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Reviews
Captivity (2007)
Stunning visuals save a troubled script
What Captivity lacks in innovation it makes up for in style. Say what you will about plot holes and struggling performances, but the film looks beautiful, sounds great, and the atmosphere of the film will stay with you. Elisha Cuthbert's character is shallow, but appropriately so, as a naive fashion model who, even while in the deepest pit of misfortune, doesn't quite grasp what's going on. She keeps close to her teddy bear, apologizes for no apparent reason, and cries single tears... never ceasing to look picture perfect. (This is one gripe I have with the film. The leading lady should show a little more wear and tear, in my opinion.) I understand that the writer of Captivity claims to have based the character on Paris Hilton, and while I don't entirely believe that that's what the film was aiming for, it's an interesting comparison. In light of Hilton's recent incarceration, it's also a bit of commentary, however unintentional, on our culture's fascination with celebrities, the desire to be close to them, and to possess a piece of them.
The looming, black gloved torturer is a smidge cliché, but it does the trick. It's a genre film, and certain symbols are to be expected and forgiven. Again, the set and sound design are spot-on, and that carries a lot of weaker areas through to the end.
The editing is very choppy, due in part to the fact that a large portion of the original movie was removed and replaced with new material shot long after the original version ended production. The result is a cut-and-paste appearance which actually works quite well, given all the time Cuthbert's character spends going in and out of consciousness. It's almost an art film effect, hypnotic and disorienting.
I, Robot (2004)
Evil Robot Takeover!!!
Here we have a great sci-fi thriller, set in the not-so-distant future (2035 AD), where robots have become as commonplace as TV sets and Starbucks, and where machines have surpassed us in intelligence, efficiency, reliability, and... morality? What was developed to be pure goodness, pure helpfulness, with no ego, no self-interest, has decided that it can fight back for the good of its own kind. We're all doomed, right?! Not if Will Smith has anything to say about it!!! (Not so big of a spoiler: He does!) The classic fight between man and machine is brought to life in the ultimate test of brains, spirit, and wits. From the trailers, it looked like this movie could go either way, but I'd have to say that it turned out really well. It's fun, fast-paced, and intellectually stimulating, with lots of great special effects. And it's under two hours! The future has never looked so robotic.
Pulp Fiction (1994)
classic !
Pulp Fiction is one of the best movies of all time. I honestly don't know what I can write that hasn't already been said about it hundreds of times, but I feel inclined to add myself to the list of those who feel it is one of those rare pieces of art that just works perfectly on all levels. Jules and Vincent, Pumpkin and Honey Bunny, Marsellus Wallace, Mia, and Butch are the most colorful group of characters ever to share the screen. Thirteen years later, this is still the endlessly intriguing cinematic powerhouse it has always been. Tarantino is a genius, and this is his first masterpiece. The concept, script, and style are completely unlike anything before and anything since.
Dawn of the Dead (2004)
a GOOD remake?!?!?!
It's true! They DO exist! I know, I can't believe it either. This movie has been brought back from the (un)dead for some updated, innovative, zombie fun. The main difference I saw in the portrayal of the zombies, as opposed to how they appear in older movies, is that these zombies know how to RUN. None of that slow, rocking, arms straight ahead zombie walk. These guys will chase you down. Brilliant! The film starts with one of the best opening sequences out there, very well crafted, and it only takes about a minute to get right to the action. Great editing, and great special effects. Then the title sequence, done to a Johnny Cash song, is one of my favorite parts, and is highly entertaining on its own. The body of the film is rich with examinations of survival instincts and human behavior under pressure. A very smart, very scary, very fun movie. Brilliant!
Reservoir Dogs (1992)
Great early Tarantino
I love this film because you can see all of Tarantino's potential as a filmmaker seeping out of every corner. Compared to Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill, etc, Reservoir Dogs is quite simple, lower budget, shorter, and noticeably less mature. But the magic is still there, and his style is already quite distinct. Kind of like looking at someone's baby pictures. He has always had an amazing ability to choose soundtrack material, and this movie is no exception. The cast is perfect, although there are no female characters. (Forgivable considering the plot, and he has more than proved his appreciation for the strong leading woman in subsequent films.) All are truly unique, at varying levels of likability, and there is never a dull moment with the lot.
Saw (2004)
out of nowhere
I can not believe this film was made by two young guys from Australia, on a tiny budget, with very little experience. Not that you need to know those things to appreciate it. It plays like a well-crafted thriller from a team of experts. Beginner's luck, perhaps. The main set is truly scary, with creepy lighting and a claustrophobic feeling. The acting is solid, with one of the creators of the movie in a leading role. I found the twist at the end to be a little bit predictable but still very satisfying. I can definitely see how they are able to make lots of sequels, it's a great concept with a lot more potential than you can fit in one movie. Jigsaw is the scariest horror movie character of our time!
Munich (2005)
violence has no beginning, no end
I had put off seeing this for a long time, scared off by the length (2 hrs 40 min). But there are so many internal stories and so much to consider about the consequences of what is happening, it is really served by demanding your attention at length. The particular events surrounding Black September are incredibly rich and powerful, but the bigger impact is knowing that they are not isolated acts of honor, rebellion, and revenge, that the same conflict is fueling unimaginable suffering today, as it has for centuries. Not just in the Israeli Palestinian conflict, but in any clash where violence is answered with violence. Aside from being a great film, it is an interesting exercise to take three hours and focus on the cycle of violence that occurs with acts of terrorism and retaliation.