emeriboy Reviews

Jarhead (2005)

A True Demonstration of Human Emotion

[9/10 · 3 October 2006]

First and foremost, Jarhead is a war movie, but not a combat movie. There is, after all, more than one aspect to war and this movie is a whole new kind of war movie. Rather than concentrating on killing, your friends dying, and other things often related to war movies, this movie concentrates on the relationships within the army and the pure nothingness of The Gulf War.

The story closely follows the book (Although in a more compact form; it mostly shows the middle of the book rather than the start and finish). Starting from boot camp and finishing up at the end of the war, throughout the plot the tensions between the men climb and fall, and the catches of being a jarhead reveal themselves. In addition, it shows the confusion and flurry of emotions that run through soldiers in war.

Instead of a scene climaxing with a squad mate dying (Such as in Saving Private Ryan), it might climax with an unintended accident or a fight between the men. Each scene provides another glimpse between the men and is kind of like a mini story in itself. But war is oddly absent most of the time, in fact, it's more of a sub-plot within the film, saving the last few scenes where the men's need to do something war-like sums up to one moment near the end of the movie (They did after all, join the Marines to fight).

The music is all what you've heard before, Public Enemy's "Fight the Power", Nirvana's "Something in the Way", and Kanye West, among many others. As for the acting, it's quite well done particularly Jake Gyllenhaal's character. The scene's are kept fresh even though most of it's in the desert, the oil field fire scenes have a creepy reminiscence of hell.

You should know that the first and last couple scenes go by pretty quick and seem a little rushed, mostly likely because they would've wanted to get to the important parts quickly as the movie's final run time is a little over 2 hours.

There are distinct parts to the movie and each one keeps the movie fresh and that's pretty much it. Well worth it.

King Kong (2005)

Perhaps a bit overrated, but still a very nice movie

[6/10 · 26 August 2006]

I recently borrowed King Kong from a relative to watch it. So I watched it, and watched and after 3 hours it was over. And that's most likely the biggest downplay: the length of the movie. However long though, it captivated my interest just enough to finish it.

The acting was good and the dialog flowed, but there were a few too many supporting characters and it confused me at first. By the end of the movie though, they were narrowed down enough. Jack Black probably delivered the best performance -- in my eyes.

The story itself was slow-paced (Like I said; 3 hour movie), but when I was starting to get restless a new scene came along and revived my interest in the movie. The scenes themselves were done with simply stunning special effects; it is indeed a very nice looking movie with A LOT of computer generated stuff in it.

A few scenes could have been better, and a few couldn't have, but the plot overall achieved it's purpose; the King Kong-Ann Darrow relationship climaxed nicely in the final moments. Although I think the Hayes-Little Jimmy sub-plot could've used a little more plot or depth.

The movie isn't perfect, and it's long, but if you have the time or chance to watch this it'll be worth your while.

To End All Wars (2001)

Deeply Themed and Brutally Honest

[7/10 · 15 August 2006]

Starting with their capture, this story pulls you through World War II in the eyes of Scottish POWs in a Japanese POW camp in Thialand where they triumph and succumb to the Japanese, nature and themselves.

--- Well first of all, I should say the title is misleading, "To End All Wars" is by no means a war movie -- it's a POW movie and a very different one at that. There's no grand escape plan or revolt, instead it chooses to concentrate on the mental and moral aspect of being held against your will, facing punishment, torture and having no idea what will happen tomorrow or how long you will stay alive.

The plot is expertly put together and deeply rooted around the question: Should you turn the other cheek or have your revenge, do you have it in you to forgive your enemy? There are plenty of characters involved in the movie and each one, from the main character to the smallest part, has to ask themselves that question, and by the end of the movie you will too.

The biggest drawback is that the movie is drawn out a little, much like Fargo seemed to me, but by the end I was so involved I didn't even notice. Other than that it introduces you to the violence that went on in this camp fairly early on in the movie, and it's exceptionally violent (and not for the faint of heart). It easily exceeds the level of violence in Saving Privite Ryan in some of the parts. Yet for all the violence, it does not glorify it at all. And that's where the plot comes in, "can you love your enemy?" After all they did to you? That's the question consistently asked.

The acting is fairly well done for both sides. Robert Caryle plays the part of Devil's Advocate, wanting revenge for most of the movie and Kiefer Sutherland portrays a loner who for part of the movie tries to survive on his own until he realizes he won't be able to get through this without friends. The main character, Ernest Gordon, is inspired by a religious Dusty who's presence boosts moral throughout the whole camp. There are plenty of other smaller roles both POW and Japanese, and at times it may get confusing but this does not hinder the movie.

The music is aptly used only in the most dramatic and vital parts. And in some scenes is really well done. The tracks themselves are enjoyable, except for one or two (Although to be fair some of them were unoriginal).

To End All Wars, although slightly slow and violent is surprising good for a movie most people have every heard of. It's definitely not a light-hearted movie, but if you ever get a chance to see it you should.

Arrested Development (2003–2019)

Like a Sitcom From God

[9/10 · 7 August 2006]

Everyone like sitcoms in California. And since Arrested Development is based in California it's already won half the battle. But it still sticks out as quite probably one of the best sitcoms any of us are going to see, right up in the ranks of Seinfeld.

Although unlike Seinfeld, it has a plot. Michael Bluth (Jason Bateman) is naturally, unfairly put in the position of having to take care of his rather incapable family, as well as his own son, his father's housing business and his own problems. Each episode generally exists around a core conflict between one of the many cast members, either a family member or a family friend. As expected in any great sitcom, story lines weave in and out of episodes and fresh new material is put in to the show. The writers quite simply; extremely good.

Each and every character has their own personality and they feel, look and act real. Every character is just as spicy and well-developed as the next. Even the narrator is as heart-felt as the characters. The conflicts range from your typical comic plots to a few things that just might take you by surprise.

-- One thing that does stand out the fact there is no laughter audio in the background. Something that seems like a really good move and gives the show a distinct, more personal feel. It fits perfect in with the type of humor the series delivers. One more trademark is the re-run value. There are a bunch of things in the episodes, from props to lines that'll take a few viewings to actually notice they were said, making you maintain a level of interest on the show whenever you watch it again.

So all in all, Arrested Development is one of those shows that anyone can enjoy, whether you like this kind of thing or not. . . Not to be missed by anyone.

Fargo (1996)

Okay -- It had the Potential to be Better

[5/10 · 5 August 2006]

After watching Fargo, I was left with the same feeling I felt before I watched it; a need to be entertained. Don't take that the wrong way, the movie entertained me, but those entertaining parts were few and far between. Between what? Well, nothing (Nothing as in bland snow-cast lands) And I'll say the movie was awfully long feeling for only being one and a half hours or so.

The humor of this comedy if mostly created by those over-exaggerated (I hope) accents. And when everybody else is laughing at that and I felt left out. Lucky for you, you're probably in that 'everybody' category.Other parts were entertaining though, a number seemingly useless actions, shots of funny things we all do once in a while and of course, the all superior chit-chat type of humor. Basically the type of humor Steve Buscemi is known for; the kind I like.

But between these glory blessed scenes of humor are a few nice-to-watch action sequences and frankly, quite unentertaining conversations. But where the movie fails the most -- where it could've been made better, is the overall atmosphere. It isn't edgy like 8 Mile or laid-back like Pulp Fiction, it's more along the lines of . . . nothing. Not only that the scenery consists of homey feeling houses and as I said before, snow. Officially, I'm not retiring to Fargo, North Dakota after watching this movie. It seems much too cold and depressing.

And while some of the scenes could have been polished up, sped up, or even cut out, the acting is fairly funny and a few characters are good, while others are bland and bad. Steve Buscemi's Carl is of course my favorite character, and the conflicting pair between him and Grimshrud creates a few good jokes. Shep Proudfoot adds a little spice and Marge the expecting cop is nicely done as well. But the rest of the characters just seem to annoy me, especially Jerry Lundegaard. He appeared very self-centered (as he was meant to), and there was nothing to like about him. But somehow he did'nt seems villainous enough to be the bad guy, leaving him looking like neutral/bland character.

So in the end, it just seems that Fargo has something bad to bring done each good things it has going for it, thus earning it a nice average 5 out of 10. While my friends seemed enjoy it, I nearly killed myself watching it the second time through. So for me, it is more or less not worth a rent.

8 Mile (2002)

This Story's Been Told Before, but not Like This

[8/10 · 5 August 2006]

When word got out that a movie starring everybody's favorite person, Eminem, was in the making, people flocked to see it. A few years earlier, Marshall Mathers caught the nation's eye screaming "I just don't give a ****!" But what wasn't known was whether the movie would follow the general consensus that Eminem can't entertain for whatever reason, and that you either love him or hate him. I can gladly say that whatever your stance is on Slim Shady, there's a 96% chance you won't be drooling on your shirt (or even making out) while you watch this movie.

When you're watching this movie you won't see any plot twists, maybe a few unexpected things, but for the most part you'll know what's going to happen. But still, that doesn't stop this movie from being enjoyable -- not to mention inspirational. A classic rags-to-riches/Rocky sort of story, the plot follow's Eminem's character, Jimmy Smith Jr. (Who is known as 'Rabbit' or 'B-Rabbit' by his friends, the B I'm assuming stands for Bunny) Jimmy who is still in his twenties, but already taking on the problems and challenges of a married man, has to juggle a multitude of problems daily ranging from taking care his little sister to trying to keep peace between his friends.

(Ahem, possible spoiler) The movie starts out with a scene most people can relate to, Rabbit is in the bathroom of a local club and is getting ready to freestyle in a rap battle. Clearly nervous, he is shown singing along to a song he is listening to on his Walkman (Which can be heard by the audience). Right before he leaves he ends up throwing up on himself and goes around back to change his shirt before getting up on stage. Scenes like this, showing Jimmy's personal struggle are commonplace throughout the movie.

The movie continues on and introduces new characters for the first few scenes, each establishing another sub-plot. As the movie wears on and Jimmy struggles to keep his life in order, relationships between characters and the audience are firmly established, especially that of Rabbit's, which is of course is needed when the climax roles around and Jimmy inevitably triumphs.

The movie flows smoothly for the most part, no boring scenes at all. However, if you can't stand to listen to rap (Not necessarily what they sing about, but the actual rapping part of it) you may get sick of this movie as some scenes are centered around this (As expected). The music and rapping are very while done, not surprising as Eminem composed a lot of it. Eminem's winner "Lose Yourself" is the theme song, along with "8 Mile". The characters seem to fit and Mathers plays the part of a hot-headed, but at the same time reserved, character quite well. Kim Basinger plays his alcoholic mother believably, even his younger sister's part is played well.

Overall, in general, 8 Mile is an excellent movie, if a bit clichéd. Providing you don't mind that little bit, or hate Eminem with a passion (or rap in general), 8 Mile and it's very urban feel should be worth a rent and who knows, maybe you'll even decide to buy it.