Everyone who posted comments here wrote wonderfully so I won't add any repetitions. What I wonder about this must-see film is how it might affect Americans, for example, if absolutely everyone were to see it. i.e. The President goes on national TV & streaming internet from the White House on a Sunday evening at 8PM and exhorts all to view for the next hour-and-a-half. How would the USA be changed? One could ponder the impact on various constituencies: eg. Hollywood, for one. Would we come to our senses and cease producing car-chase movies forever etc? A low budget project such as this, combined with the lower cost of shooting digital these days is likely to prove inspirational to some filmmaker somewhere now or in the future. It is viewable on YouTube at feline1104. Don't miss it !!
Reviews
18 Reviews
Prometheus
(I) (2012)
Needs to flesh-out characters
4 July 2012
Warning: Spoilers
I can't say I enjoyed this film with the main reason being the issue of character development, or more accurately the lack thereof.
The priority was to tell the basic story, OK, which answered questions re: Alien.
But an opportunity was missed. The film could have been 'humanized' (so to speak) with more emphasis on the personal relationship of the scientist-duo protagonists.
An opening scene could have had them at home attempting to conceive to the sounds of Chopin, and to get the time, edit out the unnecessary scientist-security guy lunchroom bit. (And that would have given the credits-music a pay-off.)
The characters are trotted out and portrayed one-dimensionally so who cares about them? Therefore the movie has no 'grip'.
Not that some of them don't have a degree of credibility: the trillionaire CEO isn't exactly the brightest fellow but this is not surprising as he has wasted his life focused on money-making so his fate fits. But the lack of storyline redemption for some of the others further adds to a sense of coldness-who cares about this project.
One of the shoot-em-up scenes is simply an irrational butcher shop.
3D would have helped at least in the visuality, which was OK, but the film needs anything in the way of elements to try to fill this void of characterization. With Creature of the Black Lagoon as the roots of 3D and with our greenies sliming about in the soup why not set it up for the glasses?
If you are an Alien devotee then you will likely make the effort to get out of the house to the theater to see this one, but for anyone else I don't see the point of doing so.
The priority was to tell the basic story, OK, which answered questions re: Alien.
But an opportunity was missed. The film could have been 'humanized' (so to speak) with more emphasis on the personal relationship of the scientist-duo protagonists.
An opening scene could have had them at home attempting to conceive to the sounds of Chopin, and to get the time, edit out the unnecessary scientist-security guy lunchroom bit. (And that would have given the credits-music a pay-off.)
The characters are trotted out and portrayed one-dimensionally so who cares about them? Therefore the movie has no 'grip'.
Not that some of them don't have a degree of credibility: the trillionaire CEO isn't exactly the brightest fellow but this is not surprising as he has wasted his life focused on money-making so his fate fits. But the lack of storyline redemption for some of the others further adds to a sense of coldness-who cares about this project.
One of the shoot-em-up scenes is simply an irrational butcher shop.
3D would have helped at least in the visuality, which was OK, but the film needs anything in the way of elements to try to fill this void of characterization. With Creature of the Black Lagoon as the roots of 3D and with our greenies sliming about in the soup why not set it up for the glasses?
If you are an Alien devotee then you will likely make the effort to get out of the house to the theater to see this one, but for anyone else I don't see the point of doing so.
numbed despite 3D
15 February 2012
The ticket clerk offered me a free toy which I declined. I felt as embarrassed and idiotic as Jar Jar.
I ordered a *small* coffee figuring I would need a boost to get through this; fortunately they gave me a somewhat gigantic one.
I heard a couple of voices far behind me in the large theatre otherwise I was the only one there.
The application of any stars here at all are for the hard working tech folks and the great orchestral players not to mention the long-suffering extras in the grandstand and so on.
Did George Lucas actually write this script all by himself? At least he could have farmed out the comedy to someone, anyone. Shandling? Lewis? Larry David? How much did this film cost? Good Grief...
The only enjoyable element of this film was John Williams' piece of string writing at the very end of the closing credits.
Awright, I did my *duty* and saw the thing, yaaawwwnnnn......
I ordered a *small* coffee figuring I would need a boost to get through this; fortunately they gave me a somewhat gigantic one.
I heard a couple of voices far behind me in the large theatre otherwise I was the only one there.
The application of any stars here at all are for the hard working tech folks and the great orchestral players not to mention the long-suffering extras in the grandstand and so on.
Did George Lucas actually write this script all by himself? At least he could have farmed out the comedy to someone, anyone. Shandling? Lewis? Larry David? How much did this film cost? Good Grief...
The only enjoyable element of this film was John Williams' piece of string writing at the very end of the closing credits.
Awright, I did my *duty* and saw the thing, yaaawwwnnnn......
The Bodyguard
(1992)
memorable performance by Whitney
11 February 2012
What a sad day today (11 FEB 2012).
The Bodyguard will not go down in cinematic history as an unforgettable film, but Whitney's acting performance was just that indeed and quite compelling.
After seeing this movie when it came out two decades ago now, I was really hoping she would shift career gears just a little bit in order to more cultivate these acting talents.
It's hardly believable that such a great talent has departed at such a young age.
R.I.P. Whitney.
The Bodyguard will not go down in cinematic history as an unforgettable film, but Whitney's acting performance was just that indeed and quite compelling.
After seeing this movie when it came out two decades ago now, I was really hoping she would shift career gears just a little bit in order to more cultivate these acting talents.
It's hardly believable that such a great talent has departed at such a young age.
R.I.P. Whitney.
Pina
(2011)
Thank You Pina
3 January 2012
Go see it.
I have finally seen a movie which gives me the instinct that this is why this whole film-thing was invented in the first place.
Quick notes: -Music choices fine to excellent, no problem there. -3D absolutely effective and relevant.
I give this a 10 but was brooding to deduct a point for the perhaps slightly out-of-balance weight to...the brooding self-seriousness (humour and fun also abound).
But, no, I'm just being poopy, it really does deserve the full 10.
Before seeing it, I was fortunate to hear an hour-long interview on the CBC Ideas radio program with Wim Wenders. That filled in the blanks of the back story which is not shown in the film itself, so that was very helpful.
Pina, wherever you are, you really did teach me a huge thing or two: Thank You !!
I have finally seen a movie which gives me the instinct that this is why this whole film-thing was invented in the first place.
Quick notes: -Music choices fine to excellent, no problem there. -3D absolutely effective and relevant.
I give this a 10 but was brooding to deduct a point for the perhaps slightly out-of-balance weight to...the brooding self-seriousness (humour and fun also abound).
But, no, I'm just being poopy, it really does deserve the full 10.
Before seeing it, I was fortunate to hear an hour-long interview on the CBC Ideas radio program with Wim Wenders. That filled in the blanks of the back story which is not shown in the film itself, so that was very helpful.
Pina, wherever you are, you really did teach me a huge thing or two: Thank You !!
Star Trek
(2009)
Exceeded Expectations
3 January 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Having suffered the post-Gene Trek franchise, I was prepared for the worst. So I have to give J.J. Abrams credit for washing the bitter taste of the Berman-era out of my psyche with this decent effort.
I had only one major disappointment, and that was the music underscore.
The composers for TOS were adept writers, steeped in Stravinsky and Prokofiev. TNG was fine until they made the boneheaded move of firing Ron Jones, a Ravel aficionado. And James Horner did fine work in the early movies.
With this new movie, it sounds like Abrams has hired a video game composer with severely limited abilities. All I could do was try to ignore this underscore and focus on all other elements of the film.
I hope they pay more attention to this issue in the sequel.
There were a few elements that didn't quite work for me, one being the dialect of Nero which sounds obviously American. The first Romulan we ever saw in TOS was Mark Lenard, and his dialect seemed credible. This wrong accent for Nero causes one to see an actor at work, instead of a believable character.
On the subject of casting, I realize this was the most difficult challenge of all, and I think they did very well re: Kirk-Spock-McCoy-Uhura. Sulu-Chekov-Scotty-Pike-Sarek were not as convincing.
One element that makes me feel trepidation about the upcoming sequel is the angle of the timeline alteration. Will Abrams use this as an excuse to destroy Gene's beautiful vision and revert to the destructive negativity so characteristic of the Berman era ?? Wiping out Vulcan was a pretty extreme plot angle. Also, I felt the torture scene was a bit much for a film kids will see, especially in an era where a recent Vice-President of the USA champions waterboarding.
If, in this upcoming sequel, Abrams chooses to steer the ship off course a la Berman, that will be it for me and I will stick to the beautifully buffed TOS-DVD release.
update MAY 2013 re: STII: re: *Will Abrams use this as an excuse to destroy Gene's beautiful vision and revert to the destructive negativity so characteristic of the Berman era ??*
In reading IMDb reviewers' posts now, I get the impression that JJA has indeed gone off-course in this way but I will have to try to summon the courage to get to the theatre to see indeed if we are now burdened by yet another ST-producer who just doesn't *get it*
I had only one major disappointment, and that was the music underscore.
The composers for TOS were adept writers, steeped in Stravinsky and Prokofiev. TNG was fine until they made the boneheaded move of firing Ron Jones, a Ravel aficionado. And James Horner did fine work in the early movies.
With this new movie, it sounds like Abrams has hired a video game composer with severely limited abilities. All I could do was try to ignore this underscore and focus on all other elements of the film.
I hope they pay more attention to this issue in the sequel.
There were a few elements that didn't quite work for me, one being the dialect of Nero which sounds obviously American. The first Romulan we ever saw in TOS was Mark Lenard, and his dialect seemed credible. This wrong accent for Nero causes one to see an actor at work, instead of a believable character.
On the subject of casting, I realize this was the most difficult challenge of all, and I think they did very well re: Kirk-Spock-McCoy-Uhura. Sulu-Chekov-Scotty-Pike-Sarek were not as convincing.
One element that makes me feel trepidation about the upcoming sequel is the angle of the timeline alteration. Will Abrams use this as an excuse to destroy Gene's beautiful vision and revert to the destructive negativity so characteristic of the Berman era ?? Wiping out Vulcan was a pretty extreme plot angle. Also, I felt the torture scene was a bit much for a film kids will see, especially in an era where a recent Vice-President of the USA champions waterboarding.
If, in this upcoming sequel, Abrams chooses to steer the ship off course a la Berman, that will be it for me and I will stick to the beautifully buffed TOS-DVD release.
update MAY 2013 re: STII: re: *Will Abrams use this as an excuse to destroy Gene's beautiful vision and revert to the destructive negativity so characteristic of the Berman era ??*
In reading IMDb reviewers' posts now, I get the impression that JJA has indeed gone off-course in this way but I will have to try to summon the courage to get to the theatre to see indeed if we are now burdened by yet another ST-producer who just doesn't *get it*
Star Trek: The Next Generation
(1987–1994)
*Ron Jones getting fired was terrible decision*
2 January 2012
*Ron Jones getting fired was terrible decision* is a quote from In_Correct from below.
I certainly agree.
How sad that Gene Roddenberry passed away during the run of this series. The show lost its soul. Still, there are some decent episodes as he laid enough groundwork to keep it flying.
When DS9 appeared, the Patton quote came to mind: *Fixed fortifications are monuments to the stupidity of men.*
Gone was the joyous hope of the original series replaced with a dedication to gritty unpleasantness. The Trek franchise from this point was a wasteland.
One of the perplexing and annoying elements of the post-Gene era was the conceptualization of aliens. Gone was any sense of imagination as we were simply left every week with gobs of paint and rubber on actors' heads as in the old Outer Limits series.
Perhaps with the recent movie, it can LLAP once again. It was a very good effort but the jury is still out pending the next one...
I certainly agree.
How sad that Gene Roddenberry passed away during the run of this series. The show lost its soul. Still, there are some decent episodes as he laid enough groundwork to keep it flying.
When DS9 appeared, the Patton quote came to mind: *Fixed fortifications are monuments to the stupidity of men.*
Gone was the joyous hope of the original series replaced with a dedication to gritty unpleasantness. The Trek franchise from this point was a wasteland.
One of the perplexing and annoying elements of the post-Gene era was the conceptualization of aliens. Gone was any sense of imagination as we were simply left every week with gobs of paint and rubber on actors' heads as in the old Outer Limits series.
Perhaps with the recent movie, it can LLAP once again. It was a very good effort but the jury is still out pending the next one...
The Bachelor
(2002– )
Site here doesn't allow a *zero*
29 December 2011
My friendette *forced* me, so to speak, to look at this.
3 notes:
(1) The Guinness Book of World Records: Most Utterances Of The Word *Amazing*, leaving me to wonder if all the contestants purchased their college degrees.
(2) My eyes whited-over. Then I saw a blurb on the net listing this show as a favorite for Republicans, then it tied together. Since I don't live in a society where anglo-Caucasian-masses huddle together frightfully, I therefore can't feel much of a connection to this show's world.
(3) Actor-wannabes pose falsely: All the contestants here are simply looking for another gig: a soap, a movie, anything.
And the producers make the most odd choices, as in the upcoming depressed wineguy (please wash hair). Whichever lady *wins* will at least be able to drown the consequences of her mistake by heading downstairs to the cellar with those big casks etc.
This is the first time I have looked at ABC since the cancellation years ago of the brilliant Cupid. Good-bye again, ABC.
3 notes:
(1) The Guinness Book of World Records: Most Utterances Of The Word *Amazing*, leaving me to wonder if all the contestants purchased their college degrees.
(2) My eyes whited-over. Then I saw a blurb on the net listing this show as a favorite for Republicans, then it tied together. Since I don't live in a society where anglo-Caucasian-masses huddle together frightfully, I therefore can't feel much of a connection to this show's world.
(3) Actor-wannabes pose falsely: All the contestants here are simply looking for another gig: a soap, a movie, anything.
And the producers make the most odd choices, as in the upcoming depressed wineguy (please wash hair). Whichever lady *wins* will at least be able to drown the consequences of her mistake by heading downstairs to the cellar with those big casks etc.
This is the first time I have looked at ABC since the cancellation years ago of the brilliant Cupid. Good-bye again, ABC.
Hugo
(2011)
Boring
28 December 2011
This was my first digital 3D and the snowflakes-in-your-face are very impressive; I can see now where it will be a challenge to go back to 2D.
The next pleasure was to simply look at this representation of Paris in the 1930s in this format.
So far so good. And then the underscore music by Howard Shore, and I knew I was in for a rough ride because he chose to imitate Philip Glass and this left me somewhat nauseous for the remainder of the film.
Why did he go that route? Because of the tic-toc-clockery theme? If so, either he or Martin forgot that clocks are inherently sleep-inducing. Combine this with the slow pacing, and after an hour I realized I was hopelessly bored.
The only cheer at this point was a credible effort by young actress Chloë and then the storyline veered off to a film-business homage.
With all due respect to Georges Méliès, I was really not at all prepared to spend an afternoon at film school. I would be happy to do that at another time when in the mood.
If that is your bag, then this film is a must-see.
Otherwise, there must be something else out there much better...
The next pleasure was to simply look at this representation of Paris in the 1930s in this format.
So far so good. And then the underscore music by Howard Shore, and I knew I was in for a rough ride because he chose to imitate Philip Glass and this left me somewhat nauseous for the remainder of the film.
Why did he go that route? Because of the tic-toc-clockery theme? If so, either he or Martin forgot that clocks are inherently sleep-inducing. Combine this with the slow pacing, and after an hour I realized I was hopelessly bored.
The only cheer at this point was a credible effort by young actress Chloë and then the storyline veered off to a film-business homage.
With all due respect to Georges Méliès, I was really not at all prepared to spend an afternoon at film school. I would be happy to do that at another time when in the mood.
If that is your bag, then this film is a must-see.
Otherwise, there must be something else out there much better...
Siesta
(1987)
See It Anyway (I mean really see it)
18 June 2011
I stumbled across this on late night TV part way through and was soon mesmerized, likely because when Miles plays a note, I can't move. I couldn't figure out what it was about, which probably added to the appeal, given the hypnotic nature of the music. Throw in three of my 'favorite girls' i.e. Isabella, Ellen and Jodie, and I was hooked. Marcus is channeling Sketches of Spain, and it was wonderful to hear Miles in that milieu once again. I highly recommend this movie despite the low rating of circa 5 out of ten that you see on the site here. Perhaps the key is to dispense with any expectations of what a movie should be, fundamentally. If nothing else, just revel in the music !! (...and the cute ladies...)
(additional comments a year later) I have to admit I must be somewhat obsessed with this project. Perhaps re: Miles/Spain. And Marcus Miller has great taste. And is that Bennie Maupin/bass clarinet? But what gets me in addition upon further viewing is the editing. And you have to give credit for personnel decisions. If this is Lambert then she certainly must have some kind of special nose for creative intelligence.
(additional comments a year later) I have to admit I must be somewhat obsessed with this project. Perhaps re: Miles/Spain. And Marcus Miller has great taste. And is that Bennie Maupin/bass clarinet? But what gets me in addition upon further viewing is the editing. And you have to give credit for personnel decisions. If this is Lambert then she certainly must have some kind of special nose for creative intelligence.
The Child Prodigy
(2010)
must buy for the desert island
17 October 2010
I am very upset to have lived so many years, and paying attention to music, yet never have until now heard about the story of André Mathieu.
Apart from that shock, what surprised me was how much I enjoyed the craft of filmmaking in this work, apart from the compelling nature of the story itself.
So much appreciation for all the behind the scenes craftspeople on this precious project.
The audience for this film is multi-levels and I barely know where to begin.
For example, it is an inspiration to any young person to take a craft and work at it with devotion.
For society in general, it inspires a commentary as to where we apply resources: to life or to destruction?
In the esoteric world of music composition, the Greek gods of Neptune and Ouranos are placed before us with their arguments.
Rachmaninov wept when he heard this young boy play. Both were steeped, as it were, in Neptunian worldview.
But the Uranians held sway in this era. Combine this with a monetary system and basic survival becomes a paramount issue. What a tragedy for our human species, and so needlessly.
With the internet as it is going these days, the late Mr. Mathieu has the risk of going viral. I wish he would be here to enjoy it.
Buy the DVD !!
Apart from that shock, what surprised me was how much I enjoyed the craft of filmmaking in this work, apart from the compelling nature of the story itself.
So much appreciation for all the behind the scenes craftspeople on this precious project.
The audience for this film is multi-levels and I barely know where to begin.
For example, it is an inspiration to any young person to take a craft and work at it with devotion.
For society in general, it inspires a commentary as to where we apply resources: to life or to destruction?
In the esoteric world of music composition, the Greek gods of Neptune and Ouranos are placed before us with their arguments.
Rachmaninov wept when he heard this young boy play. Both were steeped, as it were, in Neptunian worldview.
But the Uranians held sway in this era. Combine this with a monetary system and basic survival becomes a paramount issue. What a tragedy for our human species, and so needlessly.
With the internet as it is going these days, the late Mr. Mathieu has the risk of going viral. I wish he would be here to enjoy it.
Buy the DVD !!
Lost and Delirious
(2001)
E for Effort but only half-a-film
17 September 2004
Warning: Spoilers
SPOILERS
In this movie I needed a completed insight from the filmmaker in order to feel satisfied. I felt that maybe she (the filmmaker or the novelist?) has experienced this dynamic in her own life up to a certain point, and then she let us jump off the roof and die. I did like the vital portrayal of Paulie's state of psyche, however. (Classically Neptunian for those familiar in Freudian psychodynamics, and in this case more of a Venus-Moon-Neptune.) (Un)Fortunately(?), I've experienced it, and it spurs an inner growth if you can survive it. Some don't. So, the ending may have been a truism. But the filmmaker owed it to the viewer to show different possible outcomes. It needed to be a longer piece. But, she can't produce what she hasn't lived and doesn't know. Maybe the issue was remaining true to the original novel which I haven't read. If that was the case, then the movie should not have been made, ideally, although who can criticize scoring the funds and getting the work? Perhaps this movie can be considered a wasted effort, but it was a decent effort, so she gets an "E' for that, at least, I would say.
In this movie I needed a completed insight from the filmmaker in order to feel satisfied. I felt that maybe she (the filmmaker or the novelist?) has experienced this dynamic in her own life up to a certain point, and then she let us jump off the roof and die. I did like the vital portrayal of Paulie's state of psyche, however. (Classically Neptunian for those familiar in Freudian psychodynamics, and in this case more of a Venus-Moon-Neptune.) (Un)Fortunately(?), I've experienced it, and it spurs an inner growth if you can survive it. Some don't. So, the ending may have been a truism. But the filmmaker owed it to the viewer to show different possible outcomes. It needed to be a longer piece. But, she can't produce what she hasn't lived and doesn't know. Maybe the issue was remaining true to the original novel which I haven't read. If that was the case, then the movie should not have been made, ideally, although who can criticize scoring the funds and getting the work? Perhaps this movie can be considered a wasted effort, but it was a decent effort, so she gets an "E' for that, at least, I would say.
The Lost World
(1999 TV Movie)
good things, bad things
27 August 2004
There is only one reason to stare at this: JO. And the character is appealing: she is "nice". Good lesson for dreadful TV producers like Rick Berman. More good points: great sense of humour in the writing and directing. Good casting. Good production values technically. Bad points: Far too violent, and in the non self-reflective way. Our heroes slice and dice all manner of life forms and this feels very good to them, which is a very bad example to set for children from the ages of 2 to...(how old are Cheney and the Bushboy?)...99. Storylines? Apart from the aforementioned humour they are irrelevant. As I say, just get on your exercise bike/treadmill for an hour and stare at JO, who is "cheekily" photographed from every possible angle, in every possible bodily position, and often with fluids applied, like water whenever possible, bee honey, or green slime which she gently massages into her cleavage. What can you do, really?
Cupid
(1998–1999)
Best TV Series in the history of the medium
15 April 2004
In my city, this show was poorly promoted. I stumbled across Episode #5 or so, and was able to catch it only a half dozen times before it was stupidly cancelled by ABC. This made me so angry I realized what a waste of time it is to watch TV at all. Seldom do I bother with it anymore. I certainly avoid ABC like the plague. I think someone should purchase the rights and finish off the intended 84 more episodes. This show will have its own university class years from now. A couple of the episodes are totally priceless: the "Jazz guitarist Dad" and "Don Jaun-Sancho" etc. As well, there were some orchestrated songs, on the Christmas show, for example, that were the best in the biz.
Ishtar
(1987)
Warren is right: This movie is actually funny.
23 January 2004
OK, Warren was on Dave Letterman. He says to Dave: "I still think Ishtar was funny. I don't get it. Why is this movie considered a bomb?" We liked it! OK, so the sled was "rosebud", but we still give this movie a Siskel-Ebert like thumbs up. Oops, Siskel passed away. Well, you know? Thumbs up to Warren and Dustin. Ishtar is funny. Warren is right. He is a highly intelligent guy, after all. So, we concur that to view Ishtar as a "bomb" represents a serious perception-gap on the part of critics and the general movie public. We call for the production of "Ishtar II"! YEAH!
Frighteningly and prophetically relevant for this moment in USA history!
30 March 2003
This has always been one of my all-time favorites. Kubrick's nightmare is on the verge of coming true as we have a couple of "General Ripper's" in the form of Cheney and Rumsfeld, who seem intent on wielding absolute power despite a complete lack of psychological self-knowledge. At least Peter Seller's President "had a brain". Not so in our current Oz. If you are heading to your bomb shelter in the upcoming weeks, make sure to take along this classic!
Serial
(1980)
Wannabe patriarch played by Martin Mull seeks his own family values in crazy cultish 80s California
14 August 2002
This movie is a unique and endearing effort featuring one of my favorite guys: Martin Mull. His character's frustrated efforts to find love and happiness are portrayed with the humorous insights of a genuine comedy pro in this well-written script. This film never bores and is well worth the occasional re-viewing.
Lonely in America
(1990)
beautiful movie
18 February 2002
Ranjit Chowdhury is a comedy genius, pure and simple. Why don't we see more of this guy? "Lonely in America" is a warm and funny film. One of the reasons it works so successfully is the authentic nature of the characters and story. Ranjit gives us what we were looking for from Woody Allen (but didn't get!) during those dreadful Mia years.
Tell Your Friends