As mentioned in other comments, the ending is terrible, unnecessary and makes a complete joke of an otherwise decent thriller. The script fails to investigate the numerous interesting angles related to perception, the value of truth and so, everything just falls flat.
De Palma could have made a great product from this kind of material.
And it goes; one, two, three - What the hell are we looking for? And then; five, twelve, seventy... This movie is begging for at least (insert number) rewatch(es) or some serious sudoku skills. In all regards, it's a beautiful, painteresque sort of picture which, unfortunately, lacks the motivated storytelling to make it a riveting experience. Aside from the aesthetics, the film also brings loads of absurd, and often humorous, situations to the screen which plot-driven ventures would never bother with.
Chaplin's character keeps alive the unique mannerisms of his tramp character but projects them onto an even more explicit (seemingly) psycotic. As usual Chaplin-fares go, this leads to an ending on a political note, which would later get him condemned in Hollywood. Nevertheless, much cynical hilarity ensues at a steady pace and albeit most of it is derived from "silent" gags it deserves a place as a classic talkie.
A potentially strong film of reality hidden from the gaze of an innocent, yet inquisitive, child is marred by an ending succumbing to countless Nazi-cliches and emotional masturbation. This otherwise interesting theme is played out during Holocaust (for simplicity and ease of presenting a tangible Evil), but cannot avoid the trite Hays-like finger pointing
(Children burn! Nazi bad!)
, which then comes off too simplistic for a subjective film unaware of these brutalities. Thus, the ending merely taps into previous ground to invoke cheap feelings of disgust, though this might be the only disgusting thing to take away. A brave film would have
Not one scene takes place without screaming and someone walking out. Unfortunately, the movie never actually mirrors this intensity. Hanson turns Sirk's "Imitation of Life" ironically upside/down; portraying Eminem's hatred of his white trailer trash background and a wish to become part of the black establishment through hip-hop. We lack Sirk's distinct ironic cinematography for satisfaction - this could have been achieved through grittiness (ie 70s exploitation) or posh (City of God) - for now, it is just street-melodrama elevated by entertaining rap-battles.
From a postmodern perspective, the title alludes to Cooper being out of place, almost a time-traveler, who acts exactly as expected after seeing too many westerns, but with a sly cynicism elevating the entire film from trite clichés to interesting genre commentary. It's fun to see him navigate the plot as an omniscient God. Brennan is perfectly cast as a strong, conflicted, drunk counterpart to the lovely, naive women - though they are all wooing for our Westerner equally. As always, beautiful Toland-shots.
Technically well-done, even the 3D which nevertheless remains unnecessary. Basically, an indie echo of Avatar; Over-the-top symbolism flying off the screen through dumb characters, silly writing and unimaginative use of space. Literally. Praise-worthy for getting any praise at all. An empty trick trying to con us into believing Bollocks can act and isn't actually a teenage boy (in need of a beating) annoying the shit out of me. Points for exterior (if that term applies in space) visuals only. Otherwise, flat as Bollocks' ass.
This is repeatedly considered to be one of the greatest Spanish films for reasons which escape me completely. The strong points evade me and seem severely strained. Of course, there are the obvious interesting juxtapositions; an executioner's daughter giving birth - to the child of an undertaker being forced unwillingly into giving and taking lives. But aside from this, the direction is merely adequate with only a couple of shots standing out, the acting mediocre and it fails as both screwball and dark comedy. Interesting topics on paper but the film isn't worth the 87 minutes.
This is what I imagine sex with Carmen Electra to be like; I've waited and salivated for ages, but the same years have taken their ugly toll. What used to be flattering, even sexy, is now a complete turn-off and it's obvious that she's suffering through the act only to please me - sans success. I've moved on. Even all the expensive, and poorly executed, make-up can't save this baby and thus I sit, unsatisfied, to watch Van Damme steal the show before I can admit how terrible it all was. I cry.
The shark-scene is awesome indeed; far sexier than the equivalent in Piranha 3D; far more terrifying than any moment in Jaws, and pretty insanely crafted over-all!
Indeed.
However, great material generally keeps its appeal "forever", which is the reason many of Marx Brothers' comedies still work - Everyone can fall on their ass, not everyone can come up with great lines though ("Women should be obscene, not heard!")
Slapstick generally ages badly unless it is particularly daring, like some of Keaton's or Lloyd's stunts.
Other Fields-stuff, such as "The Bank Dick", have moments of greatness ("Take your hat off in the presence of a gentleman!" - adressing a liquor bottle), this one just falls flat unfortunately...
Terrible, makes sense that it is list-less now... Poor execution of a "fun idea for an ending" (and it is funny) with an extremely lousy and unbelievable build-up... Hell, Schumacher's Phone Booth is 100 times more interesting.
Comments 26 - 50 of 51
Movie comment on The Debt
MarkE89
As mentioned in other comments, the ending is terrible, unnecessary and makes a complete joke of an otherwise decent thriller. The script fails to investigate the numerous interesting angles related to perception, the value of truth and so, everything just falls flat.De Palma could have made a great product from this kind of material.
Movie comment on Drowning by Numbers
MarkE89
And it goes; one, two, three - What the hell are we looking for? And then; five, twelve, seventy... This movie is begging for at least (insert number) rewatch(es) or some serious sudoku skills. In all regards, it's a beautiful, painteresque sort of picture which, unfortunately, lacks the motivated storytelling to make it a riveting experience. Aside from the aesthetics, the film also brings loads of absurd, and often humorous, situations to the screen which plot-driven ventures would never bother with.The Gravedigger's cameo is hilarious.
Movie comment on Monsieur Verdoux
MarkE89
Chaplin's character keeps alive the unique mannerisms of his tramp character but projects them onto an even more explicit (seemingly) psycotic. As usual Chaplin-fares go, this leads to an ending on a political note, which would later get him condemned in Hollywood. Nevertheless, much cynical hilarity ensues at a steady pace and albeit most of it is derived from "silent" gags it deserves a place as a classic talkie.Group comment on WTF?
MarkE89
This comment's contents are private.
Movie comment on The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas
MarkE89
A potentially strong film of reality hidden from the gaze of an innocent, yet inquisitive, child is marred by an ending succumbing to countless Nazi-cliches and emotional masturbation. This otherwise interesting theme is played out during Holocaust (for simplicity and ease of presenting a tangible Evil), but cannot avoid the trite Hays-like finger pointingMovie comment on 8 Mile
MarkE89
Not one scene takes place without screaming and someone walking out. Unfortunately, the movie never actually mirrors this intensity. Hanson turns Sirk's "Imitation of Life" ironically upside/down; portraying Eminem's hatred of his white trailer trash background and a wish to become part of the black establishment through hip-hop. We lack Sirk's distinct ironic cinematography for satisfaction - this could have been achieved through grittiness (ie 70s exploitation) or posh (City of God) - for now, it is just street-melodrama elevated by entertaining rap-battles.Movie comment on The Westerner
MarkE89
From a postmodern perspective, the title alludes to Cooper being out of place, almost a time-traveler, who acts exactly as expected after seeing too many westerns, but with a sly cynicism elevating the entire film from trite clichés to interesting genre commentary. It's fun to see him navigate the plot as an omniscient God. Brennan is perfectly cast as a strong, conflicted, drunk counterpart to the lovely, naive women - though they are all wooing for our Westerner equally. As always, beautiful Toland-shots.Movie comment on Gravity
MarkE89
Technically well-done, even the 3D which nevertheless remains unnecessary. Basically, an indie echo of Avatar; Over-the-top symbolism flying off the screen through dumb characters, silly writing and unimaginative use of space. Literally. Praise-worthy for getting any praise at all. An empty trick trying to con us into believing Bollocks can act and isn't actually a teenage boy (in need of a beating) annoying the shit out of me. Points for exterior (if that term applies in space) visuals only. Otherwise, flat as Bollocks' ass.Movie comment on El verdugo
MarkE89
This is repeatedly considered to be one of the greatest Spanish films for reasons which escape me completely. The strong points evade me and seem severely strained. Of course, there are the obvious interesting juxtapositions; an executioner's daughter giving birth - to the child of an undertaker being forced unwillingly into giving and taking lives. But aside from this, the direction is merely adequate with only a couple of shots standing out, the acting mediocre and it fails as both screwball and dark comedy. Interesting topics on paper but the film isn't worth the 87 minutes.Movie comment on The Expendables 2
MarkE89
This is what I imagine sex with Carmen Electra to be like; I've waited and salivated for ages, but the same years have taken their ugly toll. What used to be flattering, even sexy, is now a complete turn-off and it's obvious that she's suffering through the act only to please me - sans success. I've moved on. Even all the expensive, and poorly executed, make-up can't save this baby and thus I sit, unsatisfied, to watch Van Damme steal the show before I can admit how terrible it all was. I cry.Group comment on WTF?
MarkE89
This comment's contents are private.
Movie comment on Zombi 2
MarkE89
The shark-scene is awesome indeed; far sexier than the equivalent in Piranha 3D; far more terrifying than any moment in Jaws, and pretty insanely crafted over-all!Movie comment on Spaceballs
MarkE89
It isn't "soft", it is just plain dumb..Movie comment on Vampires
MarkE89
10% dislikes? What the shit manMovie comment on Deliverance
MarkE89
Man, my canoe-skills are overrated watchin' these a-here regular Indians.. Powerful..Looking for Burt's vest, if anyone's sellin'..
Movie comment on Transformers: Dark of the Moon
MarkE89
BOOM CRASH BOOM CLONK BOOM THUMP!!Deep VOICE: "BLABLABLA!" BOOM
Cool..
Movie comment on Le salaire de la peur
MarkE89
Hot damn, this is datedMovie comment on Black Narcissus
MarkE89
"Get me my clothing, quick!"*Enters room bare-chested, wearing only hotpants, and Peter Pan-hat*
Dean is Awesome..
Movie comment on Ôdishon
MarkE89
Not really a horror movie, but too much focus on the gore leaves many viewers to think soMovie comment on A Corner in Wheat
MarkE89
F*** DW that *********, I mean, what the **** is up with ******** and his *********... J***** f****** *****Movie comment on Ong-bak
MarkE89
Incredibly boring compared to The Protector..Movie comment on Ip Man
MarkE89
@sideburnz: Schindler's List and Saving Private Ryan - What, are you kidding? That's some of the worst, most blatant and cheesy propaganda around...Movie comment on Intolerance: Love's Struggle Throughout the Ages
MarkE89
I've had more interesting blackouts.. Smaller sets though..Movie comment on It's a Gift
MarkE89
Indeed.However, great material generally keeps its appeal "forever", which is the reason many of Marx Brothers' comedies still work - Everyone can fall on their ass, not everyone can come up with great lines though ("Women should be obscene, not heard!")
Slapstick generally ages badly unless it is particularly daring, like some of Keaton's or Lloyd's stunts.
Other Fields-stuff, such as "The Bank Dick", have moments of greatness ("Take your hat off in the presence of a gentleman!" - adressing a liquor bottle), this one just falls flat unfortunately...
Movie comment on La cabina
MarkE89
Terrible, makes sense that it is list-less now... Poor execution of a "fun idea for an ending" (and it is funny) with an extremely lousy and unbelievable build-up... Hell, Schumacher's Phone Booth is 100 times more interesting.3/10 - Instantly dislike..
Showing items 26 – 50 of 51