industarz Reviews

Death Note: L Change the World (2008)

Pleasant and more playful than the Death Note films

[7/10 · 13 December 2010]

I rate this a 7 because it is fine for kids and teens and good in many ways. It lacks the substantial weightiness that it's predecessors have. But, I enjoyed it and especially loved the Japanese fun/humorous moments too. I guess it was not the film I had hoped it would be after the first two Death Note films I saw, but I wasn't disappointed either. This fellow, L, is a very likable character and interesting every bit through. You can't help but root for him and the ending just steals my heart. What can I say except, if you want to get into a film, whether light of heavy, this is fine to watch... and good for young people too. It has an easy to follow story, but filling too.

The Train (1964)

Now, I appreciate trains and Burt Lancaster like never before

[9/10 · 13 December 2010]

I had a stack of films to watch on video and I'd decided watch them all. One film in particular called "The Train", starring Burt Lancaster was near the top of the pile. I was told it was pretty good. But since my dad, a guy that likes trains a lot recommended it, I figured I'd do him the courtesy and sit through it. I was open minded and gave it the benefit of the doubt. I watched it with extreme patience and made sure I didn't miss any parts. And then, I watched the video again! Let me tell you folks, this film is so underrated it is unbelievable! I had not ever seen a film with Burt Lancaster before, and it's a good thing I had not. Because whether anyone likes him or not, this film really rolls and he gave a fantastic and strong performance. The film and unique camera footage and interesting depictions of the railways in France during the end of WWII just blow me away. This is a Fantastic film, story and well done -- a must see for film lovers, weather you like trains or not.

Heaven's Rain (2011)

Heartfelt film with fine performances

[8/10 · 13 December 2010]

I saw Heaven's Rain just a week after it was released in theaters. I was apprehensive, because I knew the subject matter is horrible and sad and I was not sure If I could stomach that kind of story. But, I was very impressed and satisfied overall with the delicate manner that Brooks Douglass used to tell this story. The acting was believable and deep. The story was carefully and gently told, focusing on a meaningful message. Regardless of personal opinions about the events, it is besides the point to me. This film was just as measurably good of a film as so many out there and far better than many of them. This is definitely a good and heartfelt film that kept me interested and caring. It was not too slow, and certainly not at breakneck speed ... it just moves and feels. It is delicately dealt adaption to this real life story and I really enjoyed it and hope to see it again to absorb the fine performances, and to appreciate it again.

Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken (1991)

I hold this high and enjoy time again

[9/10 · 13 December 2010]

When I learned Disney was going to make this film, I was excited because I heard there were once diving horses. But I could not have been more pleased with the intro given when I watched it and taped it off TV with Michael Eisner introducing it. He assured the viewers that no horses were injured and they jumped willingly. I knew it would be interesting then. So, I just cannot stress enough how wonderful and well made this film is ... it is family friendly, yet not sappy sweet... it is strong and interesting every bit of the way. While I enjoyed this film multiples of time, I try to pick it apart, but cannot find flaws in continuity or anywhere else. It is very entertaining and enjoyable to watch. After watching this film for about the 20th time (by myself, or with my kids) it was then only after reading the credits that I learned that the gray horse was played by two different horses and myself and my good eyes for horses could not pick that out. This is the best equine continuity job I've ever seen in a film (where more than one horse was used for the same horse). I love the acting, the interaction between characters and the gentle and strong ways love is depicted. I never get tired of this movie and rate it only second to The Black Stallion as the 2nd best equine movie ever made... and that is coming from somebody that knows horses.

Passengers (2009)

A treasure chest of a film

[9/10 · 13 December 2010]

The only reason I am not giving Passengers a 10, is because there is room for myself to grow with it. I saw Passengers a few weeks ago for the first time ever, and I am still thinking about it. This is truly a treasure chest of a film. I began my series of renewed appreciations this morning. Passengers never ends ringing on the heart and mind. That is what a superior film does to you. What a dazzling piece of work Passengers is! I am still reflecting on the many magnitudes and layers that continue to come forth. It continues to impress me from every point and then in-between. Just when I think I have gained and understood all from the film that I will get out of it, something else rises to the surface for me to ponder and appreciate. Every thing from the very packed, believably delivered dialog to the visual brilliance is intertwined and carefully held together. It is just a fantastically created work from all aspects. No stone is left unturned in this masterfully created film, unless the viewer chooses not to turn it over. That is how I feel. And to think that it was done within the conditions it was born and grown! It amazes me how brilliant it turned out knowing that. To me, in this case, it brings definite and new meaning to the phrase "less is more". It really is more, and more. Now, more films by Michael Bond, please?

The Black Stallion (1979)

Best equine film ever made

[9/10 · 13 December 2010]

After seeing many films with horses in it, I found that The Black Stallion to be the best equine film ever made. I read the book as a child, saw the film as a young adult and continue to enjoy repeatedly to this day. I share it with every child or horse lover and others too. Because it is just a really nicely made film, entertaining and fulfilling. This film is the best that could have been done to replicate the book. Alec Ramsey could not have been better portrayed than he was by Kelly Reno. There was one particular scene in the film that was not in the book (don't want to spoil it), but it was unique to racing at the time the movie was made and incorporated perfectly into the story... very good adjustments to adapt this to film! Just a very special film every way across! Beautifully done!

Death Note: The Last Name (2006)

Another fabulous "Death Note", down to the last drop of tear

[9/10 · 3 November 2009]

This film must be seen in conjunction with the first "Death Note", as they are more complete and fulfilling together. Together, they were as one film - one magnificent film, filled with moments and story with much to follow and belong to. Independently, it was wonderful as well. I found every part of this film to be interesting, the characters to be interesting - people to follow and care about and hope for and more. But, when the final part of the film was laid before me, I was caught in an unsuspecting emotional realm only the best films can manage to achieve. As with the first "Death Note", there are imperfections. Yet, surrealism brings forgiveness - and that is one element that makes these films magnificent - along with fabulous acting. Again, the actors that play "L" and "Light" pull it off, as well as many others. Watch this patiently without prejudgment and you just may be immensely satisfied and pleased to have spent your time investing in it. Yes, a wonderful film down to the last drop of tear, even more so than the first… see them both together, in order.

Death Note (2006)

Fabulous film down to the very last drop of tear

[9/10 · 2 November 2009]

This film, if watched with an open heart and mind and a moderate understanding of the unique style and flare of the Japanese, will bring you into a world of fine film and acting. I had nothing but a portion of a clip of the movie to motivate me to watch this from beginning to the end - and still with some imperfections, I found this to be one of the best movies I've ever seen. This because, I could find myself following the characters along, investing myself, attaching myself, loving them and rooting for them - right or wrong, good or evil. I was so impressed at the lack of Hollywood star steaks, that I found myself pondering and wondering. Now, I must go backwards and watch the series, which I know I can do wholeheartedly. My perspective is from that of someone who has never seen, read or watched any of the series previously. Fantastic, unique, interesting and believable acting to the end from everyone, especially "Light" and "L". Incredible, strong and emotionally touching - I loved every bit of this film down to the very last drop of tear.