joekaz Reviews

Kids (1995)

Don't bother

[1/10 · 2 July 2001]

Take away the shock value of this film, and there's nothing left. Sure, the acting is competent, but there's no story, no character development, there's not a single character you can even like. I saw it on video, and it's one of the few films where I had to fast-forward through parts to try and find something interesting (I didn't). Don't bother seeing this one.

The Blood Oranges (1997)

A moody, atmospheric, tropical psychodrama

[7/10 · 1 February 2001]

The plot was weak, and the story a bit stupid, but I really liked this film. The mood and atmosphere appealed to me. It's set in an old village in a tropical setting, the characters were all a bit mysterious. There's a big psychodrama between all of the characters. You never find out what motivates any of them, but the tension and wondering kept my interest, so I give this an above average rating.

The Garden of Delights (1970)

A fascinating mixture of fantasy, reality, sadism and tragedy.

[8/10 · 25 August 1999]

A fascinating mixture of fantasy, reality, sadism and tragedy. The main character, Antonio, is confined to a wheelchair, and is generally unresponsive to the world around him. His family is bent on shocking him back to reality by re-enacting various scenes from his life. It's often unclear what their real motives are. Antonio's story unfolds slowly, and each new revelation leaves you with more questions. The mix of the family's play acting, with Antonio's memories and fantasies gives the film a surrealistic air. Definitely not a up-beat film, but well worth watching.

Cannes Man (1996)

An enjoyable little spoof of the movie industry.

[7/10 · 29 July 1999]

The film takes place at the famous Cannes film festival. It's about a producer who, as a bet, tries to hype up a nobody, and make everyone believe he's the greatest writer since Hemmingway. This writer's non-existent story is appropriately called 'Cannes Man', but pronounced 'Con Man'. Lots of cameo appearances by some big names, and pretty funny performance by Johnny Depp. An enjoyable little spoof of the movie industry!