wwhitbeck Reviews

Dinosaurs Alive (2007)

Nothing new, horrible effects

[1/10 · 19 May 2007]

Don't just walk away from this clunker - run! There is nothing new at all covered in this sub par documentary styled fiasco. Any child that's studied dinosaurs in grade school already knows what this one's all about.

The opening sequence was a great indication of what was yet to come - cartoonish dinosaurs do battle - and manage to walk across a sandy plain without leaving a single footprint.

Then the movie resorts to shots we've all seen hundreds of times - yep dinosaur skeletons. Again, nothing new.

But wait, next we are going to go on a real dig - in Mongolia. At first you think at least the scenery shots will be fantastic, but they are out of focus, totally taking that away from the experience.

More disappointment as we move to Mexico and more blurry scenery and lack of story.

Intersperse these shots with incredibly horrible CGI shots of water and sand floods - I'm talking incredibly bad effects. First year students would do at least 20x better.

Also be warned before you shell out your hard earned money - this is one short movie.

Definite skip.

Grindhouse (2007)

This is what Horror is all ABOUT!

[10/10 · 7 April 2007]

A movie of this calibre is a long time coming! Finally, a full out, in your face, splash 'em, slash 'em gore fest! Planet Terror rolls out the escapades in its tale of science gone horribly wrong. As a horror filmmaker, and special effects guru, I am delighted to report that this is the ONLY movie ever to make me gag! The effect laden twists and turns follow genre as one would expect, but adds so much more to the foray.

Well written, brilliantly directed, Planet Terror features some of the best acting to be seen in horror. Gloriously over the top in places, the story moves quickly, and ends much in the manner of the classics. What else would one expect from a master such as Robert Rodriquez? The following "Prevues" are brilliant in their decadence and so bang on with the era depicted that one is actually sorry to see them end and the next feature begin. Special kudo's to Eli Roth's "Thanksgiving" tale, a hilarious yet gory peek into a twisted mind like no other.

The latter on the two movies is Tarantino's "Death Proof". Quantrary to a lot of other reviews, I personally found it a bit lacking and drawn out in places.

A filmmaker totally in love with dialogue, "Death Proof" drags in scenes where Tarantino feels the need to flex his writing skills. Most of it is interesting, but grows old quickly.

Lacking a true structure and blind to genre specifics, "Death Proof" still works on a whole, mostly due to the great acting. Kurt Russsell is so despicable, yet interesting that we want to watch him.

Setting up opportunities to really get crazy, then passing them by is almost trademark Tarantino, though in this case it would have been nice to see him delve deeper into the doors he opened.

As a whole, Grindhouse is a must see for every horror fan out there. Great concepts can keep you in your seat for 3+ hours!

Saw II (2005)

Forgot their own rules

[6/10 · 30 October 2005]

While Saw made audiences cringe and rethink how they interacted with the world, Saw II flounders.

In an attempt to capitalize on the first's success, a new version was quickly scrounged from an existing screenplay (NOT by the original writers). It shows.

In the original SAW the whole point of each victim's predicament was a result of their own actions, ie they deserved what they were getting. Saw II has forgotten this moral lesson. Rather Jigsaw is bent on punishing the bad cop played by Donnie Wahlberg. The problem is that all of the victims in the house are getting punished for his actions, including his own son.

While the trap in the opening, obligatory scene is rather interesting, it is played out in such a high speed that the audience is unable to fully savor the squirm factor inherit with it.

Also missing from this version is the flashbacks that the victims experienced to explain why they are where they are. We never fully appreciate if the people in the house are there for a good reason, or not. Their very bland and painful expository dialog is just painful to get through, where as in the original the flashbacks would have SHOWN the audience what really was going on.

All in all, this is one sequel that should have been slower in rushing to the theater and spent more time on the crucial element: the script.

When Do We Eat? (2005)

You don't have to be Jewish to love this movie!

[10/10 · 29 August 2005]

When Do We Eat? is a rollicking romp through the trials and tribulations of one family's attempts at having a normal Passover meal. But don't let that fool you. This situation is relevant to everyone that has ever sat with their family for any holiday meal.

Sal, the co-writer and director, makes a stunning debut directorial effort with this tender, touching and oft hilarious portrayal of a family that struggles to find it's way in this mixed up world we live in. With beautiful cinematography, fast moving sequences and truly believable portrayals, Sal drives home a solid and meaningful picture.

This movie serves as a great example of how it is possible to be funny, moving and truthful all at the same time.

This is a must see movie!

Land of the Dead (2005)

Lives up to the Legend that is George Romero!

[10/10 · 26 June 2005]

I have to confess, the first movie that I ever saw in a theatre was the original Night of the Living Dead, so my hopes were very high going in to this flick. Wow, was I ever not disappointed! The gore factor here is huge, simply some of the best blood, guts and gore seen in this day of shaky cameras and digital effects. I still get queasy thinking about the fingernails on the side of the tank/vehicle.

George Romero is simply the finest mind in horror. The story was full, even though it was a zombie flick. In "usual" horror fare the stories are short on story and big on nudity. Romero doesn't need to resort to any type of foolery to get his breed of scare across. Land of the Dead is chock full of frights, but actually has a full story to back it up.

The acting is another surprise here. Simon Baker is fantastic in his lead role. Asia is simply stunning. And who doesn't love our friendly every day mechanic? Warning though. This is one scary, gory movie. Definety not for the faint of heart. Or stomach.

Sex Traffic (2004)

This is a story that grabs, holds on and haunts long after!

[10/10 · 19 June 2005]

Expectations were low when I decided to PPV this two part flick. I was blown away! This story held me enthralled enough to desperately search out part two within seconds of the end of part one.

While I would like to think that this kind of thing doesn't happen in the free world, I'm convinced that it does and the portrayal here is as accurate as you are ever likely to get. What these sisters endure is simply tragic. Lives are destroyed because someone dared to dream, and follow that dream.

This movie is also a testament to the love and bond of sisters. When one sister begins to spiral downwards her sister will do anything to bring her back, even if it ensures that she herself will continue along in the hell hole they are trapped.

This is a must watch movie for every male and female on the planet. Don't just watch...feel.

Madagascar (2005)

This Rocks!

[10/10 · 29 May 2005]

How enlightening to watch a family movie that was just hilarious and wonderful to watch at the same time. Ten times funnier than Robots, this film had my family laughing from start to end.

Well rounded characters and a storyline that just zings along ensure that bottoms stay firmly planted into their seats.

Not since Finding Nemo has an animated feature features such a fantastic grouping of characters that both contrast and compliment. David Schwimmer's Giraffe is one of the best characters to come out in ages.

Nature versus upbringing also makes for a great discussion starting point, ie can you take the wild out of wild animals?? Will mother nature and instinct override breeding?

What a blast!

Crash (I) (2004)

Nothing but the best from a Genius

[10/10 · 15 May 2005]

I'm not sure what I was expecting when I went to see this flick, but being a huge Haggis fan, I knew I wouldn't be disappointed. Boy oh boy was I right! This is simply the best film I've seen in ages.

Be warned though, this is not a film for those seeking light, fluff date fare. This is a provocative, conversation evoking master piece. Expect to leave the theater profoundly inspired. I know I was.

It is the true mark of a master when they can take as many characters, seemingly unrelated, and weave them all together in a breath taking, got you by the gut story.

At a pivotal point in the flick, the theater I was in audibly gasped in shock, despair and yes horror. Not to give it away, but it is the moment you never want to experience, but can't look away from at the same time. It's image and impact will affect even the thickest of skinned for some time.

This flick should be required viewing for each and every citizen, especially young adults and those hardened to city life. Amazing work!

Baadasssss! (2003)

Must see for anyone in the industry or wanting in!

[9/10 · 22 September 2004]

First off, I'll qualify my comments by saying that I've never seen Sweetback, or heard of it for that matter. Turns out, that wasn't important.

What we have here is an outstanding piece of work that proves loving your material doesn't condemn it to the dulldrums as others would have you believe.

Well written, and directed, this look into film history should be on every filmmaker's shelf.

Two thumbs up for all of the actors for a job very well done. Mario especially, should be praised for his touching and oft emotional journey into his own past.

Van Helsing (2004)

What a disappointment!

[2/10 · 11 May 2004]

I had been so looking forward to this release! What a disappointment it turned out to be. The acting (didn't anyone tell Kate her accent sucked???) was very stiff and unbelievable. The dialog was something only a three year old could be proud of and the plot...??? Well all I can say is what the hell were they thinking? Those little pod babies were ridiculous at best.

Casting is another issue with this flick. Couldn't they find anyone even slightly creepy to play Count Dracula? Someone with some screen personality? Frankie was the only appropriate casting choice here. Kate's accent came off sounding darn silly, and her only purpose seemed to be showing just how tight she could cinch that corset.

A good indication of the weak plot were the group of giggling and heckling teenagers seated behind me. They were even more disappointed than I was with this complete waste of time.

Ginger Snaps 2: Unleashed (2004)

Sorry Sequel to a Great Original

[3/10 · 20 April 2004]

I really wanted to like this sequel to what I consider a fantastic horror flick, Ginger Snaps...but came away from this feeling considerably disappointed. The flick sorely suffered sans the sass and appeal of Ginger, the few dream sequence shots of her just weren't enough to counter the ultra-depressing Emily. It appears that the creators of this version got sidetracked mid stream - hence the creation of Ghost. In what was to be a true creature feature, this is only a distraction, and should not have been central to the plot. To have a small girl lock the creature in the cellar and keep it there is simply preposterous. After all we have already seen the phenomenal strength of the werewolf - a cellar door is not going to pose much of a threat there. Ginger Snaps 2 is a perfect example of the delicate ground that is tread upon when creating sequels - and proof positive of why you just shouldn't do it.

House of Sand and Fog (2003)

Pleasantly surprised

[9/10 · 31 March 2004]

First of all, the advertising department for this movie had one uphill battle! They did a very admirable job in making this a desirable viewing while protecting the flicks secrets in the process. Certain events in the movie (the shooting for example) shocked me completely, having no indication before hand.

Secondly, the performances in this film are simply amazing. Sir Ben's portrayal of the icy Colonel is captivating. Jennifer Connelly could not be more picture perfect in her tortured portrayal.

Finally, the story. At first I really wondered what about losing a house could possible hold a movie for two hours. Wow, what a surprise. Comparable to watching a train wreck, I was simply unable to pull away from this flick. I was scared and sick of what these terribly conflicted characters might just do next. This is storytelling at it's finest. No need for fancy pyro effects or car chases here.

I highly recommend this on DVD for those interested in the process. The Behind the Scenes feature is very informative, and the audition of Nadi is simply awe inspiring.

The Passion of the Christ (2004)

Amazing Vision

[10/10 · 25 February 2004]

In a day and age of fluff films, films with no meaning and no passion, it is so refreshing to watch one man's passion and determination to share his vision.

This film is not only incredibly accurate, it invokes a sentiment in viewers that has been sorely missing.

If Mel Gibson made this film to remind: he succeeded. If he made it to make us pause and reflect: he succeeded.

In a sweeping piece of magically filmed history, Mel Gibson has shown me what is truly missing in today's movies: heart.

The whole controversy that swirls over this picture is truly missing the point. Jesus HAD to give his life for our sins. The high priests were merely the tool to have it done. The crowds were equally enamored, shouting cries of "Crucify him". If it hadn't of been them, it would have been someone else, as it was as it had to be.

One can only hope that others in Hollywood will take special notice of this film and strive to inject the same level of emotions and meaning into their own films.

Lost in Translation (2003)

Sorely disappointed

[3/10 · 25 February 2004]

After all of the buzz swirling around this film, I was sorely let down by this slow, drawn out tale where nothing ever happens.

Does anyone really care about a poor schmuck that makes $2 million to film a commercial?

Or a wife that follows her husband willingly to a foreign country, then is bored?

Has either of them ever heard of tourism?

What about a character arc? None here for either character. They don't grow, don't change. Bob still goes home to his wife and incredibly young children. Charlotte still wanders the streets.

A story without a point is not always a good movie. I think originally there was a point here but it got lost along the way.