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Reviews
The Prestige (2006)
Great Story, Lifeless Acting
The Prestige, the newest film from acclaimed director Christopher Nolan(Memento, Batman Begins) is an extremely well written and thought provoking film that makes the viewer think about what is happening in the film. It is a film that may require multiple viewing for a complete understanding of the story. As far as scenery and production, the film succeeds on all levels. That being said, the film's biggest flaw is this: the acting is wooden. While the characters are well written and developed, the actors fail to convey any sort of emotional pull for their characters. The two leads, Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman, are both talented actors, a fact which is not in doubt. However, their performances fail to captivate the audience to care what happens to them. Michael Caine gives as usual a capable performance, but his character really doesn't affect anything. The same goes for David Bowie. Scarlett Johansson is wasted as Jackman's assistant who abandons him for Bale. She comes off as a gold-digging woman who doesn't really love either of the two magicians. The film's ending is clever, but to have been great, it would have required for the audience to still care about the fates of the two leads. The fact of the matter is that the film has a great script, as well as great direction by Nolan, but both are wasted by wooden, mediocre performances.
Almost Heroes (1998)
not very good
This is not a good movie. It tries to be funny but it isn't. When I first started watching, I thought I would enjoy the film. I didn't. The funniest parts were at the beginning, before the journey even began. When Farley was at his best, he was hilarious. Not here. He tries, but the script just isn't funny. Matthew Perry also makes the best of a bad situation, but it isn't enough. Other than that, there isn't much to say. Good idea, but poor execution. If you want to see Farley at his best, watch Tommy Boy. If you want to see Perry at his best, watch The Whole Nine Yards. It's a shame that this had to be Farley's swan song. I'd give it 4/10, because there were a few funny parts here and there.
Frog Dreaming (1986)
stupid and pointless
Let me start by saying that I liked E.T. I thought Henry Thomas was great in that film. That being said, The Quest was a lame attempt to cash in on Thomas' fading stardom. The story is, a kid named Cody goes on an adventure with his girlfriend, grownups tell him no, he find some great treasure, and everyone is happy in the end. I rented this movie when I was nine and I couldn't even finish it. Even then I thought the movie was bad and I still do. If you happen to come across this in a Blockbuster, keep walking by. You won't be pleasantly surprised. I guess I'll give it two stars, since Henry Thomas is in it, and I feel sorry for him that he took this role.
Scarface (1983)
A Timeless Masterpiece
This is probably one of the best films I have ever seen. The acting is superb, the story is excellent, and the direction is fantastic. Al Pacino gives his best role to date as drug kingpin Tony Montana and his rise and demise. Fine supporting roles are given by Steven Bauer, F.Murray Abraham, Robert Loggia, and Paul Shenar. What makes this movie so masterful is the fact that when you watch it, you become in it. Also, it isn't easy to get an audience to root for a ruthless drug kingpin, but Brian De Palma pulls it off. Case in point, if you haven't seen this movie before, see it. You won't be sorry. If I could give thin movie eleven stars, I would. 10 stars out of 10.