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KingLouie
Reviews
Final Destination 2 (2003)
Carnage. Although predictable and a bit campy.
The dialogue seems to make this movie a little cheesy, but it is still surprisingly entertaining. I have not seen the the first "Destination 1", so I can't comment on comparison's between the two at this point. I had seen this movie by chance and knew nothing about it. It started off okay, then quickly got into to the main "substance" of the movie, which I can fairly accurately describe as "carnage". This is definitely a movie for fans of gore. It's not particularly scary, but has a type of "tale of the crypt" feel to it. I found it not particularly funny, but still amusing. There was one scene that had me reminiscing about a scene from the movie "Cube". It's not for you if you're looking for romantic comedy or something like that. Also not for you if you're expecting elaborate plot twist thriller. Also, there is no "skin" in this flick, but they do throw in the customary blonde chick. Anyway, I definitely put this as above average on my list of "B" movie "sleepers" (meaning under-rated and surprisingly good). So, my rating is based on that.
Supernova (2000)
I liked it enough to watch it twice..
Not back to back of course. I didn't go "looking" to see it, but it came on one of the pay channels late one night while I was channel surfing, so I watched it again.
I'm giving this review mainly so that potential reviewers won't be so turned off by the rating it received. It got less than "Space Cowboys" and only appx. ".7 *'s" more than "BARB WIRE". I mean, really!?!!
I think some people just go around looking for movies to "bash". If you don't like certain "types" of movies, then don't watch those "types" of movies.
Now, sure, the movie could of been better. But after watching it twice, I think that its pretty good actually for what it is. And, I think I would pretty much watch any movie with Angela Basset in it. And Lou Diamond Phillips is a pretty good actor too. There was some "cheesiness" (but I likes a little cheesiness in my B movies), much less "thriller" than "Event Horizen" (another good movie despite ratings), definately better "Sci Fi" than "Barb Wire" and "Killer Klowns" which also got only a slightly lower rating than "Supernova". By the way, I kinda liked "Killer Klowns", so I guess that puts some perspective on my tastes huh?
Anyway, I think it should have gotten at least as good a ratings as "Space Cowboys", although I would put that one in the category of "drama/comedy".
My final rating... umm, about a 6 '*' out of 10 '*'. Aw, what the heck, I give it a 7 '*'.
Dead Man (1995)
I wouldn't have been dis-appointed to pay full price,,,
I've scanned/read thru the comments on this movie before posting my own. They (the comments/reviews) are too eloquent and sophisticated. First, my perspective. I like westerns. I was up early one morning getting my stuff ready to go out, the tv was one, this came on cable, tv, I had never heard of it, didn't know the director's work. As the beginning played, I didn't know what was happening or really paying attention to anything that might have been significant. But it became more riveting to me, and I ended up being late because I wanted to see it through. This is a pretty good movie. Not everyone's taste though. It's symbolic, slyly amusing, historical and there are details that have to be paid attention to. Speaking of which, I have to comment on the comments by "Air-head", uh, "Air-man", oh, Aiman is it? Well, opinions to all those in existence.
But --- "So you keep watching, bored out of your skull. Trying to anticipate a moment when suddenly the movie might surprise you and make sense of the hours of meaningless footage. That perhaps the film-maker is up to something clever and innovative" ---.
Huh?!? Well okay, my wife dis-likes westerns and finds them particularly boring too. I can understand that part. But "meaning-less footage"? Well okay, if you're not american, than "old west" based movies might seem meaning-less. But then, life is life all over the globe. And you don't have to be american to glimpse evidense of "ethnic dis-placement", ravaging of natural re-sources and the like.
I rate it better than "Josey Wales" and right up there with "Clearcut".
San tin lung bat bo: Tin San Tung Lo (1994)
High flying wizardry and power struggles.
First off, let me say that you have to be into the fantasy/sorcery style of asian kung-fu movies to like this one. As typical, the movies of this type where the characters have super-natural powers use lots of what some would see as "campy" special effects and profuse of wires and such.
Anyway, about the movie... The story-line is good. (Which you can read in the plot line.) Basically, there is a family clan in which all the members seem obsessed with power. And they stick together only so long as they need each others help. But as in the old Clint Eastwood westerns, you can trust no one. There is plenty "back-stabbing" as each seeks the "ultimate" kung-fu powers that will put them on top.
There isn't really that much traditional martial arts in this movie. In fact, barely any. However, it is somewhat entertaining. The movie I saw was in Chinese, with English sub-titling. So if you read like.. "bob .. a-and jerrry ... went", then just ignore the words and just look at the happenings. Because in these kinds of movies, things happen quick. Anyway, the words I can tell, don't translate very precisely.
So, this is not a "must see", unless you just like seeing that Lin woman. I wonder if she's as pretty without all the make-up they obviously must be using lots of (for I'm sure she must be nearly middle-aged by now.)
Shao Lin san shi liu fang (1978)
Worth a place on your kung-fu video shelf.
Firstly, let me say that Chia Hui Liu (aka Gordan Liu) "MAKES" this movie. It would not be what it is without him. To be fair, I have to give notice that every movie with him and the director (who I understand is a relative) is good. Now, let me tell why. Liu gives effort and emotion to his parts. Every part and every movie I have seen him in, this has been the case. When there is anger, you see it in his face. When there is despair, you see it. He makes it almost tangible. Plus, he has "skills". Also, this movie has plot and believability. It's interesting and "absorbing". The one I watched was "English" dubbed, but the dubbing was good. Even the sound track was complimentary for the scenes.
I's unfortunate that the asian movie industry has been in the past just like the American sports industry was. The take talented young people, chew up their juices, and then spit them out all used up.
I wonder if Liu even suspected that he had attained "Classic" status with this movie as far as "old school Kung-Fu fans" in the North-east USA are concerned?
Dao (1995)
Surprisingly good, I would even watch it again.
It's rare to see unique perspectives on film during the later '90's. The camera work was interesting. I knew nothing of the director, nor of any of the actors before seeing this movie. Therefore, I "went in blind", with no pre-conceptions. The movie has good action and some gore. Well, ample gore (a plus in my book).
Anyways, some people may find the movie a bit confusing and dis-orienting because the action is fast and furious when it happens. In fact, at times it was difficult for me see who was gashing who. I have to suppose that the camera was speeded up, but it wasn't obvious except that a person should be breathing harder than they were if they were actually moving as fast as it looked they were.
I liked the realistic "gritty" aspects of the lifestyle of the characters that was portrayed in this film. I read in another of the "comments" that the film basically "flopped". Thats unfortunate. People missed out on this one.
I can't comment on the dubbing because the film I saw was in Chinese with English sub-titles, so there was none of that "cheesy voice-makeovers" that usually go on Asian films. Were do they find those voices anyway?
Oh, and the final battle, Excellent!
Nan bei tui wang (1980)
Good training film..., one of Tan's best.
I've seen maybe 3 or 4 of Tan's movies in the distant past. I think this one was one of the better ones. Not to say any of the others were bad, it's just that this one stands out in my mind. The plot is standard fare, but plausible. Basically, Tan, a top student at one school has a run-in with an up-and-coming hotshot from another school is anxious to test his skills. One thing leads to another and the kid gets killed. His older brother of course is not happy and wants to get kill Tan and anyone associated with him and so sets off hunting Tan down.
The movie itself has good choreography, and you get to see Tans "toe-work" on display. Which is basically the high-light of any of his films. After watching this one, you'll be wanting to go out and try your "leg skills". There is some use of wires, but not over-done, and the combat is mostly grounded, meaning, not a lot of "flying & swooping" out of the sky like some flicks. And all scenes are during the daytime. It's hard to find information on Tan and his movies. But if you can get your hands on this one, do so. I don't think you'll be disappointed.