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Reviews
The Shining (1980)
Truly scary.
I first read the Stephen King novel before I saw the film version, and even though I knew it would be well made, and genuinely creepy, I didn't have any idea just how well.
Stanley Kubrick creates the fear you feel is being delivered into this film, by using claustrophobic shots, that instantly bring you into the screen. The musical score also makes it uneasy for the audience. You feel yourself almost squirming because every shot pulls you in and surprises you. Yet you find it hard to look away, even though you find it hard to visualise what's going to happen. This is why it is scary. The whole film just grabs you and does not let go until the ending, which quite frankly, is probably one of the most haunting endings, simply because the story is of one man's troubled mind. It is very much realistic, and I think this is why it is a true horror film. There haven't been many made that make you think the way this one will.
Even if chilling, and some might say slightly disturbing, it is enjoyable, and you can't beat Jack Nicholson's memorable performance.
If you haven't seen it already, do. As I feel you would be missing out on a truly great masterpiece of film. You sometimes even forget that it was ever even a book, because it has it's own twists and turns.
Brilliant.
Saw (2004)
Bizarre, but thrilling horror film
This film is a strange one, but I found it highly original. It keeps you in suspense all the way through, and there certainly are a few twists within the plot as the film goes along, that I certainly didn't expect. Some scenes might make you uncomfortable, (even a little sick!) and others might make you jump, but to me, what gives this film it's originality, is the actual plot.....I haven't seen another horror film deliver the story quite like this one....
A good thrilling film.
I must say, that I heard they were making a sequel, and I think that's a bad idea.....After watching till the end of the film, it would be much scarier if they just left it, which when you have watched it, you might see why...
The Passion of the Christ (2004)
brutal, but beautifully powerful
I decided to rent this film, because I wanted to make my own decision on it. I really wasn't sure what to expect.
To start off with, I think people made this film out to be far more 'gruesome' than it actually was.....I think they were actually missing the point of the actual film. I'm not saying it wasn't brutal in places, but I think it made the film that much more emotional, and more to the point of why Jesus actually died. There has never been a film about Jesus quite like this one, which makes it that much more special, and unique. It didn't mess around with the bible; it stayed pretty much true to every word....well, of the parts that it needed to!
I couldn't fault the performances.....they all really brought the story to you, and I really did feel all the different characters with such passion and conviction. I think Mel Gibson did a fantastic job with the direction, which really showed in the mood of the film.
Some scenes aren't that easy to watch, and I'm not going to dispute that, but there are also scenes of love and compassion which lighten things up for the viewer, without taking away what you see before you. You still feel all the emotions of that the people who followed Jesus would've felt.
Not a film for everyone, but if if you DO want to see a true depiction of Christ's last 12 hours on film, then this is the one, that will get you thinking, as well as feeling.
brutal, powerful, and beautifully moving.
In Hell (2003)
brutal prison drama
I was really surprised at how much I enjoyed this film, as it was a very hard hitting and brutal drama, which I didn't expect from a Van Damme film. Certain scenes I found profoundly disturbing, but also very gripping and compelling. I think this film deserved more praise than it recieved on it's release, but fans of Van Damme will like it anyway!!! It may also come as a surprise to a more varied movie goer, like it did to me.
Monster's Ball (2001)
compelling and emotional love story
First off, I would just like to say, that Billy Bob Thornton's performance in this film, was unbelievable.
The film itself, impressed me to say the least. I thought the on screen chemistry between Leticia and Hank (Berry and Thornton) was electric, and the story never lacked emotion or depth. It touched upon life and love, forgiveness and hope, and makes compelling viewing for young and old.
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
clever, fun teen movie
I think this movie is unlike any other teen film I have ever seen. I think all teens should watch it, as it has many, very important messages, that are overlooked slightly in today's youth. I also couldn't have picked better lead roles myself. Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger really shone together. Also, this film is of great musical variety. Recommended.
Edward Scissorhands (1990)
spectacular warm fantasy tale from Tim Burton
Everything about this film, is beautiful, yet in many ways, tragic.
While watching the film, (I must have seen it about 20 times)I get not only a feeling of warmth and happiness, but also, sometimes a strong unease of some of the things that the film touches upon. Especially parts where Edward (played by the outstanding Johnny Depp) is humiliated and beat upon by fellow characters. Even though the film isn't real, while you are watching, you really feel like it is. I do think the film is more suited for older viewers, from about 12 upwards, as in places it can be deemed slightly scary. A well acted, strong and emotional movie, that never loses it's magic.
Ginger Snaps (2000)
clever werewolf teen flick
In all honesty, I expected this film to be awful, but I was pleasantly surprised. I thought the acting was fairly decent for a teen flick, and it was a unique horror, unlike most others to come out in the past 20 years!!! I also thought the beginning parts of the film, were rather disturbing, and I certainly don't think it lacked in gore (if you go in for that!) I did enjoy this film, mostly because of the amount of dark humor in it, and also because I found it quite a relief from all the constant teen slasher movies in the video stores!!! It's cool!!!!
The Crow (1994)
a beautiful love story
This film is wonderful to me. I just think it has such a PURE message:- that some things NEVER die, and real LOVE is one of them. Even though this film happens to be pretty violent, I think the violence is 100% necessary. Because to be perfectly honest, if my fiance was brutally raped and murdered, I'd go out and do the same thing as young Eric did!!
Also, me being of a gothic nature, made me love the film even more, thanks to the film settings and musical score!!!
Brandon Lee gave a beautiful, and strong performance, and it was a tragedy, that his life, ironically, had to end so soon, during the making of this movie. But, despite, I think this made the movie even more powerful, and will go on for hopefully many more years, remaining as it deserves: A CULT CLASSIC.
American History X (1998)
a deeply powerful drama
I had not heard much about this film before I rented it out a few months ago. I have always liked films with a bit of depth, and meaning, so I thought I would give this a go. I wasn't disappointed. This film takes you on one hell of an emotional, and sometimes disturbing ride, as we get to explore the characters in full detail. There is no doubting Edward Norton's flawless performance as the film's lead role, Derek Vineyard. I think he made a big impression on the final outlook that I had myself of the film. Which wasn't a bad one, believe me. I think it would do everyone good to see this film, (even though it isn't easy viewing) because it deals with issues that need to be brought to public attention more often, and shows that violence certainly is NOT the way, to work things out.
A truly amazing masterpiece, that in my opinion, deserves every last bit of praise, that it recieves.
Beetlejuice (1988)
Ghoulish fun!!!!
The first time I saw this film, I was actually too young to understand it, and then I saw it again a few years ago, and well, I loved it!!! I enjoy most Tim Burton films anyway, so no surprises for guessing that I'm into this kinda thing!!! The whole gothic, spooky setup really appealed to me, which made this film a fun, and interesting ride!!!!! Even though Michael Keaton steals the show (deservably) Winona Ryder as Lydia Deety rocked my world!!! the girl was awesome!!!! A really, fun, family film to be watched over and over again. A timeless classic.