Change Your Image
neophoenix
Reviews
Real Time with Bill Maher (2003)
Finally, something intelligent
It has been a long time, a very long time, before I have seen something intelligent on TV. I never watched "Politically Incorrect"; I just never got into that show. But I do like the political nature of Bill Maher's comedy and prose, and while I do not agree on all his points, I do deeply respect his true representation of them; he doesn't mollify his points because others may not want hear them. This is something truly refreshing. If you don't like flagrant intellectualism and polar politics, this show isn't for you. However, if you have an open mind and want to hear some of the questions people don't want you to ask, this IS for you.
Le fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain (2001)
I love Jean-Pierre Jeunet
I saw both "La Cité des Enfants Perdus" ("City of Lost Children") and "Alien: Resurrection" (both masterminded by Jeunet) and loved the off-beat and chronically quirky aura surrounding the two movies. From set design to plot to the characters themselves, things were just 'off', but in the most captivating and dazzling way. When I heard of this movie, I knew from the very beginning that I was in for a real treat; that no way would I be disappointed. There was no doubt that I would love this movie. And I did. Granted "Amélie" was much more upbeat than either of the aforementioned (darker) movies, but Jeunet's lovable eccentricity is woven into the film nonetheless. I am waiting (im)patiently for his next gem of a movie. If you want a wonderfully uplifing movie that will move you and make you laugh, rent this film. Hell, rent it no matter what. I guarantee you'll love "Amélie".
Hudson Hawk (1991)
Well, it was fun...
One word of caution: this isn't a movie for the classy or snobby; lowbrow humor and *bad* puns abound in this movie. However, it is highly entertaining if you enjoy a jackass with a smart mouth, which Willis' character, Hudson Hawk, is. I loved the sarcastic humor and manic behavior of all the cast. Gotta love the venomous mouth on Sandra Bernhard. All in all, this wasn't a five star movie, but a great and hilarious movie to watch when you're p***ed off. Enjoy.
Primetime Glick (2001)
Extremely funny... but why?
Although I find Martin Short personally to be a little conceited, he is one of the funniest people in comedy. This show is no disappointment. I find it very funny, but cannot quite put my finger on it. Part of it may be Short's antics during interviews, such as literally pouring a dish of gum drops down his throat, stuffing an entire donut in his mouth in two seconds, or jumping around in his chair while trying to maintain a serious dialogue with his guests, at least on his end. Another fun aspect of this show is the parody commercials, which remind one of Saturday Night Live. All in all, I find this to be a very entertaining show.
A Simple Wish (1997)
Fun little episode
Okay, while the plot may not be Shakespeare, its simplicity is refreshing. Martin Short is very funny, as always, and Mara Wilson is a wonderful child actress whose acting caliber could compare to many adult actors/actresses. Kathleen Turner is delicious to watch as a bad apple witch, who's bent on revenge. Her deep yet sultry voice and beautiful looks present the perfect image of a goody-goody witch gone bad. For a simple yet smart comedy, rent this film.
The Matrix (1999)
A veneer of mystery
This has to be one of the most original movies ever made. The completely believable plot combined with superhuman abilities makes for a dazzling display of martial arts and high-tech wizardry. And I cannot stress how ingenious this movie is to first display all these things that look effortlessly slick, and then make you believe it's possible for you to do them too. This movie focuses on the premise that we aren't in the reality we think we are; that there is something evil and malevolent lurking beyond our senses. And, I say again, it is completely believable and rational in its approach. If you want a movie that will thoroughly entertain you and at the same time, easily disconnect your from reality, WATCH THIS FILM.
Alien³ (1992)
Try to distinguish films from legends
True, sequels are a regular source of disappointments. I feel this sequel, and it's successor, can't compare to the first two, especially the second. But I tried to look at this movie as just this: a movie, and not a sequel. Many movies would pale in comparison to Cameron's masterpiece. Alien³ is the continuing saga of Ripley's battle against the malevolent Aliens. The movie's tone and mood are very dark, and I think that it's an excellent style for this section of the story line. The character Ripley loses everything dear to her, and her character is duly morose in this movie. Instead of trying to go against the Company, she is now fighting out of pure revenge. While many people were disappointed with the ending, I think it perfectly fits the main theme. While not the 'Aliens' blockbuster, I do think this movie does the saga justice. If you want a happy ending to the story, don't watch Alien³ and Alien Resurrection. If you want a much darker and melancholy ending, finish out the story to it's conclusion.
O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)
Coen Brothers: Cinematic Crackerjacks
The only other Coen Brothers film I've seen is "Fargo", and I fully enjoyed that movie. When I saw commercials for "O Brother", I had NO CLUE what the movie was supposed to be about. But seeing that it was a Coen Brothers film, I decided it was worth a watch. I was extremely pleased, watching this film on an airplane, then on home video. This movie is an extremely fun fare; not serious in the slightest. If you want a realistic fun-filled journey, watch this film.
The Man Show (1999)
A nauseating masterpiece
This show has to be the worst television show I have ever seen. South Park has pushed the limits of crude humor, imho, but this show goes miles farther. Women on trampolines, scantily clad twenty-somethings who proudly bear the collective label "Juggies", and plentiful midgets are wrapped with the celebration of those humans who bear a Y chromosome and who have a collective intelligence that falls somewhere between an ashtray and a pickle jar. Hey, I'm a guy and I find this show personally offensive. The show's only merit are the man-on-the-street pranks, which I enjoy on almost any show. I cannot believe the FCC allows this atrocity to be broadcast. This show's only power behind it is the on-going hype-generated 'war' between men and women. Why must we participate in such an arbitrary argument?
Lady and the Tramp (1955)
One of the Greats
I grew up watching this movie. I consider it a wonderful movie for both children and adults to watch. While many of today's animated Disney movies are aimed at kids, this movie is from a time where adults were primarily the target audience. This movie lacks the 'kiddie' humor and tells a wonderful tale of genuine emotion and compassion. The love story between two non-human characters removes most bias that we automatically impose upon human characters. I feel that few movies will ever match this one in quality.
The St. Francisville Experiment (2000)
Horrid
I thought this move was truly horrid. It was a blatant Blair Witch xerox, trying to ride the coattails of an already poor movie. Please do not waste your hard earned money renting or buying this movie. Cheech & Chong movies have better taste.
Tanpopo (1985)
Appearances are wonderfully deceiving
When I first heard of this movie, my friend referred to it as "Tampopo, the noodle shop movie." I thought to myself, "What an extremely plain topic for a movie." Much to my surprise, this is one of the finest movies I've ever seen. The enjoyment of food is beautifully woven into many of life's most common concepts, which are wonderfully played through in small skits which weave in and out seamlessly throughout the main story. Run right now to the foreign films section of your video store and rent this film!