hammytl Reviews

Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005)

I'm a bit disappointed

[8/10 · 24 May 2005]

I was so excited about this film that I even was reading up on it six months ago. But after this film, I can't believe how let down I was. Yes this movie has a dark undertone, which makes Anakin's choices that much more paramount. This is the focus of this film.

The special effects and color are amazing! It really pushes what Peter Jackson did for Lord of the Rings. But where Lucas failed was in the presentation and salesmanship of this film. He had some of the greatest actors today on set. I have a high level of respect for Ewan, Samuel L, and Ian. But the plot was pushed, the acting was choppy and cheesy, and it felt more surreal than any of the previous 5 movies. I was disappointed from the Dooku saberfight on. That is not to say that there were not peaks. Certainly after order 66 was laid into motion, I felt so sad for the falling Jedi. Also, the fate of Anakin was quite moving as we see the origin of the mask. But there no deep reflection and very little meaning.

My conclusions can only be that this film is a must see, a must buy, but I'm disappointed that Lucas didn't deliver a high quality product this time. What I'm looking for in this film is spectacular graphics balanced with deep meaning and witty dialogue. The last two weren't there.

The Incredibles (2004)

This was a classic!!!

[10/10 · 1 December 2004]

This movie is fun for the whole family. Another classic from Pixar!! With a brilliant blend of James Bond, Marvel Comics, and a jazzy soundtrack(I'm buying it for Christmas), this movie captivates the audience through a wonderfully twisting plot. It was hilarious in very original ways i.e. the cape.....trust me...It's classic. I can't find anything wrong with this film, nothing offensive or of-color. I'm surprised by the direction of Brad Bird. This was a great film unlike Iron Giant. This film had the perfect blend of timing, sound, and humor involved that has helped us enjoy cartoon series such as The Simpsons and Family Guy. Maybe that ex-Simpsons experience has finally paid off for him. In addition, this film is perfectly timed for the holiday season to give audiences Pixar's version of the comic book adventure that audiences are craving today. Big T gives it a 94/100.

The Majestic (2001)

The Majestic Moose

[6 July 2004]

This installment from the Frank Darabont, director of Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile and soon to come Fahrenheit 451, came back in 2001. This film highlights th actor Jim Carrey in a more serious role aside from his brilliance ion the realm of comedy. This film has a great message about standing up for what we believe in against any kind of oppression or tyranny even if it comes from our own government. This is told using a flavorful twist of identities, which of course is based primarily upon the old French Medieval legend- Return of Martin Guerre, and the growing concern of communism in the late 40's and early 50's. There are also some other historical aspects that need to be addressed. This movie came at the eve of 9-11, which led to a massive hysteria over, not Commies, but of Muslims. Interesting how the writer/director Darabont takes this lost character who takes another's identity and transforms him a hero by simply adding that Carrey had amnesia. He now has a great message to give to the courts and to the "whole of mankind." At the time this movie came out, it seemed like the movie had little purpose and meaning. Watching it today, it has gained a new meaning and warning on our civilization(wasn't Darabont lucky). Unfortunately, I don't buy the argument and disagree. There are too many little details either missing or unlikely that hurt the story. Still, the originality, color, relationships, character development, angles, and plot development all draw to make this film highly enjoyable. This film receives 88.5 out of 100 points.

Wrong Turn (I) (2003)

Rent Something Else Today!

[17 May 2004]

Look, this movie deserves only a few sentances of mine. Cheap arrangement bummed off of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre makes this movie not a horror flick, but a comedy. I'm sorry but I laughed because of the borrowing done in this film. There was little originality besides the bow and arrows, but common, rednecks use guns not middle age weaponry. It had some great additions with make-up and special affects, but overall it probably is barely a rentable movie. Don't waste a great weekend with the friends to watch this. Pop this in when you have something else to do that actually requires brain activity...vacuuming, making the bed, picking up your room, sleeping, etc. If you haven't watched many movies at all, you might be entertained by this movie. Overall= 4.1

Malibu's Most Wanted (2003)

Great

[6/10 · 22 November 2003]

This movie was soooo funny, C'mon. This movie is a tribute to any fish out of water that isn't accepted. It's a litle racy making fun of every ethniticity and a little harsh on the content but they made special care not to curse, which would have given it an "R" rating. They took great care in making light of the situation while presenting a growing issue in American society of interracial relations. This movie will leave you quoting mamma jokes and lines from the movie for days. Of course, any cheap shot at Eminem is gratefully encouraged.

The Matrix Revolutions (2003)

not quite what I was expecting

[7/10 · 10 November 2003]

This is it, the last film in the trilogy that should answer all your questions that you had about the first and second and give you a good feeling inside, right? Well, I left a little down because I still had questions. This installment of the Matrix was the last half of a two-part movie. Through the chilling attack of Zion to Neo's journey to the world above, there was a decent plotline to hold onto even though it really unfolds in the last third of the movie. I was dissapointed for three resons. One, because I thought the directors left some things unanswered that I felt were necessary in the understanding of the story. For example-Neo's power outside the Matrix was not clearly explained. Second, I thought in the fight for time, the elements such as plot and development were a little watered down. Thirdly, they left us with a very pessimistic view of the future of the human race. I did like the allusions to Christianity placed in the movie, and I thought overall the fight and battle sequences were outstanding. The directors do a good job of giving us the full extent of the machine world also, but I was let down by expecting more than the Wachowski Bros. were willing to give us. Overall--- gotta give her a 7 cause It didn't deliver like 1 and 2.

Dragonslayer (1981)

Even little people can do great things!!

[23 October 2003]

Have you ever felt little? Have you felt that no one notices anything that you do? This is the case of a young apprentice of a great wizard. A dragon has awoken, and it has the power to destroy the lands of a feudal lord If they don't pacify it. The town casts a lottery among the virgins to do this to what they believe to be a great demon. Some of the towns people are horrified by the extreme pagan belief and the inhumanity that this will cause. They seek out the great wizard and his apprentice who seems to be quite the anti-hero type...remind you of anyone. Through this great adventure he finds himself and a love that he never thought possible against all odds. Who needs a hobbit to tell us this!?!

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)

Potter mania in only 2 hours

[8/10 · 4 August 2003]

This is a story of a shy, regular boy who finds out about his wizarding heritage. There are so many questions to his past and only time can unlock the ongoing mystery. The story will introduce you to giants, dragons, unicorns, and of course wizards. Harry learns of this new world and the secret that an evil wizard may be still alive. I didn't even give the books a second look until I watched this movie. Now I've read all 5!!

Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002)

Great special effects along with long awaited yoda fight make this movie a must watch for every person this summer.

[10/10 · 17 May 2002]

Hold on to your hats folks, the real fighting is here. This movie will enhance everything about the jedi that you need to know including how vulnerable they really are. It starts slow but climaxes with the yoda fight. Imagine Dooku, the most powerful jedi(with the help of the darkside) faced off against yoda. Everyone in my theater cheered. Lots of revealing insight as well as an untamed Anakin with parallels to Empire Strikes Back. I rated this one a 10. This one is a must see this summer, even though I rank it short of Lord of the Rings, it comes really close.