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Reviews
X-Men (2000)
Spiffy Adaptation
While it was accessible to general audiences, it was merely adequate for fans. Though I'm no comic freak I did wait for 2 1/2 years to see this and I was impressed with Singer(who ironically never read the comic)for visualizing a movie he had no idea where to begin. That fact shows itself to serious fans but I did not feel I wasted money. Simply put there are just too many characters and not enough time. Action sequences are pretty fine but I kept recalling Joel Schumacher's silly Batman sequels. It's obvious the special FX were a bit shoestring but it was more or less better than average. I wish they could have fleshed out Magneto a bit more and explained his and Prof. X's previous friendship. "Wolvie" was cool and they even made his hair look cool. Sabretooth should not have been as oafish and ass-headed as he was and fans will agree that a big fight b/t certain characters was missing(wink wink). Mystique was too cool for her own good(though I still wanna marry Romijn).Plot left a little to be desired but acting was top notch all around(except James Marsden!) which brings to mind the fact that Jean Grey was not supposed to be considerably older than Cyclops. I guess I could keep nit- picking and while I know nothing compared to other people about the comic I still think that while it wasn't bad it could've been better. I do trust that the sequel will be better and I believe Singer will again be up to the challenge. All in all,it missed the mark for serious fans but certainly could've been MUCH worse. Rating:3 out of 5 stars.
X-Men (2000)
Spiffy Adaptation
While it was accessible to general audiences, it was merely adequate for fans. Though I'm no comic freak I did wait for 2 1/2 years to see this and I was impressed with Singer(who ironically never read the comic)for visualizing a movie he had no idea where to begin. That fact shows itself to serious fans but I did not feel I wasted money. Simply put there are just too many characters and not enough time. Action sequences are pretty fine but I kept recalling Joel Schumacher's silly Batman sequels. It's obvious the special FX were a bit shoestring but it was more or less better than average. I wish they could have fleshed out Magneto a bit more and explained his and Prof. X's previous friendship. "Wolvie" was cool and they even made his hair look cool. Sabretooth should not have been as oafish and ass-headed as he was and fans will agree that a big fight b/t certain characters was missing(wink wink). Mystique was too cool for her own good(though I still wanna marry Romijn).Plot left a little to be desired but acting was top notch all around(except James Marsden!) which brings to mind the fact that Jean Grey was not supposed to be considerably older than Cyclops. I guess I could keep nit- picking and while I know nothing compared to other people about the comic I still think that while it wasn't bad it could've been better. I do trust that the sequel will be better and I believe Singer will again be up to the challenge. All in all,it missed the mark for serious fans but certainly could've been MUCH worse. Rating:3 out of 5 stars.
Total Recall (1990)
A Snappy Ride!
Man, I wish I had seen this in theaters. Great movie from Verhoeven(87's Robocop and 97's Starship Troopers)that never lets up.Considering it's budget was pricey in 1990 the movie looks rather cheap but aside from that it's a thinking man's actioner. The movie's got some howling sight gags and lame acting but those are offset by a great plot,Sharon Stone,killer score by Jerry Goldsmith()good choreography,gruesome FX,snazzy one-liners and Ah-nold. Might I mention the best catfight in cinematic history? May be too intense for young'ens but the 12 and up set'll love it. "Give the people air!" ********1/2/10!!!
Willow (1988)
A Stunning 80s Epic
I remember seeing this film in theaters back in '88 and long to see it again on the big screen. There is a motherload of crappy fantasy flicks out there and this one is better than most. I was kinda young when I saw it and didn't find it too violent but some parents may think it gruesome at times. I myself feel that gave it an edge. Along with swordplay there are nasty trolls,a 2-headed beast,mean-spirited characters and some intense scenes at the end. Of course there are lots of special effects. This was a technically well made film with awesome cinematography and interesting locations. Every now and again Fox airs the movie but it's 2 1/2 hr running can be really cut. Ya gotta see it!