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sgmackenzie
Reviews
Blue Collar Comedy: The Next Generation (2007)
Deceiving Title
It is the same thing as calling a band at your local high school talent show the Beatles or the Stones because they both have Guitars and stand on stage. If you see this expecting anything approaching the Blue Collar Comedy experience then you are wasting your time. It falls flat and there is better entertainment to be had just about anywhere. Even judging it without the false title, it was inconsistent and the laughter sporadic and mostly forced. Shame on the network packaging this, someone should have had the sense to cut it up and excerpt it out as generic comedy. Even then it would be mostly filler. This is just shameless pandering to a built in audience that will only backfire in the end.
Fireproof (2008)
Excellent story, low budget
The first 1/2 of the movie I was noticing the acting, production and post-production (I am the wife of an editor). It seemed more like a lifetime/made for TV movie. By the second 1/2 of the movie I was so interested in the story I didn't notice the acting/production/post-production anymore. The story is touching and will minister to anyone who is married or wanting to be married. I will buy it and force my husband to watch it when it comes out on video. I know he will comment on how "Christian" movies need to be better quality... (his dream is to edit a Christian movie that is on par with secular movies)
Super Size Me (2004)
Accountability for your own choices in life.
Doing anything to excess is bad for you and it is great that this film makes a parody of the American diet. The problem is that people should be able to have the freedom to choose what they eat and when. They should then be held accountable for your own actions. It is ridiculous to come out after the fact and blame the evil corporations. Smart people can do something in moderation or accept the consequences. We are raising up a very weak generation that will not take responsibility for its actions. One day because of this they will outlaw the Hamburger completely and replace it with tofu so no one else can get hurt. The problem with this is that responsible people can eat a super-sized meal and not have any ill effects because they are balancing it with exercise or at least an active lifestyle. No one tells anyone what to eat and in what quantity. If someone does anything consistently they need to take the responsibility for it and get a little will power. Unfortunately, as long as there are unscrupulous trial lawyers I don't think that will happen. As I noted above, this is a great parody of the American diet, however eating with the gluttonous intention to destroy your body to make a point could be taking it a bit far. Being this single minded and obsessive about anything can be dangerous for both your health and your thought process and therefore your objectivity.
The Wiggles: Yummy Yummy (1994)
Good entertainment for kids!
It blows me away that there are a sizable contingent that would rate this a one. A one would be a complete failure. There is more polarity on this then a highly politicized film that I will not waste the time to mention. As a father that used to be in a band I realize this may not be the most incredible jamming out there but they do a great job of entertaining the kids. The songs have a degree of variety to them and I suppose the only downside would be that they can get into your head with repeated playings. (If I have to explain then you aren't a parent and you would not understand!) The people who voted negative are obviously not the demographic that this video was made for. I believe that with all of the silliness comes a fundamental wholesomeness that is a wonderful experience for young kids. I know that this video will keep their attention span occupied so I can accomplish some chores around the house. I also do not need to worry about content though sometimes that first techno song with the Wiggles puppets needs to be passed over so it wont get playing in my head with the jack hammer beat. My only criticism would be with the DVD mastering as my copy does not have a true menu and in this day and time that is just silly.
Moulin Rouge! (2001)
Ambitious
This movie is very ambitious, but that isn't always a good thing, like a rival politician that has different views. Every frame of film is lush and electrified, every sound edit larger then life. A true musical, though I was not aware of this when my wife purchased it. It shows elements of Cabaret and Rocky Horror and its very own taste of bizarre. The plot is simple enough underneath it all as most musicals are, ala any later Elvis movie, but it proved to me to be a tough pill to swallow. It is like watching "The Wall" by Pink Floyd but wanting something lighter. It is a larger than life experience that you will love or hate, and that says something about it. For me personally it was to convoluted and lost in its excess, but I could see that this could be someone's favorite movie that they would defend with very good reason. It definitely is cinematic art, you just got to ask yourself what mood you are in before you watch it.
The Man Who Knew Too Little (1997)
Movie to pass the time away.
Pretty funny plot because of the fact it is so improbable. The dialogue has allot of double meanings. The story allows for several classic situations. I just saw this a second time and it held its own quite well.
Blues Brothers 2000 (1998)
Jake Deserved Better and so did I...
Let me start by saying I wanted it to be good. The first installment, to me was absolutely amazing. It had something truly special that made it stand apart from most movies. It had a grit and an attitude, a foundation of cool. This movie does not stand up the same way. The shots and even the clothes were too sterile and clean. Sometimes the easiest way to kill a sequel is to have too much of a budget. That gives too many options and too much planning all the while losing site of the unique feel that made the other one such a classic. To me it seemed like a TV movie compared to the original. The only saving grace was the music. I would have preferred a concert video of the so called Louisiana Gators 100 fold over this. Jake Deserved Better and so did I...
Wet Hot American Summer (2001)
Contrived
I wasn't looking for high art when I tried to watch this thing but I truly hoped there would have been something to redeem it. I am no movie snob and it did nothing for me. IT ran like an in between SNL skit that ran too long. The director should have tried to pull something out of the material to make up for the fact that this has all been done before in a much more lucid and entertaining fashion.
Firefox (1982)
Wrong pacing!
Sometimes you want a movie to be so much and then you watch it and it isn't. Some movies age better then others. The sub plot of getting to the plane only served to bring on sleep as I sat watching. I just did not fully connect with the need to draw it out, except for the need for the filmmakers to save on pricey effects shots. When the action finally comes it is contrived and the ending blow was disappointing.