zampino Reviews

Next Day Air (2009)

Straight no chaser.

[5/10 · 14 February 2010]

If this had not been played so broad, it could be a Sam Rami, A SIMPLE PLAN, or even a Cohen Bros. film, NO COUNTRY, or even FARGO! It even has a little Hitchcock in the script, but the acting is so very broad there is almost no other way to take it. It is a pretty good script that was taken specific way. Strange, I wouldn't mind seeing a remake same director, same actors, but a totally different take on the same material, and this time straight. Anyway I think the film is fun to watch because some of the actors are really good and the productions values are descent. You got to wonder if the studio as opposed the director had the last word on this one.

American Gun (2002)

Coburn is wonderful

[8/10 · 13 August 2002]

`American Gun' offers several levels of reward to its audiences. First, is a Oscar caliber, powerfully moving performance from one of America's finest actors, James Coburn. It is rare in our system that an actor, even of James's stature, at his age is offered the opportunity to strut his stuff; and strut he does. With pain, wisdom, and gentleness expressed both in his face and in his gnarled hands, his performance is great. I guarantee no one will walk out of this film unchanged and unmoved by this alone. `American Gun' is a film about America and its scope is huge. On one level it deals with a subjects that are all but taboo in the mainstream media, i.e. American's contradictory infatuation with guns and violence and the all too real repercussions they have with our individual and collective lives. On another level it examines the ethical context of violence in religion, in warfare, in the streets, in the cause of justice as well as in the pursuit of evil. It sounds deep, but you will be entertained by this film, but you will also walk of the theater thinking about some fundamental issues. That's not bad is it?

Louis & Frank (1998)

Let's set the record straight!

[25 March 1999]

I disagree with the above comments. The guy must have seen a different movie than the audiences I've seen the film with. I had the pleasure of seeing the film in Hawaii and at the LA Independent film festival and the audiences loved the film. The performances were charming and the performances were up to the level of any of the best Rockwell films. It is a must see... a film with charm and heart.

Four Rooms (1995)

A gem in the rough

[10/10 · 24 January 1999]

It's really too bad that the critics initially panned this film so badly, because it has a lot to offer. As with all experiments there is the potential of failure, but here are four film-makers with unique visions making a film together. Even if it is not a total success it is interesting as a footnote to these important directors work. On that level alone it is worth seeing, it is better than 98% of the films out there. It is often personal, often quite funny and very very dark. Check it out!