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polidori969
Reviews
Green Arrow Fan Film (2004)
Mixed Feelings
I've always said that Green Arrow would be a great hero to make into a movie, and the makers of this short are definitely on the right track. However, like my heading says, I have mixed feelings about it. This is certainly much better than the fan made Wonder Woman movie (which just has her beating up a group of thugs in a parking garage, even though her look is perfect), but it doesn't measure up to the excellent "Grayson" or "World's Finest". That may be comparing apples to oranges, but let me explain.
This movie is certainly heavy on atmosphere and style, the use of the color green accented throughout very well. This dark style is just what I would imagine in a GA movie. And the outfit for the emerald archer is dead on (I was glad they went with the hooded cloak style- more menacing and mysterious- rather than the 'Robin Hood' pointy hat look). So the style was great, as were the speeding arrow action scenes. The negative aspects are just nit-picky more than anything. I would have liked to have seen more of GA's alter ego, Oliver Queen. I realize this is only supposed to be a trailer and they want to keep GA in shadow for a more dynamic effect, but some scenes of his regular life with dialogue would have been nice as well. And the opposite can be said for Dinah Lance (who is seen as herself, but not as Black Canary).
Overall, though, the film does convey a good sense of intrigue, interest, and suspense. I just wish it would have had a little more. But, hey, judge for yourself. If you haven't seen it, I recommend any comics or superhero movie fan check this out.
Behind the Camera: The Unauthorized Story of Mork & Mindy (2005)
Robin's Interesting Story
I just watched this movie on it's premier night out of curiosity and sheer nostalgia. I liked (not loved) "Mork & Mindy" as a kid, mostly for Robin William's zany energetic performance. This movie made me remember why. Was the original show great? Not really, but Robin certainly was. Which brings me to this movie.
I was pleasantly surprised, expecting nothing more than a paint by numbers chronological retelling of the show (which in a way it was). But, of course, the real focus was on Robin. It was interesting to see Robin's journey from struggling street jester to national t.v star, and how such a drastic difference affected him and his long suffering wife. And my hat is off to star Chris Diamantopoulos as he portrayed Mr. Williams with integrity, sensitivity, and heart; not just a cute impression, although it was even dead-on. (On an unrelated note, I noticed that Robin's struggles were in some ways similar to Andy Kaufman, who was under-appreciated by network t.v. and held back creatively, but that's the "Taxi" behind the scenes biopic.)
All in all, this was a very enjoyable flick, in which I felt I got to know a little more of the man behind the Orkan. The acting was solid by all- never melodramatic like I suspected- and the story moved along well. Performances that were particularly good were by those who played Garry Marshall and John Belushi (the scene in which Belushi heckles Robin was a hoot!). Not a great masterpiece by any means (I would have liked to have seen a tad more about Pam Dawber), but definitely watchable, especially for those Robin Williams and "Mork & Mindy" fans out there. Nanoo, nanoo!
Dracula (2002)
Not The Best Dracula
After having searched for "Dracula's Curse" like the above viewer (the title I rented it under), I better post something to make it worth my while. Wow. What can you say about this one? Other than don't worry about watching it, that is. Maybe that's a little unfair. Patrick Bergin does a stand up job as Dracula (even has a nifty Bela Lugosi accent), he's very moody and creepy. And Giancarlo Giannini as the Van Helsing character (what the hell did they call him?) lent some nice talent. Their Renfield was right on but underused. Every now and then, there was nice camera work, but very little. Of course, Stefania Rocca and Muriel Baumeister were great eye candy (especially Stefania as Lucy in the red dress...sigh). But.... Hardy Kruger Jr. as Jonathan Harker made Keanu's turn like like Kenneth Brannagh doing Henry V. It's pretty bad when a guy like Kruger could take acting lessons from Ben Affleck. The story (while obviously familiar) took no turns or interesting takes and just drudged on and on. There was some surprising theological and philosophical discussion intertwined, but I really felt that this movie got made because Bergin was itching to play Dracula. Thank God it was him, or it wouldn't have had a whole lot going for it. For a great version of Dracula, stick with Coppola's film or, better yet, the original Lugosi or "Nosferatu". You'll thank me.