andreas_14_99 Reviews

I Spit on Your Grave (1978)

Don't bother with it...

[1/10 · 2 December 2007]

First off, I'd like to say that movies are one of the biggest passions in my life. I enjoy watching movies of every genre, from any era and don't really prefer any genre over the other, just as long as a movie has something to offer.

I never tend to read too much into exaggerated bashing or the hypes surrounding some movies. So given that I guess it's needles to say that I approach every movie with an open mind. Which is why I like to give movies with a bad reputation, such as I.S.O.Y.G., the benefit of a doubt and find out for myself rather than just simply taking someone's word for it. (There's no point in being a puppet people :D). So that's what I did with this movie in an orderly fashion.

However if you are a person that make up your mind wither or not to watch a movie, by reading reviews I will help you out by saying this: Watching this movie is as close to a waste of time that I personally have ever gotten! And there is a big chance you will feel the same way if you decide to watch it.

"Waste of time" Now there's an expression I don't really like to use, but watching it basically was. The only thing I gained from watching this travesty of a movie, was the privilege of sharing my opinion on it afterward. That's it. While watching I mostly just wanted it to be over, since I was bored out of my mind, and now I have to get this off my chest.

In my opinion 'I Spit On Your Grave' lacks in EVERY single aspect of film-making. It's by far the worst movie I've ever seen, and here are the main reasons why:

1. The direction was awful! Nearly all the scenes dragged without any real point to them, the movie was about 100 minutes when all of it could have been over in about 40 minutes

2. The plot sucked! (Just because rape is an awful and degrading thing, doesn't make this a great movie).

3. The characters were simple minded and plain out boring. Very badly written, without any dimensions at all. (None of them evoked anything that even resembles an emotion)

4. The actors pretty much sucked too, especially Camille Keaton who didn't contribute anything with her poor acting. (But then again not even a talented actress could have saved this train wreck of a movie)

And finally as for the ones that say it's disturbing, I honestly didn't find it disturbing at all, simply because it was too badly made on all accounts to actually evoke emotions or make one feel anything other than bored. Already after about 15-20 minutes it was obvious to me that this movie never really would take off.

I'm not against a movie being slow paced, or made with simple means (with a low budget), in fact I welcome it, since I like movies that keep you thinking and sometimes require you to be patient. Movies that for example focus and rely much on dialog, face expressions or images in order to make you think or feel something, but again there has to be a point to it, and everything about this particular movie was just amateurish all over. Don't be fooled by people trying to make this movie out to be a masterpiece. It isn't. You could most likely do better yourself given a camera. And I really mean that.

In conclusion, this movie is pointless!

The Boogey Man (1980)

Oh my God, did this movie suck or what?!

[1/10 · 4 September 2006]

Normally I wouldn't even care to comment on a totally ridiculous movie like this one, but I felt compelled to do it this time. I can't stress enough how bad this movie is. It lacks in almost every aspect of film-making. There's no end to the reasons why this movie sucks! But just for fun, here are a few: The plot was stupid, the acting terrible, the cutting extremely bad...and the list goes on and on.

In the beginning I actually thought it could turn out to be pretty decent, but man was that a mistake! So my advise to you is to seriously avoid this one, nothing is to gain by watching it. I only tortured myself to watch the whole thing, because I have this principle of seeing a movie in its entirety once I've started it.

Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)

Hilarious!

[7/10 · 2 May 2006]

Hahaha! I actually laughed my ass off already in the opening scene when Ron Burgundy (Will Ferrell) looks himself in the mirror and shouts out to everyone to come and see how good he looks. My God! That was so f****n funny! It's like the part as Ron Burgundy was designed for Ferrell personally.

Most of the comedies that have been made the last few years have mostly been boring as hell or have just been about repeating already overused concepts seen way too many times before. I'm not saying this movie is original in it's plot, not at all, I'm merely saying it's just unusually funny and Ferell in his funniest part ever just can't go wrong :D There are so many moments in this film that are hilariously funny just because of how good Ferell is.

Also we get spared from the corny romantic cliché in this one, since the romance between Appelgate and Ferrell doesn't come off as a serious attempt to move us, it's just there simply for the fun of it. If you for some weird reason haven't seen this comedic masterpiece already then I strongly suggest you do so... and If you have seen it, see it again! :D

Sin City (2005)

"An old man dies. A young girl lives. A fair trade..."

[8/10 · 2 May 2006]

I'm not a fan of comic books. Never have been, and probably never will be. Hence I cannot decide whether this film do the comics justice or not, (since I haven't read the comics nor even heard of them before) but I find it very hard to believe this masterpiece of a movie doesn't. This has got to be the greatest adaption from comics to the big screen of all time. I mean having seen this movie about 4 times now (I think) I find myself completely sucked into its surreal world every time I watch it. The way it's shot is awesome. The dialog is excellent and every character deliver their lines in such an amazing way one cannot help but to be almost mesmerized at times.

Every single actor give great, solid performances. Usually I'm not a big fan of Bruce Willis but he's perfect as Hartigan. No question about it. Also Clive Owen and Mickey Rourke stand out. But it doesn't really seem fare to point out single names since the whole cast is excellent! I found myself being fascinated by the world of Sin City and the characters within it to say the least, and although the violence can be very raw and not even justified most of the times it fits the mood of the film so I can't really say I disapprove of it. Furthermore the music sets the tone for the film perfectly and I like how the ending nicely wraps up with the beginning of the film.

I recommend this film and look forward to the sequel...

"An old man dies. A young girl lives. A fair trade. I love you, Nancy."

The Crow (1994)

Great Potential!

[8/10 · 2 May 2006]

A movie perhaps best known for the tragic death of actor Brandon Lee. However the film itself is definitely worthy of recognition. I remember being very taken by this movie as a young child, and now several years later and find myself still enjoying this film. I can't help but to feel that it lack something though. It had great potential to be extraordinary, and yet somehow it fails to deliver fully out and ends up being just a good movie with a original idea, when it could have been so much better!

Its visuals are beautiful in a depressing and sad way, with a surreal and dark feel to it. The acting from Brandon Lee is great as avenger of his wife's murder and Michael Wincott's performance as the main villain is above average, however I feel it's missing something. His character could have been portrayed better by a different actor perhaps. Ernie Hudson gives a solid performance as well as Rochelle Davis as young Sarah. Also nice work from David Patrick Kelly playing his usual role as a psycho. Overall the acting is unfortunately a bit uneven on behalf of the rest of the cast.

The pacing of the film is just about right. But as stated before I do feel that some elements are missing in order for this to be a totally mesmerizing experience. I can't really put my finger on it but it lack some depth. The quite original idea that Eric Draven is brought back from beyond the grave by a crow is excellent, and how the crow works as his link to the world and his temporary immortal state. Yet I would have wished for more of a build up, so we can feel his pain and loss. Shelley is seen only in flashbacks for instance. I also feel something else could be added to the plot in order for it to grow and be a really great film.

To sum up it's a good film with an original idea and quite good acting, that just simply lack something to be as great as it could have been. I still like it and definitely think it's worth more than one look. Just wished more fore it that's all...

A River Runs Through It (1992)

Stunningly beautiful

[8/10 · 29 April 2006]

This is one of the most beautiful films I have ever seen. The Footage is extraordinary, mesmerizing at times. It also received an Oscar for best photography, and deservedly so. I have many movies in my film collection and several more I've seen besides them, and not many of them are more beautifully or even equally as beautifully shot as this one.

It's unique and an overall great movie. The cast is terrific and do a great job in portraying their characters. We follow their destinies with devotion, and get very emotionally attached to them. Along the way, we also learn things about ourselves and our lives. I think much of this film for what it represent, and how it present it. I warmly recommend it

The Usual Suspects (1995)

Excellent Thriller!

[9/10 · 29 April 2006]

I just finished watching this movie a few minutes ago, and can without a doubt say it's one of the best thriller mysteries ever to be made. I found the plot and script both to be very clever and original. Furthermore it had great acting in general, and brilliant acting by Kevin Spacey and Gabriel Byrne in particular. Even Stephen Baldwin delivers in style for a change.

As the movie goes along you get drawn into its world and about half way through you're completely absorbed by it. One starts to fit the pieces of the story together in order to find out who the mystery man is, or if there even was one to begin with. I personally came up with a few different theories, of which one, proved to be right. This always serves as a letdown to me though. I don't like to be right in the end. I love the feeling when a movie catches you with total surprise. However I cannot and will not deny that this movie was tremendously well pulled of on all accounts. A definite 10! Finally I'd like to add that if you think of the most unexpected but yet somehow the most obvious, of what's there right in front of you, you will figure out the mystery of the film before it ends... Well, hope you'll watch it and enjoy. I know I did!:D

The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)

Boring

[4/10 · 29 April 2006]

It starts of pretty decent, but from there on it's mostly just a big YAWN! I mean seriously, it's a way too uninteresting plot to fill over 2 hours of film. Great effects just isn't enough.

One part in particular that really stands out as unnecessary long and just plain annoying is in the middle of the film when the main characters are captured in their bus-like vehicle. I don't think there's anyone on the planet who can't figure out they're all gonna make it (except for the guy who conveniently comes to their rescue) and yet Spielberg's gotta milk every tiny little second he can out of that single scene, delaying it several minutes, and for what? To achieve a state of suspense...well mission accomplished...not! *sigh*

Perhaps this movie where to gain if he had shortened it down, but it still wouldn't have been great, and perhaps not even good, but at least more acceptable. While the first movie was quite original and entertaining this one lacks in almost every aspect of film making. There are so many predictable elements and boring characters that it's just not interesting to watch. I actually mostly saw the whole thing, to have seen it and now I feel I could easily live without that experience. To me this is just a cheap trick to milk out more money from an originally great concept. I haven't seen the sequel to this one, and don't think I will either.

At last I would just like to say that I'm usually not this pessimistic, and I don't aspire to be, but this is just my take on the film. I honestly didn't appreciate it and just wanted to share my view. If people like it and think of it as underrated, well then they're of course entitled to think so, I just don't understand how they can, but that's my problem :D

Million Dollar Baby (2004)

Clint Eastwood is The Man! :D

[8/10 · 28 April 2006]

Since I hadn't really heard anything about this film before watching it, I didn't really know what to expect. But somehow I knew that it wouldn't really be about boxing. That's quite easy to figure out. I knew that there's was gonna be a deeper meaning to the film, but I just wasn't sure what that was and how it would develop.

So finally taking myself some time to watch the movie I first felt a little bit uninterested, mostly watching to have seen it and being able to state my opinion afterward. However it didn't take long to get into the film, and when I did I found myself appreciating it a lot. Of course there are classic clichés and predictable elements in the plot at times. And already from the beginning you know something is eventually gonna go wrong. But that doesn't really matter. Even if you do know that, you don't know exactly what's gonna go wrong or how you're going to feel when it does. You don't know how strong feelings you've been led to build up for the main characters.

Nowadays, when making a movie, it isn't easy to avoid repeating some parts and turns in the plot that has already appeared in an earlier movie or several, since most movies already have dealt with most themes. And I know some people have criticized Eastwood for this film. Calling it overrated, saying it's cliché and so on. But It's how you do the film that matters. Of course originality is important in a film. But definitely also equally important is how the actors manage, what they deliver and how it all adds up in the end. What you feel during, and mostly important what you feel after the movie. "Have you learned anything?". "How did you feel?" etc.

What Eastwood's Million Dollar Baby regards I really got to say that I found the acting superb, mostly on Hillary Swanks part. But even Eastwood and Freeman were great as almost always. And the plot - although containing predictable elements at times - was also great and captivating. I was totally drawn into the drama of the film and felt for both Maggie as well as Frankie in the end. It was really chocking and horrifying what happened to her. Even before the fight you just know that something bad will happen. But even so, when it does, You can't help but to suffer for her sake. I would say what happens to her towards the end of this film is one of the cruelest destinies for any human to suffer in life. It lets you appreciate you're own life situation.

So what can be taught by this film? What do we learn? They way I see it, we learn that however cruel it seems to be what happened to Maggie we must dare to live our lives. Live out our dreams and not be afraid. Whatever happens to us it will be worth it if we've had a fulfilling life. Just think about it. Even if you protect yourself you're whole life what is it worth protecting for if you don't follow that dream? Although a classic theme - depicted in many films before and will be in several films to follow - it was nicely done in this one. Great Job Clint Eastwood! (Beside this is just my interpretation of the movie, you may have another one)...Anyhow, I seriously recommend you to see this film, you will be moved...

Stand by Me (1986)

One of the best movies ever made...

[10/10 · 28 April 2006]

Stand By Me is without a doubt one of the finest pieces of film ever made in the history of humanity. A truly excellent movie that really strikes and affects you with all its glory. It leaves no one untouched whether you're 12 or 112 years old. Simply because it deals with life and friendship, and all that comes with it. Both the good and the bad.

Everyone can relate to it and feel what the characters feel. Because we've all been there. We have all done similar things to what they are doing, we have all been dealing with the same issues in life as they are faced with and we all still are.

Few films are able do depict the theme of life and friendship as successfully as Stand By Me. In my opinion there are practically no flaws in this production, everything from the plot and the screenplay to the characters and the actors are top notch. Also the music is great.

Watching the movie one feel everything from happiness and laughter to fear and grief. Laughter because we remember how fun it was being a child. With everything being new and exciting in life. And facing it all together with our friends. Fear and grief because of how hard it can be having to grow up and let go of the past. Let go of our old friends and our old life.

One can't help but to feel nostalgic. At least I do. It makes me think about life in a larger sense. Thinking about my childhood I realize how long ago it was or at least seems to be. The movie frees a lot of emotions and thoughts regarding both my own life and life in general.

This movie also has one of the best opening scenes in film history. I almost burst into tears every time I see it. It's as close to perfection as it gets. It's so beautiful and sad. Simply the perfect way to launch the rest of the movie. How the beautiful soft music first almost reaches out and touch you, while seeing the landscape. Then a close up on the car and the main character reading the chocking news of his dear old friend's death. Thereafter such a smooth passage back to his childhood with focus on the kids passing by on their bikes and the music still in the background. Excellent!

To conclude I have also one little flaw, or at least I think of it that way. It's regarding the whole "Lardass-scence". When I was little I could never figure out why it was in the film. I couldn't see the connection to the rest of the film. Being older and hopefully a little wiser :D I now see that it's a way of showing Gordies talent for making up stories, the talent that have him becoming a writer one day. However I feel this could have been illustrated in a better way. I've always felt that scene is just a little bit over the top and I still do. Otherwise Stand By Me is close to a masterpiece. No one should go through life without seeing and experiencing this wonderful film.

Good Will Hunting (1997)

An inspiring piece of film...

[8/10 · 26 October 2005]

Every now and then you come across a movie that though including some classic clichés, still manages to stand out and really affect you. Somehow this movie achieves just that. One can think that there's nothing special about this move. That there's nothing more to it than beats the eye. Well I beg to differ.

I first saw it back in 2003 and was completely absorbed by it. Back then I even considered it one of my favourite movies of all time. I saw it again this morning however and have to admit that it's maybe a bit too convenient to like sometimes. The overall great plot has some flaws, but it's still a great movie. I wouldn't go so far as to call it my all-time-favourite, not even close, but I still think of it as ONE of MANY personal favourites.

One of the factors that make this such a great movie is that it includes top notch acting. Damon and Affleck are really great along with both Stellan Skarsgård and Robin Williams who put on tremendous acting, especially Williams. But alongside them I have to say that Minnie Driver as Skylar also brings something to the deal that is well worth appreciating. She has this natural charm to her, that is quite unique and adorable.

Except from the great and talented acting, I fell for the plot. It appealed to me. Inhere also lies some of the clichés, but I feel that they made it in such a way that they get away with it. I don't now how. Can't really put my finger on it. But it works. They pulled it off. I found myself drawn to the mix between drama and humour, and was mostly intrigued by the relationship that develops between Will (Damon) and his therapist (Williams).

There's something rather fascinating and inspiring about this film. I highly recommend it. I wish I somehow could capture the essence of the film and express it to you in a better way, but I guess you'll have to see it for yourselves. At least do that and make up your own opinion about it. It's worth that much. And even though you against all odds :-) should disagree with my judgment, I doubt that you'll find it so bad that you'd end up regretting you watched it.