amire Reviews

The Matrix Reloaded (2003)

Well-crafted sequel to a modern classic

[10/10 · 6 June 2003]

It's hard to believe it's been four years already since "The Matrix" was released. Much has happened in the world since then- the election debacle of 2000, the dot-com collapse and of course, 9/11. Given recent world events, it's tough to greet the release of "The Matrix Reloaded" without feeling a sense of nostalgia for the bygone era that produced it's predecessor. The first film, a mixture of the cyberpunk literary genre, superhero fantasy, kung-fu and John Woo-style gunplay, with a touch of Zen philosophy thrown in for good measure, arrived on the scene with little hype or fanfare. The movie was quickly embraced as a modern classic, a superb synthesis of popular cinematic styles that staked out new territory with its visual effects, especially the now-famous "bullet-time" concept that has subsequently been parodied or imitated in too many films to count. "The Matrix" won four Academy awards, including a well-deserved victory in the visual effects category.

"The Matrix Reloaded" is, in many ways, a far more ambitious picture. There is much to enjoy here, from the introduction of numerous new characters, to a more complex plot, to the last screen performance of actress Gloria Foster (The Oracle), and of course, fabulous visuals and action scenes. There is a scene involving a slice of chocolate cake that I found to be brilliant and very rich. The end result is a movie that is as thought-provoking as the original. A philosophical action movie for those who want a roundhouse kick to go with their koans.

American Dream (1990)

First-class documentary on a labor strike by blue-collar workers in 80's America

[3 March 2002]

"American Dream" is a sobering and fascinating documentary depicting the social, economic and emotional ramifications of a labor strike initiated by employees at a Hormel meatpacking plant in Austin, Minnesota. Although the film depicts events that take place in 1986, the content is every bit as relevant today on the subject of the perennial gap that exists between rank-and-file workers and top executives at major U.S. corporations, and the general greed and mercenary attitude that drives said corporations at the expense of hard-working employees. Like "Roger & Me," the acclaimed documentary by Michael Moore that savaged General Motors and the 80's corporate ethos of "profits above everything else," "American Dream" is a priceless portrait of blue-collar work and life in small-town America, the kind of place that people who live in New York, Washington D.C., Los Angeles or any other major metro area will probably never see.

Austin is a town where one company is the largest employer (in this case, the Hormel meat company), on whom generations of workers depend for their livelihood. The film puts a human face on the repercussions that result when Hormel, despite record profits, cuts the salaries of its workers. If the balding, grey-suited, humorless Hormel executives depicted here (wearing huge eyeglasses in the style of Lee Iaccoca) are not the epitome of 80's greed, I don't know what is. They are Gordon Gekko come to life, caring only about their bottom line and how to maximize profit, completely indifferent to the plight of their workers. The Enron debacle shows that, for all their economic might and wealth creation, there is a dark side to corporate America. "American Dream," its ironic title aside, is a journey to that dark side that should be seen by every worker, blue-collar or white-collar. Try to catch it on the Sundance or Independent Film Channel.

The Seventh Sign (1988)

Well-made, intelligent thriller

[23 July 2001]

"The Seventh Sign" is an intelligent and atmospheric horror film, although "religious thriller" would probably be a more apt description. It is has many creepy moments, and what's interesting is that the fear caused by the film is God-inspired, unlike so many films in the genre. This is a movie that has a thoroughly disturbing tone, the same level of pervading dread that made "The Exorcist," "The Omen," and the underrated Roman Polanski film, "The Ninth Gate" so successful. The acting and writing are solid; there are good performances from Demi Moore and Michael Biehn. Peter Friedman is excellent as a tortured priest. If you're in the mood for a thought-provoking thriller, check out "The Seventh Sign."

Behind Enemy Lines (1997)

Above-average B action flick

[1 July 2001]

This B action movie is shot with a bit more competence than other films in the genre. It also looks like it had a generous budget, or at least a lot of cooperation from the Philippine army, judging by the amount of gunfights, soldiers, Armored Personnel Carriers and explosions that feature throughout the film. The plot is the old "rescue my 'Nam buddy from the rank jungle prison he's being held in by the psychotic Communist general with thousands of troops under his command" premise. The good guys are invincible, the bad guys thoroughly expendable. You know what to expect. Sit back and let our boys win one for the Gipper. I must add in closing that Thomas Ian Griffith really is a good actor- I hope he gets cast in more mainstream films in the future.

Space Cowboys (2000)

Well-meaning, but misses the mark

[1/10 · 27 August 2000]

Clint Eastwood has directed and/or starred in so many entertaining movies that I have to give him a free pass on this dud. "Space Cowboys" is a well-meaning flick, but fails for a few simple reasons. 1) The script is pretty weak, with many scenes rambling on for too long. Clint even stumbles on his dialogue in one part. 2) 3/4 of the movie is spent on the ground. By the time the geezers get up into outer space, there isn't much time left for action. 3) The end of the film lacks true emotional weight, feels pressed for time, and is totally predictable. The final shot of the film, with Frank Sinatra's "Fly Me to the Moon" being played on the soundtrack, is completely bizarre and emotionally awkward, and gives you an idea of how nobody seemed to be in the director's chair for this one.

"Armageddon," by comparison isn't a perfect film, but at least Michael Bay gave us a full dose of action and Bruce Willis' sacrifice had some real emotional attachment to it.

The Breaks (1999)

Totally hilarious

[11 August 2000]

This is another of those gems that gets no attention or box office at the theaters. Don't ask me why; it's funnier and more original than most of the junk out in wide release. If you like wacky comedies in the style of "Office Space" and "Kicked in the Head," check this one out. Not since "Friday" has there been as unique an interpretation of life in the> 'hood.

Mitch Mullany gives a nice performance as an Irish kid adopted and raised by a black family in L.A. He also wrote the script, and did a good job there too. This movie has a style all its own. Rent it and have a good time.

Deadlocked (2000 TV Movie)

Decent TV drama

[6 July 2000]

Sort of a cross between "The Negotiator" and "12 Angry Men," "Deadlocked" is a legal thriller that features an interesting premise, relevant to the current focus on the fairness of the American justice system. After his African-American son has just been convicted of the murder of a white female, a father (Charles S. Dutton) takes the jury hostage in an attempt to prove his son's innocence. With many lives at stake, the skeptical prosecutor (David Caruso) has 14 hours to re-examine the case and find evidence to exonerate the accused.

Dutton and Caruso give solid performances, as does the actor who plays Dutton's convict son. SPOILER ALERT The film's biggest fault (SPOILER AHEAD) is that Caruso is able to find the evidence that incriminates the real killer in so little time. It's completely unrealistic. Still, it's more the result of trying to fit a film into a 1 hour time-slot on TNT than anything else. It shows how time constraints can really limit the potential of TV films, especially when they are aired on Cable channels that constantly interrupt the movie for commercials.

Leprechaun 5: In the Hood (2000 Video)

Great inspiration for budding filmmakers

[5 July 2000]

In all fairness, I would say "Lep 5" is on the same level as the "Blair Witch Project". Both are paradigms of the next-generation of independent filmmaking.

Young filmmakers will doubtless be inspired by this low-budget classic- if not by the film itself, then by the idea that they can undoubtedly create something better. My biggest gripe- I would have at least wanted to see the evil Leprechaun get his just desserts in some way. The (cringe) "filmmakers" forgot the classic rule of horror flicks- 90% of the fun comes from the villain's demise. But I accept it as the price one must pay for innovative, iconoclastic filmmaking.

Trouble Man (1972)

Totally underrated Blaxploitation flick

[10/10 · 22 June 2000]

Judging by the low number of votes for this film on the IMDB, it appears not too many people have had a chance to see this movie, which is a real shame. I saw it on the Fox Movie Channel last night, and was thoroughly impressed. "Trouble Man" has a good plot, good characters, good performances, and a good script. Robert Hooks is great in the lead as the badass private dick "T". I would add that, in my opinion, this film is as good if not better than "Shaft". That's high praise, perhaps, but see the movie and you might agree. I should put it in more blunt terms: if John Shaft and T were ever to have some beef with each other, T would definitely hold his own, and at the very least, give Shaft an ass whuppin' he would not soon forget.

The Blair Witch Project (1999)

So overrated, it's scary

[30 July 1999]

Maybe the most amazing thing about "The Blair Witch Project" is that it actually won an award at Sundance. At best, this movie plays like a mediocre student film. Save your ten bucks and see it on video, where it belongs. Don't be fooled by the hype. I don't have any doubt that there are hundreds of better low-budget films out there that have never got attention or distribution. Artisan, wake up and go find them.

Joe's Apartment (1996)

A wonderfully imaginative movie

[10/10 · 22 July 1999]

Ignore the negative rabble expressed above. Rent the movie, and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. "Joe's Apartment" has more creativity and originality in it than most of the films I've seen in 1999. Great concept, great animation/set designs, great fun.