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Reviews
Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk (2008)
Breathtaknig Views and Visual effects
I admit, I was intrigued by this film simply because it is about the Grand Canyon, and I am so intensely interested in it for all that it is. Thus, going into this film, I was simply excited to see the Grand Canyon in visual detail. I came out a happy camper -- excuse the pun -- and don't regret seeing this film.
The film is, by means of its own title, a message about preserving the canyon's waters and a viewer would have to be a fool to think that this is a nature film about the details of the canyon's history, geology, botany, etc. Never in my right mind would I think it to be about any of that, simply because of the title and -- of course -- reading what the movie is about ahead of time. (Duh!)
That being said, I feel there were many positives about the film that I enjoyed. The cinematography was incredible, and the effects were top-notch. I often felt like I was right there in the canyon, itself; particularly during the river rafting sequences. I often waited for water to sprinkle out onto me (though this is no Disney park attraction!) Also, the soundtrack was excellent and very fitting for the amazing scenery.
Sure, there were many elements that I'd have to disagree with. I wouldn't have had so many narrators speak to the audience, and I would have presented more opposing views that counter-argue or give praise to what IS being done to preserve the canyon -- instead of making us all seem like evil-doers who have this centralized plot to overthrow the country's Indian tribes. Yes, I would have to say that a more positive focus should have been placed in the film -- but hey, it's not my thesis.
Thus, I liked the film for what it was and not for what it was SUPPOSED to allegedly promise us the minute we purchased our tickets. I appreciate the breathtaking views that this film provided, in just 45 minutes, that not all people may get to experience in their entire lifetimes. For that, I am thankful.
The Midnight Meat Train (2008)
"Horror-Drama" at its Best
It's a late Saturday night. Two teenagers are in an empty theater, sharing a bucket of popcorn as they sit close and watch a cliché horror flick up on the big screen. This is a scene direct out of Michael Jackson's "Thriller." That's how I felt when I went to see 'Midnight Meat Train'. I felt like I was stuck in a bad cliché. It was Saturday night, we were in a run-down theater, stale popcorn was all over the floor, and the movie up on the screen was your typical run-of-the-mill slasher flick.
Despite the fact that this film was only released to Dollar Theaters, 'Midnight Meat Train' was actually an enjoyable and impressive movie. Several elements added to the potential of the film. First, the visual effects are quite impressive. Even the corniest of parts were done in a way where the viewer is forced to believe what is happening. The cinematographer becomes an artist, and watching this film is like standing in front of Seurat's "Sunday in the Park" with all its grandeur and busyness. Secondly, the plot -- in which a struggling photographer becomes obsessed with shooting a mysterious passenger on a late night subway train -- captivates you with its intensity and realism. The viewer becomes as involved with the photographer's obsession as he does, and the audience waits in ghostly anticipation to find out how everything is going to unfold. Lastly, the subplot is just as interesting as the main plot. If there were a genre of movies called "Horror-Drama," this movie would be at the top of the list. I was captivated with the protagonist's relationship with his girlfriend, with his struggling career, and with what would ultimately become a failed romance.
That being said, there are a couple pieces that disappointed me. The "twist" that you wait for at the end was not surprising at all. The protagonist-turned-antagonist has been done, several times. And although the reason for the "Meat Train" becomes inevitably clear, it is done so in a way where the viewer doesn't want to care anymore at that point, because he or she was expecting something more. I left the theater scratching my head at the reason for all the butcher shop footage, and why that didn't play-out more.
All in all, I had a good time being in my Saturday night cliché. This is a movie for true horror fans in that I feel it will entertain them and captivate them to "find the light at the end of the tunnel," so to speak. Let's just hope that tunnel doesn't lead to a slaughterhouse.
Prom Night (2008)
Prom Night = Sad movie!!
Wow, what an awful movie. Bad writing, bad acting, bad clichés; I really wish I could have the 1 1/2 hours of my life back. This definitely wins the award for the worst movie of 2008 so far. What were they thinking when they made this movie? It's like they put nothing special into it; nothing we've never seen before. Did they really think this was going to work? I knew, going into it, that it would be a bad movie, but I didn't think it'd be the WORST. The only way I'd see this movie again is if I was strapped to my seat, duct tape around my mouth, and my eyes taped open. Even then, I think the sight of seeing me like this would be more exciting than the movie.
Save your money!
Eragon (2006)
Not bad by any means
I give it a 7. The characters and the relationships that develop between them are interesting. The story, however, needed some energy. In my opinion, the movie needed more traits that are unique to this saga. Everything was very generic; fire breathing dragons, a magic sword, magic spells - all been done before! I also wasn't too fond of Eragon and Saphira's way of communicating. Just show them talking for crying out loud!
I loved the final fight sequence though. It was worth seeing just for that, alone. The special effects were extremely believable & exciting during this sequence. I never had trouble believing that Saphira was not actually living and breathing among the characters.
I would definitely go see it, it'll entertain you for an hour and a half, but I don't think it's worth purchasing.