isa-51-503890
Lifetime Total
5+
IMDb Member
12 years
Reviews
Conan the Barbarian (2011)
Finally Mamoa hits the big screen!
I've never seen the original, nor read the books. I went to this movie simply because of Jason Mamoa. Sadly, he was just about the only reason I stayed.
I agree with many of the other reviewers; the cinematography is only slightly better than the editing and both are pretty pathetic. Even the CGI left me feeling gypped.
The 3D effects were totally disappointing and a total waste of money. Though I keep hoping for another Avatar moment - where I'm totally blown away by something new and thrilling - This is NOT it!
The young Conan had the best fight sequence but it was over the top gory and slightly ridiculous.
The plot - was a total SNORE! The damsel in distress is getting so tiresome I can't help but want to fire bomb Hollywood on principal. When will they discover something new? Probably when we stop paying money for the same old crap I suppose.
Rose McGowan left me chuckling and feeling a bit sorry for her immobile face. Stephen Lang didn't inspire either. Both were anything but scary or compelling.
In the end... it was only Jason that held my interest. Not just because he is flawlessly beautiful or because he personifies male sexual energy - well, okay that is all very true and compelling on its own - but because he really is a superb actor.
A man's man (the best kind in my book), Mamoa acts with his whole body. He acts from the roots of his hair to the tips of his toes and at times I can almost see him channeling some of the greats - Gary Cooper, Clint Eastwood, maybe even the Duke. Sadly though, this story didn't give him much to work with.
All in all, it was a typical summer movie with nothing new or exciting to offer.
I agree with many of the other reviewers; the cinematography is only slightly better than the editing and both are pretty pathetic. Even the CGI left me feeling gypped.
The 3D effects were totally disappointing and a total waste of money. Though I keep hoping for another Avatar moment - where I'm totally blown away by something new and thrilling - This is NOT it!
The young Conan had the best fight sequence but it was over the top gory and slightly ridiculous.
The plot - was a total SNORE! The damsel in distress is getting so tiresome I can't help but want to fire bomb Hollywood on principal. When will they discover something new? Probably when we stop paying money for the same old crap I suppose.
Rose McGowan left me chuckling and feeling a bit sorry for her immobile face. Stephen Lang didn't inspire either. Both were anything but scary or compelling.
In the end... it was only Jason that held my interest. Not just because he is flawlessly beautiful or because he personifies male sexual energy - well, okay that is all very true and compelling on its own - but because he really is a superb actor.
A man's man (the best kind in my book), Mamoa acts with his whole body. He acts from the roots of his hair to the tips of his toes and at times I can almost see him channeling some of the greats - Gary Cooper, Clint Eastwood, maybe even the Duke. Sadly though, this story didn't give him much to work with.
All in all, it was a typical summer movie with nothing new or exciting to offer.
East of Eden (1955)
James Dean - How could I say anything more?
I won't go into all the reasons why this story is amazing. Steinbeck's East of Eden is a classic for a reason.
This review is for him...
...and East of Eden IS why we remember him after all these years.
Dean's visceral performance, so effortless, so natural, speaks of an innate talent for representing the human condition and all its varied schisms.
Without missing a single beat, he gives us the agonizing youth desperate for love and approval that so many of us can identify with. And not for a single second does he lapse into that static performance so many actors today can't seem to escape.
Through an amazing use of time, an ability to manipulate subtle body cues and facial expressions, and his ever present hum... he makes you feel as if no space exists between himself and the audience. He is present every single second, whether it's in the fidgety movements of a young man, or in the piercing glare that haunts us long after the film is done. Even as his back is turned, you know... no, you FEEL how he feels, you want as he wants, you exist because he exists.
If other actors are present within the movie I can not say, my eyes are only for him. His words, his voice, they melt upon me like honey and I can't get enough. Is this what the Twilight girls feel for Robert Pattinson? Is there some spark of Dean in his performance? Maybe... maybe he will be the one to watch in the future. But for me, always for me, it will be Dean... and his precious few movies that have my heart aflutter, my palms slick with sweat, my mind racing with wonder.
Dean's hunger, his passion, his reckless abandon, and his fluid sexuality... it exists beyond space and time and is forever available to us because of this spectacular film. How could you not want to be witness to that?
This review is for him...
...and East of Eden IS why we remember him after all these years.
Dean's visceral performance, so effortless, so natural, speaks of an innate talent for representing the human condition and all its varied schisms.
Without missing a single beat, he gives us the agonizing youth desperate for love and approval that so many of us can identify with. And not for a single second does he lapse into that static performance so many actors today can't seem to escape.
Through an amazing use of time, an ability to manipulate subtle body cues and facial expressions, and his ever present hum... he makes you feel as if no space exists between himself and the audience. He is present every single second, whether it's in the fidgety movements of a young man, or in the piercing glare that haunts us long after the film is done. Even as his back is turned, you know... no, you FEEL how he feels, you want as he wants, you exist because he exists.
If other actors are present within the movie I can not say, my eyes are only for him. His words, his voice, they melt upon me like honey and I can't get enough. Is this what the Twilight girls feel for Robert Pattinson? Is there some spark of Dean in his performance? Maybe... maybe he will be the one to watch in the future. But for me, always for me, it will be Dean... and his precious few movies that have my heart aflutter, my palms slick with sweat, my mind racing with wonder.
Dean's hunger, his passion, his reckless abandon, and his fluid sexuality... it exists beyond space and time and is forever available to us because of this spectacular film. How could you not want to be witness to that?
The Hangover Part II (2011)
A hot poker to the ear hole would be better.
The Hangover II is the perfect example of a Hollywood sell-out.
Somehow, despite being set in an exquisitely beautiful country, there was nothing new or even entertaining in the cinematography. An amazing achievement given that Bangkok is a voyeurs dream. In the end, The Hangover II offered us nothing more than travel brochure scenes and worn out clichés.
The story, merely reheated leftovers, is a sexually confused 12-year-old's wet dream. I've never seen so many flaccid penises in one place before. The sad fact that so many people find this movie entertaining is pathetic and down right scary. If all it takes to satisfy the males of an entire nation is a bunch of homo-erotic fantasies, stale clichés, and some exposed titties - we are all screwed - with a capital F.
In the end I'm left with the feeling that I've been felt up, taken advantage of, and somehow have been forced to pay for the experience. If I could erase the images from my memory - even if that meant a hot poker to the ear hole - I would willingly offer myself up.
Unfortunately, instead... I'm left with the bad after taste that The Hangover II has left in my mouth - a taste that reminds me of stale cigarettes, bad tequila and vomit.
Somehow, despite being set in an exquisitely beautiful country, there was nothing new or even entertaining in the cinematography. An amazing achievement given that Bangkok is a voyeurs dream. In the end, The Hangover II offered us nothing more than travel brochure scenes and worn out clichés.
The story, merely reheated leftovers, is a sexually confused 12-year-old's wet dream. I've never seen so many flaccid penises in one place before. The sad fact that so many people find this movie entertaining is pathetic and down right scary. If all it takes to satisfy the males of an entire nation is a bunch of homo-erotic fantasies, stale clichés, and some exposed titties - we are all screwed - with a capital F.
In the end I'm left with the feeling that I've been felt up, taken advantage of, and somehow have been forced to pay for the experience. If I could erase the images from my memory - even if that meant a hot poker to the ear hole - I would willingly offer myself up.
Unfortunately, instead... I'm left with the bad after taste that The Hangover II has left in my mouth - a taste that reminds me of stale cigarettes, bad tequila and vomit.
Fight Club (1999)
2nd Rule of Fight Club
No metro-sexual pansies need apply. Take this to heart. The world is drowning in boys. Testosterone testosterone everywhere yet not a man in sight. Fight Club is an eloquent commentary on man's pathetic decline. Superbly written, it screams in your face, and makes you sit up and take notice.
Yet... it offers nothing more than wet dreams and the fantasies of what it means to be a man. Long dead is the Duke. Long dead is the strong, capable man.
In the end, Fight Club is nothing more than a flimsy gossamer veil that's meant to hide the ugliness of the collective male ego - so easily bruised - so easily controlled. It has become a phenomenon - a pseudo identity that weak men cling to in the hopes of seeing something more in the mirror - but it's a lie. Bedding a crazy broad, punching it out with yourself in the basement, blowing your life to hell - is this truly what makes a man?
Yet... it offers nothing more than wet dreams and the fantasies of what it means to be a man. Long dead is the Duke. Long dead is the strong, capable man.
In the end, Fight Club is nothing more than a flimsy gossamer veil that's meant to hide the ugliness of the collective male ego - so easily bruised - so easily controlled. It has become a phenomenon - a pseudo identity that weak men cling to in the hopes of seeing something more in the mirror - but it's a lie. Bedding a crazy broad, punching it out with yourself in the basement, blowing your life to hell - is this truly what makes a man?
Restraint (2008)
Dark and Delicious
I fell into this movie - head first... It was late, I'd had a couple glasses of wine, the ac was broke and it was 90 and sweltering... Sometimes it's about being uncomfortable and out of control.
And sometimes it's about fear, pain, and trying to take a bit of happiness before it's all gone - as for me... these three messed up people personify the darkness we all carry within.
Fimmel's erratic and jerky performance commands attention and held me riveted on his every movement. The way he tears into the orange... the juice dripping down his fingers... it's art.
Moyer's piercing looks and surreptitious glances are poignant and very powerful.
And Palmer... her antithetical performance - innocence and corruption, deity and dirt - brilliant! Restraint weaves together gorgeous cinematography, ugly emotions, and very human desires. Tying it all together are three wonderful performances that are neither over the top nor subtle. A dark and delicious way to spend a steamy summer night!
And sometimes it's about fear, pain, and trying to take a bit of happiness before it's all gone - as for me... these three messed up people personify the darkness we all carry within.
Fimmel's erratic and jerky performance commands attention and held me riveted on his every movement. The way he tears into the orange... the juice dripping down his fingers... it's art.
Moyer's piercing looks and surreptitious glances are poignant and very powerful.
And Palmer... her antithetical performance - innocence and corruption, deity and dirt - brilliant! Restraint weaves together gorgeous cinematography, ugly emotions, and very human desires. Tying it all together are three wonderful performances that are neither over the top nor subtle. A dark and delicious way to spend a steamy summer night!