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Reviews
Uchuujin from Outer Space (2007)
Damn good time that will inspire every amateur film-maker!
After almost a year of production, "Uchuujin From Outter Space", the new feature from the guys who brought you "Johnny's Odyssey", has hit DVD! The story, written by Johnny Mann (and directed by his brother, Danny Mann, Jr.), centers around a Salesman who becomes abducted and held captive by a group of aliens ("uchuujins") for several years. At his escape, he becomes "Musashi: Alien Hunter", and forms a hunting party out of some of the least likely characters--including his retarded brother Torgo! Those who know the humor of Danny and Johnny Mann (or have seen "Johnny's Odyssey"), know that they don't hold back when it comes to the gross-factor. However, this time they have been aided with the skillful special effects and make up artist, Ricky Lee Leonard (who does some acting in the film, too). Trent Haagaa (Troma's "Killjoy 2") and Lloyd Kaufman (Troma Films President and actor in several of those films) also add production value to this low-budget film! 'Uchuujin' will literally have you laughing uncontrollably! It's even surprisingly dramatic at points. And throughout all of the zaniness, the story actually is pretty well thought out, and even a bit twisty! The characters are all fun to watch, especially when they're together.
In closing, the only drawback I had with the film is that it's a little too long and some of the scenes do run a little past their joke. But it's not enough to make me change my mind that this is definitely one of my new favorite movies! I've been looking forward to it's release for almost a year now and it did not disappoint! Amateur filmmakers will feel inspired to go out and make their own movies. This is destined to become a cult hit! So just sit back, relax and let yourself have a good time with 'Uchuujin From Outter Space'!
24 (2001)
The longest day of Jack Bauer's life become the most addicting of ours.
For those unaware of "24", it is an action/drama that takes place in the lives of Jack Bauer(Kiefer Sutherland) and other members of the Los Angelas CTU (Counter-Terrorist Unit) as they track down terror threats and try to avert them. The show takes place in "real-time", meaning every hour-long episode (or 45 minutes if you watch them on DVD) is played out minute-by-minute in an actual hour. By the time the season ends, there's 24 episodes (or 24 hours). This unique idea brings along the unique style of the show, for instance, resurrecting the split-screen idea seen mostly in 60's films. Split screens are a normal technique for the show, showing us phone calls between multiple characters and simultaneous actions happening at once. We are constantly reminded of the time by a digital clock which comes up during commercial breaks and the finale of the episode (you'll never have to check your watch when you're viewing a live broadcast!).
Beyond its innovative format, "24" is just an amazing thrill ride of a show. Great storytelling, great music, great settings, great directing, acting, etc. The most impressive thing about the show, is the power it has to pull in viewers. Almost every episode will leave you on the edge of your seat and even have you screaming at the TV in some instances! Its such an addiction that you have to witness for yourself to believe.
When an actor can do just the subtle twitch or move and you know exactly what the character is thinking, thats when you know that the actor is a master of the art. This is Kiefer Sutherland. Kiefer is amazing as Jack Bauer and especially the ranges he goes with the character. Over the course of Seasons 1 - 3, you can see how the character of Jack has evolved emotionally and physically. In Season 1, we are introduced to him and his family (Wife-Teri and daughter-Kim), and right away we see this is a family with a lot of problems. From the separations to teenage renegades, over the 24 hours they are really put to the test and the love they have for each other comes through.
The show is full of shocking twists and surprises and revolves around Murphy's law: "whatever can go wrong, will go wrong." And often it does go wrong--horribly wrong. It faces a lot of harsh realities rather than succumbing to the typical fiction feature film solutions. It just shows what happens when you don't defuse a threat in that final minute. But among this, "24" is also known to kill off its main cast at unsuspecting moments. This adds to the intensity.
Now into its fourth season, "24" has returned with some sharp freshness. New characters, new situations, a newly-designed CTU and once again Jack is put into the middle of a threat that he has to race the clock to avert. Season 4 - or "Day 4" - has promises to even be the best "worst day" yet.