Director: Mel Gibson
(2006)
Now I'm not a big fan of killing for sport or even for sacrifice and killing for defense is only growing on me. There is A LOT of that in this film. a lot.
In the beginning I felt as if I were being forced to watch the film. Everyone wanted to see it but me but after the first human sacrifice and a little explanation I couldn't tear my eyes away. Especially when the cat and mouse chase began. I hated watching humans kill other humans as a way of sacrifice. I hated that. It was if they were saying they were much better than them and that they were lowly enough to be put on chopping block with no remorse for the killers. Not to mention these people were all the same race, etc.
I thought I might be done when the had the little boys killing the older men in the form of a sport but once Jaguar Paw made his get away I was kept wanting to know what would happen next. I wanted him to succeed and prevail, especially since his expecting wife and young child were trapped in a cave of some sort. I wanted him to get back to them as soon as possible.
Jaguar Paw was extremely saavy and I was so proud of him for all of the methods he used to get around his stalkers (for lack of a better word). I was especially impressed with the use of the dart gun with darts poisoned from a frog. He was extremely courageous.
I understand Mel Gibson wanting to keep with the actual language that those people speak/spoke but its a fictional/action film, not a documentary, etc. so I dont think a little english would hurt anything! Reading the subtitles while trying to keep up with the chase was tedious! (maybe its just me, but he did the same thing with The Passion of The Christ and I was kind of annoyed then too.)
4.16.2007
4.15.2007
Black Snake Moan
Director: Craig Brewer
(2007)
Can someone please explain to me what on Earth an actor like Samuel L. Jackson is doing acting alongside the likes of Christina Ricci (former Addams Family star), Justin Timberlake (former BOY BAND member), and David Banner (best left behind the scenes in the rap industry)? He must truly be on hard times. I can't imagine what posessed him to do his last four films: The Man (wtf?!), Freedomland (gag!), Snakes On a Plane (I really just don't want to go there), and Black Snake Moan.
Anyway, Black Snake Moan is horrible for a number of reasons, not just the casting. It has many questionable social implications especially when it comes to women. I can definitely tell that Craig Brewer is a male who's playing the scorned lover right now for his portrayal of women in this film. Ok, first and foremost there is Lazarus' wife who leaves him for his brother and then Rae, the sex addicted, uber dependent boyfriend leech who freaks whenever her boyfriend leaves her for the army. Her nymphomania is taken advantage of and she is raped in a football field in a crowd of people at a party, beaten and left for dead where Lazarus' finds her, nurses her back to health and then chains her to a radiator to cure her of her demon. Its outrageous! It implies that a woman is nothing without a man and the women throughout the film are treated so brutally and depicted as worthless sluts.
As a woman in 2007 I am naturally dismayed by it and I certainly think that Samuel L. Jackson is worthy of MUCH, much better roles.
The only parts of the film that I enjoyed was the speech by the blues artist at the beginning of the film and when Lazarus performs in the club. Oh yes, and of course a third thing, the appearances of S. Epatha Merkerson! She's been on her way up since Lackawana Blues (what a treat?!)! And this is not saying much for 116 minutes of film.
(2007)
Can someone please explain to me what on Earth an actor like Samuel L. Jackson is doing acting alongside the likes of Christina Ricci (former Addams Family star), Justin Timberlake (former BOY BAND member), and David Banner (best left behind the scenes in the rap industry)? He must truly be on hard times. I can't imagine what posessed him to do his last four films: The Man (wtf?!), Freedomland (gag!), Snakes On a Plane (I really just don't want to go there), and Black Snake Moan.
Anyway, Black Snake Moan is horrible for a number of reasons, not just the casting. It has many questionable social implications especially when it comes to women. I can definitely tell that Craig Brewer is a male who's playing the scorned lover right now for his portrayal of women in this film. Ok, first and foremost there is Lazarus' wife who leaves him for his brother and then Rae, the sex addicted, uber dependent boyfriend leech who freaks whenever her boyfriend leaves her for the army. Her nymphomania is taken advantage of and she is raped in a football field in a crowd of people at a party, beaten and left for dead where Lazarus' finds her, nurses her back to health and then chains her to a radiator to cure her of her demon. Its outrageous! It implies that a woman is nothing without a man and the women throughout the film are treated so brutally and depicted as worthless sluts.
As a woman in 2007 I am naturally dismayed by it and I certainly think that Samuel L. Jackson is worthy of MUCH, much better roles.
The only parts of the film that I enjoyed was the speech by the blues artist at the beginning of the film and when Lazarus performs in the club. Oh yes, and of course a third thing, the appearances of S. Epatha Merkerson! She's been on her way up since Lackawana Blues (what a treat?!)! And this is not saying much for 116 minutes of film.
The Prestige
Director: Christopher Nolan
(2006)
"Obsession is a young man's game!" I totally agree!
The Prestige is an outstanding movie with marvelous acting! And its yet another Scarlett Johansson film! I don't know why she's my favorite but she is. =)
I want to watch this film over and over again. I've only seen it twice though due to lack of time but its amazing! And the twist at the end is completely unexpected! That is what I love about the film, it is incredibly unpredictable and there is a surprise at every single turn that keeps you wrapped up in the story line until the very end and at the very least what woman would be able to restrain herself from gawking at actors like Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman.
There is no way that you can sympathize with either of the two magicians because of the fateful game that they played with each other. They let their ruthless obsessions with magic and trumping each other ruin thier lives and the lives of the people around them as well. I hate that such unadulterated ambition took them to the places that it did because usually people expect ambition to be a good quality but I suppose there is as thin a line between ambition and obsession as there is between love and hate.
I'm surprised that I am so impressed with this film as I'm not usually a fan of period pieces because they are scarcely done well but I felt just as great if not better about this film than I did about Girl With a Pearl Earring (yes, yet ANOTHER Scarlett film). The Prestige is sensational.
See it NOW! That is all.
(2006)
"Obsession is a young man's game!" I totally agree!
The Prestige is an outstanding movie with marvelous acting! And its yet another Scarlett Johansson film! I don't know why she's my favorite but she is. =)
I want to watch this film over and over again. I've only seen it twice though due to lack of time but its amazing! And the twist at the end is completely unexpected! That is what I love about the film, it is incredibly unpredictable and there is a surprise at every single turn that keeps you wrapped up in the story line until the very end and at the very least what woman would be able to restrain herself from gawking at actors like Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman.
There is no way that you can sympathize with either of the two magicians because of the fateful game that they played with each other. They let their ruthless obsessions with magic and trumping each other ruin thier lives and the lives of the people around them as well. I hate that such unadulterated ambition took them to the places that it did because usually people expect ambition to be a good quality but I suppose there is as thin a line between ambition and obsession as there is between love and hate.
I'm surprised that I am so impressed with this film as I'm not usually a fan of period pieces because they are scarcely done well but I felt just as great if not better about this film than I did about Girl With a Pearl Earring (yes, yet ANOTHER Scarlett film). The Prestige is sensational.
See it NOW! That is all.
The Last Temptation of Christ
Director: Martin Scorcese
(1988)
Though this film is simply an imaginative adaptation of the life of Christ I really, really enjoyed it and I believe that it is a truly significant revision of the story of Jesus Christ.
The Last Temptation of Christ offers a portrayal of Jesus that is much different from the one that we are given in the Holy Bible. Jesus in TLTC is fearful and burdened and doesn't want to accept the responsibility of the messiahship. He also builds crosses for the Romans crucifixions which makes his disciples and the people of Judea look down on him because he is a Jew who is helping to kill other Jews. Also the role of Judas in the film is much different from the role of Judas in the Bible. He is Jesus' best friend and confidante, and even ventures into the role of his voice of reason. He also betrays Jesus in the film out of loyalty to him to fulfill the prophecy and not out of spite or for monetary gain like he does in the bible.
The film also offers a dream sequence which portrays what Jesus' life might have been like had he refused the messiahship where he marries Mary Magadalene, conceives children with her, and lives a normal human life yet on his death bed his disciples return to him and Judas scolds him for not holding up his part in fulfilling the prophecy and reveals to him that his so-called guardian angel is actually satan. Upon gaining this knowledge Jesus cries out to God that he wants to die on the cross, that he wants to save the people. This extends a new dimension to the story of Jesus the Christ. It notes that his sacrifice was more of a choice than an obligation, which is a very important and stimulating idea.
I found this film to be quite fulfilling even though it is different from the Bible stories that I've read and the other films about the life of Christ because even though it is relatively different Scorcese does a marvelous job weaving the Truth with his imagination so as to not compromise the gravity of the legend.
(1988)
Though this film is simply an imaginative adaptation of the life of Christ I really, really enjoyed it and I believe that it is a truly significant revision of the story of Jesus Christ.
The Last Temptation of Christ offers a portrayal of Jesus that is much different from the one that we are given in the Holy Bible. Jesus in TLTC is fearful and burdened and doesn't want to accept the responsibility of the messiahship. He also builds crosses for the Romans crucifixions which makes his disciples and the people of Judea look down on him because he is a Jew who is helping to kill other Jews. Also the role of Judas in the film is much different from the role of Judas in the Bible. He is Jesus' best friend and confidante, and even ventures into the role of his voice of reason. He also betrays Jesus in the film out of loyalty to him to fulfill the prophecy and not out of spite or for monetary gain like he does in the bible.
The film also offers a dream sequence which portrays what Jesus' life might have been like had he refused the messiahship where he marries Mary Magadalene, conceives children with her, and lives a normal human life yet on his death bed his disciples return to him and Judas scolds him for not holding up his part in fulfilling the prophecy and reveals to him that his so-called guardian angel is actually satan. Upon gaining this knowledge Jesus cries out to God that he wants to die on the cross, that he wants to save the people. This extends a new dimension to the story of Jesus the Christ. It notes that his sacrifice was more of a choice than an obligation, which is a very important and stimulating idea.
I found this film to be quite fulfilling even though it is different from the Bible stories that I've read and the other films about the life of Christ because even though it is relatively different Scorcese does a marvelous job weaving the Truth with his imagination so as to not compromise the gravity of the legend.
I Think I Love My Wife
Director: Chris Rock
(2007)
This film is totally predictable and I hate, HATE the title. You think you love your wife? you think you love her? you married her! how could you NOT love her, idiot? You know what's going to happen. You know that the main character, played by Chris Rock, who at first glance is a good husband, father, banker is tired and bored of his married life, you know that a femme fatale will enter the picture and take him on a wild ride for a few weeks and that even though they may not be having sex, he's lusting after her, and that in the end he'll end up going back to his wife. Good always prevails in the end.
At some points I can understand Cooper's desire to stray from his boring marriage as the wife was unreasonably boring and she withheld from him which I have to assume would be most disappointing in marriage. I dont know what was most annoying about the wife character: the time at the car show when she was more interested in the Minivans than the hot dream cars at the car show or the fact that well, there is no difference in any of her scenarios she was just boring all together. Just enough to go along with the rest of the dry movie.
I wasn't particularly impressed with the femme fatale character either. Kerry Washington just wasn't the right choice in casting. Her demeanor calls for demure characters not the balls out, supersexy coquette she plays in I Think I Love My Wife.
The film is obviously staged so that you sympathize with Chris Rock's character but there is no way that I could sympathize with him. He cheats on his wife! Though, not in a sexual way, in a way where he lies to her and gives his precious time to another woman with intentions of having a sexual relationship with her. That doesnt inspire sympathy within me. I was, however, glad that he went back to his wife in the end because nothing is more important than the sanctity of marriage and family and I am glad that even through the problems the couple was able to work out their differences. It sends the message that divorce is not the only option, marriages can be saved.
(2007)
This film is totally predictable and I hate, HATE the title. You think you love your wife? you think you love her? you married her! how could you NOT love her, idiot? You know what's going to happen. You know that the main character, played by Chris Rock, who at first glance is a good husband, father, banker is tired and bored of his married life, you know that a femme fatale will enter the picture and take him on a wild ride for a few weeks and that even though they may not be having sex, he's lusting after her, and that in the end he'll end up going back to his wife. Good always prevails in the end.
At some points I can understand Cooper's desire to stray from his boring marriage as the wife was unreasonably boring and she withheld from him which I have to assume would be most disappointing in marriage. I dont know what was most annoying about the wife character: the time at the car show when she was more interested in the Minivans than the hot dream cars at the car show or the fact that well, there is no difference in any of her scenarios she was just boring all together. Just enough to go along with the rest of the dry movie.
I wasn't particularly impressed with the femme fatale character either. Kerry Washington just wasn't the right choice in casting. Her demeanor calls for demure characters not the balls out, supersexy coquette she plays in I Think I Love My Wife.
The film is obviously staged so that you sympathize with Chris Rock's character but there is no way that I could sympathize with him. He cheats on his wife! Though, not in a sexual way, in a way where he lies to her and gives his precious time to another woman with intentions of having a sexual relationship with her. That doesnt inspire sympathy within me. I was, however, glad that he went back to his wife in the end because nothing is more important than the sanctity of marriage and family and I am glad that even through the problems the couple was able to work out their differences. It sends the message that divorce is not the only option, marriages can be saved.
Dead Silence
Director: James Wan
(2007)
I don't know who or what convinced me that watching a film about killer ventriloquist dolls was a good idea or something that I might enjoy doing. The director of the supremely entertaining Saw Trilogy decidedly struck a wrong chord with this boring flick.
Hey! dont scream or you'll die! But screaming no, not screaming, yawning is what you'll be doing when you try watching this film.
Its ultimately about a film about a man who's interested in investigating the mysterious murder of his wife and finds out that her murder is linked to the murder of a ventriloquist whom one of his family members murdered in an earlier generation. As a result the ghost of the ventriloquist and her dolls that were buried with her terrorize the families of the people responsible for killing her. She cuts out your tongue and kills you but only if you scream.
The only thing slightly favorable about the film is the interesting twist at the end of the film which seems to be the Saw Trilogy's writers/directors' trademarks which they are succeeding at. Even in light of this, fair warning: don't waste your money or, furthermore, your time on this film.
(2007)
I don't know who or what convinced me that watching a film about killer ventriloquist dolls was a good idea or something that I might enjoy doing. The director of the supremely entertaining Saw Trilogy decidedly struck a wrong chord with this boring flick.
Hey! dont scream or you'll die! But screaming no, not screaming, yawning is what you'll be doing when you try watching this film.
Its ultimately about a film about a man who's interested in investigating the mysterious murder of his wife and finds out that her murder is linked to the murder of a ventriloquist whom one of his family members murdered in an earlier generation. As a result the ghost of the ventriloquist and her dolls that were buried with her terrorize the families of the people responsible for killing her. She cuts out your tongue and kills you but only if you scream.
The only thing slightly favorable about the film is the interesting twist at the end of the film which seems to be the Saw Trilogy's writers/directors' trademarks which they are succeeding at. Even in light of this, fair warning: don't waste your money or, furthermore, your time on this film.
300
Director: Zack Snyder
(2007)
I must admit that I only watched this film to see the innumerable half naked buff men that it had to offer. I had absolutely no intellectual input toward the conversation that went on when the film was over and I listened half-heartedly as my macho boy cousin tried to explain the significance of it to me. "I know, I know" I replied after every enthusiastic statement "I took 6th grade social studies!"
300 didn't seem like other based on real war films that I've seen in the past like Troy, which I enjoyed. It just seemed like a who's balls are the biggest contest that I couldn't get into. I thought it was entirely too long and that the warriors were not drawn to scale! When you see Xerxes you'll know what I'm talking about. He doesn't even seem like he could ever be real! and when the warrior elephants (yes, warrior elephants) went over the side of the mountain I wanted to scream, cry, or something. Also, I didn't like that narration. I hate movies that have an actual narrator/background, extraneous narration. I wish that filmmakers would simply let the actions that take place within the scenes tell the story, not some voice over. Its perfectly irritating and a bore all at once.
This was definitely a quintessential for Males Only film from the portrayal of the women in the film to the extreme, over the top violence in the film. I never ever want to see a man watch his son get beheaded by the rival army. That's doesn't make me want to smile or frolic in a field full of poppies, it just makes me wence. And have bad dreams. terrible dreams. See 300 if that's your thing.
(2007)
I must admit that I only watched this film to see the innumerable half naked buff men that it had to offer. I had absolutely no intellectual input toward the conversation that went on when the film was over and I listened half-heartedly as my macho boy cousin tried to explain the significance of it to me. "I know, I know" I replied after every enthusiastic statement "I took 6th grade social studies!"
300 didn't seem like other based on real war films that I've seen in the past like Troy, which I enjoyed. It just seemed like a who's balls are the biggest contest that I couldn't get into. I thought it was entirely too long and that the warriors were not drawn to scale! When you see Xerxes you'll know what I'm talking about. He doesn't even seem like he could ever be real! and when the warrior elephants (yes, warrior elephants) went over the side of the mountain I wanted to scream, cry, or something. Also, I didn't like that narration. I hate movies that have an actual narrator/background, extraneous narration. I wish that filmmakers would simply let the actions that take place within the scenes tell the story, not some voice over. Its perfectly irritating and a bore all at once.
This was definitely a quintessential for Males Only film from the portrayal of the women in the film to the extreme, over the top violence in the film. I never ever want to see a man watch his son get beheaded by the rival army. That's doesn't make me want to smile or frolic in a field full of poppies, it just makes me wence. And have bad dreams. terrible dreams. See 300 if that's your thing.
The Black Dahlia
Director: Brian De Palma
(2006)
The Black Dahlia is a film noir inspired by the 1940's murder mystery of Elizabeth Short. I'm not a fan of films that are inspired by real life events that don't really follow in recounting what really happened but are an imaginative adaptation of what could have possibly happened. Its confusing to the public. No one really knows what happened to Elizabeth Short, The real Black Dahlia, so how could you possibly make a film about it? Also, the girl that is supposed to be the Black Dahlia in the film, played by Mia Kirshner (whom I've come to like because of her role as Jenny in The L word, though I'm not really impressed with her this season) is portrayed as having a dark past that includes pornography and in the real story no one is sure of what her actual background was and what could most likely have caused her brutal murder.
This is yet another Scarlett Johansson film so I just had to see it and she was back to one of her normal roles unlike Scoop. She's incredible in this film and she and the other cast members such as super hot and uber masculine Josh Hartnett and Aaron Eckhart. It was also invigorating to see Hilary Swank playing a more feminine role where her beauty is brought out brilliantly and she isnt so masculine like in her others films. IE: Boys Don't Cry, Million Dollar Baby. She's an amazing actress and was completely believable as the bratty rich girl.
I hate that they did an adaptation of the story/mystery of Elizabeth Short's murder and I hate that she had to die such a brutal death.
(2006)
The Black Dahlia is a film noir inspired by the 1940's murder mystery of Elizabeth Short. I'm not a fan of films that are inspired by real life events that don't really follow in recounting what really happened but are an imaginative adaptation of what could have possibly happened. Its confusing to the public. No one really knows what happened to Elizabeth Short, The real Black Dahlia, so how could you possibly make a film about it? Also, the girl that is supposed to be the Black Dahlia in the film, played by Mia Kirshner (whom I've come to like because of her role as Jenny in The L word, though I'm not really impressed with her this season) is portrayed as having a dark past that includes pornography and in the real story no one is sure of what her actual background was and what could most likely have caused her brutal murder.
This is yet another Scarlett Johansson film so I just had to see it and she was back to one of her normal roles unlike Scoop. She's incredible in this film and she and the other cast members such as super hot and uber masculine Josh Hartnett and Aaron Eckhart. It was also invigorating to see Hilary Swank playing a more feminine role where her beauty is brought out brilliantly and she isnt so masculine like in her others films. IE: Boys Don't Cry, Million Dollar Baby. She's an amazing actress and was completely believable as the bratty rich girl.
I hate that they did an adaptation of the story/mystery of Elizabeth Short's murder and I hate that she had to die such a brutal death.
Scoop
Director: Woody Allen
(2006)
This was not one of the better of Woody Allen's films like Match Point, which really wasn't all that good within itself. Allen seems to have found a muse in Scarlett Johanssen, though, who just so happens to be my favorite actress. In Scoop, however, I was less than impressed with her as a matter of fact I found her just as annoying as Woody Allen's character Sid Waterman. Instead of playing the sultry, vixen type character her beauty and grace destine her to play, she plays a nosey, overly ambitious college student which got a little annoying after awhile. And those ridiculous glasses! What a way to try to understate her allure!
The film was actually quite boring as well, and Allen's attempt at humorizing the bridge between the living and the dead was ill conceived. I still can't imagine why a journalist with such a fulfilling afterlife journey ahead of him would want to come back from the dead to an inexperienced college journalist and persuade her to write a story about a tarot card killer, whom she inevitably falls in love with. I mean, if there were going to be some sort of twist in the "comystery" then of course the first thing I would suspect is a tryst between the college girl reporter and the alleged serial killer. Especially when the actor playing the character is the smooth and debonair Hugh Jackman, Its so incredibly predictable!
I wanted the story to be more developed than it was but I suppose, since I'm so hard to please when it comes to film, that I hope for that in every film I view. More background to the character, more dialogue, more plot twists. More. More. More. The ending also left much to be desired, the only surprise was the the death of Sid Waterman. hm.
(2006)
This was not one of the better of Woody Allen's films like Match Point, which really wasn't all that good within itself. Allen seems to have found a muse in Scarlett Johanssen, though, who just so happens to be my favorite actress. In Scoop, however, I was less than impressed with her as a matter of fact I found her just as annoying as Woody Allen's character Sid Waterman. Instead of playing the sultry, vixen type character her beauty and grace destine her to play, she plays a nosey, overly ambitious college student which got a little annoying after awhile. And those ridiculous glasses! What a way to try to understate her allure!
The film was actually quite boring as well, and Allen's attempt at humorizing the bridge between the living and the dead was ill conceived. I still can't imagine why a journalist with such a fulfilling afterlife journey ahead of him would want to come back from the dead to an inexperienced college journalist and persuade her to write a story about a tarot card killer, whom she inevitably falls in love with. I mean, if there were going to be some sort of twist in the "comystery" then of course the first thing I would suspect is a tryst between the college girl reporter and the alleged serial killer. Especially when the actor playing the character is the smooth and debonair Hugh Jackman, Its so incredibly predictable!
I wanted the story to be more developed than it was but I suppose, since I'm so hard to please when it comes to film, that I hope for that in every film I view. More background to the character, more dialogue, more plot twists. More. More. More. The ending also left much to be desired, the only surprise was the the death of Sid Waterman. hm.
Borat: Cultural Learnings of America For Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazahkstan
Director: Larry Charles
(2006)
I was not impressed.
That's all.
(2006)
I was not impressed.
That's all.
Sweet Sweetback's Baaadasss Song
Director: Melvin Van Peebles
(1971)
There is absolutely nothing positive that can be said about this film! The actual tagline for the film reads: The film THE MAN doesn't want you to see! and I think it should read "The film NO ONE should ever see!" I was dismayed at the content of the film and with how long it was! I felt that it just kept going and going on forever about nothing. Perhaps I felt that way because the content made me uncomfortable and I was ready for the film to be over the moment it began.
Melvin Van Peebles plays Sweetback a black male prostitute who injures/kills (I'm not quite sure) two white cops while trying to save a fellow black man from their brutality.
In my opinion, Sweetback is a harsh portrayal of black men that should be abolished for good! His character presents the idea that all black men are hedonists and only after sex and money and are constantly on the run from one thing or another. I believe that Van Peebles could have chosen a different avenue to get his message across to the masses because though it is presented in this unfavorable way it does call attention to the race and police brutality issues in America especially during that time period however, the amount of sex in the film is definite overkill. Even the opening scene features a child having sex with a prostitute, which I found disgusting and demoralizing to black women not to mention it qualified for child pornography [just my opinion].
I did notice the parallels between Sweetback and Jesus though obviously from the mind of someone who couldn't possibly be in the least bit religious. While Sweetback was on the run from saving the black panther from the cops he became somewhat of an icon and savior for his community. This is implied by the community's dedication to helping hide him from the police that are after him for his crimes and the bright red lights that flash JESUS SAVES in the background of the scenes where Sweetback is on the run. I thought that I must be crazy to assume that Van Peebles was actually bold enough to make a parallel between Jesus and a hedonist like Sweetback but my assumptions were confirmed by others, I was not the only person to notice these parallels and...I think, How dare he?!
I'm surprised I made it through the entire film. I'm proud of myself though, I did get up and walk out at one point but I willed myself to go back into the viewing room.
(1971)
There is absolutely nothing positive that can be said about this film! The actual tagline for the film reads: The film THE MAN doesn't want you to see! and I think it should read "The film NO ONE should ever see!" I was dismayed at the content of the film and with how long it was! I felt that it just kept going and going on forever about nothing. Perhaps I felt that way because the content made me uncomfortable and I was ready for the film to be over the moment it began.
Melvin Van Peebles plays Sweetback a black male prostitute who injures/kills (I'm not quite sure) two white cops while trying to save a fellow black man from their brutality.
In my opinion, Sweetback is a harsh portrayal of black men that should be abolished for good! His character presents the idea that all black men are hedonists and only after sex and money and are constantly on the run from one thing or another. I believe that Van Peebles could have chosen a different avenue to get his message across to the masses because though it is presented in this unfavorable way it does call attention to the race and police brutality issues in America especially during that time period however, the amount of sex in the film is definite overkill. Even the opening scene features a child having sex with a prostitute, which I found disgusting and demoralizing to black women not to mention it qualified for child pornography [just my opinion].
I did notice the parallels between Sweetback and Jesus though obviously from the mind of someone who couldn't possibly be in the least bit religious. While Sweetback was on the run from saving the black panther from the cops he became somewhat of an icon and savior for his community. This is implied by the community's dedication to helping hide him from the police that are after him for his crimes and the bright red lights that flash JESUS SAVES in the background of the scenes where Sweetback is on the run. I thought that I must be crazy to assume that Van Peebles was actually bold enough to make a parallel between Jesus and a hedonist like Sweetback but my assumptions were confirmed by others, I was not the only person to notice these parallels and...I think, How dare he?!
I'm surprised I made it through the entire film. I'm proud of myself though, I did get up and walk out at one point but I willed myself to go back into the viewing room.
Jackass Number Two
Director: Jeff Tremaine
(2006)
Johnny Knoxville and his crazy crew return even more disgusting and outrageous than the first time! It doesn't take much convincing at all that these gentle(well, less than)men perform all of these stunts for pure shock value and while some of them are infinitely entertaining, others of them are utterly disgusting!
I got a huge kick out of the wall valentine with a little punch and the old woman who gets out of the cab at the restaurant and loses all of her clothing and instead of acknowledging her nakedness she just walks around as if nothing is out of the ordinary. I laughed uncontrollably at these parts but I had to get up and leave the room during the part where a horse's sperm was caught in a bottle and then drank by Bam Margera. That's something you couldn't pay me all the money in the world to watch let alone actually attempt to do! I vomited at this part just from the dialogue I heard because I wouldnt dare open my eyes to watch it.
I completely understand the appeal of these types of films and there is no doubt in my mind that Jackass Number Two will not be the last of the Jackass movies. Girls, undoubtably, go out and see them because Johnny Knoxville is such eye candy and Guys, because of the nasty boy things that take place. I'm convinced that only boys can come up with and enjoy doing the crazy things they do in the film. I may be convinced otherwise if in the next installment they actually add a girl to the cast and stop terrorizing Bam's Mom, April! haha.
(2006)
Johnny Knoxville and his crazy crew return even more disgusting and outrageous than the first time! It doesn't take much convincing at all that these gentle(well, less than)men perform all of these stunts for pure shock value and while some of them are infinitely entertaining, others of them are utterly disgusting!
I got a huge kick out of the wall valentine with a little punch and the old woman who gets out of the cab at the restaurant and loses all of her clothing and instead of acknowledging her nakedness she just walks around as if nothing is out of the ordinary. I laughed uncontrollably at these parts but I had to get up and leave the room during the part where a horse's sperm was caught in a bottle and then drank by Bam Margera. That's something you couldn't pay me all the money in the world to watch let alone actually attempt to do! I vomited at this part just from the dialogue I heard because I wouldnt dare open my eyes to watch it.
I completely understand the appeal of these types of films and there is no doubt in my mind that Jackass Number Two will not be the last of the Jackass movies. Girls, undoubtably, go out and see them because Johnny Knoxville is such eye candy and Guys, because of the nasty boy things that take place. I'm convinced that only boys can come up with and enjoy doing the crazy things they do in the film. I may be convinced otherwise if in the next installment they actually add a girl to the cast and stop terrorizing Bam's Mom, April! haha.
The Pursuit of Happyness
Director: Gabriele Muccino
(2006)
Don't forget your box of Kleenex! This film definitely inspires tears. I love Will Smith in the movie, he gives an astounding performance as real life business man Chris Gardner and his son also does a good job as little Christopher, his son. I hope that this film will inspire Will Smith to keep choosing better movie roles than he has in the past because Men In Black, etc. certainly do not/CANNOT compare to the Pursuit of Happyness.
As it happens, the film is based of the true story of millionare Chris Gardner and his struggle to reach the top after losing his wife, his home, and being homeless while trying to raise his son and chase a career. The story is truly an inspiration that lets the masses know that if you put your mind to something that you can acheive it even in the face of extreme adversity.
I was also surprised and delighted at the same time to see Thandie Newton again even though her character plays a small part and is unfavorable she does a marvelous job as little Christopher's mother and Chris' wife who leaves him. She's come quite a way since Beloved and I hope she continues to prosper with more successful films like Crash and The Pursuit of Happyness.
(2006)
Don't forget your box of Kleenex! This film definitely inspires tears. I love Will Smith in the movie, he gives an astounding performance as real life business man Chris Gardner and his son also does a good job as little Christopher, his son. I hope that this film will inspire Will Smith to keep choosing better movie roles than he has in the past because Men In Black, etc. certainly do not/CANNOT compare to the Pursuit of Happyness.
As it happens, the film is based of the true story of millionare Chris Gardner and his struggle to reach the top after losing his wife, his home, and being homeless while trying to raise his son and chase a career. The story is truly an inspiration that lets the masses know that if you put your mind to something that you can acheive it even in the face of extreme adversity.
I was also surprised and delighted at the same time to see Thandie Newton again even though her character plays a small part and is unfavorable she does a marvelous job as little Christopher's mother and Chris' wife who leaves him. She's come quite a way since Beloved and I hope she continues to prosper with more successful films like Crash and The Pursuit of Happyness.
Dreamgirls
Director: Bill Condon
(2006)
Beyonce move out of the way! Jennifer Hudson is taking over! She was absolutely phenomenal as Effie White and Beyonce's Deena Jones desolved in the shadows next to her shining light. We're all so used to Beyonce being larger than life but she may as well have been a novice compared to Jennifer Hudson in this broadway to silver screen delight.
I have never had the pleasure of seeing the stage production but I absolutely enjoyed the big screen edition and I believe it deserved every single award that it recieved especially J.Hud's oscar for best supporting actress. Although, I believe there was nothing "supporting" about her character at all. She was the star. She opened the film with a bang! and she ended it with one too. Jennifer effortlessly surpassed every other actor in the film's star studded cast including Eddie Murphy and Jamie Foxx.
Aside from the incredible performance by Jennifer Hudson the film offers an important glimpse inside the cutthroat music industry. It shows that while fame can go just as easily as it came that family and friends can last forever even, through misunderstandings and miscommunications. I love how Effie prevails in the end. She learns valuable life lessons and ultimately humbles herself after her divalike attitude loses her a relationship with her brother, her boyfriend, and her fellow groupmates.
Dreamgirls was definitely an astonishing film and I'm sure did incredible justice to the stageplay. I was especially delighted to see the cameo of Loretta Devine! I've always loved her! =)
(2006)
Beyonce move out of the way! Jennifer Hudson is taking over! She was absolutely phenomenal as Effie White and Beyonce's Deena Jones desolved in the shadows next to her shining light. We're all so used to Beyonce being larger than life but she may as well have been a novice compared to Jennifer Hudson in this broadway to silver screen delight.
I have never had the pleasure of seeing the stage production but I absolutely enjoyed the big screen edition and I believe it deserved every single award that it recieved especially J.Hud's oscar for best supporting actress. Although, I believe there was nothing "supporting" about her character at all. She was the star. She opened the film with a bang! and she ended it with one too. Jennifer effortlessly surpassed every other actor in the film's star studded cast including Eddie Murphy and Jamie Foxx.
Aside from the incredible performance by Jennifer Hudson the film offers an important glimpse inside the cutthroat music industry. It shows that while fame can go just as easily as it came that family and friends can last forever even, through misunderstandings and miscommunications. I love how Effie prevails in the end. She learns valuable life lessons and ultimately humbles herself after her divalike attitude loses her a relationship with her brother, her boyfriend, and her fellow groupmates.
Dreamgirls was definitely an astonishing film and I'm sure did incredible justice to the stageplay. I was especially delighted to see the cameo of Loretta Devine! I've always loved her! =)
Passion Fish
Director: John Sayles
(1992)
I found this film to be quite boring, actually. It had potential to be amazing as the story was truly a well-written one, I just don't think that it was executed properly. I have a problem with starting movies and not finishing them so watching this film felt more like an obligation than a voluntary film viewing experience.
For one thing there is hardly any music in the film. The only relief from the lack of any musical notes is during the scene changes which clearly denotes the change of the scene and is completely obvious to me. It's as if the director wants to call the veiwer's attention to the scene changes, this makes watching the film tedious and it moves much slower than other more interesting films.
There were a few favorable things in the film: Angela Bassett (she's one of my favorites!), Alfre Woodard's character (I'm so accustomed to her playing some neck rolling, hot tempered, ghetto girl [see Crooklyn], not a mild, vunerable ex-drug addict, and May-Alice regaining that southern accent during the course of the film.
134 minutes of film and those are the only things I enjoyed. hm. Oh, besides the Title.
(1992)
I found this film to be quite boring, actually. It had potential to be amazing as the story was truly a well-written one, I just don't think that it was executed properly. I have a problem with starting movies and not finishing them so watching this film felt more like an obligation than a voluntary film viewing experience.
For one thing there is hardly any music in the film. The only relief from the lack of any musical notes is during the scene changes which clearly denotes the change of the scene and is completely obvious to me. It's as if the director wants to call the veiwer's attention to the scene changes, this makes watching the film tedious and it moves much slower than other more interesting films.
There were a few favorable things in the film: Angela Bassett (she's one of my favorites!), Alfre Woodard's character (I'm so accustomed to her playing some neck rolling, hot tempered, ghetto girl [see Crooklyn], not a mild, vunerable ex-drug addict, and May-Alice regaining that southern accent during the course of the film.
134 minutes of film and those are the only things I enjoyed. hm. Oh, besides the Title.
4.14.2007
Hoodwinked!
Directors: Cory Edwards, Todd Edwards, Tony Leech
(2005)
Hoodwinked!:The True Story of Little Red Riding Hood is a refreshing addition to the myriad of animated that have come out lately. It provides a new and interesting twist to the story of little red riding hood which includes a reporter wolf, a hyperactive squirrel photographer, and Red with an eerily deep voice.
In this version, what's happening is that all the recipes to all the bakeries in the forrest are being stolen! The wolf reporter is on a mission with his to expose whoever is taking all the of the recipes which is new because the wolf in the original is into fooling others, not exposing them.
Hoodwinked! is an amazingly fun viewing experience from the beginning to the end and is great not just for children but for adults as well! I love the new take on such a classic story, the revamping makes the story even better than it was when I heard it first.
The only problem I had with the film was the deep voice that Anne Hathaway provided for Red. It made me uneasy because it didn't match. I imagined Red being a small child of at least 9 or 10 but the actresses voice made Red sound like she was no younger than twenty but the visual of the animated Red presented a child of about 9 or 10. It was a little confusing! Anyway, besides this the film was FANTASTIC and you'll never guess who's stealing the recipes!
(2005)
Hoodwinked!:The True Story of Little Red Riding Hood is a refreshing addition to the myriad of animated that have come out lately. It provides a new and interesting twist to the story of little red riding hood which includes a reporter wolf, a hyperactive squirrel photographer, and Red with an eerily deep voice.
In this version, what's happening is that all the recipes to all the bakeries in the forrest are being stolen! The wolf reporter is on a mission with his to expose whoever is taking all the of the recipes which is new because the wolf in the original is into fooling others, not exposing them.
Hoodwinked! is an amazingly fun viewing experience from the beginning to the end and is great not just for children but for adults as well! I love the new take on such a classic story, the revamping makes the story even better than it was when I heard it first.
The only problem I had with the film was the deep voice that Anne Hathaway provided for Red. It made me uneasy because it didn't match. I imagined Red being a small child of at least 9 or 10 but the actresses voice made Red sound like she was no younger than twenty but the visual of the animated Red presented a child of about 9 or 10. It was a little confusing! Anyway, besides this the film was FANTASTIC and you'll never guess who's stealing the recipes!
Jesus Camp
Director: Heidi Ewing, Rachel Grady
(2006)
Jesus Camp is a documentary about children who attend a church summer camp in order to build their relationships with God and Christ. I must say, as a Christian, I was completely appaulled by the content of this film. It has certainly left a lasting impression on me and viewing it is an experience I will never, ever forget.
I disagree with the things that these people are teaching thier children and masking it as Christianity. I don't think that anything that I saw in the film was even a slight reflection of the Christianity that I was brought up on. Those people were absolutely ridiculous.
I believe that the last straw with the film was when the children at the camp were exposed to the plastic fetuses and the cardboard cutout of George W. Bush. They were teaching these children all the WRONG things. Not about the love, understanding, acceptance, unity, etc. that Christians are supposed to have but other things that I could never have imagined people could attach to Christianity. It almost made me embarrassed to call myself the same things that they call themselves. I believe that religion should be considered a life enhancement not a crutch to use when you find yourself condemning others that are different from you. That's the lesson that these children should be taught, not the one they're getting.
(2006)
Jesus Camp is a documentary about children who attend a church summer camp in order to build their relationships with God and Christ. I must say, as a Christian, I was completely appaulled by the content of this film. It has certainly left a lasting impression on me and viewing it is an experience I will never, ever forget.
I disagree with the things that these people are teaching thier children and masking it as Christianity. I don't think that anything that I saw in the film was even a slight reflection of the Christianity that I was brought up on. Those people were absolutely ridiculous.
I believe that the last straw with the film was when the children at the camp were exposed to the plastic fetuses and the cardboard cutout of George W. Bush. They were teaching these children all the WRONG things. Not about the love, understanding, acceptance, unity, etc. that Christians are supposed to have but other things that I could never have imagined people could attach to Christianity. It almost made me embarrassed to call myself the same things that they call themselves. I believe that religion should be considered a life enhancement not a crutch to use when you find yourself condemning others that are different from you. That's the lesson that these children should be taught, not the one they're getting.
Carmen Jones!!
Director: Otto Preminger
(1954)
Carmen Jones starring Dorothy Dandridge was an absolute treat! I may be just a little biased because I've always admired Dorothy Dandridge and how she kept her integrity and stayed true to herself in the face of racism, etc. in her preferred industry. Not to mention, she is one the of the most gorgeous women I've ever seen. Ever.
I think that this film is ultimately about a selfish woman who has to face the consequences of trying to have her cake and eat it too. Carmen Jones is a woman who goes after what she wants and doesn't stop until she gets it. As a parachute maker at an army camp she sets her sights on
Joe, played by Harry Belafonte, who is engaged to Cindy Lou.
Eventually, Carmen wins Joe's affections and convinces him to run away with her despite his obligations to the army. After being on the run and living in a shabby hotel with Joe, Carmen's love interests shift towards an up and coming boxer and naturally, Joe becomes jealous. Really, really jealous. When Joe finds out about the boxer and Carmen's visitations with him she finds that she is actually in a, what I like to call, "Love you to DEATH" situation.
Watching the film I don't think that I could have predicted the ending but when I saw what happened I wasn't really all that surprised. Love, especially in the light of major sacrifice, is a powerful thing. The film is a musical which I thought would have made the subject matter seem lighter than it was but it didn't and in some places I wished that they would just STOP SINGING! It was too much for me, but they didn't as it was a musical.
(1954)
Carmen Jones starring Dorothy Dandridge was an absolute treat! I may be just a little biased because I've always admired Dorothy Dandridge and how she kept her integrity and stayed true to herself in the face of racism, etc. in her preferred industry. Not to mention, she is one the of the most gorgeous women I've ever seen. Ever.
I think that this film is ultimately about a selfish woman who has to face the consequences of trying to have her cake and eat it too. Carmen Jones is a woman who goes after what she wants and doesn't stop until she gets it. As a parachute maker at an army camp she sets her sights on
Joe, played by Harry Belafonte, who is engaged to Cindy Lou.
Eventually, Carmen wins Joe's affections and convinces him to run away with her despite his obligations to the army. After being on the run and living in a shabby hotel with Joe, Carmen's love interests shift towards an up and coming boxer and naturally, Joe becomes jealous. Really, really jealous. When Joe finds out about the boxer and Carmen's visitations with him she finds that she is actually in a, what I like to call, "Love you to DEATH" situation.
Watching the film I don't think that I could have predicted the ending but when I saw what happened I wasn't really all that surprised. Love, especially in the light of major sacrifice, is a powerful thing. The film is a musical which I thought would have made the subject matter seem lighter than it was but it didn't and in some places I wished that they would just STOP SINGING! It was too much for me, but they didn't as it was a musical.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
