Rmdnjoe Reviews

Syriana (2005)

This Movie is Not Political Propaganda

[26 November 2005]

This is a great, complex movie. Its only faults are in the clarity of character motivations. This is not a liberal or conservative film. It is an exploration into the existing system that evolved over many years.

At no point in the movie does it take any pot-shots at Bush, Republicans, or Democracts. In fact, non of those words are ever spoken. It is not a left/right - red/blue debate. At no point in time does it ever mention the political parties of those in charge.

The fact is, be it a Republican or Democrat, this world depends on oil. Our country while split on how to obtain it, will do anything to make sure the flow is not cut off.

This movie finds faults with the global economy. Faults with the US system that has been tweaked by both sides over the span of decades. Faults with the Middle East for squandering its earnings. Faults with emerging China and its impact on consumption.

Anyone claiming this movie is politically motivated is a troll looking for attention and should be ignored.

Batman Begins (2005)

Un-Noticeably Absent

[10/10 · 18 June 2005]

I just saw the film last night and thought it was great. I loved the Burton version and didn't think this one could blow that one out of the water but it did.

What I didn't notice while watching the film but realized afterward is that there is no Musical Theme to the film. Sure it has a great score, but it emphasizes the mood, the action. There was no sweeping John Williams/Danny Elfman score that all.

To me this is one of the smartest decisions they made because not once while watching this did I feel like I was watching a comic book being brought to life. Instead I was engaged in the drama/action/mystery of it all.