adam_lytle Reviews

Krull (1983)

Funnier than a lot of comedies.

[3/10 · 26 November 2000]

I recently rented this movie with some friends because we were looking for a movie to sit and make fun of. Perhaps we were going into it with a poor attitude, but I don't think we were disappointed. The movie is just a train wreck.

The thing runs just over two hours, but at least 20% of that is shots of them riding on horses through the country side and climbing mountains. If they had any sense of economy while editing this thing, it only would have been about 80 minutes long.

The acting is just terrible, the lead actor smiles throughout the whole thing regardless of the situation, and even Liam Neeson looks like he could use an acting lesson or two.

If you're looking for a movie to rent for cheap and make fun of while drinking beers, Krull is for you. About the only even remotely positive thing I can say about it is that the special effects aren't half bad for 1983.

Mystery Men (1999)

Under a different director, this would have been awesome.

[7/10 · 21 November 2000]

I love the concept for Mystery Men. The loser superhero is a concept just waiting to be properly handled. Unfortunately Mystery Men doesn't do it, which is a damn shame considering the stellar cast. Ben Stiller is perfect as the amazingly ineffective Mr. Furious, William H. Macy could act a phone-book, Wes Studie is brilliant as the Mystery Men mentor The Sphinx, and Janeane Garofolo is always a pleasure to watch. (Unfortunately, the only disappointing performance is from Paul Reubens, who I've always thought of as rather talented.)

There's some great dialogue in Mystery Men, and some great performances, but its not enough to rescue the movie from the Director's misconceptions. He seemed to think he was making Batman Forever. The art design of the film really fights with its ironic nature.

If you're a comic book fan, I recommend renting this movie, if you can find it for cheap.

If you're looking for a good superhero parody, check your local listings for the cartoon 'The Tick', it spoofs comic book heroes better than Mystery Men did.

The Iron Giant (1999)

A movie that will make you feel like a kid again.

[9/10 · 21 November 2000]

In an age of Pokemon and Disney snoozers like Pocahontas, animated movies aimed at the 6-12 year old demographic are usually limited to eye candy at best.

The Iron Giant is an exception to this trend. I simply cannot say enough good things about this movie. The animation is incredible, the story, while nothing too revolutionary, serves as a basis for a great message.

The movie is filled with some great moments that are cute, while not cloying. The action, such as it is, is handled well and does not glorify violence.

Perhaps most refreshing is the lack of wisecracking animal sidekicks and musical numbers that Disney has made so popular.

If you're a parent, rent this one for your kids. If you have any amount of childlike wonder remaining in your being, watch this movie. It will not disappoint.