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Sean_Collier
Reviews
The Ugly (1997)
Horror For Those Who Like To Think
One of the best horror movies I've seen in years, certainly better with anything produced by a major American studio in quite some time. Astounding acting by two relative unknowns, fantastic and intriguing camerawork, a well-developed plotline and character background, an excellent score...I can't deliver enough praise onto this film. I've noted several negative comments as of late on the film, and my only explanation is that perhaps the authors of these reviews were looking for something in the film that wasn't there. Apologies, but not every offbeat horror film follows the Silence of the Lambs formula - and I for one am thankful for that. If you saw a clip from the film on the Boogeymen compilation, or if you're just curious and looking for a intelligent, well-done horror film, rent/buy/order (depending on where you are in the country) The Ugly NOW.
Dude, Where's My Car? (2000)
An Insult to Your Intelligence, No Matter How Dumb You Are
Apparently the 'argument' on the behalf of "Dude, Where's My Car?" is that silly, stupid comedies have a place in the world. This is certainly true. But, just because a comedy is silly and irreverant, that does not mean it is necessarily GOOD. There is not an original joke in this entire film. Moreover, there is not a funny joke in this entire film. The plot is moronic; straight-to-video kid's movies have more coherent storylines. The performances are downright awful, the sexual content is downright offensive (and I am not easily offended - even in moronic comedy, the subject must be handled tastefully (see the American Pie films)), and the direction is careless. There is absolutely no reason why anyone should see this movie, under any circumstances. If you want a silly comedy, rent Monty Python. If you want drug humor, rent a Kevin Smith. If you want juvenile laughs, rent Billy Madison. If you want a dumb sex movie, rent American Pie. It is an insult to the intelligence of the entire world that this movie was even made. The world is a bleaker place for having this movie in it.
Bandits (2001)
Mixed Reaction
This movie was entirely fine until Cate Blanchett walked into it.
The premise was at least fairly original, the script was well-written, and the comedic timing of Willis and Thornton was great. Thornton was in top form, performing excellently from top to bottom; Willis isn't exactly Barrymore, but if you give him a part he doesn't have to think about much, he'll do okay. The first few scenes were terrific - especially the back-and-forth between Willis, Thornton, and their 'victims'. And then, enter the female.
Not only was Ms. Blanchett's acting horrible, her part was clumsy and poorly written. 'Bandits' fails outright as a romance. Had I seen a ninety minute movie with no romantic subplot - just the story of Willis and Thornton, bank robbers - I would've had no complaints, and probably enjoyed the movie much more.
Until the end of the film, I was going to complain about the flashback nature of the plot - I thought too much was revealed at the beginning, but after the ending, I was satisfied.
All in all, not a bad film, one of Willis' stronger efforts. A succeeding comedy, a romantic flop.
My score: 6 (out of 10)
Assault on Dome 4 (1996)
Movie? Bad. Bruce Campbell? Good!
"Assault on Dome 4" is certainly not a good movie. In any sense of the word "good". The filmmakers didn't do a "good" job; The storyline wasn't a "good" idea; The movie, if left alone, wouldn't provide for a "good" time. However, there is but one man we can count on to save even the most awful drek that any channel (Sci-Fi included) can produce. And that man is Bruce Campbell.
I highly reccomend this movie, solely for Campbell. His performance is hilarious, his character is dead-on, and he actually seems to be glad to be there, unlike most Sci-Fi Channel actors.
One note, though - if you're not a Bruce fan, SEE EVIL DEAD FIRST. He does a terrific job in this movie, but...come on. There's not much to think about there.
"Oh, YOU KILLED ME!" Thanks for another great effort, Bruce.
My score: 5 (out of 10)
Number of those points attributed to Campbell: 4.8