Reviews
Signs (2002)
Want to utterly waste an hour and half? Watch Signs.
First of all.. I loved the Sixth Sense, and I am a great Fan of Mel Gibson and a few of the other talented actors in this terrible film. I do not blame them. Nobody could save this pitiful script.
Please stop me if anyone has an answer for these GAPING plot holes:
1. A highly advanced alien species has come to Earth. They are so highly advanced that they have cloaking devices for their spaceships, rendering their city-sized ships completely invisible. Yet... they roam around the planet completely naked without any pieces of technology what-so-ever.
2. Also.. these naked aliens are highly sensitive to water. So sensitive it burns them like concentrated acid. Yet they wander around NAKED on a planet covered with water (acid), with water vapor (acid) in the air, and water (acid) pouring from the sky. And they are capturing creatures (humans) that have water (acid) pouring out of faucets and hoses and sprinkler systems. The humans also can spit water (acid), bleed water (acid - blood is mostly water), and so on. Yet, these NAKED HIGHLY ADVANCED aliens aren't smart enough to even put on a Hefty bag? Or a rain coat? They run around naked? Are you @#%&$#*% kidding me?
3. They use corn fields for planetary navigation... Riiiiiiggghhhtttt... So we could all mow our lawns and this advanced alien race would suddenly be lost? I think any species that has mastered interplanetary travel would probably find a better navigation system than leaving symbols in grassy fields. You know.. latitude and longitude.. or maybe a computer system of some sort.. GPS, theirs or take over ours... Something. Just not corn fields. Please.
4. About a dozen of these highly advance aliens try to get to Mel and family in the basement of their house.. yet a board and some nails stops them. Once again.. Interplanetary travelers with city sized ships that can be rendered invisible.. stopped by a board and some nails. Apparently they have not invented the cro-bar on their planet.
5. The Nightly News actually said something like this: "A group of people have figured out how to defeat the aliens attacking our planet... more on that after these messages..." Are you kidding? Someone figure out that you can throw WATER on the aliens invading our planet and the news doesn't tell everyone IMMEDIATELY?
I could go on... But I feel like I have wasted enough time by watching this pathetic attempt at a movie. Why Mel? Did you not read the script first?
The Matrix Reloaded (2003)
A thrilling, yet complex, work of art
This movie is amazing and amazingly complex. If you read a review that criticizes the storyline of this movie - then the reviewer did not understand the movie. It's not hard to blame them as the movie is fast, action packed, and it does not stop to make sure you understand. If you miss something it may blow right by you. I would love to write a paragraph explaining the intricate complexities of the story for those that saw it yet missed it, but I refuse to type spoilers.
Instead, I recommend seeing it again.
After the first Matrix it seemed that all the negative comments came from those who missed the deepness of the storyline. Unexpectedly, the story actually tripled in complexity and deepness in this wondrous sequel. Instead of answers we got many many more questions. I love that, and it will make Revolutions that much more exciting.
As a note: Many questions were actually answered.. Each answer led to numerous new questions.
And then there was the eye candy.. Whoa.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2002)
Great game even for non-fans
I am not a fan of the tv show, but the game is very well done and I greatly enjoyed playing it. Fans of the show will love it, as it does reference all the characters from the show, nearly all doing there own voice work. The shows comedic element was brought to the game and parts are quite funny. Some one liners are over used, but you get used to it as the game goes on. The graphics are terrific, and the combat system works very well - easy to use with lots of special moves. This game is a keeper.
Three Kings (1999)
Not a waste of two hours.
That's the best I can say about this movie. I don't feel like I wasted two hours, but I really wasn't thrilled by Three Kings. I am amazed that such an average movie is making it into the top #250.
I love movies, and look for the good in all movies, and tend to like movies others don't. But all of these rave reviews are surprising.
Watch Three Kings and you'll find yourself looking at your watch a lot wondering when it'll be over. It doesn't suck, it's just not that good either.
Species II (1998)
More holes than the Albert Hall
This movie is an insult to human intelligence. I am a sci-fi fan and am willing to suspend my disbelief to a point. This movie is way beyond that point.
I can't describe all the holes in a thousand words or less, so I'm just going to point out the one that the whole movie is based on. 3 humans come back from Mars from an extended mission. and this is their quarantine: Don't have sex, we'll be doing blood tests soon, to see if you're OK.
Not even 24 hours isolation? Or blood test first, then release them? Come on. Especially when the government had reason to believe dangerous alien infections resided there?
Besides the Supreme alien beings that thrive there, they would have been quarantined against bacterial infections.
The writer, director, and editors should all be flogged for this movie. If it was there first attempt, that would be one thing. It wasn't.
Double Jeopardy (1999)
The Fugitive with major flaws, and none of the fun.
I wonder if they sold the screenplay as "Well, it's The Fugitive, but it's a girl instead of a guy." They easily could of. (Tommy Lee Jones in the same role, but with a drinking problem)
Also, it;s based on a HUGE flaw. Double Jeopardy. If you get convicted of robbing someone's house, it doesn't mean you are free to rob their house from then on. Same with murder. A crime is a Time, Place, and victim.
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Happy Face Murders (1999)
People are strange
I saw this at the Directors Guild the other night at the premiere. It's a very strange story, especially since it is based on truth. It makes you think about how many truly bizarre people we actually have in our world. Watch this when you get the chance. It will be on Showtime.
Judgment Day: The Ellie Nesler Story (1999)
A moving true drama
I just saw the screening of this movie at the Directors Guild here in LA. It is such a moving story, that needed to be told. Christine Lahti was nothing less than brilliant. I highly suggest catching this movie, whenever the opportunity presents itself.
The Matrix (1999)
An incredible experience
The Matrix is an incredible movie in so many aspects.
The writing and direction are superb. The story line is very complex and deep, but explained in to understanding. The humor is great, without becoming cheesy.
And then, there are the special effects... They will blow you away.
I gave this movie a top rating. I can't wait to see it again. DO NOT miss this one on the big screen.
L.A. Story (1991)
Funny, Romantic, and Deep.
When I first saw this movie, I liked it. The second time I saw it, I loved it.
The movie is much deeper than it seems on the surface, and it sinks in a bit more when viewed for the second time. Now that I live in LA, the movie becomes even larger, as you see what he was trying to express about this bizarre metropolis.
If you want to laugh, learn, and be moved; watch this movie.
Twelve Monkeys (1995)
Superb.
I don't like to summarize the plot of a movie. I'd rather just say my thoughts on it.
12 Monkeys is an incredible work of film. The complex plot plays out suspensefully. You'll be on the edge of your seat trying to grasp the story, as it slowly reveals itself.
The acting is flawless, and very believable. Madeline Stowe, Brad Pitt, and Bruce Willis are credits to their profession.
Terry Gilliam, my favorite director, draws you in visually, conceptually, and intellectually as always.
If you haven't seen it. See it.
The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988)
A stunning masterpiece.
Not to overload the reader, this movie is:
Visually stunning
Extraordinarily funny
Filled with wondrous characters (and creatures)
Profoundly brilliant
Pure entertainment
One to add to your "Must see" list.
Alien Resurrection (1997)
True to the Aliens series.
According to the vote histories of the Aliens series, this ranks well below the first two movies, Alien, and Aliens. I truly think of this fourth movie as an equal. You learn new things about the Aliens. New twists are brought to the plot. Ripley's cloned character, is so tough and interesting.
There is so much humor, and so much depth in the writing, that I feel a lot of people have missed it due to the incredible action. Watch it again, imagine how you would feel as a clone, or as one of the recipients, or as a feeling synthetic. There IS great depth to the characters. Don't miss that. As for the plot, there are definitely enough twists to keep it going.
And special effects? Incredible. A few weaknesses here and there. But two weak ones, out of 500, isn't bad.
Don't miss this Movie.
Starship Troopers (1997)
A Fun, enjoyable storehouse, of wonderful FX.
Starship Troopers does not have a thick plot. The characters are not deep. But what this movie does have makes up for both of its shortcomings. This movie is fun. It will make you gasp, and astound you with amazingly realistic creatures, and considerable gore. ( Yes, it is gratuitous.) But does every movie have to be motivated by plot, and characters? I think not. This is pure and simple, an enjoyable and entertaining movie. It is what it is. Just enjoy.