Random Movie Musings

I just picked a few of your reviews, figure I'd give my own counter commentary.

Grindhouse: luckily I went to go see this in the theaters which was a much more impressive experience than seeing them on DVD. First off seeing two movies for the price of one was a nice bonus as far as I was concerned, but the way they joined them together with fake movie trailers for that double feature drive in feel, was a nice touch in my opinion. Personally I didn't weigh the films too heavily on what they were striving to accomplish. I just took them at face value and enjoyed them. Planet Terror was my favorite of the two. It was faster paced, packed with action, and I laughed all the way through at the over the top action and gore. Death Proof was good, I very much enjoyed seeing Kurt Russel as a badguy, but some of it was just silly. I think the whole girl power thing was a bit too much and I agree it did come out cleaner as it went along. Still I'd rate Grindhouse at 3 out of 5.

The Descent: I'm not sure what version I've seen, but I do know it did not end with the main character escaping. And I disagree with the ending falling apart. When Sarah struck Juno, I didn't see it as righteous but how the human character could fall so far into misunderstanding, rashness, and vengeance when the psyche is pushed to its limits. Sarah had transformed into something different there. She was no longer herself, but something far more primal. When the dream sequence at the end finishes she wakes back up in the cave. Perhaps punishment for what she succumbed to, perhaps the place where she now belongs since she may be more like the creatures now than like the being she once was. I thought Neil Marshall did a great job with this film. With Dog Soldiers and Doomsday added to his works, I'd consider him one of my favorite directors now. Though they might not be epic masterpieces, they are good and entertaining. I'd rate this one at 4 out of 5.

Reservoir Dogs: For me the dialog and the characters made this film great. I like the conversations, the interactions between the characters. It all feels very real and down to earth. You put a group of guys together and these are the things you'll here them talk about. Add to that a sequence of interesting events, and you get an entertaining film. Plus the music added a nice tough as well. With all that said, my favorite scene is with Michael Madsen and the razor. Steeler's Wheel kicks on, he dances around with the razor...I don't know, there is just something about that contrast that appeals to me. An unforgettable scene. Classic. Still I can see where one would say the movie doesn't do much. It isn't an action packed film, a turn twisting shocker, or even a real definable purpose. Yet it did entertain which is the sole purpose of any film. Thus I give it 3 out of 5.
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Here's what's new,

Wendy And Lucy (2008)
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/01/13/review-wendy-and-lucy-2008/

Powerful, gripping film. Michelle Williams gives the performance of a lifetime, and while I'm not big on awards if she doesn't win every single best lead actress on every award show then they are all frauds. It's really hard to put into words just how easily this film spoke to me and how much everyone owes it to themselves to see this masterpiece of cinema. It is somber and morose, with few glimpses of happiness, but it is a film that everyone needs to see.

Rashômon (1950)
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/01/14/review-rashomon-1950/

There's not much I can say about this film that hasn't already been said. It was a wonderful experience, the camera work, the setting, the acting, everything was done to perfection. The innovative storytelling still holds up today, this stands as Kurosawa's finest work in my eyes.

In The Name Of The King: A Dungeon Siege Tale (2007)
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/01/14/review-in-the-name-of-the-king-a-dungeon-siege-tale-2007/

I don't care what people say, I love the films of Uwe Boll. Film needs more directors like Boll, ones who are willing to make movies so atrociously awful that they end up being an awesome experience. This movie is no exception, as it is filled with so many terrible things that it is a joy to watch. I'll take any Boll movie over the countless mediocre films that think they are great any day of the week. If you know what I mean then you know why you should ignore the rating.

Les Vacances De Monsieur Hulot (1953)
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/01/14/review-les-vacances-de-monsieur-hulot-1953/

I found this to be very funny, I was coughing at one point because I was laughing so hard at the kayak scene. Still, some of the situations fall flat and more interestingly charming than funny. That's not a bad thing mind you, because I found myself interested all movie long and I found the majority of the movie to be funny. I couldn't relate to the nostalgia trip most people seem to get from the vacation premise seeing as I've never gone on one. Really good film.

Frozen River (2008)
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/01/15/review-frozen-river-2008/

This movie was heavy in atmosphere, mostly supplied by the beautiful cinematography. It does have things to say about the Mohawk, how they are treated in relation to white people and the current bad economy. But, more than anything else it is a suspense thriller with incredible visuals and a deftly crafted story. I quite enjoyed it, another indy darling of 2008 that I'm happy I took in.

The Terminal (2004)
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/01/15/review-the-terminal-2004/

I loved this movie, it's a throwback to a Frank Capra style of film making. It's an uplifting story, and it is a simple in its attempts to make people believe in the power of good again. It is highly sentimental and schmaltzy, but other than a moment near the end, the sentiment and schmaltz is done right. Hanks continues to amaze and disprove the people who claim he can only play one type of character or one role. This film will never be remembered like it should, but we do live in an age when uplifting fantastical movies aren't really accepted while gritty and realistic are the norm.

Gilda (1946)
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/01/15/review-gilda-1946/

Rita Hayworth is pretty and very sexual and that's about all the good I can say about Gilda. Otherwise this was a very pedestrian and obvious noir with terribly wooden acting from Glenn Ford and a convoluted ending that never gelled together.

The President's Analyst (1967)
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/01/16/review-the-presidents-analyst-1967/

Like a lot of satires, this is spot on at some points and completely misses the mark in others. The two opposing secret agent from Russia and the USA were the funniest part of the movie and James Coburn was very good as the lead. There's not too much to The President's Analyst and it does leave you wishing for a bit more substance. Still a good movie that isn't hard to watch and ends up being a good waste of a few hours. Although I'm sure it's held in much higher esteem by children of the 60's and 70's.

My Bloody Valentine 3-D (2009)
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/01/18/review-my-bloody-valentine-3-d-2009/

I was highly impressed with the 3D, thought it was used excellently and looked superb. Outside of that, the movie was pretty much garbage. I hate the new trend in horror towards gore for the sake of gore, give me suspense to build up to the gore and I'll actually care, or some chicks that can actually scream. The one chick was hot naked, and I loved the 3D, but otherwise not a movie I cared for, especially when you get to the highly convoluted and nonsensical ending.
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What I've been watching,

The Guns Of Navarone (1961)
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/01/18/review-the-guns-of-navarone-1961/

Good enough action flick, but that's all it is. The acting is decent, but nothing to take notice of and Gregory Peck who I usually love becomes grating as the holier than thou philosophy dropping Captain. If it had been trimmed down a bit and focused more on the action and less on the ridiculously thin characters it would have been a great action film. But, still a good explosions driven action movie.

The Sweet Hereafter (1997)
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/01/18/review-the-sweet-hereafter-1997/

Brilliant film, with a lot to say but it says all of it so quietly. Every actor is amazing in their roles, but Sarah Polly, Gabrielle Rose and Ian Holm stood out above all others. A movie not about death, although it is at times, but about how death affects everyone that is left alive. It's powerful and small at the same time, just a tremendous film.

A Beautiful Mind (2001)
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/01/18/review-a-beautiful-mind-2001/

Highly compelling movie with good performances across the board. I thought the interweaving of reality with his fantasies was deftly handled. The movie flew by, and I had almost no problems with it other than his wife disappearing down the home stretch and a few other minor things. Nowhere near worthy of the backlash there has been against it.

Soylent Green (1973)
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/01/18/review-soylent-green-1973/

Not the best of sci-fi dystopia movies. It wants to be so much more than what it ends up being, but Soylent Green ends up with a lot of nifty ideas but little in the way of a passable story or a reasonable structure. Plus, they had Joseph Cotton and they used him for about two minutes. I'll pass on ever seeing this again, thank you very much.

Stagecoach (1939)
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/01/19/review-stagecoach-1939/

Really great Western, only brought down a few pegs by the tacked on happy ending. This went against the standard Western grain in so many ways, never giving into any of the classic Western stereotypes. John Wayne is very good as a much more subtle version of his usual bravado filled cowboy. One of my favorite Ford Westerns, or Westerns in general.

They Were Expendable (1945)
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/01/20/review-they-were-expendable-1945/

They Were Expendable is a decent look at the camaraderie formed between soldiers during time of war. It also features some great battle scenes, looks good and outside of Wayne's over the top performances features some good acting. But, as I am finding to be far too typical of John Ford's work, it is far too patriotic, and slanted towards US sentimentality to be a great movie.

Fort Apache (1948)
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/01/20/review-fort-apache-1948/

Excellent Western, this remains one of the finest Westerns I have ever seen, and is the best of Ford's cavalry trilogy. Fort Apache managed to find the perfect mix of romance, comedy, action and the technical aspect of the cavalry men that Ford was so enamored with. Henry Fonda was great, but this is the role of John Wayne's career for me, he tones down his usual bravado and delivers a very quiet, subtle performance. This also takes America to task for its stupidity and arrogance in the old West, truly a classic.

The Quiet Man (1952)
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/01/21/review-the-quiet-man-1952/

I enjoyed The Quiet Man, it was a fun movie, full of romanticized ideas about Ireland and our way of life. John Wayne was good in a reserved fashion, and I quite enjoyed Victor McLaglen as something more than a soldier for once. People can call me sexist all they want, but man does Maureen O'Hara have a rack. Sexism aside, an enjoyable movie and another fine entry in the Ford/Wayne collaboration.

Libeled Lady (1936)
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/01/21/review-libeled-lady-1936/

A screwball comedy that is funny at times and not so funny at others. There's really nothing to Libeled Lady beyond that, it's a run of the mill comedy that is worth a watch if you stumble across it, but it's not something I'll revisit anytime soon.

It Happened One Night (1934)
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/01/22/review-it-happened-one-night-1934/

A Capra classic, and with good reason. It is lighthearted, but it has a lot of said heart and it is very funny. Some scenarios don't work, but that's just how comedy works. Great performances all around, just a really good, uplifting story that you can get behind.

King Kong (1933)
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/01/22/review-king-kong-1933/

There's not much I need to say about this one, it's still so much fun all these years and all these viewings later. Kong looks just as great now as he did when I first saw him, and unlike the horrendous 2005 remake that got everything about the story wrong, this one moves fast and never lets up, putting the focus where it belongs, on Kong. A seminal film for a lot of reasons, but none of those matter because king Kong is still a lot of fun to watch.

That's what I've been watching. Read, if you like.
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Ah the Guns of Naverone, I liked that one. To me, I thought the characters were well done. Though it's been far too long since I last seen it. The sequel is decent too, has Harrison Ford and one of my favorites, Robert Shaw. (Force 10 From Naverone)
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Quick update for a reason I'll link to later,

Zwartboek (2006)
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/01/22/review-zwartboek-2006/

Great WWII thriller that offers a more fantasy driven look at the war. I loved the moral relativism present in Zwartboek and how it attacked all the people who like to think of themselves as far superior to the Nazis. Carice van Houten and Sebastian Koch were both great in their roles and outside of a few instances Verhoeven reigned in his usual over the top nature in regards to sex or blood and gore.

Blue Velvet (1986)
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/01/23/review-blue-velvet-1986/

Scathing, and often crude, look at the rotten nature of suburban life that we all try to ignore. I didn't find Blue Velvet to be shocking for the sake of the shock, but rather it was shocking because people needed to be shocked into reality about the type of people who may live next door. Good all around cast, when Laura Dern wasn't trying to cry, but Rossellini and Hopper were the best, although Dean Stockwell sort of stole the show.

The Field (1990)
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/01/23/review-the-field-1990/

Great allegorical movie, it asks all kinds of questions about man and what he owns or has the right to own. It also questions the old ways of living versus progress. Tremendous performance from Richard Harris in the lead, but Sean Bean was good as the son, but blink and you might miss Brendan Gleeson in a small role as a quarry man.

Invasion Of The Body Snatchers (1956)
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/01/23/review-invasion-of-the-body-snatchers-1956/

Sci-fi flick that ranged from decent to good. It needed a little more depth or fullness to it, because it was too stark for my liking. Still, it did a good job of presenting 1950's McCarthyism in a palpable subtext and did a great job of using paranoia to create fear.

North By Northwest (1959)
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/01/24/review-north-by-northwest-1959/

My favorite, and the best, Hitchcock. not only is this full of all the usual tremendous camera work and cinematography, but it is incredibly fun and actually has a script that can keep up with Hitchcock. Grant is great, and I would take Eva Marie Saint over Grace Kelly or any other Hitchcock preferred icy blond every day of the week.

Modern Times (1936)
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/01/25/review-modern-times-1936/

Charlie Chaplin is funny, that's all there is to the man. Modern Times also presents plenty of social commentary and while I was greatly taken by that turn for Chaplin, the film still moves along because of Chaplin's innate ability to get a laugh out of just about every scenario.

Babel (2006)
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/01/25/review-babel-2006/

Mediocre movie, no depth or characterization at all outside of young Chieko. The fractured narrative doesn't work here as well as it has in other films, and the entire nanny Amelia story is incredibly fake and a blatant attempt at making us feel sympathy for an idiot. I've never seen the greatness in Iñárritu that others do, and this is yet another film that falls into the overrated camp.

100th Review Poll
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/01/23/100th-review-poll/
Finally, I'm just about to my 100th review, and I created a poll so you could decide what I review. Just click on the link above and leave your vote.
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So had anybody seen Rear Window? I've seen the modern version with Christopher Reeve and Disturbia (which was sort of the same thing), but I'd never seen Rear Window until last night. Have to say it was really, really good. Despite its being older, it was still suspenseful all the same. You know how sometimes with the older movies you can't help but laugh when they're trying to be suspenseful? Yeah. But Hitchcock really pulled it off. And of course I know he's the 'Master of Suspense', but just saying. Now...the ending disappointed me. From when Thorwald walked into the room until right before you see Jeff in the wheelchair with two broken legs. That whole part disappointed me. I'm not sure what it is with older film, but those people looked like they were fast forwarded. That always bugs me.

But anyway, great movie overall. Smile

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"It's not about the legacy you leave, it's about the life you live." ~Mara Jade Skywalker

No, I haven't seen that one. And now that I'm thinking about it, I might go and rent some Hitchcock movies. Wonder what kind of selection the rental store has...
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Master Joined: 15 Apr 2008 Posts: 4434 Location: Korriban

Ah hitchcock, the master of suspense. Rear Window was awesome, so was Vertigo.
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Perfection is a lifelong pursuit requiring sacrifice. The only way to get it quicker is to sacrifice the most.

A small batch this time, very small in fact,

My Darling Clementine (1946)
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/01/26/review-my-darling-clementine-1946/

Solid Western, I loved it's small and insular tone. The showdown was a letdown however, and I wish the two women weren't such shallow caricatures. But, stellar performance from Fonda along with two very good turns by Victor Mature and Walter Brennan. Like any Ford Western this also looked great and sounded excellent. I wouldn't put this in the same league as Fort Apache, but it's only a few shades below Stagecoach.

Gaslight (1944)
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/01/27/review-gaslight-1944/

This had the tremendous look and atmosphere that noirs are known for, along with some choice acting from Angela Lansbury and Charles Boyer. That all added up to a fun movie, but Ingrid Bergman went too far into "ACTING" mode, the film came across a little too Hollywood for my tastes and the story was painfully weak and didn't make much sense when you stopped to think about it for longer than a second.

Il Buono, Il Brutto, Il Cattivo (1966)
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/01/29/extra-special-100th-review-il-buono-il-brutto-il-cattivo-1966/

Hey, hey, hey, it's time for my 100th review and my faithful, possibly narcoleptic, readers have spoken, and Il Buono, Il Brutto, Il Cattivo (The good, The Bad And The Ugly) it is. This was my first exposure to the Spaghetti Western, and what an exposure it was. As simple of a movie as you will find, but easily the greatest Western Spaghetti or otherwise, I have ever seen. A score for the ages, Clint being Clint, a final showdown that movies dream of, awesome visuals, etc., etc.. Il Buono, Il Brutto, Il Cattivo had everything that anyone could ever want in a movie, great stuff all around and thanks to anyone who voted for it. I do plan on getting to all the pictures that were in the final poll but lost as well, at some point.
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Here's what's up,

Paranoid Park (2007)
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/01/30/review-paranoid-park-2007/

Yet another brilliant take on humanity from the mind of Gus Van Sant. Stylistically this is in a similar vein to his other indie work, and bears the most resemblance to his most polarizing effort, Elephant. However, the big difference in Paranoid Park is that it isn't about the event that takes place, but what happens after the event and how life goes on. Also, I had absolutely zero problems with the non-actors, this isn't a massively fictionalized story, and the facts are that most kids in real life are the way the kids in this movie were. All in all, tremendous stuff.

The Red Shoes (1948)
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/01/31/review-the-red-shoes-1948/

I know I'm going to upset a lot of people, but I was not a fan of The Red Shoes. It's not a bad movie and I recognize the craftsmanship on display in its production, but I wasn't drawn in by the story, the ballet number didn't excite or entice me at all and Marius Goring was so uninspiring as the romantic lead that I could never get into that storyline. This one just wasn't for me I guess.

The Magic Box (1951)
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/01/31/review-the-magic-box-1951/

Interesting biopic. It is very straight forward and formulaic, but I highly enjoyed the look at genius and how it isn't always appreciated. I also enjoyed the way this film dealt with Greene's methods and the terrific way it built up suspense for the first time he tried his movie camera. Surprisingly great film.

The Evil Dead (1981)
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/01/31/review-the-evil-dead-1981/

Fun film, Bruce Campbell is awesome and remains one of the most criminally underrated actors in the business. The gore was great, the atmosphere was excellent. It was a bit too lean on story and is by no means a deep film, but a very fun effort.

Aguirre, Der Zorn Gottes (1972)
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/01/31/review-aguirre-der-zorn-gottes-1972-2/

Stupid WordPress almost lost my write-up for this movie, thank Odin I copied it right before trying to find out what was wrong. Either way, powerful film, and Klaus Kinski is absolutely mesmerizing in his portrayal of madness and the depths of human depravity. Tremendous tone and atmosphere, plenty to say about the world then, the world now, our interaction with nature, etc.. Just an all around great film, one of the best I've ever seen.

Eyes Wide Shut (1999)
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/02/01/review-eyes-wide-shut-1999/

This one was able to sneak up on me, because all I ever heard before watching it were bad reviews. Of course being a big fan of Kubrick I was skeptical as to how it could be so bad and it turns out I was correct to be skeptical. Like usual Tom Cruise is rock solid in his role and continues to be an actor who gets hated on for no reasons, he actually has talent people. Also like usual, Nicole Kidman was weak as all get out and the one glaring flaw in the film. But, great atmosphere and the usual Kubrick use of an outrageous topic to tackle the simple ideas of humanity.

The Man From Earth (2007)
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/02/02/review-the-man-from-earth-2007/

Very good science fiction. This is more in line with written science fiction than it is with any sci-fi you will find on TV or in the movies. It's not about any external threat, it's not an action film, but it is a suspense film built around the idea of questioning everything around you. I didn't much care for the ending, it would have been better if the whole father/son thing had never been revealed, but still a great film.

Fitzcarraldo (1982)
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/02/03/review-fitzcarraldo-1982/

With all the hoopla over Slumdog Millionaire, I would like to point peoples attention to this film. Not only is it an inspirational tale about following your dreams and being happy regardless of money or status, but it also works in the completely opposite way and unlike Slumdog is incredibly deep. That deepness stops Herzog's film from being a fable, it's an actual story, with fantastic visuals and great acting. Really great film.

Marty (1955)
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/02/03/review-marty-1955/

Great little film, and very much the companion piece to Annie Hall. Marty tackles much the same issues as Annie Hall does, just in different ways and with different results. Marty is about overcoming your issues and finding love, and it is a really sweet film about the pressure put on you by your friends and family to find the love they want, not the love you want. Marty ends up a really sweet and touching story.

The Reader (2008)
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/02/04/review-the-reader-2008/

Despite what most people think, this isn't about the Holocaust. A love story that's about how much love hurts and how devastating love can be to the parties involved. Tremendous acting from Winslet like usual, but David Kross came out of nowhere to deliver a performance that more than held up next to Winslet's. Plus, hey, Kate Winslet is nude and having lots of sex, you can't beat that.

4 Luni, 3 Saptamâni Si 2 Zile (2007)
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/02/04/review-4-luni-3-saptamani-si-2-zile-2007/

Powerful film about a period of time for two women, but it's not about the issue of abortion in any way. The acting is great all around, the cinematography is great and the long takes establish a distinct feel right away. Really and all around great film that more people need to see.

Harold And Maude (1971)
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/02/05/review-harold-and-maude-1971/

Yes, there were moments that felt forced, the ending didn't really work like it should have and the movie feels empty for some reason. However, I loved the dark humor, the suicide attempts were hilarious and I enjoyed the overall tone of the film.

Short Circuit (1986)
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/02/05/review-short-circuit-1986/

This is another film where you need to ignore my rating, because Short Circuit may be atrocious in most ways but its also awesome and really fun to watch. Racial stereotyping never gets better than Fisher Stevens, Guttenberg is the Gut, and Johnny 5 is genuinely funny and quite the achievement from a technical standpoint to boot.
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Per Un Pugno Di Dollari (1964)
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/02/06/review-per-un-pugno-di-dollari-1964/

Dollari is good, but it's essentially the beginning of Leone forming his directing style, same holds true for Morricone and his score. There's a rawness to this film, and Eastwood is his usual awesomely stoic bad ass, but mostly Dollari takes the Western and re-envisions what it could be, a world of utter darkness.

Per Qualche Dollaro In Più (1965)
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/02/06/review-per-qualche-dollaro-in-piu-1965/

While not as great as Il Buono, Il Brutto, Il Cattivo this is probably a more important film because this is when Leone really hammered out his style and fixed any of the kinks his earlier efforts suffered from. Eastwood and Van Cleef are awesome, Morricone's score is tremendous and the showdown at the end is the stuff of legend.

Letters From Iwo Jima (2006)
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/02/07/review-letters-from-iwo-jima-2006/

Powerful film making, easily Clint's best directorial effort in my eyes. The film has a beautiful monochromatic look to it and there's a subdued nature to the entire thing that just works. I realize not everyone is a fan of Eastwood the director, but this is just a fine movie regardless of who the director is.

The Good Earth (1937)
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/02/07/review-the-good-earth-1937/

Nothing ever beats a bunch of lily white people playing Asians, nope, that never gets old. I couldn't get past that fact, it's just abhorrently bad the way the "Asian" characters are depicted in The Good Earth. But, when you do get past it you realize that what you are viewing is a book without any of the inner monologue. The Good Earth is a series of snapshots with these characters, but we never connect with them and we never get a sense of what is going on in their heads.

The Killing (1956)
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/02/08/review-the-killing-1956/

Surprisingly this was a Kubrick film, because it felt nothing like a Kubrick film. It was slick, and I found the story engaging, but overall it felt like a hollow movie, I don't know what it was missing exactly, but it was missing something.

Bikur Ha-Tizmoret (2007)
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/02/08/review-bikur-ha-tizmoret-2007/

Brilliant little film. I found the meaningful parts of the story engaging and well done, but I was really a fan of the slow, dry nature of the comedy on display. Not surprisingly that has been the big complaint I've heard about this film, but I really loved the dryness, starkness and slow fashion of the narrative.

Pee-wee's Big Adventure (1985)
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/02/09/review-pee-wees-big-adventure-1985/

I honestly believe that people who don't enjoy this film have either no sense of humor or have completely forgotten what it's like to look at the world through the eyes of a child. Complete nonsense from start to finish, but it's supposed to be nonsense. It's fun, funny, interesting, colorful, an all around great movie, and I was surprised to discover this was a Tim Burton movie, I never had any idea about that until this viewing.

King Of New York (1990)
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/02/09/review-king-of-new-york-1990/

Christopher Walken is great as the chill and cool bad guy, Laurence Fishburne is just as great as a completely manic killer. King Of New York looks great, a sort of neon noir with shadows pushed out of the way by neon colors and splashy visuals. But, the rest of the cast is pretty bad, and the story is non-existent and never makes any sense.

Babe (1995)
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/02/10/review-babe-1995/

A movie I can't say enough great things about. It looks beautiful, features astonishing animatronics, great themes and messages, is endlessly cute without manipulating the viewer, features an amazing performance from James Cromwell, great voice acting, I could go on and on. Babe is great, everyone should see it.

Weird Science (1985)
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/2009/02/10/review-weird-science-1985/

There are some funny moments, and certainly some eye candy, plus Bill Paxton makes any movie just a little bit more awesome. But, this is a pretty weak writing effort from John Hughes, and outside of the awesomeness of a few Babylon 5 regulars in small roles, Anthony Michael Hall and a young Robert Downey Jr. there isn't much here. There's plenty of misogyny and outdated jokes that fall flat, but that's about it.
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