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wulfstand
Reviews
Monster Camp (2007)
Saw this at it's premiere
Last nite at San Jose Cinequest. A very interesting film about folks in Live Action RolePlaying and how the hobby has defined or even taken over their life. The film covers the romantic angle too, with couples both meeting and breaking up over "in game" issues. Altho the film is about "L.A.R.P." is could well be about SCA, Renfaire, D&D or even Massive Multiplayer Online games. It touches a bit on that last, with a couple of the guys in the film admitting they spend over 40 hours a week playing WOW. Of course a film about slackers playing computer games would be a tad boring.
What I particularly like is the balance shown by the film-makers. They show the good and the bad, with no apparent bias. Intelligent and thought-provoking, with a number of very funny moments and a few poignant ones too.
Shall We Dance? (2004)
A great date movie
This is- without a doubt- the best date movie this year. It is not a 'chick flick" per se. Yes, it does highly appeal to the distaff side, but it is certainly tolerable for us guys. Guys- take your new girl to this!
Gere does a great job in this, and JLo has a couple hot scenes- even tho she still really can't act much. She *CAN* dance however.
Susan Sarandon seems a bit old for Gere- to me, anyway.
There is a few small chuckles, one real "hankerchief" moment, and overall, it wasn't a chore to watch.
SPOILER******************************
No, Gere's character doesn't cheat on his wife with JLo's character. I know you might think that was coming, and avoid the film for that reason. There *is* a moment, however...........
The Bourne Supremacy (2004)
The good, the bad and the ugly
The Good:
Matt Damon is great. He rules the screen here, no doubt. Cool, but angry at the same time. Oscar time.
The action scenes are well done.
The film is very entertaining... mostly (see "the Ugly" below).
The Bad:
Don't blink, or you'll never figure out the impossibly convoluted plot.
It only shares the Title with the Book. Not a line is used, I kid you not.
One star is gone so fast, that..... well, no spoilers, eh?
The Ugly:
Did Blair Witch make you a little queasy? If so, when you get to some of the action sequences here, be prepared to either:
1. Knock back some Dramamine 2. Bring an airline sickness bag 3. Shut your eyes and imagine what's going on- or 4. Add you own "technicolour yawn" to the entertainment.
Honestly, these types of movies need warning labels!!
Vanity Fair (2004)
not bad, but a bit confusing
OK, the costumes are breathtaking, and so is the scenery.
Good acting by all.
Does have a tiny bit of feminism in there, but IMHO it doesn't get in the way of the enjoyment.
But Lordy. Just about half the men have the same over all look- tall, dark, handsome, with razor-cut sideburns. I saw a battle-field scene with the dead, and I thought a different guy had died. And some of the minor female characters have the same problem. Needs a Program to tell 'em all apart, but they don't have any.
I don't remember much of the book, so can't comment on that.
I, Robot (2004)
Not as bad as I dreaded
Well, got bored, saw the movie. I was expecting dreck. It isn't...oh, it's not likely to be nominated for Best Picture, either mind you, but it wasn't bad.
Will Smith was pretty good, and so was Doc Calvin. Some folks had complained that "in the books she was supposed to be plain and she was sexy & hot in the movie"- but she appeared severe and not all that "hot". Sure, there was much wearing of leather- but it seems most people wear deadcowskins a few decades from now. <g>
Good action sequences, and "Sonny' was well done. If you are a bit bored, and can see it at a matinée- I think you'll be pleasantly entertained for a while.
Ella Enchanted (2004)
Entertaining light fluff
That pretty well says it all. But do take the kids, esp the girls. But I enjoyed most of it, and I'm a 50yo guy, so if you see it with your daughters you won't regret it.
It won't take the place of Labrynith or Legend, but it can sit on the shelf beside them without a qualm. It does belong in that genre. I'd say it somewhat reminded me of the Tenth Kingdom. Or perhaps Shreck as Live action?
Sure- it's no LotR. But that's nothing to be ashamed of, is it?
One caveat- if you despise disco type music- modern light Pop- then you migh want to skip this one.