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Reviews
Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance (2011)
Fast-paced, zany and fun-- a real popcorn movie.
I just got back from Ghost Rider: Spirit Of Vengeance. Much like the movie, I'll get to the point— it was badass, but it's definitely not for everyone. It doesn't bother with character development whatsoever, it just gets straight to the story, a story that is simple and straightforward. So throw in some cheese, some action and drug it with crack/cocaine and you have a straightforward, cheesy, awesome action movie.
I think one reason people are hating it is because of the expectations they have before seeing the movie. "Oh, the same guys who directed Crank? It'll be good!" or "It has to be better than the first one!" Before seeing it, drop all expectations. Drop any vision in your head about what the movie should be, because you'll just be disappointed.
The movie never really takes itself seriously, at all. That's part of the reason why it's so fun. It's not serious, it's not dark. It's fun. Another reason people seem to dislike it is because they expected a dark, gritty version of Ghost Rider. It's not that at all. Neveldine/Taylor put their own directorial spin on it that gives it that rushed, fast-paced, adrenalin feel that just works so well with Ghost Rider.
With the first movie, everyone criticized it for the lack of action and the dragging story. So with Spirit Of Vengeance, they cut out the story and gave you action! So zero character-development, simple story and Ghost Rider kicking bad-guy ass, it's the complete opposite of the first. This script just works with the zany fee. The dialogue is really only used to move the story along and for the characters to blurt out incredibly cheesy one-liners— something I am a fan of, but I know not everyone is.
I honestly can't think of what I didn't like about it, maybe if it was more over-the-top and got an R-rating, but oh well. I saw it for what it was, without judgment or expectation and it was a fun film. Of course, people are not going to like it, the style isn't for everyone. But it fit with me, very well. If you decide to see it, don't expect dark or gritty, don't expect character-development as it just gets right to the point, don't expect anything, really. Just go in and watch what the movie has to offer.
Oh, and as far as the 3D goes, it was okay. It definitely added a level of depth, but it wasn't eye-popping or anything like that. I do think the 3D might have affected my judgment, only because seeing things with even a slight amount of depth really puts me into it. But I saw it in 3D because it was only $0.75 extra, so if that happens for you, I would take it. Otherwise, just stick with 2D.
As a movie complete with character-development, full story and serious script, it probably gets a 4/10. On an entertainment scale, it's a good 7/10. I really liked it, I would recommend it, but I know many won't like it. It's incredibly grindhouse, cheesy and action-y.
Cypher (2002)
Good idea, but very, very cliché
I decided to watch Cypher after seeing it labeled sci-fi thriller-- now that I have seen it, I would rather label it a cliché spy film with slight sci-fi undertones.
The movie centers around the concepts of unknown identity and corporate brainwash, which sound pretty interesting on the surface. But then you add the whole femme fatale part, turn the geeky protagonist into a slick, skirt-chasing spy and create a plot with more holes than swiss cheese-- and you have Cypher.
I have seen one other Vincenzo Natali movie, Splice, and I feel both films start with a great idea, but become caught up in clichéd plot techniques and flat, lifeless characters.
If you're into slick spy films, then you will most likely enjoy this. But if you want concepts like brainwash and unknown identity put into a unique, stylish, science fiction film (as I did when reading the user reviews for this movie), then forget about Cypher. Dark City is definitely the much better alternative.
5/10 -- not as amazing, smart or thrilling as people are making it out to be. Watchable, but definitely not amazing.
If you have seen this film and disagree with me, please respect my opinion. I wrote this to help potential viewers, not to please those who have already seen it. Thanks.
Serial Experiments Lain (1998)
Abstract, unique and worthwhile-- but definitely not for everyone.
I'm sure there are more detailed reviews out there, but I just want to keep it simple and explain the information I would be looking for when contemplating whether or not to watch a title.
I have watched a few animes out there, some more well-known than others, and I found that Serial Experiments: Lain is by far the strangest and most mysterious anime I have ever seen, in its own bizarre way. I am a big sci-fi fan and I originally watched this because it was listed as a "great sci-fi anime". Well, let me say now, it is so much more than that. Serial Experiments: Lain verges along the lines of philosophical science fiction, progressive mystery and cyberpunk fantasy.
The overall feel of the anime can be summed up as 'abstract'. Most of the episodes are incoherent, strange and dream-like, which adds to the mystery of it all. The plot, the characters, the minimalist animation, the strange visuals-- to me, they all seem to mimic a nostalgic hallucinogen trip. So yes, in my opinion, this is might be a good anime to watch under those types of conditions (for anyone interested in that). However, if you want to be able to understand the plot and make your own assumption of the series, you will need to watch it with your eyes, your ears and your brain completely focused on what's going on in each episode. This isn't your action-packed, hot girl-filled, fantasy-flick anime. This is basically food for your mind. And if you keep an open head, it will raise many philosophical questions and might even leave you interested in concepts you didn't know about before. Despite those factors, or because of them, this anime is not for everyone.
All-in-all, Serial Experiments: Lain is good for someone who doesn't mind making his or her own guesses at what a series means or how a plot comes together, even at the very end. It won't leave you with all the answers, but it will leave you with a plot that will only make sense if you try to put it together in your head, which might take hours or even days after your finish the series. But in my opinion, doing so would reflect the overall meaning of Serial Experiments: Lain, something that can't really be understood until experienced.
8/10 -- Very interesting and very worthwhile abstract sci-fi mystery series, but keep an open mind if you decide to watch it. It's not your average anime.