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Reviews
South Park: Krazy Kripples (2003)
Relevant.
I'm not going to take time reviewing this episode because it would defeat the purpose of recommending you to watch. I will, however, briefly say that as a person who was born with a disability that there is a gross double standard between how those born disabled are treated in comparison to celebrities who became handicapped later in their life.
As always, South Park humorously delivers another insightful episode concerning the plight of the disabled. It is one of the only satirical shows which have been brave enough to have disabled characters, which is why I have a great deal of respect for Parker's writing. Other great disabled themed episodes I recommend are "Up The Down Steroid" and "Cripple Fight".
Heavy Metal (1981)
Masterpiece
How those who criticize this film came to their opinion is beyond my understanding. Heavy Metal was an animation landmark pioneering adult fantasy with modernized standards of gore, nudity, language, etc. As a cult-fan I find watching it infinitely enjoyable. As a critic, I want to briefly review this film's technical achievements and pros:
1. The animation was unparalleled for its time by making uses of early 3D rendering, cell shading over live-action photography, panoramic landscapes, multiple moving sprites, and amazing detailed cross- hatching.
2. The stories are nostalgic the way they reiterate, in an adult sense, fantastic themes from literature we read as kids. Respectfully, I think the beautifully expressed motifs are derived out of ultimate male fantasy which are boys share once in the lives.
3. Though sometimes lacking a coherent moral, the writing stays fresh and balanced enough to keep you entertained.
4. The voice cast includes legends like John Candy, Richard Romanus, Eugene Levy, Joe Flaherty, and John Vernon who all give memorable performances.
5. The Soundtrack (both the rock music and classical score) is perfectly conceived to accommodate the strangeness of this film.
In conclusion, I feel this is one of those movies where its shortcomings do not hamper the artistry. Heavy Metal has stood the test of time, and therefore deserves no less respect than recognition as a masterpiece.
Amadeus (1984)
Greatest Film Ever.
Peter Schaffer's "Amadeus" is my nomination for the greatest film of all time. There is much to review; however, I will stick to the core principals which make this film so timeless. Most of the universally acclaimed works in cinema are usually recognized for their mastery of a certain cinematic feature. Very few films extend into the reaches of all-around perfection where no single element is embellished to anchor the film.
Amadeus's perfection begins in script, which evolves complex psychological profiles of two antipodal characters: Salieri and Mozart. The plot begins with what you think is a Cain and Abel archetype, but you soon find that the two composers are not at war with another. The real conflict lays in Salieri's mind, which is tormented by the level of genius that the impious Mozart possessed. Throughout the film, Salieri argues with his own conscience while blaming a god he claims to no longer believe in for his suffering.
Aside from the brilliant writing, the production values of this film are all grade A: the set design, the costume design, the cinematography, the sound editing and film score. The film was entirely shot with natural light which in my opinion makes this film the most aesthetically beautiful Hollywood film. The cast was entirely comprised of relatively unknown actors and actresses, who all gave performances above what most mainstream players would have at the time. Abraham's portrayal of Salieri ranks among the finest performances in any English-speaking role. Compare his acting as Young Salieri, depicted as a stern and polite gentleman to his acting as Old Salieri, who smiles with comical look of defeat. The polarization is drastic, yet it is the same character. Not to mention Hulce's awkwardly cunning work as Mozart.
Forman's directing compulsively executes a delicate blend of over-the- top and subtle scenes, while thoroughly setting into place everything going on from the direction of the lead roles down to every single extra. Not one piece of this film was overlooked by Forman's attention to detail and realism. His work equates in cinema to that of which was done by the subject of the biopic in music.
I don't think you have to have an intrigue in classical music or 18th Century Europe to enjoy this gem. I recommend this film for anyone who enjoys a cerebral movie done in homage to the older styles of American cinema. This film will make you laugh, cry, and most importantly think.
Rambo (2008)
A decent film, but still the best in the series
Sylvester Stallone's "Rambo" is a brutally realistic film on the rather untalked about topic of Burmese genocide. Thought this is my favorite film in the franchise, there are many crippling flaws to this film that may suggest that the starring actor and director may have been reaching beyond his limits.
The good aspects of this film is the realistic depictions of mass genocide and third-world warfare, which is mainly due to the SFX and cinematography. The climatic finish was done really well in comparison to other recent actions flicks. It is also respectable that the film makers chose a topic that is less lampooned than others such as conflicts in the Middle East.
However, the fatal flaws lay in the C-grade acting and simplistic storyline, which seemingly had very little thought into it. The film contains no subplots or unforeseen events, and hardly differentiates itself from other 'rescue mission' films. The casting is also bunk with not a single memorable performance.
Apocalypse Now (1979)
One of the most brilliant films.
Apocalypse Now is a Vietnam film that distinguishes itself from all others; not insomuch in its caliber of artistry, but in its unique existential perspectives on how the macabre settings of war effect the human psyche. Whereas other Vietnam movies are more politically themed, whether patriotic or communist sympathetic, Coppola's undisputed masterpiece (in my opinion) remains to be the greatest film made on its subject.
Aside from the delicate philosophical undertones in the haunting narratives and gruesome anti-war messages, the film's strongest technical aspect is the uncanny cinematography and editing; not to mention amazingly constructed large outdoor sets and relentless action. Along with the choice of filming location and authentic acting, the realism of this film surpasses all that I've seen. There is never a dull moment in this film as it is completely hypnotic from the starting montage.
As much as I admire this film, I do not recommend it for everyone. This film is for intelligent and open-minded viewers and not for everyday, average moviegoers. If you haven't seen it, I personally recommend the 2001 Redux Cut.
Ranma ½: Nettô-hen (1989)
Laugh-out-loud martial arts satire with gender-bending kicks
Ranma 1/2 is the only romantic-comedic anime that I've enjoyed. I usually only watch serious adult anime, but Ranma 1/2 is quite exceptional both in its humor and unique character design. If you love randomness and quirky plots, this anime is for you. However, I feel that the full Ranma experience is in reading Rumiko Takahashi's superior manga.
As far as the animation goes, it tends to get progressively sloppy as well with the scriptwriting, which heavily borrows on Takahashi's brilliance to make ends meet. Despite this, the funniest episodes are later on in the series hidden within the hit-and-miss seasons. There are some admittably stupid episodes, but what can you expect from a long-running series?
The show's strong points are its accurate portrayal of teen romance, complex character profiles, unpredictable non-linear plot lines, and zany humor.