trelaina Reviews

Urban Legends: Bloody Mary (2005 Video)

Low expectations = decent film

[6/10 · 11 February 2007]

I liked the original Urban Legends, with the exception of the revelation at the end, which failed to impress. I have tried twice to get through the sequel (The Final Cut) and failed both times. Upon reading the description of the third, I decided to give it a shot.

I liked it. Compared to even some big budget theatrical releases it was a decent horror movie. There were elements of Asian horror in it, and being a huge Asian horror fan I appreciated that.

I didn't feel it held very close to the original Bloody Mary legend, however (the one that my big cousin told me while on vacation at the beach one night...and made me keep from getting up to go to the bathroom all night for fearing of passing a mirror). That said, the legend was portrayed creatively...a decent story.

It's worth watching...but it's best to go in not expecting to be impressed.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006)

Critics be d@mned

[9/10 · 10 July 2006]

I have no idea what bias drove many critics to pan this film, but don't pay them any attention. If anything, they made the film's experience BETTER for me by causing me to anticipate a dud. The sequel to Black Pearl did not disappoint AT ALL. I loved it...as did my husband. The only negative comment I can muster is towards a particular line in the film, which I felt a bit cheesy (SLIGHT SPOILER ahead): "Why is the rum always gone?". Other than that, references to the previous film were amusing and all the actors delivered stellar performances. I'm so glad that Johnny loves this character as much as his audience, and is willing to do more films. Disney really has a winner in the Pirates series, and they did nothing but seal the deal for our purchasing the DVD and eagerly anticipating the next sequel. As I said in my subject line...critics, take a note: you don't speak for the population. And if you're still not convinced...take a look at the box office.

Signs (2002)

Pure entertainment - don't listen to any hype or feedback and go see it!

[8/10 · 5 August 2002]

I feel so sorry for the cynics on this site; people who lack the ability to sit down and enjoy a truly entertaining movie. Too many of the reviews I have read here sound like they are coming from pretentious "intellectuals" who viewed Signs with a bias, ready to pick it apart because it was beneath them and unable to appreciate the film for what it really is. For those of you who feel that way (obviously brainwashed collegiate types), why do you even bother seeing mainstream movies? Just stick to your subtitled pedantic garbage and let the rest of the world enjoy life!

Anyway, I digress. Signs was everything a Hollywood movie should be (in a realm where few are). Shyamalan has proved himself again in this creepy and startling, while at the same time comedic and thought-provoking, movie. My initial response to this film was that the ending fell short. But the more I reflected on the movie, the more I realized that the alien aspect was not the story that was really being told. Someone on here wrote that the movie had two levels, one shallow and one deeper. I think that's true and is the reason why Signs will appeal to so many. But mostly, it was ENTERTAINMENT - something most movies have been missing since special effects took over the industry. I felt the movie was second in "fright factor" only to The Exorcist. And at the end, I was not looking forward to returning to my big old house in Bucks County, PA which is within walking distance of corn fields (ok, so it hit home a little!).

If I could have one wish (as far as movies are concerned), it would be that I could watch each M. Night film without ever having seen The Sixth Sense. It seems that many, myself included, cannot watch any of his movies without making the comparison (just as I do with Pulp Fiction and anything Quentin did after it). But Signs is its own movie and should be appreciated as such. Just see it. I promise that the majority who do will NOT be disappointed.