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Gen Sex (2000)
Very nice scenes
This film has some very nice sex scenes. Particularly the lesbian scenes. It was the first movie to introduce me to Stephanie Swift. She is interviewing couples all over to find the secrets of happiness in relationships and sex. While this is being done for her career, she is also out to find the secrets as her own relationship is one where she doesn't trust.
It's a stupid plot but come on. What porno has a deep and moving story? Inari Vachs plays her camera woman and films the interviews. This sets up the perfect scene between the two ladies and it really is a hot one. In all reality, all the scenes are good but the one between Swift and Vachs steals the show.
If you're a fan of good hardcore lesbian action, you'll find plenty to love here. Even the straight scenes are pretty good despite the use of condoms. I recommend this one if you want to hear some great moans and grunts while watching people get it on. The Swift/Vachs scene is especially good for this reason alone.
Fainaru fantajî sebun adobento chirudoren (2005)
Re-Adventing the Child Within!
Okay folks. Here you are and here I am. I just got Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children and I am here to say WOW!!! I have been waiting for this for so long. Almost as long as everyone else I bet. But seriously, the wait is over and it was well worth it.
The movie is just a gorgeous sight to behold. Take any cut-scene you have ever seen from SquareEnix and multiply it by a billion and you have some idea of how beautiful this film is. Square used the same technology that was used for FF: Spirits Within and from the Animatrix scene, but this looks even more refined. It would seem more work has been put into the technology as the years have passed and that stands to reason. The result is an even more realistic look and a much faster and natural style of computer animation.
The story, I'm happy to report, is much better than Spirits Within. This is taken right out of the Final Fantasy VII universe and everything stays true to each original character and concept. Some have said the story is hard to follow, but I did not find this to be the case at all. The problem may be the fact that this is a very Japanese style of storytelling and it does not always translate well in terms of storytelling, not dialog, to many westerners. But if you are familiar with games, anime, or some of the recent films to break out from Japanese cinema, you should be okay. I'd say if you have played Final Fantasy VII then the storyline will make sense to you.
The English voice over is outstanding, but as any self-respecting otaku will agree, this needs to be watched in Japanese to get the full emotion and effect. It just feels very Japanese in story and style. Some might compare it to anime, but I think this would be a mistake. We are looking at a whole new level, style, and sub-genre of animation. I don't even think it can be categorized. I think the short excerpt from the Animatrix started this movement, but it's so new that it has not been given a genre of it's own.
The DVD version of this movie comes with loads of extras such as interviews, behind the scenes making of featurettes, and even some deleted scenes. You also get to preview some of the upcoming games in what is now known as the expanding Final Fantasy VII universe. While nothing has been mentioned of the oft rumored Final Fantasy VII remake, after seeing this film and considering the franchise's popularity, I think a Final Fantasy VII remake is inevitable. I also believe that we'll see it sometime next year as some kind of ten year anniversary edition or something. It only makes sense.
I can not stress to you all enough how great this movie is. It is the new evolution in the Final Fantasy VII universe and also in straight to DVD releases. Aside from "Family Guy Presents Stewie Griffin: The Untold Story", this could be the best straight to DVD release ever. You all need to get it if you like anything Final Fantasy, especially if you are like the multitudes out there that think Final Fantasy VII is the best game ever. If you beat the game, get this film so you can find out what happens next. Then you're gonna have to get Dirge of Cerebus: Final Fantasy VII, Final Fantasy; Before Crisis, Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core.... Wow. What the hell did Final Fantasy X-2 start? Who cares? As for me, I have my head in a Cloud.
Starsky & Hutch (2004)
Kinda fun, but that's about all...
Let me just say this is not a "Starsky and Hutch" movie. This is a Stiller and Wilson movie. It just wears the Starsky and Hutch costume. And it wears it well.
This is what a fun night at the movies is all about. Just good, old fashioned entertainment. I had a lot of laugh out loud moments and enjoyed what I was watching, but it isn't memorable. Just good old fun.
While the 70's flair gives this movie some funny,in joke moments, it does little more. This movie could have easily been made into a modern day film. And without Stiller and Wilson (great comic duo genius) this movie would not have been the same. Most notable would be Snoop's portrayal of comic insider, Huggy Bear. His moments were some of the best in the movie.
I had fun and would recommend this movie to people looking to enjoy a night at the movies, but don't expect it to knock your socks off, like Zoolander.
Diner (1982)
I just didn't get it...
Let me just start off by saying I truly love Levinson and his work. The man is an outstanding director, but this movie shouts, "first time effort". Perhaps one would have to be born in this era (1959) to get it, because I sure didn't. It's not an awful movie, it's just a textbook case of mediocrity. Let me elaborate.
The year is 1959. We have a group of friends in their early twenties who have been hanging out at a local diner for years. One is married, Daniel Stern to Ellen Barkin, and one is about to get married, Steve Guttenburg. One has gotten a girl pregnant and wants to marry her, Tim Daly. One is just a little crazy for no apparent reason, Kevin Bacon. One is literally just there. And lastly is the good looking, suave, gambling prone Mickey Rourke.
Basically that's it. You may ask, "Ok, where is the movie review?" But that is it. There really is no review. Nothing happens with these guys. There is no character development. No real protagonist or antagonist. There is only a series of events that seem to have no consequences except that, in the end, they all just wind up back at the diner.
I just didn't feel anything for any of these characters. There was nothing to this movie. I just sat there waiting for it to get good. Instead, I felt like I was stuck in the doldrums.
The last two minutes of the movie pretty much sum up the general feel of the 110 minute film in full. Paul Reiser is telling a joke, in voice over, while the credits roll. The whole time, he is stumbling through it and forgetting parts of the joke. When he gets to where we are supposed to hear the punchline, he just stops telling his joke and the rest of the guys talk about how cool the diner used to be and how cool they are now, hanging out at the same diner. That's it. There is just nothing there. It isn't funny, it isn't moving, it isn't anything. This movie reminded me of the film, "The Big Chill". These two films may say something to the Baby Boomer generation. But here and now, even as a film buff, I just didn't get it.
Zatôichi to yôjinbô (1970)
Clash of the Samurai Titans!
This film brings together two of the greatest characters created in Japanese cinema. Zatoichi (Shintaro Katsu) is the blind swordsman who goes back to a village that he remembers as peaceful and tranquil. It has been two to three years since his last visit and he longs to get away from the constant attacks that plague him on a daily basis, as he has a price on his head. But all is not as he remembers. When he arrives to his beloved village, he finds it is torn between a father and son that have their own gangs involved in their own family feud. As a result, the village is torn between the two men as the son seeks his father's gold (which may or may not exist).
As the blind masseur becomes involved in the midst of this feud, the son's hired bodyguard (Toshiro Mifune) is introduced. Mifune ever-so-slightly reprises his role from the Akira Kurosawa films, Yojimbo and Sanjuro. It's not the exact same character, but only the most devout film buffs would see the subtle differences. As the Yojimbo discovers just who Zatoichi is and the price on his head, the two banter back and forth with threats and insults and even a few sword fights as the plot thickens.
The film keeps you guessing until the very end as to whether or not these two samurai masters will end up friends or foes. All the while, Shintaro Katsu and Toshiro Mifune give master performances in their roles as usual. What Toshiro Mifune brings to this long running series of films is a stark contrast to Shintaro Katsu's simple and quiet Zatoichi. Toshiro Mifne's Yojimbo is harsh, loud, and aggressive when comparing the two. Putting these two great actors together, while playing off one another, results in a well balanced and enjoyable opposition. We all know who the hero is but what happens between these two? Do they find resolution or does it all end in a bitter and bloody sword battle? The only way to find out is to watch.
I enjoyed this film immensely. I cannot recommend it enough to fans of Japanese period films, Zatoichi fans, or Toshiro Mifune fans. If any of those appeal to you, then you owe it to yourself to watch this film. You will find nothing but sheer delight in this great masterpiece. This is also a great entry into the Zatoichi films. Even though this is a sequel you will not be lost by starting with this film in the series. This marks the 20th film of the Shintaro Katsu Zatoichi films. It was originally shot in 1965 in color and is in Japanese with the optional English subtitles. The transfer to DVD has been masterfully handled by AnimEigo and the translation is great. I was amazed at how crisp the picture and the sound was for being such an old film. Again I cannot recommend it enough. If you have any inclination to see this movie do not hesitate. I'm sure you will enjoy it as much as I did.
Sonachine (1993)
What a wonderful film!
The first time I heard of this movie was when I went to pick up the Zatoichi DVD. It came coupled with the blind swordsman movie and I really didn't know anything about it. A critic's statement, on the box, says "...very reminiscent of Goodfellas." So I thought it might be pretty good.
Upon watching this film, I was very angry by the critic's words. Did he even watch the same movie? This film is not some Japanese Scorsese imitation. On the contrary, this film soars where Scorsese films try and fail. Sonatine does have some violent moments, but they are few and far between. This is more of a story of friendship and love that can be found in the most unlikely of places. It is a visual masterpiece that focuses more on plot development through style and storytelling and less on action and adventure.
This is a typical Takeshi Kitano film, which is to say it is slow paced and possesses a very artistic quality that touches you deep within. Films like this simply aren't done in America. Kitano is a master of using imagery and general feel to get his point across. This is a beautifully shot film and many images (like the beach scenes) will stick with you after seeing it.
As I said before, this is not a big action movie. Many that give it a shot might be disappointed as they have acquired a taste for big explosions and big shootouts, typical of American and Hong Kong action flicks. If that's what you're after, this is not your movie. If you are after a film that wears the coat of a Yakuza movie, but instead focuses on the humanity of its characters and gives you a very unique visual style, you are in for a treat.
This movie almost seemed to be a cross between Kikujiro no natsu (Kikujiro in the US) and Hana Bi (Fireworks in the US), both Kitano films. If you enjoyed either of those movies, then sit back and prepare yourself for another masterpiece. I couldn't recommend this movie more.
Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005)
Okay, but not great.
Well, here it is. Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith is here and many would argue it lives up to the hype. Why shouldn't it? It has all the things a typical summer blockbuster should have; great action, big explosions, special effects, heroes and villains, and a climactic final battle. So why the low score? Because this is a flawed movie and it is getting the score it deserves.
Perhaps my problem is I am a Generation X-er. I grew up with the Original Star Wars Trilogy, seeing them in theatres upon their release. I think Mr. Lucas must be like Woody Allen in that he never sees his own pictures twice. It is the only explanation for all of the inconsistencies between both Trilogies. The old films had clear lines of dialogue that could have easily been written into the new films, but were either omitted or just plain forgotten. I'll try to point this out without giving away anything from Revenge of the Sith. Things like Leia and Luke's conversation in Return of the Jedi about Leia's memory of her mother. Or what about "Ben" Kenobi telling Luke he hasn't "...gone by the name of Obi Wan since, oh before you were born." in a New Hope. These are just a few things that don't add up and take away from the story for me.
Other things about this film are what I call "Look what I can do!" stuff. Namely, special effects. This movie has all the big explosions, space battles, droids, funny creatures, battle vehicles, weapons, and all the rest of the things Mr. Lucas had locked in his mind until computer animation arrived. He didn't know how to show any semblance of restraint. In the original trilogy, he had established a world that had all these things, but due to limitations of technology, he wasn't able to do all he wanted. All the added things in the new trilogy that are introduced don't follow with the rest of the story now. If you watch these movies in numerical order, you see that the many droids and alien varieties are gone. Where did they all go? It just doesn't fit together the way it could have. George Lucas could have kept with the creatures and all he had created the first time around and left it all at that. But he had to add and add and add more because of one reason; he could. To me, sometimes less is more. This movie had so much going on at once I didn't know where to look half the time. It was all overdone and it didn't need to be.
My next problem lies in unneeded characters. It is similar to what I said before. General Grievous is a new character that was added and much hyped. After seeing him, I realize he wasn't needed at all. The story could have easily been told with Count Dooku in his place. There was nothing charismatic about General Grievous. He was only in the movie for a short time and he didn't have that villainous presence that came with Darth Vader or even Darth Maul. He was just another "Look what I can do" aspect of the movie. Also, the wookies; there was no reason to put Chewbacca and his other wookie friends in this movie. They have no significance to the story. It was just another unneeded addition so George Lucas could make a connection to the original trilogy. Their presence made no sense at all.
Another issue with the special effects is that it is all computer generated. Everything looks neat and cool I guess, but what is missing is tangibility. When you look at the original movies, they used miniatures and puppets. But everything looked tangible. You bought it all because it looked like something you could reach out and touch. Things created in cyber space look incredible, yes. But you can tell these objects can't be felt or touched. For me, I'll take Yoda from Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi over the little Jedi Jet Li version from cyber space.
This is the darkest film of the entire series. So why don't I feel it? Yes, we already know Anakin is Darth Vader. But we don't see him really fall to the dark side. He isn't seduced by the dark side at all. He just hears a few things about the Sith, believes it, and turns. He has no internal struggle in dueling with his Jedi Master. His passion for Padme is completely unfelt by the audience. His care for his soon to be born child/children seems to have no real affect on him. There is no real emotional connection with anything that has to do with Anakin. If you compare; in Return of the Jedi Vader's conflict with his son, Luke, is deep and truly felt. The conversation between the two is very real when Luke tells him "I accept that you were once Anakin Skywalker, my father." All of that was emotionally real for the audience. I don't know if it is due to poor script writing, directing, or acting; but Hayden Christensen seems to have no emotional attachment to anyone in this movie. How ironic that is because it is supposed to be his emotions that lead him to the dark side in the first place.
Overall, I would say this movie could have been so much more. I could have done without the wookies altogether in exchange for Obi Wan going into hiding as Ben Kenobi before Luke and Leia were born. I could have done without all the computer effects in exchange for a few miniatures that looked like I could actually touch them. I may be old fashioned that way but I care more about quality over quantity. Apparently, George Lucas feels differently.
Lost in Translation (2003)
Brilliant!
I usually hate it when I see someone give something a perfect review. Let's face it, most people who do so are what videogamers call "fanboys". Maybe I am guilty of this in regards to this movie, but I simply can't help it. This movie is absolutely brilliant. I have never seen a better portrayal of a "slice of life." But this movie is so much more. The fact that Bill Murray was beaten at the Oscars is mere politics. He was clearly the better actor. While this is only Ms. Coppola's second venture into directing, it is nothing short of amazing and visionary.
What first struck me about the film was the amazing cinematography. The visuals of Tokyo in the second scene are breathtaking. And they don't stop there. The visual flair of this film does such a wonderful job of making you feel right at home in this almost alien existence. Japan is vastly different from the United States and as told in the story, so is it told in the imagery.
As for the story, again brilliant. This story is solely told in the characters. These are real people and not cookie cutter performances. You believe their portrayals and find some kind of understanding with them. You can empathize with both Bob Harris (Bill Murrary) and Charlotte (Scarlett Johansen) in many ways. If nothing else, you at least get a sense of what it must feel like to be foreigners in such a different world. Beyond that, these are real people who have real problems. And with that, we feel close to them and feel their anxieties. Don't expect to get some kind of closure or big happy ending. This movie ends things like they end in real life. It isn't a tragedy, it isn't cathartic. It just ends.
I only wish this film would have come out in a different year. For it to be up against such fierce competition for 2003 was totally unfair. This movie was a sleeper hit and with the build up of the "Lord of the Rings" over three years, it was almost unfair to pit it up against such a mammoth undertaking. Regaurdless, as a film, this is the better of the two (or all of the Oscar picks for that matter). I cannot recommend this movie enough. But if this is a sign of things to come from Ms. Coppola, we have a great deal to look forward to.
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)
A Royal Tenenbaum in a wet-suit,
"The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou" stars Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, Cate Blanchett, Anjelica Houston, Willem Dafoe and is directed Wes Anderson. Bill Murray is a washed up Jacques Cousteau type that makes documentary films as he goes on his voyages and sea adventures. His films used to be great and carried a large fan base. As he has gotten older, his fans have begun to dwindle and Steve's behavior has not helped his reputation. On his latest voyage, his best friend is bitten in half and killed by a mysterious fish. This fish's given handle is the Jaguar Shark and may not actually exist. During the premiere of the first half of this new documentary, Steve declares war on the supposed Jaguar Shark and finds out he has a son (Owen Wilson). Steve adds his new found son to his expedition team for the second half of his documentary and his quest for vengeance. Along the way, Steve's wife (Angelica Houston) and pregnant reporter (Cate Blanchett) join the adventure. I'd love to keep going about the plot, but hey, watch the movie yourself...
I know I may be in the minority here, but I truly love this film. Don't get me wrong, people will like the film if they like this style, but I think I loved it more than most. It is up there with Wes Anderson's other triumph, "The Royal Tenenbaums." The humor is dry, the writing is full of whimsy, Bill Murray is wonderful (again), and the direction reeks of Wes Anderson.
This movie is just a joy to watch. The visuals compliment the story and style perfectly. The use of stop motion animation is expertly done and gives Tim Burton a run for his money. The set design, mainly the ship called the Belafonte, works well as the characters walk through each room until they get topside. As seen from the side it looks like a cut out drawn in a textbook. The stop motion animation and the cut out set are obviously fake but only add to the charm of the film. In any other movie, these effects would stick out like a sore thumb. In "The Life Aquatic" it works because of Mr. Anderson's expert direction and sense of style.
Bill Murray. This man has achieved a status most other veteran actors can only wish and pray for. His recent works are a wonderful mix of emotional drama and dry comedy. Here, he demonstrates that he is a master of his craft and gives us yet another brilliant performance. If you are a fan of his recent works, this will only fuel your admiration for him as an actor. If you haven't seen anything he's done lately and only remember him from Saturday Night Live or Ghostbusters, this is a great place to begin a new appreciation for him.
Another part that compliments this film so well is the soundtrack/score. The sequences where Steve Zissou's documentaries are being filmed remind the viewer of the music in the films we all had to sit through in high school. It fits perfectly. The songs performed by Seu Jorge are merely David Bowie songs sung in Portuguese and played with a guitar. Each song is recognizable and gives so much personality to the film. Any fan of Bowie's work will feel compelled to add this soundtrack to their collection.
I am sure you get the idea that there are many factors here that make this a great film. I admit it isn't for everyone. Dry humor is hard for some to swallow. If you are one of those people, stick with Ghostbusters for your Bill Murray love. This film will not change your taste on Bill Murray's recent work or on this type of film. But, if you loved "The Royal Tenenbaums" and movies of the like, this is a great movie for you to consider. Also, I highly recommend finding the two disc Criterion version of the film if you are a collector. Film buffs, like me, will appreciate the supplemental material. Beyond all that this is a great movie for those that go for movies like this. If you are feeling 50/50 about it then give it a shot. Most likely you won't be disappointed. You may even love it as much as I did.