gethistr8 Reviews

Le Dîner de Cons (1998)

Amusing but not great

[7/10 · 19 November 2007]

I found this movie engaging and amusing. I must say, though, I am surprised at the degree of extreme enthusiasm being voiced by many of the people who have placed comments.

The keyword for me was that this movie, more than anything, AMUSED me. Yes, there were some laugh out loud scenes, but not in any great abundance, and certainly not enough to earn this movie the status of a "great" comedy.

There were a few major scenes, each of which delivered, on average 1 to 2 (2 is generous) good laughs. Certainly you could do worse than that when watching a comedy, but I would be curious to see where other people were so overwhelmed with laughter while watching this when i found myself often content but bordering underwhelmed.

Oh I have to say though - the ending was perfect

Dirty Love (2005)

The finest film of the 21st century

[10/10 · 15 June 2005]

One word for you folks: Scrumptrulescent!!!! There are movies, and then there are films. This, Dirty Love, is one of the finest films not only of the year, but of a generation!! When Rebecca turns to Michelle, and utters the famous line, "Smoke me like a sausage you filthy mongoloid trash!," it is reminiscent of the best that Gone With the Wind had to offer. This young lad gives Dirty Love a resounding recommendation, and 10 of 10 tiddlywinks!! I leave you with a parting thought: When I think of why we are at war, I think it is to protect films such as this. Watching this film is like being served steaming buttermilk pancakes fresh at Nana's Diner, 7 a.m. sharp. That my friends, is a good feeling indeed.

City of God (2002)

Kids meets Goodfellas - corrected

[9/10 · 16 February 2003]

minor spoilers

Viewed this film at the Angelika last night (only location in NYC at which the film is playing - to my knowledge).

Stunningly good, with the best "twist" ending that I have ever seen. I am surprised to see so many comparisons made to Goodfellas, and yet none made to Kids. To me, this movie is in complete parallel with kids for the fact that it displays in brutal detail a way of life for a particular person during a particular time. I live in nyc and am of the same era as those who starred in kids (in fact I used to see Harold Hunter out at clubs that I frequented once in a while), and so i can certainly vouch for the accurate depiction (allbeit a bit exaggerated) put forth in Kids. I can only assume the same to hold true for this movie, especially based upon what we are shown at its end. stylistically the movie mirrors goodfellas in many ways, though for its documentary-feel, again it gives off the same sort of vibe that kids did when it was released in 1995.

overall, a movie recommended to all who can bare to watch brutality in its harshest form. Holds its own against Goodfellas, though not quite the same calibur of The Godfather in my opinion.

9 of 10. Unforgettable and will have you thinking about the characters and circumstances for days.

City of God (2002)

Kids Meets Goodfellas

[9/10 · 16 February 2003]

minor spoilers

Viewed this film at the Angelika last night (only location in NYC at which the film is playing - to my knowledge).

Stunningly good, with the best "twist" ending that I have never seen. I am surprised to see so many comparisons made to Goodfellas, and yet none made to Kids. To me, this movie is in complete parallel with kids for the fact that it displays in brutal detail a way of life for a particular person during a particular time. I live in nyc and am of the same era as those who starred in kids (in fact I used to see Harold Hunter out at clubs that I frequented once in a while), and so i can certainly vouch for the accurate depiction (allbeit a bit exaggerated) put forth in Kids. I can only assume the same to hold true for this movie, especially based upon what we are shown at its end. stylistically the movie mirrors goodfellas in many ways, though for its documentary-feel, again it gives off the same sort of vibe that kids did when it was released in 1995.

overall, a movie recommended to all who can bare to watch brutality in its harshest form. Holds its own against Goodfellas, though not quite the same calibur of The Godfather in my opinion.

9 of 10. Unforgettable and will have you thinking about the characters and circumstances for days.

The Elephant Man (1980)

amazing....but not for the weak at heart

[10/10 · 26 January 2002]

this is a brilliantly done film. it is quite raw and blunt about its subject matter, however, so it should not be viewed for "entertainment" purposes, thought he story is inherently intriguing. we must just sit and watch in curiousity and amazement, but in concurrence with extreme sorrow, as we are shown the brutality that john merrick must face as his reality. a smile from another human being, or even a pleasant greeting (which is something that we all take for granted), is treated by this man as the highest form of complimentary behavior possible.

one of the best films that i have ever seen. it wouldnt be called a top 25 of all-time film by the public (though i may place it there), however, based solely on the fact that it, as i mentioned earlier, is lacking in terms of typical "entertainment" value. even though you will certainly be immersed the entire way through. ah, who knows! im not expressing myself very well. make it a priority to see this film. enjoy

absolutely amazing and memorable - 10/10

Memento (2000)

FANTASTIC

[10/10 · 4 December 2001]

It truly frustrates me that more people have not seen this film. I saw it as soon as it was released by total chance (in retrospect, luck). I saw that it had received some good reviews so I figured hey, why not take a chance.

Incredibly original, incredibly entertaining. But very confusing for some, so be prepared to see it twice.

If you don't make it your duty to see this film, then you are missing out on what will eventually be viewed upon as a classic (if it hasn't already reached that status).

10 of 10

Mulholland Drive (2001)

My preparedness prior to viewing this film was inadequate.

[8/10 · 4 December 2001]

This film was intersting, but it wen't nowhere. I am a stranger to Lynch's directing style, so instead of sitting back and enjoying the style of the film, I was waiting for the plot to unravel the entire time. Needless to say, if you go into this film looking for a conclusive and satisfying ending then this is not the film for you. It's intersting. I was watching HBO about a year ago, and was watching a film that I found nearly as confusing. I couldn't remember it's title. Then, after having seen this film I realized there was a similarity in styles between the two films. I looked up Lynch's track record, and there I found that movie I had been searching for. Lost highway. Really cool film, and as of right NOW I would have to say that I enjoyed that film moreso than Mulholland. I will have to rewatch this movie again though sometime now that I have a greater understanding of Lynch's approach to film-making. Normally I like going into a film knowing nothing about it. In this case, doing so took away from the film because I found myself confused, frustrated, and just wanting the damn thing to end.

Right now my rating is a 3 of 10....but I realize that subsequent to a second viewing, which will happen eventually, my review may be a bit more optimistic (but anything above an 8 I would doubt....I'm still a bit surprised at how high the ratings have been, regardless of Lynch's history as a director)....Movies should be more to entertain, not utterly confuse, which is what I found this film to do. But hey, can't say I didn't like the lesbian scenes. The brunette woman is absolutely gorgeous!

Young Frankenstein (1974)

Good, not great, comedy

[8/10 · 4 December 2001]

I enjoyed this film, but I am surprised that it has been so highly rated. The gags are cute, and there are a few belly laughs, but I certainly wouldn't place this movie among the classics of all time (not to say that there are that many comedies that are even "good" in existence).There are several sections of the movie where it either lags or where the comedy is only chuckle-worthy at best...worth seeing though on a rainy day.

6 of 10

The Godfather Part II (1974)

Very good film, though not nearly as captivating as the original.

[8/10 · 4 December 2001]

This is film is excellent. Don't get me wrong. I just found myself far more entertained with the first. Deniro's scenes as a young Pacino were brilliant, and I wish more time woudl have been spent detailing his rise towards superiority and the highest respect of all who surrounded him. I certainly recommend watching this film, but unlike the first, I don't feel it the kind of movie that I would want to watch over and over again.

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

Calling it a masterpiece is an understatement

[10/10 · 8 June 2000]

This movie is brilliant. There is no need to go into detail about the reasons behind my saying so. It is a film that everyone should simply take the time out to watch- to try to describe its qualities would be at best an injustice to this piece of treasure. I have never encountered a single person who regretted watching the film, and come on lets give it some more 10s so it can beat out the godfather! (which I haven't seen so maybe once I do I'll be singing a different tune)...but regardless, this film is amazing, and not many can compare to it at all.