|
2012 2009 ★★★
Make no mistake about it, this is hella dumb. And overly sentimental. And stereotypical as hell. And a few other things. And as far as Oliver Platt's character goes... Why are we supposed to hate him again?
That said, together with Independance Day and The Day After Tomorrow, this proves one thing: Emmerich does dumb well. Or at least better than Bay does.
Pair this with Cusack and Peet pulling off credible action leads. Or Woody Harrelson. You can drop Woody anywhere and he does a solid job.
That combination makes it at least enjoyable. Enjoyable popcorn trash.
The Wasteland 2021 ★★
El Paramo did not do much for me.
Too many jumpscares - granted, the I spy bit paid off - and too much run of the mill ghostiness.
For fans of supernatural films, but not much more than that.
Maniac 2012 ★★★★
Because it's completely filmed in pov, pretty much all of this movie relies on the performance by Elijah Wood. Apart from a few bloody moments where director Franck Khalfoun and writer Alexandre Aja (High Tension) get to live out their inner gorehound.
Weirdly, it was made more impressive by seeing and hearing the childlike enthusiasm with which Elijah talks about his craft and his love for his job.
While his performance relies heavily on his voice, arm movements and things like heavy breathing, it's not really completely like the voice acting in cartoons (or at least it does not seem that way).
His performance and the story also offer an insight into his character's torment and how his soul is torn apart by both the past and later the present. But right before you start sympathizing with him, let alone feel sorry for him, you are reminded every time that, by the end of the day, he is a psychopathic killer.
I liked the Anna subplot for several reasons. On first sight, it keeps the movie from becoming repetitive. Together with the dating scene, it also shows how Frank has the opportunity to connect with women. But at the key moment, the demons in his head keep him from further connecting.
Finally, this might be odd, but in a way, this movie can perhaps create more goodwill for something like #metoo than some of the more "aware" films that came later. It shows how Frank is capable of a (somewhat) normal conversation. Even more, it shows how you, as a woman, can have a pleasant evening with a man, or even build up a relationship based on trust. But at every moment, there is that possible fear on how this "nice guy" can turn on you at any given moment and become a threat.
Final conclusion: it's definetily as good as the original by William Lustig, if not better. Well recommended.
DeadHeads 2011 ★★
It was good for a few chuckles and at least they switched the generic metal for generic indie rock. That's... something.
Other than that, the characters are too generic and cartoony to be funny. The only enjoyable ones are Emily - Annie Potts meets Hooks from Police Academy - and tonight's Ken Foree, who is the closest thing to playing it straight. And zombies can kiss girls now, because... reasons.
Shrek 2001 ★★★½
Believe it or not, but tonight brought two doses of John Lithgow. (The day after being the other one)
Some of the lines and references have perhaps not aged that well. I mean, how many kids still know the Macarena?
But as a modern day fairytale, it still holds up. It's has enough good jokes and cool action pieces to keep you involved in the story. Very entertaining.
Mike Myers shines as Shrek and, in my opinion, Eddie Murphy has his best role since Coming To America.
__________________
|