Gjay2 Reviews

The Fly (1986)

Beauty and the Beast for adults!

[9/10 · 30 September 2008]

The Fly is a great movie. Its a compact 91 minutes that veers from intriguing romance, to disturbing unravelling of man. Jeff Goldman is the victim in question here. A man literally consumed by his work, as he turns from scientist nerd to a twitching, vomiting nightmarish monster. Goldblums work has often been seen as irritating and mock-able, but it works beautifully here. His bug eyes, his gangly frame, and his quick delivery, perfectly fit Seth Brundles enthusiasm and following decline. Geena Davis comes off weaker, but still effective as the suffering Veronica who knows the fleeting time they had together, will be with her all her life.

It may well prove to be David Cronenbergs masterpiece!!!

Pineapple Express (2008)

Smoke 'em if you got 'em

[5/10 · 14 September 2008]

I was excited. Having loved knocked up, and poured adoration over superbad. Just knowing Seth Rogan and Judd Apatow were involved in this movie had me anticipating comedy gold. And then the trailer. Put together well, showing little but enough laughs to have me believing this could be 'the' film of the year.

I've seen it now. And i'm keeping it together but i'm so god-dam disappointed.

Not a lot worked here. The story was vapour, the direction standard, but the script? These guys can write funny, we've seen it before, but this script has a handful of good laughs and in a feature length film, that just isn't enough. Sure there are chuckles along the way but so much of it falls flat that it stands out head and shoulders above the good stuff. No-one really has anything to do, even the two main characters don't really appeal, and there was never a point where i felt like i wanted these guys to succeed. And i was promised action, and instead got made-for-TV action highlighted with bad language, which is the other films is funny, but the profanities are used way way too much here, and it just feels awkward.

I may watch this film again, but not until i'm older and reliving past experiences. The experience of severe disappointment.

The Matrix Revolutions (2003)

what goes up, must come down

[12 November 2003]

you know the story. well, we all 'kind of' know the story. or maybe there isnt a story. or maybe there was a story. who knows. but it's a fact that the matrix trilogy could have been a cinematic extravaganza. it could have been the greatest trilogy that has ever been. but it's also a fact, and a remotely sad fact that it has become neither. quite tragically aswell.

this third film was the one to rekindle the plot, and the hopes and joys of the millions of fans who were displeased with the matrix reloaded. this was to be the messiah among the trilogy. it's not the case. it is so not the case that it becomes absolutely stupid to even think that it is the case. the wachowski brothers have shovelled dirt in all our faces. whether or not they knew they were doing so, they shovelled. it's blindingly obvious that they didnt even try on this one. they put their efforts into the first film. both visually, mentally, and physically. in the second film, they lost all logic but managed to retain, and even up the action sequences. but with revolutions. they have disregarded all. the story has become drivel. the visuals dull and depressing. and the action sequences are now a mere blip on the action radar. gone is the astounding choreography of the kung fu, and in comes a ripped off sequence from aliens. and despite all of their millions of dollars into this so called sequence, aliens still comes off better.

that is what is wrong with this picture. there is no kicking and punching. and that is what gave reloaded it's most thrilling moments.

it all becomes clear during the final 'fight' between agent smith and neo. now we know they can pull off a neo vs hundreds of agents smith. so why the hell did we have to witness several hundred agents smiths all watching the fight?. why did they not join in? why oh god why was the final showdown so turgid. they had the potential to make something spectacular, and they blew it. and the use of slo-mo and big special effects in that final showdown become insanely dull. suffice to say the wachowski brothers will make another movie. but the question now is, will anyone actually care?

Cabin Fever (2002)

above par

[6/10 · 28 October 2003]

of all the recent 'horror' offerings of late, this one does indeed rule the roost. a simple premise, one seen a million times before, but a strong premise which comes more fullfilling in this setting. it's homages are endless, but it does have it's own originality, which when it shines through, does impress. the actors are a little sketchy, with a not too great believability in them, but you do eventually end up rooting for them.

it's a gore fest. with few scenes capable of making you grit your teeth. and it's for these scenes we are grateful. they make the movie overall.

slickly directed, with a familiar spooky score. all in all the best 'new' horror film of recent years.

Finding Nemo (2003)

ocean epic

[10/10 · 25 October 2003]

pixar have so far produced a quite astounding streak of great movies. since toy story through to finding nemo, they have not made a fluff piece of cinema yet. and finding nemo only builds on their previous efforts. the animation here is awe inspiring. it's layered and brilliantly colourful. the visuals alone can keep you entertained for the duration. but thankfully there is even more depth do it. the story and narrative are equally as astounding. a simple yarn thrown into the deep of the sea, it tells the story of a father fish trying to find his child fish. thats it. yet it's more exciting and intelligent than 90% of movies released monthly. with finely tuned comedic performances from the voices, and a general knowing in what pushes are emotional buttons, nemo never dulls from start to finish. it's hilarious, moving, intense, wonderous and clever and i dare say that adults would probably enjoy it more than the toddlers they brought to the film. a wise choice for this picture was changing the composer of the score. moving to thomas newman, of american beauty and road to perdition fame, the score touches all the right notes, and never goes cheesy like ole randy newman used to do. i really hope thomas will score future pixar movies.

a delight, difficult to top. but pixar have never dissapointed us yet.

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

a one man show

[6/10 · 16 August 2003]

a few months ago i stumbled across the poster for this little ditty. and without a second thought, lumped it down to being rubbish. so months later when it comes out to rave reviews, i was suprised to say the least. a good pirate movie? never. but i went to see it. and what can i say, i enjoyed it immensily. a good old fashioned pirate yarn for the modern audience could be difficult to get off the ground, but this film has everything a story needs. drama, intrigue, scares, action, and most unexpectedly, comedy. this movie is as funny as it is adventurous. the script on paper may not be so funny, but the actors add their own humourous invention to it. with johnny depp stealing every frame he's ever in. with his drunken swagger and delivery of lines, he becomes the king of comedy. the most refreshing character seen in years, and by far the most memorable ting about this picture. with decent support and a thrilling storyline pirates comes out storming. a tad head scratching at times due to lots and lots going on on screen. but the overall enjoyment of it seems to blot all that out.

oscar nom for johnny depp? lets hope so

Freddy vs. Jason (2003)

in the red corner...

[2/10 · 15 August 2003]

so here it is. the fight we've all been waiting for. freddy krueger vs jason vorhees. nightmare on elm streets scorched molesterer and friday the 13ths machete carrying spook killer. sounds exciting doesnt it?. well, it's kinda not. it's formulaic to say the least. it tries so hard to be more "like" the old horror movies but falls flat on it's face. the audience has seen it all before. the only interesting thing about these movies now, is in trying to come up with gruesome eye catching ways the victims can get killed. and yes, there are some good deaths in this film. but everything else just fails miserably. freddy looks past it now, and in a battle of menacing looks, jason wins hands down. mr vorhees is truly menacing. he's the best thing about this whole film. and this so called fight? well, it's okay. but we wanted more. lets hope they dont do another one.

Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003)

different but worthwhile

[6/10 · 6 August 2003]

the first two terminator films are classics. so this third installment had a real good chance of ruining the whole effect. but i was actually suprised. although complex, the film actually fits with the story. and it leaves with something to think about as the end credits begin to roll. it's almost profound.

it's no terminator 1, how could it be. and it's not even T-2 but i was 12 then, so nothing ever could be. but it is a damn good film. the action scenes are orchestrated just as good as cameron ever could have done. the actors are fair but nothing great. nick stahl proving the best as john conner.

i suppose if you step back and look at it, it is different. john conner looks different and in a way, ruins the continuation. arnie now bears no resemblance to himself from T1, which makes it difficult to relate to the past story. but what i really missed. what i really thought should have been in the movie. was that great terminator score. not just the popular one but the theme they use during the chases of T2. if they coulda put that in over the action scenes here, it would've felt more like a terminator movie.

but with these flaws, it doesnt stop you from enjoying what's on the screen. a slam bam action film that provides a thoughtful ending to the classic trilogy.

The Exorcist (1973)

nowonmai

[9/10 · 3 August 2003]

back in 1973, the exorcist had a profound effect on it's audience. people fleeing from screens to be sick. people claiming sleep depravation through reacurring nightmares from the film. people leaving the cinema because they were just too darn scared. so as a teenager living in britain. i became rather angry with the fact that it was a banned film over here. i read the book, but really wanted to see the film. it became a desire to do so. i finally got my chance when it became available back in 1999. and i was disappointed. on first viewing. my hype just blew the film up in my face. but on repeated viewings, it's got better and better. first things first. it's not the scariest film ever made. maybe back in the day. but now, it's too dated to be shocking and daring. we've seen things far worse in other movies. it is chilling though. the sounds effect of regan in the room, cursing and screaming are bone shaking at best. at worst, they are disturbing.

but thats all really. a great piece of film. with brilliant performances. even from linda blair as the child. before she becomes the demon, she gives a highly realistic childlike show. the mystery heightens as it builds to it's climax, and it's gripping. only letting go during the slightly lame final scenes with the priests.

but what film doesnt have minor flaws. they are minor. and do not detract from the in your face cinema experience that this film provides

Apollo 13 (I) (1995)

not a disaster

[6/10 · 30 July 2003]

it's just a typical feel good gung ho men together flick. a true story though in this case. some of the technical jargon gets a little frustrating. how are we supposed to know what a thingymabobianelectrodesnappitycricket is? well i dont. but it's acted well, it's heart is in the right place and it's all goes to make a nice heart warming film about overcoming the odds and succeeding. it's nice. just...nice.

Hulk (2003)

hulk - for grown ups.

[27 July 2003]

i was quite excited by the prospect of this one. i thought if anyone could make it more than just a silly action piece, it would be ang lee that could do it. and boy does he try to make it moving, and dramatic. but my god does he try too hard. it would have been lovely if he balanced it out evenly. action, drama, action, drama, but ang persists on trying to get the audience to emote to the main characters sad predicament. but we dont need that. a little would be nice, but when for the seventh time, we see bruce and betty talking about his anger, and his father and the mysteries surrounding his childhood, the interest gets lost, and it starts to become a little bit dull. then the action breaks out. a little over an hour into the film, and it's actually quite childish considering ang's adult themes. and the hulk is just another big lump of computer. at times, he looks spectacular, others, like shrek. it's too much to balance adult drama and kids action, it just messes up it's intentions. i dont see how any kids would sit through half of this film and enjoy it. okay, the action in the last half hour, when the military get involved is the highlight. scene after scene of volume and madness and chases works wonders after the drag of the first hour. it's engaging. it's what the hulk should have been all along. it's a shame ang got just that little bit over eager, a little bit too ambitious in his scope for this comic book tale.

Singles (1992)

hip rom-com

[5/10 · 27 July 2003]

the film that brought cameron crowe into the minor leagues is a small, intimate film about the lives and loves of several single men and women. set in the hip, grunge backdrop of seattle, it's characters all live in an apartment complex. sometimes their stories intertwine, sometimes they step out of the arena to pursue others. cameron crowe has a touch for good dialogue and personal moments but the film does leave a lot to be desired. there are too many scenes that lack importance, or lack the spark that ignites the others. so it becomes semi tedious at points when the plot should really be moving on. the actors are likeable enough, and realistic enough to keep our attentions throughout, but it's just not as funny as it wants to be. the soundtrack is great, and adds to the brilliant recreation of the 90's grunge era. an average film worth your time once but not for repeated viewings

Requiem for a Dream (2000)

a turning point

[8/10 · 26 July 2003]

from the first two minutes, you know what we have here is a different kind of picture. the split screen, the drama, the optimism. something, somewhere is gonna go wrong, and we are all gonna be dragged down with it. then the score kicks in over the arty still shots of the beach area. it's a magnificent start. aronofsky knows how to tell a story. going back and forth being each little tale with a simplicity so reassuring, you can just fall back and watch, without having to scratch your head with where you are at. his visual techniques may not be totally unique and original but in the context he uses them in, and the rapid fire approach in which they happen, it becomes truly hypnotising. and the score just adds to the hallucinations you are seeing on screen. ultimately yes, it's depressing. characters downward spiralling towards a doom they cant stop becomes difficult to watch, but difficult to take your eyes from. and the drama becomes more and more intense as the movie draws to it's eye blinding, fit inducing climax. a solid script with flexible and assured direction is all brought to head with the performances. jared leto has never been or looked better. jennifer connely is beautifully tortured as the fix needing girlfriend. marlon wayans, in a dramatic turn for him, does superbly well, and a big cheer for ellen burstyn who portrays sara goldfarb with enormous conviction.

a difficult film but one worth anyones time.

Bruce Almighty (2003)

bruce alrighty

[6/10 · 20 July 2003]

i admit it. i like jim carrey. i think he's a comedic genious. i think his brand of humour is the funniest kind. so i knew, without a doubt, that bruce almighty would contain a handful of great gags. and it does just that. more so infact. with some laugh out loud set pieces, you cant help but fall for the charm of the movie. yes, it preaches a little, and aims far too high with the religios aspect, but as a no brainer, this is perfect. well, almost. if it weren't for the abysmally slushy score that practically draws itself out for the whole film, and the occasional 'find god' corny messages, it would be. and it's nice to see carrey diverting back to what made him a star in the first place.

Identity (2003)

darkly good

[6/10 · 20 July 2003]

from the get go, this film pretty much has you hooked. and does not let you go until the finale. the set up of how each character ends up in the motel is done remarkebly well. and from then, the countdown begins. it's dark too, with the director taking notes from finchers seven. and the rain is a constant source of atmosphere and dread. it's this atmosphere that make the picture work, and it isnt until the last 20 minutes that the atmosphere disappears. with the much talked about ending comes either love or hate. it's the ending which will define your enjoyment of the movie as a whole. each actor does adequetly enough in their roles. some are more annoying than others but they give enough for the audience to care about there well being. interesting then, and hugely enjoyable. one for the top ten movies of the year.

Badlands (1973)

pristine

[7/10 · 3 June 2003]

an almost immediate contender for the film most beautiful to look at. but everything else seems to fall under the spell of the scenery.

the plot is drawn out, and never really goes anywhere. and while it is interesting, and at times addictive to watch. something better seems to always be 'on the way' and the something better never comes.

the script is poetic, almost couplandesque, in it's way of bringing life's small moments and thoughts to the foreground. the xylophonic score creates a whole other world, dreamy, and sinister, and the acting is spot on, with sheen and spacek giving their characters real blood. but, as a whole, badlands does leave a lot to be desired.

The Wedding Singer (1998)

the funniest rom-com ever

[8/10 · 2 June 2003]

it's short, it's sweet, it's perfect. it hits the mark all the way with what it's trying to be. which is a funny love story. and it surpasses that, it's a very funny love story. some wonderful lines, whether comedic or bittersweet, nostalgic or insulting, they are all delivered with brilliant timing and effort. sandler and barrymore have a great chemistry between them, and they bring the neccesary emotion to the movie, which cant help but win you over. great soundtrack too, especially sandlers own contributions.

the best rom-com ever, and it's going to be hard to beat.

The Wicker Man (1973)

burn baby burn

[10/10 · 2 June 2003]

definatly one of britains best movies. it's a simple plot. policeman searches for missing girl. enters town full of strange people. scary things happen. but the undertones are complex and thought provoking. it deals with religion, and morality, right and wrong, good and evil. it works on several levels.

the part jaunty, part atmospheric soundtrack works brilliantly with the images, making it more memorable, and more disturbing.

edward woodward plays the christianity devoted policeman, who enters this pagan orientated scottish town. led by christopher lee, in intelligently chilling mode. and when the two clash heads during the later scene, your eyes can not be unstick themselves from the screen.

it's evil, pure evil, and it makes edward woodwards quest into darkness endlessly watchable. and then some.

Ghostwatch (1992 TV Movie)

22 now, and still scared

[30 May 2003]

when you are a child you believe everything. you percieve things as they are. tv never lies. so when they put on a show, in 1992, halloween night, thats done as live, as it happens, a ghost story with everybody's favourite presenters. i lapped it up. i was eleven. how could sarah greene lie to me like this?

i was stunned by it, i could not sleep after it. the image of the ghost behind the curtains eeek. i believed everything. of course afterwards, well, a day later, i found out the whole thing was a fake. it became a novelty. a "damn, why did i not tape this?" ah well, they'll show it next year.

they didn't. scared kids and a suicide later, it was banned.

but, here it is on dvd. time for a rewatch. of course, now i'm 22, a little more mature, i can handle some fake spooky tack. surely i can.

so i put it in my player, and i laugh and giggle, as it now seems silly that anybody believed this amatuer drama on screen. the acting borders on stupid. the set ups, unrealistic, and the phone ins, ha, how i laughed at the scripted callers.

but wait, i realise as it borders on the 45 minute mark, that i'm getting engrossed in this parade of crap theatrics. and oh my god, what the hell is that sound? who is that behind the curtains, ahhh there he is, was that him? spooky stuff my friends.

it is the sound effects that do make it worthwhile. they are loud, and well essembled to send shivers down anybodys spine. those cats, that feedback, geez.

i could not believe it when i had to run up the stairs afterwards. and was actually afraid to close my eyes to sleep. 22 years of age. looking over my shoulder every 5 seconds.

it must have something inside it's lameness. something. supernatural maybe?

The Matrix Reloaded (2003)

brilliant mess

[26 May 2003]

the first film created a head-messing reality/unreality questioning plot, which everyone thought was so deep and profound. which, in a way it was. it is. but this film, as being the second of a trilogy, loses some of the brilliance in story. as it tries so hard to explain what is going on with everything, that it eventually, and inevitably loses it's own head through it's long, drawn out, philosophical dialogue. it's becomes such a mess. i actually really dont care what the matrix is now. and as for revolutions, i'm not bothered whatever deep posturing is may give us. i'm now just here for the action. reloaded ups the game for action movies everywhere. the choreography is outstanding, the music pulse racing. and it works so well. occasionally the action scenes are ruined with obvious computer generated characters, but there is enough real on real brutishness to fill several kung fu movies. some of the moves, are jaw dropping, the flips breathtaking. the only drawback being the overly done slow motion. which is used almost every other frame during these scenes. but, it's amazing however you look at it.

fighting has never looked cooler.

Welcome to Collinwood (2002)

passes the time

[4/10 · 19 May 2003]

it aint bad, but it aint good. it is just entertaining.

as a comedy which it is supposed to be, it's dreadful. not many laughs at all as every joke in the movie has been done a million times before.

it's a shame as all the actors in the film are great usually, but none of them really do much. and the ending sucks.

Signs (2002)

yeah, it's not bad y'know

[6/10 · 16 May 2003]

signs is m. nights third commercial movie. and a well made movie it is too. the direction has it's own character, be it odd camera angles, visual trickery, or the placings of the actors. m. night is a director first and foremost. which is rare. and as a storyteller, he is original, give him that, but he can be a little over ambitious. the sixth sense was perfect as it was. unbreakable was intriguing but difficult. and signs, is just far fetched.

but, it could have been different. the last 20 minutes are good, but it didn't need to be. i think m. night struggled to better the endings to his other movies. and in the attempt, botched it up. it does hold some nice meaning to it, but the way it was done was over dramatized. and the alien was a bit cack. but the duration of the film is masterful, brilliantly set up, and spooky, creepy, tense and moving. it moves at its own pace, giving us more dialogue than action. but at least it's good dialogue. mel gibson and joaquin pheonix are very very good as brothers, and the kids, mainly abigail breslin, are just adorable. so what could have been a masterpiece, ends up being just above average due to the copout finale. lets hope m.night stops trying to please the audience with a twist ending next time, and just lets the story breathe.

Donnie Darko (2001)

best film of 2002

[10/10 · 16 May 2003]

by far, the best movie of that year, and possibly one of the least expensive. no point in even attempting to describe the story as any idea could ruin the experience. as a debut film from director richard kelly, he should be very proud of this. this is the movie of which all his future movies will be judged against. the film is so very intimate, and intricate, using small town locations, and complex plotting to bewilder the viewer but to also wrap them up in the atmosphere of the movie. donnie, played by jake gyllenhaal is a mystery, his character is so down to earth, yet so unworldly that he becomes an instant contender for best character in a movie. and the score by michael andrews is hallucinatingly beautiful, touching the right notes on the right scenes. it all adds to an incredibly light, haunting film, with a pitch black heart. and one hell of a head trip afterwards.

Swingers (1996)

too cool for school

[9/10 · 16 May 2003]

one of the best films of 96 is a loose, often improvised movie about several men going to several parties. that's it. simple, but mesmerizing.

It mainly follows the story of mike, a recently dumped twenty-something looking to get back into the singles game. with help from his friends. including cool as ice trent. the comedy is not easy, not slapstick, just great gags within a highly realistic script. it's almost like every night out you have ever been on. only this is about those nights out, the intimate details of trying to talk to women, gaining the confidence and what to do when you get the girl.

the characters are immediatly identifiable, as they are just like our own friends. just human. and the actors dont even seem like they are acting.

it all goes to make a brilliant slice of dumpee advice. it's funny, moving, and technically brilliant enough to make it a classic.

X2 (2003)

quite xellent

[7/10 · 12 May 2003]

i was ever so slighty disappointed with the first x-men movie. i thought it tailed off in the last 20 minutes, which ruined the whole movie. so with this one, i had no expectations. which maybe is why i enjoyed it so damn much. it has all the right ingredients for a summer blockbuster, and more, as singer has a nice touch that makes it mature enough to be seen as a proper movie, rather than just a brainless summer movie. the characters evolve nicely, and some nifty special effects add a little fun into the plot, which isnt that good. but it has enough sub-plots to keep people interested. lets hope the pyro plot is followed up.

and unlike the first film, the finale is exciting and well executed.

roll on X3