LA PROMESSE (1996)

1/17/2013

 
What a way to debut! The Dardenne brothers direct and Jérémie Renier stars. Violent family tale of petty criminals and illegal immigrants in Antwerp; gritty, awesome.
 
The explosions and demolitions are great, but this bleak film is unforgivably long, bloated, and boring. The fight scenes are weak and the ADR omnipresent. 160 minutes: the nerve! Could somebody please reign in this excess? 

THE INVISIBLE WAR

11/16/2012

 
Rape is an epidemic in the military; as if fighting the enemy isn't enough. More than a documentary: it's a social movement, check it out.
http://invisiblewarmovie.com/

PROMETHEUS

11/9/2012

 
Michael Fassbender is fabulous, and it looks great: that's enough for me. If you want to see a really good Ridley Scott movie, watch his first film, THE DUELISTS (1977.)http://www.prometheus-movie.com/

THE AVENGERS

10/16/2012

 
Zac, Joss; why over forty minutes to get moving? You can label it "an installment" but it's a sequel: and it's too long. When half of your characters are flat & zombie-esque, especially the females, that means you might have too many characters. Some thrilling scenes... plenty of propaganda. 

JUAN OF THE DEAD

10/13/2012

 
Cheeky Cuban zombie movie; think Shawn of the Dead, with more skin, but not as funny.

MY TRIP TO AL-QAEDA

10/11/2012

 
Alex Gibney brings journalist Lawrence Wright's one-man-play to the masses: love it!
 
My life mission of viewing all of Michael Fassbender's films has lead me to this 2008 British TV mini-series. Flawed, yet captivating period-piece set during the English Civil War (1643-1660.) Yes!
http://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-devils-whore

HEADHUNTERS

9/20/2012

 
The novel was too wordy, couldn't get through it, but the movie is outstanding! Thrilling, dark, violent, Norwegian: yes! 
http://www.magpictures.com/headhunters/

GET THE GRINGO

8/28/2012

 
Get the Gringo? I'd rather get the bastard(s) who felt it was neccessary to cut away from close-ups over and over in rapid succession. Hey, editor, director, whoever, give us a chance to connect with your characters! There's no reason to cut so fast in a two shot close-up! Jeez... Mel Gibson is totally believable, and this is a perfect vehicle for him. Kevin Hernandez holds his own in this violent clever funny action-packed cigarette commercial/film set south-of-the-border. Love the narration: see it!