to call Spider-Man 3 "horrible" is a tremendous mistake. The reasons as to why they thought it was "horrible" varied. One was because "Spidey got his butt kicked too much" or because "too much attention was paid to the visual effects and not enough attention was paid to the story as a whole". Both statements are inaccurate.
Spider-Man, in my eyes, is one of the most real superheroes of our time. He's a young guy with problems inside and outside the costume. Even when he's behind the mask, he experiences problems. Villains hurt him, buildings sometimes get destroyed, but ultimately, he comes through. For someone to say that Spidey got his "butt kicked too much" is ridiculous. After all, Peter Parker is still human; Spider-Man is Peter Parker, Peter Parker is Spider-Man.
As for the storyline, I felt as though it was the most moving and deep story lines of all three movies. Peter seems to have it all, the love of the people when he is Spider-Man, success in school, and of course, the love of his life, Mary Jane Watson. But just like any normal person, he's got his share of problems too. For one, Flynt Marko wants Spider-Man dead. Eddie Brock might take his job, Mary Jane is getting tired of his ego, and Harry Osbourne is still dead set on avenging his father's death. The course in which these events unfold really does a great job in pulling the viewer in, and keeping them there.
No one is perfect, but that's just the way life is. You make the right decisions though, and things will come together. This is the main message behind Spidey 3.
There's action, comedy, romance, but most importantly, a deeper meaning. Pay attention, and you'll take away a lot more than just a fun 2 hours and 20 minutes.
Hats off to Sam Raimi and everyone else involved in Spider-Man 3. This one steals the show.
In the Land of Women
(2007)
Superb film that needs more recognition than it's getting.
27 April 2007
Warning: Spoilers
I don't know what it is about the American movie-goer these days, but why is it that movies like this don't get as much recognition as the laugh-out-loud comedy, or the blood-and-gorefest horror flick? It's disappointing to me to see such a great film as In The Land of Women go so unnoticed when compared to other films out right now.
This movie is a superb story about a man, Carter Webb (Adam Brody) who gets dumped and moves in with his grandmother (who thinks she's dying). There's so much that goes on, most of which can't be stated flat out without becoming a spoiler, but what Carter ends up with is a beautiful and poignant experience involving family and the complicated lives that make up those families.
I hope people don't ignore this movie because they hate The O.C. and Adam Brody. I used to be one of those people, but I would like to try and stress what a great actor Adam Brody is. There's something about him that you love to watch, no matter what he's doing. The role he has been cast into for this movie is perfect for him, and he performs it flawlessly. I hope to see him receive other movie offers because he deserves some recognition beyond the recognition he already has from the teenage fanatics of The O.C.
The music in this movie is great. The characters are so real, it almost feels like you live next door to them. You can't help but watch them and go "Yeah, I know what you mean." It's really rare to see anybody so real in a movie as these characters.
I highly recommend this film to anyone who's ever wondered "Is everything going to be okay?" As this film will show you, yes, you're going to be okay.
This movie is a superb story about a man, Carter Webb (Adam Brody) who gets dumped and moves in with his grandmother (who thinks she's dying). There's so much that goes on, most of which can't be stated flat out without becoming a spoiler, but what Carter ends up with is a beautiful and poignant experience involving family and the complicated lives that make up those families.
I hope people don't ignore this movie because they hate The O.C. and Adam Brody. I used to be one of those people, but I would like to try and stress what a great actor Adam Brody is. There's something about him that you love to watch, no matter what he's doing. The role he has been cast into for this movie is perfect for him, and he performs it flawlessly. I hope to see him receive other movie offers because he deserves some recognition beyond the recognition he already has from the teenage fanatics of The O.C.
The music in this movie is great. The characters are so real, it almost feels like you live next door to them. You can't help but watch them and go "Yeah, I know what you mean." It's really rare to see anybody so real in a movie as these characters.
I highly recommend this film to anyone who's ever wondered "Is everything going to be okay?" As this film will show you, yes, you're going to be okay.
Vacancy
(2007)
Simple, at times predictable story, but still entertaining
21 April 2007
The hype for this film had me pretty excited to see it. I like both Kate Beckinsale and Luke Wilson. I like to watch pairs on screen, to see how they work together. Some work very well, and others don't. In this case, Beckinsale's and Wilson's characters are not supposed to work well. They portray a couple inches away from divorce who has lost a son. From the beginning you begin to sympathize with them and ask how they got to where they are. In short, the beginning does a good job in drawing you into the story as a whole.
That "story as a whole" however, was rather simple and usually pretty predictable. At most parts, I found myself saying "Knew that was going to happen". Especially in thriller flicks, I love when the story delivers an intense "never could have guessed that" twist. This movie has no twists other than the ones already revealed in the trailer.
Another thing that had me a little dissatisfied was the fact that some things felt repetitive. I suppose that's going to happen when the movie, lasting about an hour and 25 minutes, depicts events happening in a single night.
However, I don't want to sound like the movie was terrible. In fact, there were various other aspects that I was rather pleased with. The villain was purely entertaining to watch. Beckinsale and Wilson were great. The visuals were definitely frightening, and there were some pretty cool classic horror film moments that I enjoyed as well.
Vacancy is a good film, but nothing more. I don't see how they could have made it anything more. If you're looking for a simple, entertaining evening, it will probably sit right with you. If it's a mind blowing, hit you smack in the gut, "one of the 10 best this year" film that you want, you probably won't enjoy it as much.
That "story as a whole" however, was rather simple and usually pretty predictable. At most parts, I found myself saying "Knew that was going to happen". Especially in thriller flicks, I love when the story delivers an intense "never could have guessed that" twist. This movie has no twists other than the ones already revealed in the trailer.
Another thing that had me a little dissatisfied was the fact that some things felt repetitive. I suppose that's going to happen when the movie, lasting about an hour and 25 minutes, depicts events happening in a single night.
However, I don't want to sound like the movie was terrible. In fact, there were various other aspects that I was rather pleased with. The villain was purely entertaining to watch. Beckinsale and Wilson were great. The visuals were definitely frightening, and there were some pretty cool classic horror film moments that I enjoyed as well.
Vacancy is a good film, but nothing more. I don't see how they could have made it anything more. If you're looking for a simple, entertaining evening, it will probably sit right with you. If it's a mind blowing, hit you smack in the gut, "one of the 10 best this year" film that you want, you probably won't enjoy it as much.
Yet another CGI ridden piece of schmuck
25 May 2005
Please stop milking the public of every single dime it's worth with this series. It may have been something to admire 30 years ago, but today it is a tired story just aching to be over with. And thank goodness it is. I'm not quite sure if I could take anymore of this just to find out what happened. I mean, come on, we all knew what happened anyway. Skywalker becomes Vader, he is Lukes father, and blah blah blah. I understand why some die hard fans may be crazy over this film, but if you're just a little bit of a fan, or not at all, do not waste any money on this film, whether it be at the theater, on DVD, etc. I wish I would have stayed home and watched TV with my girlfriend, since that is always entertaining. But don't get me wrong; I used to be a fan at one point. I am however, very sad to see this series be "completed" like this. Mediocre attempt and delivery, Mr. Lucas.
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