Sneaky_Pete_XXVII Reviews

Blade: Trinity (2004)

Slightly entertaining, and the worst Blade to date

[4/10 · 17 December 2004]

Like I said, Blade: Trinity is entertaining; but the worst of the franchise. And there are many reasons for this (possible spoilers)...

Firstly, I didn't enjoy the fact that it didn't have that "Blade feeling" to it. I was thinking through the whole thing, "Okay, how is this different from Buffy?...What makes this unique to Blade?". And by the end I didn't find the answers.

I don't know about other people, but it really moved away from what I saw and felt with the first two.

One of the things I noticed was that there wasn't NEARLY as much action as the first two, and therefore not nearly as much blood and gore. We were simply left with ash. I mean, does anyone remember the first Blade when blood flowed from the sprinklers in the ceiling? What happened to that type of Blade?

Also, when there was a fight, there were barely any vampires involved other than the main villains, and that scene with the unrelated vampires at the bus station. That's one of the things I enjoyed about Blade II. The fact that the new race of vampires were literally wall-to-wall really intensified the film. For most of the scenes, we saw henchmen (which I question the logic: If they are human, how come the vampires don't eat them? And if they are vampire, how come Blade simply knocks them out with one hit?). So ask yourself, if there are only a few vampires that they actually DO fight, how desperate is the vampire situation?

And that's another thing....Something that irritated me a hell of a lot, was that I didn't get the sense that there was a real threat against the good guys. Sure, Drake is a powerful vampire (who I might add can dodge bullets, yet uses that hi-speed ability only when shot at, and not in the final battle), but do you seriously believe that he's a match for Blade when he runs from him? Or perhaps by the fact that you really don't get a sense whether Drake worked with, for, or above the other vampires.

Goyer also introduces this fascinating idea of the FBI on Blade's trail; but abandons that concept up until the last five minutes where he reminds us that they're a threat. By this time, I think everyone had forgotten about them, and if they hadn't, they didn't consider them a threat because Goyer hadn't shown or proved to us that they were.

Anyways, I could go on about bad qualities of this film (Snipes coming out of character, tools used, the overall reaction to Whistler's death, and how long they recover from it, etc.), but the idea behind this is a review (and I think you know where that will be going). I entered the theatre thinking that it would be fun flick, but not a Oscar winner by any means. And in fact it wasn't even fun. However, on some level it was at times, entertaining. Overall, 4/10.

Collateral (2004)

#1 Summer flick of '04, perhaps even #1 film of '04

[8/10 · 17 August 2004]

Rarely do I make any comments on here anymore, but this is one movie I MUST comment about...

"Collateral" is such a good film, and for a number of different reasons. This is one of the few movies of the turn of the century where I can truly say that absolutely everything is perfect (perfect is a good term that I fail to OFTEN). Take the acting for example. I've always wondered about Tom Cruise. I thought that he was a mild actor (post-"Collateral"). I thought that he had HUGE talent, but failed to show it in his movies, and therefore he could do more with his characters. But "Collateral" (with the exception of "Jerry Maguire"), has got to be THE best acting I've seen from Tom Cruise. Sure, "Minority Report" and "The Last Samurai" were descent, but the talent hasn't come through until now. And this doesn't apply to only to Tom Cruise...Jada Pinkett Smith and Jamie Foxx, make a remarkable performance. And personally, I think that Foxx is the one that steals this show. This, like Cruise, IS his best performance to date.

Another thing that caught my eye was the cinematography. I thought I read in "American Cinematographer", or somewhere else that Michael Mann decided to use High Definition for this film. Perhaps, I'm jaded; but I think I could tell the difference, and I seemed to like it. Plus, I noticed quite a lot of close-ups...Interesting, yet effective.

I've always been a big fan of scores; and "Collateral" doesn't fail to bring a great sound to this film. Esspecially how they brought back Elliot Goldenthal's theme from "Heat" after hit #3.

And finally the direction...Perhaps I'm bias because I seem to enjoy his previous work; but in my mind, Michael Mann can't seem to fail. His direction is supreme, and it brings a fresh style to the table. I think as Mann continues to do more and more films, people are starting to get an understanding of what a "Mann" style film. Much like the unique style's of directors like Burton, Tarantino, and Gilliam-Mann is coming to his peak in which his style, talent, and capability will give birth to a legacy that will live on throughout film history. And to confirm that that will happen, "Collateral" is projected proof.

The Rick Mercer Report (2004– )

Great Canadian Political Humor

[13 March 2004]

I'm not sure what it is about Rick Mercer, but he seems like one of these comedians that can get the job done, and done well. And he definitely does this with "Monday Report".

Many comedians have different styles and techniques to produce their comedy. And Mercer's is no doubt, unique and flavorful. From his slap-stick short skits, to his blunt one-liners, Mercer never stops surprising me with how wide range his humor, and the humor of the show as a whole goes.

Indeed, it is a excellent Canadian comedy series, that should entertain just about any Canadian who has a good taste in comedy.

A Painted House (2003 TV Movie)

Where did this movie go?

[6 March 2004]

I was very engaged with the movie (or story)...Up to a point. I was very upset with the fact that they spent a fair time setting up a growing problem (which you could sense), then introducing the problem (the murder), then abandoning it, and then finally restarting a new story that doesn't quite fit. WHY DO THAT?!

Like I said, I was totally engaged...Up to a point. And this is when everything went downhill!

On the plus side, there was good acting. But I believe even if you do have good acting-if your plot isn't convincing (or doesn't make sense), then the audience won't focus on that, and therefore your acting isn't as significant.

There are very few films that go off on a tangent (and that's a good thing), but when movies like, "A Painted House" and "Jeepers Creepers", do it (or I suppose any movie that does it), I can't help but lose interest, and become disappointed with it.

Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust (2000)

Great Anime!

[9/10 · 14 December 2003]

I adore Anime. And there are about 5 animes that I could pick out as my top 5. And "Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust", would surely, without a question, be among that list.

There are a few main reasons for that. The first being that I really enjoy the characters. Especially the Barbarois Elder, Meier Link, Left hand, and of coarse D. Each character has a unique attitude and view on everything. And each character has a fresh and fascinating twist. Something that we should see more often in Anime.

Another thing would be the era and all the stuff that comes along with that. Without saying it you could tell that the world went through a depression, and so they had to start from square-one. And from there came the mixture of the past with he future. We see this in costumes, technology, etc. For instance, mechanical horses. No evolved automobiles. A great look at what the future could be like. Unlike the recurring future ideas we see too often.

Overall, "Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust" is A1 material. And would probably be loved by anyone. Not just those who love Anime.

Ninja Scroll (1993)

One of the few text books for Anime storytellers

[9/10 · 14 December 2003]

This movie has SO much going for it. The first I want to mention is the creativity. Anime in general, usually shows a lot of creativity. And this film ensures that. The characters are very unique and all have interesting aspects to them. Whether it be physically or mentally. A great example of this is the character Yurimaru. This is a great character because we see that he has an goal, a desire, an attitude, and an ability to conduct electricity. All the characters are like this, only in different, yet good way. And that's one reason I love this film.

Another reason why I love this film is because of the delays/detours the story branches off into every time Jubei encounters another enemy. For instances his second encounter with Tessai. The story doesn't go TOO far astray. And one of he reasons that we know this, because Jubei is always willing to move on, with the twist of his slow death (Simply because he has to). This brings a bit of variety and integrity to the film.

And finally the action. I strongly believe that if you have an interesting story and creativity, you won't look at the action with such cynical eyes. Movies that want to be extremely flashy with the action, don't make it as interesting because the viewer knows it for show, and not for the story. But this movie doesn't cross the boundary of action, and move across the territory story, that many films today do. So I can appreciate the action more simply because it fits well.

All these aspects of the film (and some other minor ones), make "Ninja Scroll" (Jûbei ninpûchô), one of the few ideal Anime films of all time.

Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)

One of the top dialogue driven stories

[10/10 · 14 December 2003]

Like I mentioned in my summary, this movie is dialogue driven...Is it ever! And in my opinion, only good films, can be dialogue driven. And this isn't a good film...It's a GREAT and GRAND film! And I hope that no one else thinks otherwise.

Along with the incredible dialogue, I also think that the cast is brilliant. Not for a second, am I thinking that these men are actors (Well, except for Alec Baldwin). And that is a good trait of a good actor.

There's two particular characters that stick out the most in my mind: Jack Lemmon and Kevin Spacey. Boy, do these men ever play the roles well! I really admire some of the actors like Pacino and Harris, but I couldn't believe, when I finished the movie, what an amazing job Lemmon and Spacey did.

And one last thing that I'd like to mention, that ties into both the dialogue and the acting...the setting. The reason this fits in with both dialogue and acting is because you're so involved with the characters interactions that you don't need any actions or change of scenery. It fits and works well. And perhaps if the setting had change it might of taken away from the scene. And as far as acting is concerned, I think that if you don't have good acting within the scene, you get bored and do focus on the facts (like setting), that you shouldn't.

So, all these elements get thrown into one story, one film, that makes it both great and grand, and this work of art is known as "Glengarry Glen Ross".

Finding Forrester (2000)

Gus Van Sant...You the Man now Dog!

[8/10 · 2 December 2003]

Great example of good filmmaking. I love this film greatly. Like most films I enjoy, I enjoy them for their characters and the actor's abilities to become those characters. I was so impressed by Rob Brown's performance. And to think that this is his first film! Unbelieveable. I also enjoy Connery. His character, as well as Brown's are incredibly fascinating. And its even better that the characters, who are totally different, yet similar, join together in a mutual bond.

The story is perfect. Don't take away anything. Because this is as close as you can come to Hollywood, without being consumed, and maintaining a realistic tale.

Two thumbs and two big toes up for "Finding Forrester"!

Searching for Bobby Fischer (1993)

Big movie, in a small package

[9/10 · 2 December 2003]

This is such a great film! And there is more than one reason why I believe this.

First of all, Ben Kingsley is one of my favorite actors. And this movie(along with "Sneakers", "Death and the Maiden", "Twelfth Night", and "Sexy Beast"), really helps me believe that. And I believe that this is one of his best characters, and best films.

As far as Max Pomeranc's acting is concerned...wonderful. Even today I can't think of a kid who's had a better performance. Truly good acting. And sadly for his short lived career, I'd have to say he was in his prime there.

The creativity in this film is awesome! My favorite scene is when Bruce(Kingsley) is teaching Josh(Pomerac) the dynamics of chess, and when the camera flips back and forth between the chess pieces, each time building up the conversation, and going up the ladder of significant pieces. Powerful scene, with powerful lessons.

I also enjoy that if you don't have much of an interest in chess, that it still keeps you capitvated. I wasn't as interested in chess until I saw this movie. And I'm even more interested in film (I thought that I couldn't be more interested).

And finally...the score. I love James Horner. And this is one of the reasons why. Along with "Sneakers", "Braveheart", and many other Horner scores, I find it makes the movie that much better.

Truly a movie to remember always.

Ghost in the Shell (1995)

One of the Best Science-fiction films.

[10/10 · 1 December 2003]

This is one of those films, that someone is going to have to make a REALLY good film, in order for beat it. And I think for many reasons, that won't be for a while. And its already been 8 years!

The main reason I believe this is the combination of imagination, story, dialogue, and music. And what a great mixture it is.

The imagination amoung this film is beyond comprehension. Both Kazunori Itô and Masamune Shirow, must of went insane after coming up with such a grand idea! The ideas of "diving" into "ghosts", "ghosthacking", etc, are like nothing I've ever seen in cinematic history.

The story is really really fantasic! My god...I enjoy how this move has the plot of an on-going chase, along with the minor problems along the way. The great thing too, is that later on you realize that the minor problems are only a fragment of the grander issue.

The dialogue(like the imagination), is something so unheard of. And I'm glad its here in "Ghost in the Shell". As the story moves on, here and there we grasp interesting conversation of philosophy and psychology.

And finally the music. Kenji Kawai emotionally sets this film up perfectly with music. And the whole film gives off the feeling of a depressing society that continues to drag to and endless future. Whether or not that's what they were aiming for...I enjoyed it.

Truly a perfect film.

Barton Fink (1991)

Well done Coens!

[10/10 · 1 December 2003]

Wow! What an excellent movie! I really love this film for various reasons.

One thing I really enjoy about this film is the characters. I really treasure these characters, and I've felt that I've known them for a long time. John Turturro and John Goodman are amazing in this film. Both give excellent performances, and they made me a believer the entire time.

As far as John Goodman is concerned, I felt so sorry for his character and his troubles. And then when you find out his true identity, and what he's really like, I feel like I'm on my toes hoping that Barton doesn't get killed. And as far as John Turturro is concerned...again...Wow! I can really relate to Barton. Although I haven't had quite the same adventure that he has-I still find he's a great representation of the "common man". Both of these men show top of the line performances. Perfect outlines for character development.

Another that I enjoy in any film is dialogue. I really enjoy the dialogue in this film. I enjoy all the scenes with Barton and Charlie on the bed conversating about each other's day. That other conversations between Barton and the secondary characters.

I want to mention how the story transforms into something far more twisted, yet completely acceptable! Most of the time that is incredibly hard to pull off, while maintaining a good story. And the Coens do it well.

And finally, on a brief note...the ending. Could there have been a better and more fascinating ending. In my mind...I believe not.

Back to the Future (1985)

You made a hit out of a DeLorean?

[10/10 · 1 December 2003]

It doesn't surprise me one bit, that this film is on the Top 250 list. From the moment the clocks tick, to when the DeLorean shoots up into the sky, I'm trapped inside there. There are plenty of things that I enjoy about this film...

First of all, I want to mention something that most people take for granted. The Score. I love the music for this film. It REALLY suits it. Both with feeling and cinematically. I would really like to take my hat off for Alan Silvestri.

I also want to mention the camera work on this film. The camera work on this film is so awesome! In just about every scene I find the camera work is well done.

Another thing that I really enjoy in this film, is that it is one of the few movies where the movie is always flowing. No matter what is going on, it always seems that the film is always flowing well and with a large amount of interest. So I suppose that this flows much into story. At first glance, I don't quite understand why they chose them, but when the they justify the decision, it makes the film that much more interesting.

Overall...excellent!

Gigli (2003)

You too?

[29 August 2003]

Here's a suggestion catcha22...Watch the movie! I know that most people when they state an opinion about a movie, usually they've seen it. Why? Oh, I don't know, maybe it kind of-you know, helps with the credibility! But who knows, you might just like it. Keep in mind, that just because it was rated #1 worst movie of all time, doesn't actually mean that. That's because only registered users votes count. For me, some of the movies that are on the bottom 100 list, I can admire, and even like. I can imagine that there are a million worse movies other than "Gigli". Yet I haven't seen it. But I would imagine that Martin Brest didn't do that bad. The reason it was rated the lowest, is also because it grew so much publicity. Why? Well, because it was the first movie with American's most talked about couple. And again, because registered users votes only count. For me, some of the movies that are on the bottom 100 list, I can admire and even like. There are a million low-budget "B" film that could of made the bottom 100 list, but they don't make it because not enough IMDB users don't see them. They don't get spread out among society and they don't make it to the movies.

So, next time you comment on a film, keep this in mind, and perhaps actually SEE the movie. Like I said, it kind of helps with the credibility. But nice try.

Gigli (2003)

SHUT UP!

[27 August 2003]

Hey NotBradley! Like my summary says: SHUT UP!! Who gives a damn if someone gave thumbs up to a bad movie? I know I don't! If you truly hated this movie why would you give a damn what someone else thinks? Usually when I hate a movie, I try and forget it. And I certainly don't comment on a section of a site (that's meant to state an opinion about the FILM!), about how someone likes it and then bash them for it. However, I do realize I'm doin' the same here, but someone needs to straighten you out! So quit puttin' people down for their ratings of films! They're are entitled to it!

Sphere (1998)

One of the most psychological movies I've ever seen!

[8/10 · 22 August 2003]

Wow! If you're the type of person that enjoys psychological movies. I can imagine that you'd enjoy this.

The one thing that impressed me the most was the dialogue. Especially from Dustin Hoffman and Samuel L. Jackson. There were times when the dialogue was so interesting, and deep (no pun intended), that I couldn't help but rewind the video.

I have read the book, and after seeing the movie, I can say (for once), that the movie was just as accurate, and entertaining as the book.

There was probably nothing that I could say bad about this. Which, in turn, makes me wonder why people would have gave it such a low rating. Everything was good, if not excellent! The casting, the acting, the score, the sets, everything! Absolutely terrific!

Talking to Americans (2001 TV Special)

Good, simple comedy.

[10/10 · 14 August 2003]

"Talking to Americans" is a wonderful piece of comedy. And regardless of what Raleon may say, it is. Comedy shouldn't be picked apart like it was by you. Sure, there are some things that could of been improved; but when you have Americans making fun of us because we didn't enter the war, and at the same time they don't even know us! That basically gives us the right to make fun of them. So, it doesn't make sense? Who cares? No one ever questions cartoons!

Anyways, Mercer does a great job at performing as a reporter that is making stuff up. And to do it with a straight face!!! WOW! That's awesome! And the ideas alone are incredible! (ex: Congrats, President Tim Horton on your first Double-double!!) Does Canadian comedy get any better than this? I don't think so! 10/10!

Jeepers Creepers (2001)

This movie stole 90 minutes of my life!

[26 July 2003]

This has got to be one of the worst movies I have EVER seen. When I saw this I hadn't heard much about it. After 10 minutes from when I popped it in the VCR, it all started to go down hill. It was good...but only for the first 10 minutes.

About Schmidt (2002)

I've been more entertained watching paint dry!

[3/10 · 26 July 2003]

I'm sorry, but has everyone's idea of a good film completely changed? Why did people like this movie?! And why was it even considered for an Oscar?! I'll tell you why! It's because of two main reason: A, a previous oscar winner starred in it. And B, (the more important of the two) it came out late in the year! I'm starting to wonder whether I should stop watching Jack Nicholson movies. First "The Pledge" and now this! Jack, get your stuff together! I would hate to have to say this AGAIN about ANOTHER movie! Although I must say, I do like the odd part here and there (absolutely NOT the hot tub scene). Like the parts when he's writing (or narrating) to his foreign foster child. Or when he's on top of his motor-home, looking at the stars, with the blanket, and speaking to his wife. However, as the film went on I kept asking myself: "Where is this going?" Not once could I answer that! So, if someone is reading this now, and hasn't seen the film....get a restraining order from this movie!

The Pledge (I) (2001)

I would of rather been shot in the face!!

[26 July 2003]

Yes, that's right!...shot in the face! I think that anyone that had seen this movie would agree with me. I have to admit, that there are some good parts here and there; but not enough to make the whole movie great. I usually tend to enjoy Jack Nicholson movies. But what the heck was he thinking when he did this film?!

High Fidelity (2000)

A movie that everyone can relate to

[9/10 · 15 May 2003]

I'm pretty sure that anyone who has seen this film can relate to it in one way or another. I imagine that everyone has at some point worked with one or two goof-balls, has cheated on his/her partner, dumped over and over again, and feels that they have been s**t on their entire life. That's why I love this film. It is simple and it has class. The fact that John Cusack speaks to the audience makes the viewer relate to the character.

I enjoy the fact that John Cusack's character feels that he is always being s**t on, because then when he runs into a problem the problem seem more critical and more intense. A great example of this is when Rob (Cusack), discovers that his girlfriend Laura (Iben Hjejle) is seeing Ian (Tim Robbins). Another thing that I find very fascinating is the fact that Rob is very smart but in a aggressive and bold manner. Therefore his dialogue is made very impressive. High Fidelity has everything that a down-to-earth film should have and I'm sure that everyone would enjoy it. So, therefore they would enjoy it as well.

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

Drama as it was intended

[10/10 · 15 May 2003]

Shawshank Redemption is the type of movie that all prison movies should be. In fact it is the type of drama that every drama should be. To date I can't think of a film that has just as much or even more character development than this film. And what better place to have it in? Both Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman make this movie what it is through the characters. Through Robbins, we can see a character who is determine and will never give up. And through Freeman we see a man who knows the truth about life inside and the bold truth. We see most of that through Freeman's reflection in his role as the narrator. I love everything about this film. The cast, sets, characters, scores, script, everything. There are only a few movie that are just as good as this; but shouldn't be compared because like some movies in the film industry because it is the key to cinematic brilliance.

Back to the Future (1985)

The first classy time travel film

[10/10 · 15 May 2003]

Back to the future is probably the only time travel film that is interesting on a scientific angle, and fun on an adventurous level. The film (like most of the films that I like), has everything going for it. Cast, music, script, etc. Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd are perfect for the roles of Marty and Doc. I enjoy the fact that it explains the story in a way that for those of us who don't read up on time travel can understand.

Another thing that I liked about the film was that it took place in the 50's. If it had of been me writing it, I probably wouldn't of picked this era. But after seeing the film I probably would of reconsidered. I really don't like the 50's; but this film made me enjoy the story regardless, which is a powerful thing to do. Back to the Future has everything for it, it attracts, and it flows with a positive plot and feeling. Making this film near the top of my choices of Sci-fi, and maybe perhaps over all genres.

The Salton Sea (2002)

Everything a complex and well planned story should have

[9/10 · 7 March 2003]

The Salton Sea is a fantasic movie! I enjoy that this movie gives you the story from deep inside the character. It isn't the character himself telling the story. His whole mind and soul is involved in it. He's telling the story with emotion. That is what makes this film so fantasic and interesting. I personally enjoy film in which you get to see the characters motives and plans. But not through action but through his/her mind and past. And that's exactually what this movie does. Also having Val Kilmer in this role was an excellent idea. Val with this Script made The Salton Sea a prime film.

The Big Lebowski (1998)

The New Guideline for great Comedies

[9/10 · 7 March 2003]

This movie is by far one of the funniest comedies I have ever seen! I just love everything about this movie. The dialogue, cast and just about anything else you can imagine. The one thing I like most about this movie is the characters. I adore the fact that Jeff Bridges's character is so relaxed, calm, and cusses alot. I mean where else can you find a character who can say, "Man, I hate the f***ing Eagles!" like him? I really like how aggressive John Goodman's character is, and how he has a recurring obsession with the vietnam war. Overall, this movie is absolutely awesome! If you haven't seen it. I suggest do so. You're missing a lot.

Renaissance Man (1994)

Fascinating and down-to-earth

[9/10 · 26 October 2002]

Renaissance Man is the type of movie that I believe any movie buff should see. It's one of those movies (in my opinion), in which you learn something unknowingly. You might not realize it unless you either start thinking about the movie more after watching it, or simply watching it again. One of the big things I realized after watching this movie, is that smart, poetic and strong willed when you reach or look deep into them.

CAST: As far as the movie is more concerned, There seems to be a great amount of attention related to cast with this movie. All the students were brilliant in performance, as well as the main military officials and Mr. Devito himself.

SCRIPT: The script did more than it had to. Powerful would be a spot on match. Different positions, opinions, responses and reactions were key in this movie, with making it good.

I could go on about saying how good this movie is (and believe me I could); but my time here falls short. Hope you enjoyed this comment.