A "Dr. Strangelove" for the TikTok era, the long-awaited "Suicide 2" is frenetic in pace (making the chapter cards possibly too fast to read), but it shows a large cast of characters can all shine in a film less than four hours, and even get pathos and heart into the mix. Wildly inventive
bouncing to roaring beats from the startling music selections, it's a delight.
Reviews
21 Reviews
Charming, Whimsical and Delightful
7 November 2017
Luc Besson seems to have no limits, and his visualization of Adele Blanc-Sec from comic to film is a delight for the funny-bone as well as the eyes. In keeping with the setting of the film, Besson occasionally uses slapstick and old school silent movie touches to keep the tone light while continually moving forward. Adele has been compared to Indiana Jones (mainly because they both visit Egypt), but she also could be the sister of Captain Jack Sparrow as absolutely nothing will defer her from her mission. This is an adventure worth sharing, a gentle pleasure from start to finish.
Harlock: Space Pirate
(2013)
This one is a WOW
23 August 2016
No, you will not mistake the characters for human actors, but the visualization of the faces is remarkable, familiar and engaging. The plot is okay, but the reason to watch is to treat your tired eyes to the marvelous beauty of almost every scene.
It must be fun to be able to call upon international Shakespearean theatre actors to bring words to life and then put musicians together for the orchestral score. The performances in English work closely enough with the mouths and enhance the verisimilitude being accomplished. Captivating and fun; can we have more like this, please???
It must be fun to be able to call upon international Shakespearean theatre actors to bring words to life and then put musicians together for the orchestral score. The performances in English work closely enough with the mouths and enhance the verisimilitude being accomplished. Captivating and fun; can we have more like this, please???
Chicken with Plums
(2011)
A Treasure
4 July 2013
Other reviews cause me to cry out in protest as I found "Chicken with Plums" captivating in a way few films have touched me. I would urge anyone reading these words to seek it out for themselves (I found it on "starz" and hope they will continue to show it).
The storytelling is tantalizingly deliberate; one might even say that the early sequences are almost misleading their matter-of-fact tone. But the artistic team - and a martini-dry performance by Mathieu Amalric as our harried hero - continue unwrapping the narrative in a startlingly casual fashion, the tale becomes richer and more daring with every turn.
Persian tales begin, "There was someone, there was no one." See for yourself whether you find Nasser Ali someone to remember in this artful Persian story.
The storytelling is tantalizingly deliberate; one might even say that the early sequences are almost misleading their matter-of-fact tone. But the artistic team - and a martini-dry performance by Mathieu Amalric as our harried hero - continue unwrapping the narrative in a startlingly casual fashion, the tale becomes richer and more daring with every turn.
Persian tales begin, "There was someone, there was no one." See for yourself whether you find Nasser Ali someone to remember in this artful Persian story.
Grace of My Heart
(1996)
Sharing Her Heartache With the World in Hit Songs
25 November 2011
A wonderful performance by Illeana Douglas is the main attraction of this roman a clef of what might have happened if Carole King and Brian Wilson had become a couple. Not entirely successful but much more than a chick flick romance.
Parallel to this version of the early days of rock and roll, the undervalued Laraine Newman plays another Carole King avatar in "American Hot Wax," a heartfelt tribute to Alan Freed featuring Screamin' Jay Hawkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Chuck Berry playing themselves 20 years earlier as well as a goofy Jay Leno. Warner Brothers record producer Richard Perry eerily channels Lou Reed in the Phil Spector role John Turturro has here.
Parallel to this version of the early days of rock and roll, the undervalued Laraine Newman plays another Carole King avatar in "American Hot Wax," a heartfelt tribute to Alan Freed featuring Screamin' Jay Hawkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Chuck Berry playing themselves 20 years earlier as well as a goofy Jay Leno. Warner Brothers record producer Richard Perry eerily channels Lou Reed in the Phil Spector role John Turturro has here.
Angel of Death
(I) (2009)
Kick ASS Grindhouse Female Assassin delivers the goods
20 December 2009
A small-budget exercise in what can be accomplished in on-line video, "Angel of Death" is startlingly effective as a full-length product.
Starring near-legendary stunt performer Zoe Bell ("Kill Bill," "Death Proof" and others), this action adventure never pulls its punches. Every shot hits - and some very bloody hits they are. It creates some of the same energy and electricity as "Wanted," with mordant humor and wonderful guest performances from brilliant mime Doug Jones (who created Abe Sapien in "Hellboy," the Silver Surfer and others) and the woman for whom Bell doubled for years, Lucy "Zena" Lawless.
Terrific editing suits Ed Brubaker's potboiler plot, with camera angles and scene framing joyfully celebrating the story's hard core comic book feel. Darrel Herbert's music is derivative but effectively enhances the over-the-top approach of the action.
To paraphrase Ordell Robbie, "When you absolutely, positively want to watch a warrior woman take out every m*-f* in the room," check out Zoe Bell as Eve. "Angel of Death" delivers the goods.
Starring near-legendary stunt performer Zoe Bell ("Kill Bill," "Death Proof" and others), this action adventure never pulls its punches. Every shot hits - and some very bloody hits they are. It creates some of the same energy and electricity as "Wanted," with mordant humor and wonderful guest performances from brilliant mime Doug Jones (who created Abe Sapien in "Hellboy," the Silver Surfer and others) and the woman for whom Bell doubled for years, Lucy "Zena" Lawless.
Terrific editing suits Ed Brubaker's potboiler plot, with camera angles and scene framing joyfully celebrating the story's hard core comic book feel. Darrel Herbert's music is derivative but effectively enhances the over-the-top approach of the action.
To paraphrase Ordell Robbie, "When you absolutely, positively want to watch a warrior woman take out every m*-f* in the room," check out Zoe Bell as Eve. "Angel of Death" delivers the goods.
Real Genius
(1985)
Smartly smart-ass
4 May 2009
College kids working on government weapons while being lied to by their teachers? An audacious premise with no basis in reality is just the beginning.
One of screenwriter Proft's most engaging scripts, "Real Genius" is a classic us-versus-them situation with terrific performances and humor that focuses on targets other than flatulence. It holds up to repeat viewings for many of us who enjoy watching the premise unfold while discovering little gags and clues we missed the first four or five times. And it introduced me to Tears for Fears.
I shared it with a co-worker who managed to correctly identify every single major character in the film among our co-workers; some of them were self-aware enough to enjoy the film AND the joke.
You'll be pleased to discover a movie this smart if you haven't found it already. Recommending it "is a moral imperative."
One of screenwriter Proft's most engaging scripts, "Real Genius" is a classic us-versus-them situation with terrific performances and humor that focuses on targets other than flatulence. It holds up to repeat viewings for many of us who enjoy watching the premise unfold while discovering little gags and clues we missed the first four or five times. And it introduced me to Tears for Fears.
I shared it with a co-worker who managed to correctly identify every single major character in the film among our co-workers; some of them were self-aware enough to enjoy the film AND the joke.
You'll be pleased to discover a movie this smart if you haven't found it already. Recommending it "is a moral imperative."
Gumby Dharma
(2006)
And yes, Davey and Goliath come along, too
12 April 2009
Startlingly honest, occasionally depressing, this is an amazing biography and a must for Clokey fans. Seal's review is near-flawless except he didn't mention that the film also deals with how this Zen Buddhist was - somehow - hired by what is now the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) to do a children's program with faith-based topics. I was a kid in the ELCA and remember the large push they provided to this project (perhaps in response to the Missouri Synod Lutheran church's theatrical films "Martin Luther" and "Question Seven"). It appears that Clokey had his issues with the ELCA - the bio contains a Gumby clip featuring a malevolent Davey as the villain! A well-deserved tribute to an American original, and a man of his time.
Tubby the Tuba
(1975)
The first computer-animated feature?
3 February 2009
According to the David A. Price book, "The Pixar Touch," this production may lay claim to being the first computer-animated feature.
Developed largely by technicians without previous animation experience, even many of the people who worked on it were dismayed at how bad the animation quality was. It took a few more years before computer animation actually was recognized as the powerful tool it has become in features by Pixar and others, not to mention special effects work in many other "live action" films.
However, I note with interest that some comments dislike the story itself and don't speak to the production quality, so maybe the piece holds up after all.
PS - Fans of animation will find the Price Pixar history fascinating.
Developed largely by technicians without previous animation experience, even many of the people who worked on it were dismayed at how bad the animation quality was. It took a few more years before computer animation actually was recognized as the powerful tool it has become in features by Pixar and others, not to mention special effects work in many other "live action" films.
However, I note with interest that some comments dislike the story itself and don't speak to the production quality, so maybe the piece holds up after all.
PS - Fans of animation will find the Price Pixar history fascinating.
Shoot 'Em Up
(2007)
VER-RY entertaining
19 September 2007
Given that the first thematic film made was a western ("The Great Train Robbery"), it's startling how many NEW gun-play ideas this film contains.
Less in-your-face nihilism than "Sin City" but just as dark, this film has style and a sense of humor without ever staring at you and winking or preening about just how clever it is. It just keeps going - as one bit of dialog suggests, like the Energizer Bunny.
Owen does his usual suave-with-grease-on-his-face action, and Giamatti is wonderful - after he hits 10, he goes on to 11, 12 and 13, threatening to burst several blood vessels at any moment.
See it on the big screen, while you can.
Author is not a studio plant, a potted plant nor a steel plant.
Less in-your-face nihilism than "Sin City" but just as dark, this film has style and a sense of humor without ever staring at you and winking or preening about just how clever it is. It just keeps going - as one bit of dialog suggests, like the Energizer Bunny.
Owen does his usual suave-with-grease-on-his-face action, and Giamatti is wonderful - after he hits 10, he goes on to 11, 12 and 13, threatening to burst several blood vessels at any moment.
See it on the big screen, while you can.
Author is not a studio plant, a potted plant nor a steel plant.
Mad Dog Time
(1996)
Tart mobster story from the Elmore Leonard school
6 June 2005
Hint number one - read the title as "the Time of the Mad Dog," or perhaps dogs. This is a pretty good ensemble piece (look at the cast and rent it - you know you're curious already), and first-time director Bishop gives them their chance, taking his time, letting the characters interact and chew the scenery as they wait - not enthusiastically - for the return of "the big boss" and whatever revenge ensues.
For some of us, the highlight is seeing Christopher Jones after his self-imposed exile from films; he remains a commanding film presence. And yes, with Christopher Jones, Larry Bishop and Richard Pryor involved, this IS the "Wild in the Streets" reunion party!
For some of us, the highlight is seeing Christopher Jones after his self-imposed exile from films; he remains a commanding film presence. And yes, with Christopher Jones, Larry Bishop and Richard Pryor involved, this IS the "Wild in the Streets" reunion party!
Warrior Marks
(1994)
Colonialism attacked by...colonialism
23 November 2004
Wasn't until I read a radical film criticism book called "Keyframes" (Tinkcom and Villarejo) that I could articulate the problem with this film.
2 feminists (American and British) with a sense of self-important "truth" wander into 2 countries without much research or organization to "do good." The result turns the multicultural area of Africa into a very large place that is all the same, advances that there could be no reason for anyone ever to have performed these rituals that they do not understand, depict the elderly circumcisions as a monster, ignore a women's activist group because their cause was not our cause...in short, act like the very colonial powers they are attempting to discredit.
A muddle, but not without emotional power. Just don't think much as you watch...and get your little charge of Liberal energy.
2 feminists (American and British) with a sense of self-important "truth" wander into 2 countries without much research or organization to "do good." The result turns the multicultural area of Africa into a very large place that is all the same, advances that there could be no reason for anyone ever to have performed these rituals that they do not understand, depict the elderly circumcisions as a monster, ignore a women's activist group because their cause was not our cause...in short, act like the very colonial powers they are attempting to discredit.
A muddle, but not without emotional power. Just don't think much as you watch...and get your little charge of Liberal energy.
The KGB, the Computer and Me
(1990 TV Movie)
WELL worth seeing if you get a chance!
5 February 2003
How this terrific PBS/Nova film could possibly have been allowed to go off sale is impossible to understand. This documentary/reenactment manages to tell most of the story of Clifford Stoll's best selling "The Cuckoo's Egg" with Clifford portraying himself. It is as lively and entertaining as the book itself, if not more so, and clearly articulates many of the issues associated with computer-based spying. A terrific example of how much energy a documentary can have - it will be worth the search at your local library or public school. Good luck!
Hijacking Hollywood
(1997)
Amiable fun with a hijacked plot
17 January 2003
Henry ("E.T.") Thomas playing naive and innocent in L.A. is nearly lost admit a number of terrific supporting cast members, but the actor who gave director Neil Mandt the best performance was...Neil Mandt.
Thomas, who wants to be a director (who doesn't?), gets a job as a production assistant on a distant relative's big-budget picture. While ambling around the landscape of the City of the Angels, he and his roommate (Mandt) hatch a plot to get their movie made which is blatantly ripped from "The Producers" - in a just world, the credits would have included "From a story by Mel Brooks."
Light fun, deftly played - see it before the musical version becomes the toast of Broadway!
Thomas, who wants to be a director (who doesn't?), gets a job as a production assistant on a distant relative's big-budget picture. While ambling around the landscape of the City of the Angels, he and his roommate (Mandt) hatch a plot to get their movie made which is blatantly ripped from "The Producers" - in a just world, the credits would have included "From a story by Mel Brooks."
Light fun, deftly played - see it before the musical version becomes the toast of Broadway!
The Last Cowboy
(2003 TV Movie)
Schmaltz held to tolerable limits
13 January 2003
Jennie Garth has a grudge against her father (Lance Henriksen), but comes back home to attend her mother's father's funeral. When she inherits part of the family ranch, she must make peace with Dad if they are to ward off the debts and developers trying to take their land.
Formula stuff, but played well by a terrific cast, especially Henricksen, M. C. Gainey with a show-stealing turn as a laid-back ranch hand and "Alias" sidekick Bradley Cooper. Garth is better than I've ever seen her and rides a horse credibly.
If this is what Hallmark is going to do with their TV network, it could make up for the "Touched By an Angel" reruns.
Formula stuff, but played well by a terrific cast, especially Henricksen, M. C. Gainey with a show-stealing turn as a laid-back ranch hand and "Alias" sidekick Bradley Cooper. Garth is better than I've ever seen her and rides a horse credibly.
If this is what Hallmark is going to do with their TV network, it could make up for the "Touched By an Angel" reruns.
UHF
(1989)
Almost-smart fun
13 January 2003
How to take over a TV station, lose your girlfriend and succeed in business without really trying? If the phrase "Weird Al movie" doesn't put you off completely, there's lots to enjoy in this, including a parody of the "Money for Nothin'" video so good that even Mark Knopfler participates. If you don't like the joke, wait a minute and there'll be three more for you to choose from. It's aged well.
A special note for DVD fanatics - if you're tired of directors not putting any effort into their commentaries, Yankovic floods you with details about every performer, every set and sometimes the history of each punch line. He also mercilessly taunts the director for poor camera angles, odd cuts and continuity errors - as Jay Levy takes it without complaint. There may be too much detail, but at least he's working hard to please, as usual - starting from his lyrics for the old "Orion" logo.
A special note for DVD fanatics - if you're tired of directors not putting any effort into their commentaries, Yankovic floods you with details about every performer, every set and sometimes the history of each punch line. He also mercilessly taunts the director for poor camera angles, odd cuts and continuity errors - as Jay Levy takes it without complaint. There may be too much detail, but at least he's working hard to please, as usual - starting from his lyrics for the old "Orion" logo.
Leave Her to Heaven
(1945)
Surprisingly dark romance
13 January 2003
Leonard Maltin's movie book will spoil the twist but I won't, except to suggest that it was much darker than you might believe for 1945. Gene Tierney is ethereal, Cornel Wilde is in over his head and Vincent Price is surprisingly effective in this quirky piece, even if you have trouble keeping track of which woman is Tierney and which is Jeanne Crain. Set and design elements do a nice job of showing off the Technicolor.
14 years later, Darryl Hickman and Price did "Tingler"; they have no scenes together in this one.
14 years later, Darryl Hickman and Price did "Tingler"; they have no scenes together in this one.
The Day the Earth Got Stoned
(1979)
Don't miss this!
25 September 2002
This is insanely, oxygen-depleting laughter-inducing FUNNY stuff. Using public-domain serial footage and dubbing it into a faux noir story with occasional new B&W material, this is laugh-out-loud, fall over funny. Loads of cliches stand on their heads and dance, and the title isn't explained until the v-e-r-y last moment. Help destroy wimpy music - catch this however you can!
Zachariah
(1971)
Not all trips are good trips, BUT...
25 September 2002
Firesign Theatre has distanced themselves from the film, having spoken of a script they wrote for a comic western "that was never made." But this is a quirky little coming-of-age tale some years BEFORE "Blazing Saddles" that has a lot of fun trying to cram rock and roll, dope and westerns into the same screen. Uneven, certainly, but with a number of rewards. Sort of like a Firesign Theatre album.
Wild in the Streets
(1968)
The Sixties weren't ALL peace and love, baby
25 September 2002
Which came first, Robert Thom's Esquire novella or his screenplay? Doesn't matter - the premise of "the youth vote" (as if it were monolithic, a consistent mistake during the Sixties) working to overthrow the establishment and creating a fully functional dystopia was a winner from the first word. Immaculately filmed despite the shoestring budget and remarkably well-acted by an amazing cast, the New York Times referred to it as the only film that year to "get it" in terms of the impact of youth culture. Academy award nomination for editing, largely from clipping what appears to be Monterey Pop footage and overlaying our presidential candidate, Max Frost. A delight then, a delight now. Nothing can change the shape of things to come.
491
(1964)
If evil were unpleasant, would it be a problem?
25 September 2002
Not unlike "Rainmaker" but with a more direct sexual tone, "491" is miles away from most of the R-and-X rated Swedish films that landed in the U.S. around the same time. Serious to a fault, it tells the story of a mesmerizing young man who seduces a family. Title comes from a (false) reading of the Christian text to forgive others "seventy times seven," and posits that after 490 sins, your number is up. Disturbing, memorable, with terrific acting and direction. Worth a look.
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