sgrizzle Reviews

Sin City (2005)

Puts the "GRAPHIC" into "Graphic Novel"

[6/10 · 10 April 2005]

I have to say that like others, this is probably one of the best adaptations to screen ever. You can even find frame-to-comic comparisons that match up completely. However, in comics they may show one quick frame of blood and gore to illustrate what is happening. When translated to screen, these frames last much longer. Instead of a quick flash of this, we get 30 minutes of this bleeding, 45 minutes of that bleeding. I fear the marvel of film-making this movie is will be lost on a large audience due to the amount of blood and gore. This is probably the only movie where they have to warn you about castrations in the plural sense. Marve's part seemed to drone on a bit, especially since the violence just seemed to get repetitive.

Much like "Kill Bill Volume 1" the violence level will ward some people away from a good movie, but I think Kill Bill did a better job of making the movie violent without putting so much in you get bored.

Shrek 2 (2004)

Unlike it's predecessor, this movie was made ONLY for parents.

[6/10 · 6 June 2004]

The first movie was made popular by the fact it was funny and entertaining with a simple story for kids, good dialogue, G-Rated humor and a few hidden jokes for adults. The second movie features a more complex storyline that jumps back and forth a lot, and much very obvious adult humor. Coming away from the movie I am surprised it didn't rate a PG-13 instead of PG. The dialogue was not as good as before. A lot less of the good back-and-forth conversations. Puss-N-Boots is an amazing addition to the movie and is definitely the best part of it. My only warning is that if you take your kids, be prepared to explain things like cross-dressing, thongs, and alternate meanings for the word "Ass."

Hellboy (2004)

A movie that starts a 9 and ends a 3...

[6/10 · 6 April 2004]

Ever known someone who would tell unnecessarily long stories. They start out extremely detailed, plenty of character development, etc. But towards the end, they feel pressed for time. They jump around a bit, leave out important details, and then just suddenly skip to the punchline? Well then you probably know the guy who edited this movie. I am only hoping that the cutting room floor has what is lacking and it will make a return on DVD. It starts out strong, develops characters well, by the end it only shows 3 people. The "final fight" scene is about 90 seconds long with the most cliche and predictable of finales. I don't like giving spoilers, but beware of the "red-shirt ensign syndrome" from Star Trek.

Feardotcom (2002)

Dark, and not in a good way

[2/10 · 4 February 2003]

As you may read in other comments, this is a ripoff of "The Ring (2002)" and the original japanese "Ringu (1998)." Most of the movie is dark. Not in mood, it's just like the lighting staff was on strike. Literally 50% of the time you are thinking "What are they looking at?" because the character looks one direction, the camera pans, and you see nothing. The only real thing that can give you chills is the fact you spend most of the movie thinking "Any minute now something scary will happen." I even watched the whole credits still waiting for it. Never happened. This movie has all of the horror cliches you would expect in a bad horror, except in those movies you like watching the idiots die. In this movie, you couldn't care less. Skip this movie and get "The Ring" instead.

Chillicothe (1999)

One of the few independent films worth watching

[10/10 · 4 February 2003]

Picked this movie up as one of those movies at the video store they only order one copy of. Took me 3 weeks to actually catch in stock and I found out why. I believe this is one of the best movies put out on it's subject matter. Anyone who enjoys a good laugh and the company of friends will like this movie. This movie could be used as the conclusive documentary on the life of 20-somethings in America. Everyone will see themselves and their friends in this movie. If you don't like it, you might want to look around because you don't have any friends.

The Godfather (1972)

One of those films everyone loves but no-one wants to watch.

[1/10 · 18 January 2003]

I follow recommendations on this site highly. I rented this movie and wanted my money back. Ever been to one of those parties with distant relatives where you don't know anyone there and just sit in the corner waiting for it to end? If so, you've seen 90% of this movie. Throw in a few good scenes that happen so far apart, you forget the last one by the time you see the next one. Might be worth watching once just to say you have, but you'll probably never watch it again. Definitely not "best movie ever material."