I appear to be in the minority here, but I felt this was not only interminably (and unnecessarily) long but that it also came across as embarrassingly amateurish at times. I've seen 4 of Cassavetes' films and, while I appreciate why he's considered important and influential, his technique is clearly not my cup of tea. Still, this is the first one I truly disliked. The god-awful, self-indulgent strip show segments were painful to endure (no wonder the dude's business is struggling!), and his approach to "realism" is ill-suited for the crime/thriller genre, rendering the action confusing and the dialog (ironically) unnatural and muffled. I didn't buy any of it and couldn't wait for it to end. Clearly I'm missing something with this one...
Gorgeously shot, with a universally solid cast (Burl Ives' Oscar-winning performance is a standout), but what resonated most deeply with me was the character of Jim McKay; I wanted to cheer after so many of his lines, as they swiftly dismantled my least favorite Western genre tropes pertaining to "manliness," "cowardice," "pride" and "honor." The extended fist fight between Peck and Heston is the perfect example, after which McKay asks, "What did we prove?"
Disappointing, given its status and the talent involved. I have a hunch I'll enjoy the original version much more, as it's far less likely to suffer from the same problems - primarily, that contrived/hollow/manufactured feeling not uncommon in Hollywood films of this era. (Also, were the singing kids really necessary?) The last 15 minutes are great, though.
The 50-minute prologue is undeniably impressive for its scope and visual effects. Such a pity that it's in service to this childish and toxic BS. Am I the only one that found
This reminded me quite a bit of Snowtown, thematically and atmospherically. Both are set in Australia and deal with an intellectually (and morally?) stunted male youth surrounded by friends and family who draw him into a world of crime and malevolence, with tragic results. While Animal Kingdom isn't as brutal or disturbing, the same feeling of inexorable doom pervades throughout. Most importantly, both films are extremely well-made and boast outstanding performances.
Sheesh, what a letdown, especially given its reputation. In more capable hands (and recast with a leading lady who can, you know, act), this would've been a solid modern crime/noir. All the ingredients are there. As it is, Paxton is fine and the police aspect of the story still works, mostly, but any scene involving the criminals...yikes. Cynda Williams almost literally sleepwalks through her role (seriously, was she on horse tranquilizers?), and her and BBT's characters are two of the most intensely stupid and unlikable I've seen in quite awhile (which begs the question - why the hell would Pluto, who is stated to have an IQ of 150 - want anything to do with these bums?). I didn't buy any of it. There was a lot more than one false move made here, as far as I'm concerned.
Trippy & twisted. Loved the use of colors - the lighting reminded me a bit of Argento's Suspiria at times - and driving synth score. Very '80s (which, for me, is a good thing). If Nicolas Winding Refn filmed a Clive Barker story in Turkey, it might look something like this.
It takes a while for the monsters to show up, but once they do it's pure Evil Dead-style horror, chock full of energetic action and wonderful practical FX. Lots of fun.
The performances of the 2 sisters, the sound design and the unsettling ambiguity of the story made this work for me (though I suspect that the latter is what turned some other viewers off?). The underlying subject matter is only ever really hinted at, which makes it all the more sad & disturbing.
This is my third Eduardo Sánchez film and each has impressed me for different reasons. Props to him for not just playing it safe or sticking to a formula after the huge success of Blair Witch.
Literally and figuratively, Russ Meyer supersizes everything. Breasts, penises, dialogue, behavior, humor, action...even the female characters' names all begin with "Super." Charles Napier has a field day as the psycho cop; the unforgettable sequence
where he maniacally and repeatedly stomps a woman to death in a bathtub
is truly brutal and shocking, even today. Say what you will about Russ, the guy knew how to entertain. This is a film that must be seen to be believed.
"Have you ever seen an ostrich run down by a wheelchair?!"
Say what you will about this insanely unique (and uniquely insane) horror-comedy-porno-romance-drama-thriller, but the script is surprisingly amusing. It's a pity that the graphic and wide-ranging sexual elements (and the 160 minute runtime they contribute to) no doubt turn many people off or scare them away altogether, as I quite liked this.
WARNING: beware of censored versions (including the one on Tubi)! It is absolutely imperative that you watch this unedited, or else you'll miss out on the greatest line of dialogue in the film (and possibly any other film, for that matter).
You can watch it uncut, in good quality, here: https://ok.ru/video/3594348464695
(Hopefully that link will keep working for awhile.)
As for the movie itself, the last 30 minutes are truly a sight to behold. I strongly urge viewers to avoid spoilers as much as possible before diving in.
I love how every movement a character makes - from turning their head to curling a finger - gets its own super cool whoosh! sound. (Even some of the camera pans!) It's kind of adorable.
Comments 1 - 25 of 190
Movie comment on The Killing of a Chinese Bookie
MrE2Me
I appear to be in the minority here, but I felt this was not only interminably (and unnecessarily) long but that it also came across as embarrassingly amateurish at times. I've seen 4 of Cassavetes' films and, while I appreciate why he's considered important and influential, his technique is clearly not my cup of tea. Still, this is the first one I truly disliked. The god-awful, self-indulgent strip show segments were painful to endure (no wonder the dude's business is struggling!), and his approach to "realism" is ill-suited for the crime/thriller genre, rendering the action confusing and the dialog (ironically) unnatural and muffled. I didn't buy any of it and couldn't wait for it to end. Clearly I'm missing something with this one...Movie comment on Narayama bushikô
MrE2Me
Even if the kabuki style isn't your thing, this is worth watching for the incredible set design & lighting effects alone. Remarkable!Movie comment on Bacheha-Ye aseman
MrE2Me
Reminiscent of Where is the Friend's House? in the best way. The children are both excellent and adorable.Movie comment on Spiklenci slasti
MrE2Me
Rule 34, Svankmajer style.Movie comment on The October Man
MrE2Me
Not enough Joan Greenwood.Movie comment on The Big Country
MrE2Me
Gorgeously shot, with a universally solid cast (Burl Ives' Oscar-winning performance is a standout), but what resonated most deeply with me was the character of Jim McKay; I wanted to cheer after so many of his lines, as they swiftly dismantled my least favorite Western genre tropes pertaining to "manliness," "cowardice," "pride" and "honor." The extended fist fight between Peck and Heston is the perfect example, after which McKay asks, "What did we prove?"Movie comment on Tabu: A Story of the South Seas
MrE2Me
Murnau's final film is pure cinema; beautiful, symbolic, tragic.Movie comment on An Affair to Remember
MrE2Me
Disappointing, given its status and the talent involved. I have a hunch I'll enjoy the original version much more, as it's far less likely to suffer from the same problems - primarily, that contrived/hollow/manufactured feeling not uncommon in Hollywood films of this era. (Also, were the singing kids really necessary?) The last 15 minutes are great, though.Movie comment on The Ladies Man
MrE2Me
Truly, Jerry Lewis stands shoulder-to-shoulder with other such titans of comedy as Pauly Shore, Carrot Top and Jaleel White.Movie comment on The Ten Commandments
MrE2Me
I prefer George Carlin's version.The 50-minute prologue is undeniably impressive for its scope and visual effects. Such a pity that it's in service to this childish and toxic BS. Am I the only one that found
Movie comment on Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
MrE2Me
The real controversy should be over the parents who named their child Dorcas...Movie comment on Animal Kingdom
MrE2Me
This reminded me quite a bit of Snowtown, thematically and atmospherically. Both are set in Australia and deal with an intellectually (and morally?) stunted male youth surrounded by friends and family who draw him into a world of crime and malevolence, with tragic results. While Animal Kingdom isn't as brutal or disturbing, the same feeling of inexorable doom pervades throughout. Most importantly, both films are extremely well-made and boast outstanding performances.Movie comment on One False Move
MrE2Me
Sheesh, what a letdown, especially given its reputation. In more capable hands (and recast with a leading lady who can, you know, act), this would've been a solid modern crime/noir. All the ingredients are there. As it is, Paxton is fine and the police aspect of the story still works, mostly, but any scene involving the criminals...yikes. Cynda Williams almost literally sleepwalks through her role (seriously, was she on horse tranquilizers?), and her and BBT's characters are two of the most intensely stupid and unlikable I've seen in quite awhile (which begs the question - why the hell would Pluto, who is stated to have an IQ of 150 - want anything to do with these bums?). I didn't buy any of it. There was a lot more than one false move made here, as far as I'm concerned.Movie comment on Saint Maud
MrE2Me
What a stunning debut for Nancy the cockroach!Movie comment on Mo
MrE2Me
You might want to refrain from eating until this is over...Movie comment on Gui da gui
MrE2Me
Just when you think this can't get any more outrageous, along comes that ending!Movie comment on Baskin
MrE2Me
Trippy & twisted. Loved the use of colors - the lighting reminded me a bit of Argento's Suspiria at times - and driving synth score. Very '80s (which, for me, is a good thing). If Nicolas Winding Refn filmed a Clive Barker story in Turkey, it might look something like this.Movie comment on Jack Brooks: Monster Slayer
MrE2Me
It takes a while for the monsters to show up, but once they do it's pure Evil Dead-style horror, chock full of energetic action and wonderful practical FX. Lots of fun.Movie comment on Lovely Molly
MrE2Me
The performances of the 2 sisters, the sound design and the unsettling ambiguity of the story made this work for me (though I suspect that the latter is what turned some other viewers off?). The underlying subject matter is only ever really hinted at, which makes it all the more sad & disturbing.This is my third Eduardo Sánchez film and each has impressed me for different reasons. Props to him for not just playing it safe or sticking to a formula after the huge success of Blair Witch.
Movie comment on Supervixens
MrE2Me
Wow. Just...wow.Literally and figuratively, Russ Meyer supersizes everything. Breasts, penises, dialogue, behavior, humor, action...even the female characters' names all begin with "Super." Charles Napier has a field day as the psycho cop; the unforgettable sequence
Movie comment on The Pom Pom Girls
MrE2Me
Obnoxious twerps like Johnnie are why high school is hell for the rest of us, so naturally they made him a protagonist.Movie comment on USS VD: Ship of Shame
MrE2Me
Uploaded for your viewing "pleasure" - https://ok.ru/video/5899552426546(Send me a message if the link stops working.)
Movie comment on Thundercrack!
MrE2Me
"Have you ever seen an ostrich run down by a wheelchair?!"Say what you will about this insanely unique (and uniquely insane) horror-comedy-porno-romance-drama-thriller, but the script is surprisingly amusing. It's a pity that the graphic and wide-ranging sexual elements (and the 160 minute runtime they contribute to) no doubt turn many people off or scare them away altogether, as I quite liked this.
Movie comment on Shark Attack 3: Megalodon
MrE2Me
WARNING: beware of censored versions (including the one on Tubi)! It is absolutely imperative that you watch this unedited, or else you'll miss out on the greatest line of dialogue in the film (and possibly any other film, for that matter).You can watch it uncut, in good quality, here: https://ok.ru/video/3594348464695
(Hopefully that link will keep working for awhile.)
As for the movie itself, the last 30 minutes are truly a sight to behold. I strongly urge viewers to avoid spoilers as much as possible before diving in.
Lastly, a note to my fellow animal lovers:
Movie comment on U.S. Seals II
MrE2Me
I love how every movement a character makes - from turning their head to curling a finger - gets its own super cool whoosh! sound. (Even some of the camera pans!) It's kind of adorable.Showing items 1 – 25 of 190