apertome Reviews

Aenigma (1987)

Worthwhile

[6/10 · 7 September 2021]

I didn't have high expectations going into this, which is the right way to approach it. I mostly wanted to see the infamous death-by-snail scene, which did not disappoint.

The film didn't make a lot of sense in general, but it's mostly well shot and has Fulci's trademark atmosphere and grit.

Overall, there's nothing earth shattering, but its story is told in unusual ways and I enjoyed it. That's good enough for me.

Urban Justice (2007 Video)

Poor

[4/10 · 30 November 2013]

I don't understand all these positive reviews. In my view this is one of Seagal's worst (though not his very worst). I didn't feel like Seagal was "back" at all. Many confusing, close edits, and poor lighting, obscure the fighting. Speaking of lighting, there wasn't much used, so the whole film is extremely dark and grainy, and not in a stylized way, just in a "we didn't care enough to use lighting" sort of way. Often characters appear backlit on the screen as well.

The story is simplistic to the point of being laughable. Seagal still can't act.

I feel 4 stars is generous, but I WAS entertained, so mission accomplished, from that point of view.