My favorite of the Star Wars films for years, the recently dethroned The Empire Strikes Back is still among my favorite films of all time.
There are plenty of reasons why this is a great, great work of art. For example, the silhouetted portion of the fight scene between Vader and Luke Skywalker is one of the strongest scenes I have ever watched. There is always some intrigue with a torn character like Lando Calrissian - will he help the cause or hurt it? - and that insecurity for much of the film is largely a driving factor of its success. I also personally enjoy the introduction of Yoda and our first real glimpse of what it takes to be a Jedi knight. Having one of the most well-kept and shocking secrets in all of movie history revealed in the story doesn't hurt either.
However, what really puts this film over the top is the fact that the bad guys win. Too often do we see the "good guys" overcoming insurmountable odds again and again. One could argue that Han, Chewie, and Leia did just that with their flight into the asteroid field and that Han and Luke would never had survived the frozen tundra of Hoth overnight, but before final conclusions are drawn, consider this:
By the end of the film, Han is frozen in carbonite and on his way - compliments of Boba Fett - to Jabba the Hutt. Additionally, Luke is confused by the revelation that Vader is his father and tempted by the power promised by the Dark Side. The loss of his arm, much like his father's, is also an indication that the rebellion is falling apart because Luke is so dangerously tempted by the Dark Side of The Force.
Although slightly hindered because it is a transitional film, The Empire Strikes Back is still one of the best of all time, and a close second place to its predecessor.
Rating: 9.5/10
Monday, March 31, 2008
American Psycho
WARNING: This post contains speculation and spoilers. Do not read if you intend to watch this movie, which is not for everybody, by the way.
After 8 years, I finally had the opportunity to watch American Psycho and, despite all the pent up expectation, I could not immediately bring myself to like or dislike the film.
I'm not saying that is a bad thing. In fact, it's been quite some time since I watched a movie that I had to sit down and think about. In fact, I will probably still have to watch a few more times before I can understand exactly what happened (for example, did Bateman actually kill Paul, or was that imagined?).
I speculate that half of the movie is comprised of Patrick Bateman's sick and twisted imagination, and the other half of the movie is reality. After having seen the movie one time, I think that the central murder - the murder of Paul Allen - was a fantasy brought on by jealousy. I think that the murder of the homeless man in the alley - the first murder in the film that the audience witnesses - was reality. During his exchange with the homeless man, Patrick made it exceptionally clear that he and the man had nothing in common, almost as if he was trying to convince himself that was the case both socially and personally. In reality, and one of the things the movie does make abundantly clear, is that Bateman is an insignificant yuppie riding his father's coattails to success. His interactions with the more successful Paul Allen are riddled with deceit and it is this deceit that makes me believe Bateman is insecure with himself and his standing, and is ultimately why I don't think he could have committed the murder of his counterpart.
For those of you who don't really care about the deeper meaning and speculation stuff, or for those of you who enjoy that and good old fashioned gore and action (like me), this movie provides us with plenty of both.
As interesting as it is sick and twisted, this is a good film.
Rating: 7.5/10
After 8 years, I finally had the opportunity to watch American Psycho and, despite all the pent up expectation, I could not immediately bring myself to like or dislike the film.
I'm not saying that is a bad thing. In fact, it's been quite some time since I watched a movie that I had to sit down and think about. In fact, I will probably still have to watch a few more times before I can understand exactly what happened (for example, did Bateman actually kill Paul, or was that imagined?).
I speculate that half of the movie is comprised of Patrick Bateman's sick and twisted imagination, and the other half of the movie is reality. After having seen the movie one time, I think that the central murder - the murder of Paul Allen - was a fantasy brought on by jealousy. I think that the murder of the homeless man in the alley - the first murder in the film that the audience witnesses - was reality. During his exchange with the homeless man, Patrick made it exceptionally clear that he and the man had nothing in common, almost as if he was trying to convince himself that was the case both socially and personally. In reality, and one of the things the movie does make abundantly clear, is that Bateman is an insignificant yuppie riding his father's coattails to success. His interactions with the more successful Paul Allen are riddled with deceit and it is this deceit that makes me believe Bateman is insecure with himself and his standing, and is ultimately why I don't think he could have committed the murder of his counterpart.
For those of you who don't really care about the deeper meaning and speculation stuff, or for those of you who enjoy that and good old fashioned gore and action (like me), this movie provides us with plenty of both.
As interesting as it is sick and twisted, this is a good film.
Rating: 7.5/10
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Star Wars IV: A New Hope
If George Lucas had ever heard the saying "Save the best for last," he certainly didn't listen to it. Episode IV, the first chapter of the Star Wars saga - at least in our galaxy - has recently emerged for me as the best of the Star Wars films.
Despite its initial release back in 1977, the film is far from feeling "stale" despite all the technological advances we've seen in recent years. The story - chronicling Luke's first steps toward fulfilling his destiny, the beginnings of Han and Leia's flirtation, and the introduction to the powerful and ominous Lord Vader evoke a strong emotional response in me to this day...and I've been watching these movies religiously for nearly ten years now. What's more, the scene of the attack against the mighty Death Star is nothing short of amazing (I'll spare you the details so you can enjoy it more when you watch it).
Ignoring the DVD release version (like Han Solo would wait to be shot at before firing back...yeah right) and the fact that the new trilogy created a few inconsistencies that moderately affected the original movies, what's not to love about this film?
The best movie of the best cinematic story of all time, it would be a safe bet that you won't be seeing another review this good...ever.
May the Force be with you, movie-goers.
Rating: 10/10
Despite its initial release back in 1977, the film is far from feeling "stale" despite all the technological advances we've seen in recent years. The story - chronicling Luke's first steps toward fulfilling his destiny, the beginnings of Han and Leia's flirtation, and the introduction to the powerful and ominous Lord Vader evoke a strong emotional response in me to this day...and I've been watching these movies religiously for nearly ten years now. What's more, the scene of the attack against the mighty Death Star is nothing short of amazing (I'll spare you the details so you can enjoy it more when you watch it).
Ignoring the DVD release version (like Han Solo would wait to be shot at before firing back...yeah right) and the fact that the new trilogy created a few inconsistencies that moderately affected the original movies, what's not to love about this film?
The best movie of the best cinematic story of all time, it would be a safe bet that you won't be seeing another review this good...ever.
May the Force be with you, movie-goers.
Rating: 10/10
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Star Wars III: Revenge of the Sith
When I stated in the previous post that Episode II was the best of the new Star Wars trilogy, I meant it. But in no way did I say it was a landslide victory.
Episode III has many of the same character-driven storyline elements as Episode II did. The growth in the relationship between Anakin and Obi-Wan, the secretive and tense love between Anakin and Padme, the ever-increasing influence Palpatine obtained over the Senate and young Skywalker, and the ultimate fate of the Jedi Order were all powerful enough to stir a strong emotional response. However, where as in Episode II these elements were the driving "Force" of the film, in Episode III I felt they were slightly more forced and in some cases very poorly written- (i.e. the "Love has blinded you?" scene).
Having said that, though, you can't deny the action sequences were amazing, and the climactic battles actually lived up to the hype, which helps me forgive some of the film's shortcomings.
If you love action and adventure, this film is right up your alley. A great a climax as the final act of the trilogy could be - minus some minor faults - Episode III is definitely worth a watch or seven.
Rating: 9/10
Episode III has many of the same character-driven storyline elements as Episode II did. The growth in the relationship between Anakin and Obi-Wan, the secretive and tense love between Anakin and Padme, the ever-increasing influence Palpatine obtained over the Senate and young Skywalker, and the ultimate fate of the Jedi Order were all powerful enough to stir a strong emotional response. However, where as in Episode II these elements were the driving "Force" of the film, in Episode III I felt they were slightly more forced and in some cases very poorly written- (i.e. the "Love has blinded you?" scene).
Having said that, though, you can't deny the action sequences were amazing, and the climactic battles actually lived up to the hype, which helps me forgive some of the film's shortcomings.
If you love action and adventure, this film is right up your alley. A great a climax as the final act of the trilogy could be - minus some minor faults - Episode III is definitely worth a watch or seven.
Rating: 9/10
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Star Wars II: Attack of the Clones
Arguably the best movie of the new trilogy, Attack of the Clones boasts an amazing battle scene on Geonosis, the secret to the mysterious beginnings of the Storm Troopers, an introduction to young Boba Fett, the beheading of Jengo Fett at the hands of Mace Windu and his purple light saber, and of course, the duel between Count Dooku and Yoda.
What drives the story, though, and what makes it most like the original trilogy, is the focus on the character's relationship with each other. You see a straine but loving father-son relationship develop between Obi-Wan and Anakin, a true and dangerous love develop between Anakin and Padme, and a sense of the growing turmoil within Anakin as he struggles with the difficulties he faces as he grows up. The focus on these elements make those aforementioned action elements all the better because you as the viewer are more involved with the characters on a more intimate level.
All in all, it may not live up the original trilogy's standards, but it's a great film with a little more Force than its predecessor, and a film that's worth watching over and over and over again.
Rating: 8.5/10
What drives the story, though, and what makes it most like the original trilogy, is the focus on the character's relationship with each other. You see a straine but loving father-son relationship develop between Obi-Wan and Anakin, a true and dangerous love develop between Anakin and Padme, and a sense of the growing turmoil within Anakin as he struggles with the difficulties he faces as he grows up. The focus on these elements make those aforementioned action elements all the better because you as the viewer are more involved with the characters on a more intimate level.
All in all, it may not live up the original trilogy's standards, but it's a great film with a little more Force than its predecessor, and a film that's worth watching over and over and over again.
Rating: 8.5/10
Star Wars I: The Phantom Menace
The first episode of one of the most successful and compelling stories in the history of filmmaking, The Phantom Menace is not the best of the Star Wars saga by a long shot. However, I do love me a prequel, and I still argue that it is a great movie in its own right and its generally negative perception can be based on the following:
1) It was the first Star Wars movie to have been released since the end of the original trilogy some 16 years before. Because the original trilogy had such an avid following, all the anticipation that had built in that span of time was a recipe for disaster. No movie could live up to that hype.
2) Once you've seen Anakin Skywalker as an end product, seeing a whiney little kid just seems a little...odd.
3) Jar Jar Binks. Enough said.
Please, people, give this movie another chance. Watch it again. Try to take it for what it is - the introductory act to one of the greatest stories in the history of filmmaking (have I made my opinion clear on that?) - and you'll get far more enjoyment out of it. Besides, with George Lucas at the helm and Natalie Portman, Ewan McGregor, and Liam Neeson on screen, it's hard to argue that the force is not with this film... at least a little bit.
Rating: 8/10
1) It was the first Star Wars movie to have been released since the end of the original trilogy some 16 years before. Because the original trilogy had such an avid following, all the anticipation that had built in that span of time was a recipe for disaster. No movie could live up to that hype.
2) Once you've seen Anakin Skywalker as an end product, seeing a whiney little kid just seems a little...odd.
3) Jar Jar Binks. Enough said.
Please, people, give this movie another chance. Watch it again. Try to take it for what it is - the introductory act to one of the greatest stories in the history of filmmaking (have I made my opinion clear on that?) - and you'll get far more enjoyment out of it. Besides, with George Lucas at the helm and Natalie Portman, Ewan McGregor, and Liam Neeson on screen, it's hard to argue that the force is not with this film... at least a little bit.
Rating: 8/10
Monday, March 17, 2008
Shopgirl
Every once in awhile, a movie comes along that is...paradoxical?
Shopgirl, in all its subtle awkwardness, made a not-so-subtle impact on me.
It's classified as a romantic comedy and sure, there are some aspects in that regard, but you can't really call it romantic or funny. In all actuality, the film is more sad than anything until the end.
Poignant, well-written, and boasting a cast that includes Steve Martin, Jason Schwartzman, and Claire Danes (always a plus), Shopgirl is not so subtly good.
Rating: 7.5/10
Shopgirl, in all its subtle awkwardness, made a not-so-subtle impact on me.
It's classified as a romantic comedy and sure, there are some aspects in that regard, but you can't really call it romantic or funny. In all actuality, the film is more sad than anything until the end.
Poignant, well-written, and boasting a cast that includes Steve Martin, Jason Schwartzman, and Claire Danes (always a plus), Shopgirl is not so subtly good.
Rating: 7.5/10
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
Okay, I hope everyone is seeing the beginnings of a pattern here. Within the past two weeks, I've watched two films from the 1950's, probably equaling my previous lifetime total of movies from that same era.
My opinion going into this movie, aside from my never-ending love for Marilyn Monroe, was that all 50's era films were, to be nice, dated. They weren't bad (see The Quiet Man review), just not my type of movie.
Combine that previous statement with my general dislike of musicals (very few exceptions), it would seem that this movie would not be getting a very favorable review.
Well, stranger things have happened, but I really sincerely liked this movie. Enough to keep this classical movie experiment going, even. Of course, having seen the eternally beautiful Marilyn Monroe in action didn't hurt, but Gentlemen Prefer Blondes was also funny, entertaining, and just the right length of time.
Rating: 7/10
My opinion going into this movie, aside from my never-ending love for Marilyn Monroe, was that all 50's era films were, to be nice, dated. They weren't bad (see The Quiet Man review), just not my type of movie.
Combine that previous statement with my general dislike of musicals (very few exceptions), it would seem that this movie would not be getting a very favorable review.
Well, stranger things have happened, but I really sincerely liked this movie. Enough to keep this classical movie experiment going, even. Of course, having seen the eternally beautiful Marilyn Monroe in action didn't hurt, but Gentlemen Prefer Blondes was also funny, entertaining, and just the right length of time.
Rating: 7/10
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Ghost Rider
Much like the film reviewed before this, Ghost Rider was mostly predictable. Unlike the film reviewed before this, its predictability works for it. Enter the reluctant and initially unwilling superhero, his damsel in distress, some loose ends never resolved in the writing and/or editing, and some really cool bad guy, and you've got a recipe for success in my book.
Where the film hurts itself is in the sometimes easily resolved fight scenes (which had potential), the sketchy acting skills of Eva Mendes (no potential) and sometimes iffy special effects (limitless potential). However, these shortcomings can't stop the Sam Elliott train, baby, so give Ghost Rider a look. Take it for what it is, and you'll be pleased enough.
Rating: 7/10
Where the film hurts itself is in the sometimes easily resolved fight scenes (which had potential), the sketchy acting skills of Eva Mendes (no potential) and sometimes iffy special effects (limitless potential). However, these shortcomings can't stop the Sam Elliott train, baby, so give Ghost Rider a look. Take it for what it is, and you'll be pleased enough.
Rating: 7/10
Friday, March 7, 2008
The Quiet Man
For someone who perceives himself a movie freak, as I do, I admit that my exposure to films created before my lifetime is seriously lacking. And although I still thought The Quiet Man was good, I believe it would have been better if I had learned to better appreciate movies of that golden-age era of Hollywood (this movie was filmed in 1952).
Having said that, this review is not a slam of The Quiet Man. It's more of a slam on my experience, which I intend to broaden in the future.
Bonus points for its being based in Ireland and starring The Duke and Grandpa's crush Maureen O'Hara, it's worth a watch or two.
Rating: 6/10
Having said that, this review is not a slam of The Quiet Man. It's more of a slam on my experience, which I intend to broaden in the future.
Bonus points for its being based in Ireland and starring The Duke and Grandpa's crush Maureen O'Hara, it's worth a watch or two.
Rating: 6/10
Monday, March 3, 2008
Legends of the Fall
Two concise sentences sum up this film: Well done. Depressingly sad.
Legends of the Fall came at the end of a weekend back-to-back movie session (the other being that movie from the previous post) and the only similarity between the two is that they aren't everyday watches. However, the reason is different. Seriously, I think if I were to watch this movie consistently, I'd never smile again and cast myself away as hollow, depressed hermit too afraid to form any kind of significant relationship for fear of the pain it would eventually cause.
Some people may argue, understandably so, that a movie that isn't enjoyable isn't good. I don't feel that way. I tend to judge films based on how powerfully I am affected by them, and in that regard, Legends of the Fall is a great one in my opinion. My lone complaint would have to be the sometimes uninspired acting of Brad Pitt, which is not nearly as prevalent in this film as in some others in which he's appeared.
Again, not a daily watch, but one well worth the two hours and fifteen minutes spent.
Rating: 7.5/10
Legends of the Fall came at the end of a weekend back-to-back movie session (the other being that movie from the previous post) and the only similarity between the two is that they aren't everyday watches. However, the reason is different. Seriously, I think if I were to watch this movie consistently, I'd never smile again and cast myself away as hollow, depressed hermit too afraid to form any kind of significant relationship for fear of the pain it would eventually cause.
Some people may argue, understandably so, that a movie that isn't enjoyable isn't good. I don't feel that way. I tend to judge films based on how powerfully I am affected by them, and in that regard, Legends of the Fall is a great one in my opinion. My lone complaint would have to be the sometimes uninspired acting of Brad Pitt, which is not nearly as prevalent in this film as in some others in which he's appeared.
Again, not a daily watch, but one well worth the two hours and fifteen minutes spent.
Rating: 7.5/10
A Knight's Tale
I am oftentimes disappointed when I watch a film now that I enjoyed when I was is high school. Quite honestly, I felt that A Knight's Tale would be more of the same. Although admittedly not as good as I remembered it to be, I still found some aspects of the story line effective to evoke an emotional response. Having said that, I think that there were one too many story lines - notably the stale and cliche love story - that bogged the movie down when it would have otherwise picked up steam.
Not an everyday watch, but an enjoyable movie just the same at the beginning of what would have been a brilliant actor's career.
Rating: 6.5/10
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