ZachDVD Reviews

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)

Nothing like you've ever seen before

[8/10 · 14 December 2000]

Let's all be honest here, not so many people are into foreign films.

They have their own little niche, their own little fans and pretty much

their own little market. In most smaller areas (not cities), you're

lucky if you have two art house theaters (I only have one). It's sort of

like independent films, films from other countries are very unique and

are usually in their native language with subtitles. The only really

mainstream foreign film ever was the good but overrated "Life Is

Beautiful", which garnered many, many awards and spread to a few hundred

theaters and became the top grossing foreign film in the U.S., grossing

around sixty million dollars.

So here comes "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon". Released in China last

July to much critical acclaim, Sony Pictures Classics snapped up the

rights to bring it to the U.S., where the film has been playing for the

past few months in various film festivals, gaining a lot of buzz. Sony

has even released two trailers. One for the casual moviegoer with the

action it features, the other for art house audiences with more of the

story side and critical acclaim. Sony is also releasing it in a few

theaters for a consecutive weeks, so by mid February, it'll be all over

the United States. After hearing about the movie it did sound like it

could be like a mainstream film, and that Sony may be having a surprise

smash hit on their hands, but after seeing the film itself, this film is

defiantly not mainstream for a sole reason: it is too arty.

Mu Bai (the excellent Chow Yun-Fat) has an reputation for being a deadly

and soulful warrior, yet has a lot of wisdom and heart. The film opens

with him arriving at the headquarters of Shu Lien (Michelle Yeoh), that

being one of his oldest and most loyal friends. Mu Bai is settling down

to retire, so he is giving away his infamous sword, the Green Destiny,

(which is 400 years old and looks really light and somewhat weak, yet it

is incredibly powerful and heavy) to Sir Te, a man who has supported and

encouraged him throughout his life. However, after the sword is at the

home of Sir Te, it is stolen by a mysterious masked stranger known as

the Jade Fox. Lien assumes that Te's beautiful daughter, Jen (Zhang

Ziyi) stole it, but we learn that Jen isn't like any other girl, as she

is controlled by the Jade Fox herself and is a deadly warrior. Jen is

also downright nasty, who wants to be free of the male dominated

society.

I really don't know what more I can add to what already has been said,

but I'll do my best. This film has gotten raves all over, and pretty

much it's all been covered. But here it is anyway. I guess I'll start

what has gotten the movie a lot of buzz: the action sequences. The

action sequences don't outrank the plot or story (thankfully), but I

wish there were more of them. Still, what is presented is a real treat.

There are about seven or eight of them throughout the film, and they are

really like nothing you've ever seen before. These stunts and fights are

really, really intense. Many people are going to draw comparisons to

"The Matrix" with them. For one thing, they were choreographed by

Yuen-Wo Ping, the same guy who was responsible for the sequences in

"The Matrix". Anyhow, these parts defy the laws of gravity and balance.

Characters fly and duke it out with swords and their punches and kicks.

I'm glad these don't last a minute or two, and with the exception with

the final battle with Jade Fox and the Green Destiny (which was

disappointing in length but still cool), these last a good amount of

time and will cause your jaw to drop. Characters jump so gracefully and

run sideways on walls, it's all really well done and such a joy to

watch. This is what I think is the mainstream part of the film, and if

you're going in for these stunts, you'll be amazed, but ultimately

disappointed at the lack of them.

Next is what I think won't appeal to the mainstream audiences: the

story. The story is excellent, but what I really like about is how deep

it is. Based on an early 20th century novel about the Wuxia, a group of

loyal Chinese warriors, the film was written by James Schamus, Hui-Ling

Wang and Kuo Jung Sai. For you Ang Lee fans, you know Schamus has been

his right hand man, adapting the screenplay for "The Ice Storm" and

writing "Ride With The Devil". The script is really good, as the plot is

laced with some deep themes of love and the old days of China when it

was ruled by males. The characters are well developed, each with their

own strengths and weaknesses, as well as their own emotional core. Jen

yearns for freedom, Lien wants to express her love despite what's going

on and Bai is a man who is tired of fighting and simply wants to settle

down and live in solitude. What I didn't like about the script though is

how things shifted, it felt a bit uneven. There was not so much of a

focus on Jade Fox and the sword itself, but rather what Jen was going

through. This really gives the film depth, but it would have been great

if they made it more even. Yes, I realized things have to be

established, but I felt it was a bit much.

The production values of the film are first rate. I think Ang Lee is an

extraordinary director, bringing such films as "Sense and Sensibility",

"The Ice Storm" and "Ride With The Devil" to life. Here he really shows

his stuff here, as he blends the action and themes into one. His vision

for this film is superb, and I think without him it wouldn't have been

so good. The sets and costumes are really unique, I actually thought I

was there back in Imperial China watching all of this unfold before my

eyes. You really feel like you're there, and it looks really nice, so

good art direction on that part. In part of feeling like you are there,

the performances are great. Chow Yun Fat (people will recognize him from

"Anna and the King" and "The Replacement Killers", but he's a huge Asian

action star) and Michelle Yeoh (who was in the James Bond film "Tomorrow

Never Dies") has deeply affecting performances, bringing a lot of life

into their characters. The same thing for Zhang Ziyi and Cheng Pei Pei.

The musical score is really well timed and is sweet yet haunting,

perfectly fitting the film, it does bring a lot to it. The cello solos

are performed by Yo Yo Ma, which is really cool (I like Yo Yo Ma). One

aspect of the film which I really liked was the sound effects and sound

design, they are just booming to death. The fists flying, guns firing

kicks rising and swords clasing... they sound so good and are edited so

well, it's like music to your ears. It makes it all the more alive, so

my kudos to the sound designers. Finally, the editing and

cinematography. Each is can be summed up in one word: flawless. The

movie is so well filmed with great camera movements and angles. There

are so many lovely shots, just like the action sequences, they will

amaze you. The editing is great too. As I said, I felt like I was there

watching all of this, thanks to the cuts the film has. It's all done

appropriately and with much thought. The editing is superb in the action

sequences. It's not shaky or quick or anything, like some movies where

you get so confused and can't tell what's going on. Here you have a real

easy time following the action, setting up good shots.

This film is nearly perfect, and not perfect as everyone is going on to

be. What brings it down is how the story arc is presented (see earlier

in the review), but it's still all good. What is going to be interesting

is how all of this does with mainstream audiences. As I said, the story

is deep, and I don't think so many casual moviegoers are going to really

understand be enthralled by it. Yes, they'll love the action, but

there's so much beauty to the story, which I feel they'll find boring.

Also, so many people mind subtitles. If it's not in English, it is a big

turn off (they re-released "Life Is Beautiful" into a lousy dub which

quickly bombed). But I am a big advocate of films being presented in

their original languages, so they can be presented they way they were

originally supposed too.

"Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" is a revolutionary film, there is

simply nothing like it to ever grace the film before. While I felt some

parts were a bit slow and dragged on, and the story was not as even as

it could have been, this is one damn good film and is an instant

classic. Even if you hate subtitles, but love a great plot with

interwoven themes, "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" is a film for you.

Be on the lookout for when it hits your area, Sony is putting it out

gradually so it catches steam. You will not see a finer film in the year

2000 (some of you will have to wait until 2001) than this, and is the

first time in a long time where I have really, really loved a film so

dearly as this. It's incredible. Sure to win the Best Foreign Film

Oscar, and possibly be nominated for Best Picture, but I doubt it will

win it. I hope the Academy doesn't over look the editing, music,

cinematography, performances and art direction.

My Brother and Me (1994–1995)

Boo!

[30 September 2000]

I believe this show only lasted one season, from 1994-1995, and

thank the Lord it did. Nick, however, has empty air space and

needs something to show, so if you're sitting home on a rainy

Saturday, you are more than likely to find this on the air.

Basically, Nick felt there was a need for a sitcom with

African-American characters. I have no problem with that, but

when you do something like that, the idea is that you don't make

it stereotypical. This show is based all on stereotypes and is

recycled, stupid trash. It basically involves an older and

younger Black brother, as they go through trials and tribulations. One usually wants or needs to do something, and

the other gets involved. The jokes will make you die with

laughter, since they're so bad and monkeys on typewriters could

write better. The acting is plain horrendous and annoying, and

the theme song is really catchy and will be in your head for

week. Do not watch this show at all costs, unless you are having

a party and have a few friends over. You can do a Mystery

Science Theater 3000 sorta thing. This is one of the best shows

to moc

Mr. Destiny (1990)

Pretty Impressive

[9/10 · 9 September 2000]

Not really a big box office draw, but I was pleasently surprised

with this movie. James "I did some things to Farrah Fawcett" Orr

co-wrote and directed this movie about an ordinary, average guy

named Larry Burrows who thinks his life would have been

incredibly different if he hit a homerun at a key baseball game

when he was 15. But thanks to mysterious and magical bartender

Mike, Larry gets his wish, yet soon realizes that his new life

isn't exactly as he hoped it would be.

I must say, this movie really impressed me. Critics have given

it mixed, and I must say the concept is really interesting and

pulled off well. Yes, it is a little standard, but packs enough

funny moments, drama and excellent acting to make it really

good. James Belushi (I think) was Oscar worthy for his role. Jon

Lovitz is perfect, and Linda Hamilton plus Renee Russo shine in

their roles. Michael Caine is perfect as the bartender. It's

just a good movie with a good lesson. If you've never seen, I

highly recommend you check

A Field of Honor (1973)

Hilarious

[8/10 · 14 August 2000]

I saw this little gem at the USC film school, a very good student film by now famous and excellent director Robert Zemeckis. A majority of the film is screwball comedy, as an ex-soldier encounters many dangers in the small town he lives.

If you ever get the chance to see it, don't miss it. You'll laugh your socks off

Scream 2 (1997)

Another Sequel

[5/10 · 17 July 2000]

I personally do not understand how this movie got good reviews.

It's like most Hollywood sequels which stink. The first Scream,

which became a HUGE box office hit, made a name for Kevin

Williamson and jump started the teen genre all over again. So

what is wrong with this movie? One of the most anticipated

sequels of all times? First off, it's too predictable. If you

just think about it, you know who the killer(s) is/are gonna be.

This movie is way overdone. These is no substance whatsoever,

and it feels like it is bits of pieces of well directed scenes

put together. The finale, I thought, was not so thrilling or

engaging, and the movie failed to build on the characters from

the original. Williamson said he locked himself in a hotel room

for a weekend to write this. It cl

The Kid (2000)

Surprisingly Enjoyable

[9/10 · 8 July 2000]

I walked into this movie, thinking it'd be the standard Disney

family fare, but boy, was I wrong. "Disney's The Kid" (I guess

the Disney makes it more family friendly) is more of a drama

than a comedy (which it was advertised as), and deals with Russ,

a near 40 year old man who has no heart whatsoever and is just

plain mean, sorta like a Grinch. He's an image consultant, but

one night, he meets his past, in the form of an 8 year old kid.

At first, Russ can not believe it and rejects his inner child,

but soon enough Russ gets along with him and must face his past

to change his future. The performances are excellent, especially by Willis, who does a

remarkable job here. New comer Spencer Breslin is also quite

good. Marc Shaiman did the score, and it's quite a good score,

it's light and breezy and fits perfeclty with the movie. There are some elements the movie does not need at all, and some

things they use just for pure comedy and to set other things in

future scenes up. But either way, this is an entertaining movie

with a great message. If you had the slight interest in seeing

it, though it does look like for a younger age group, it's quite

an enjoyable

The Weekenders (2000–2004)

One of the best animated shows in a long time

[1 July 2000]

"The Weekenders" is truly an amazing animated show, one of the best to appear on the air in a really long time. What makes it so good is that it's entertaining, it's funny and works really well for kids and adults alike. It follows four pre-teens in a sunny California beach town, and what happens to them over the course of three days. Though they usually do rub the moral in your face around the end of each segment, the animation, voice acting and whole honesty and situations are truly a gem for people of all ages to enjoy.

Castle in the Sky (1986)

Release it Disney! The dub is very good...

[10/10 · 29 April 2000]

By now you've probably heard a bit about the new Disney dub of Miyazaki's classic film, Laputa: Castle In The Sky. During late summer of 1998, Disney released "Kiki's Delivery Service" on video which included a preview of the Laputa dub saying it was due out in "1999". It's obviously way past that year now, but the dub has been finally completed. And it's not "Laputa: Castle In The Sky", just "Castle In The Sky" for the dub, since Laputa is not such a nice word in Spanish (even though they use the word Laputa many times throughout the dub). You've also probably heard that world renowned composer, Joe Hisaishi, who scored the movie originally, went back to rescore the excellent music with new arrangements. Laputa came out before My Neighbor Totoro and after Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, which began Studio Ghibli and it's long string of hits. And in my opinion, I think it's one of Miyazaki's best films with a powerful lesson tuckered inside this two hour and four minute gem. Laputa: Castle in the Sky is a film for all ages and I urge everyone to see it.

For those unfamiliar with Castle in the Sky's story, it begins right at the start and doesn't stop for the next two hours. The storytelling is so flawless and masterfully crafted, you see Miyazaki's true vision. And believe me, it's one fantastic one. The film begins with Sheeta, a girl with one helluva past as she is being held captive by the government on an airship. Sheeta holds the key to Laputa, the castle in the sky and a long lost civilization. The key to Laputa is a sacred pendant she has which is sought by many, namely the government, the military and the air pirate group, the Dola gang (who Sheeta and Pazu later befriend). Soon, the pirates attack the ship and she escapes during the raid. She falls a few thousand feet, but the fall is soft and thanks to her pendant. As she floats down from the sky, Pazu, an orphan boy who survives by working in the mines, sees Sheeta and catches her. The two become fast friends, but thanks to her pendant, the two get caught up in one huge thrill ride as the Dola gang and government try to capture Sheeta. One action sequence after another, we learn all of the character's motives and identities as we build to the emotional and action packed climax which will surely please all with it's fantastic animation and wonderful dialogue. Plus somewhat twisty surprise. I think this film is simply remarkable and does hold for the two hour and four minute run time. The story is wonderful, as we peak into Hayao Miyazaki's animation which has no limits. The setting of the film is a combo of many time periods. It does seem to take place at the end of the 1800s, but it is some alternante universe which has advanced technology and weapons. Laputa is also surprisingly a funny film. The film has tons of hilarious moments, almost equal to the drama and action the film holds. I think the funniest part is a fight scene where Pazu's boss faces off against a pirate, and soon after a riot breaks out. It's funny as we see the men compare their strength and the music fits right in with it perfectly.

Now let's talk about how the dub rates. An excellent cast give some great performances to bring these characters to life. Teen heartthrob James Van Der Beek plays the hero Pazu, who has a much more mature voice then in the Japanese version, where in the original he sounded more childlike. Either way, I think his voice is a nice fit with Pazu. Anna Paquin, the young Oscar winner from "The Piano", plays Sheeta. This is also a nice performance, but the voice is a bit uneven, she doesn't stay true to one accent. At times she sounds as American as apple pie, but at other times she sounds like someone from New Zealand. The performance I most enjoyed however was of Coris Leachman, who played Mama Dola. Not only is this an excellent performance, but the voice and emotion she gives the character really brings it to life. If there was ever a live action Laputa movie (G-d forbid), she would be the one to play her, you can just imagine her in the role (well, somewhat). Luke Skywalker himself, Mark Hamill is Muska, and this is another top rate Hamill performance. You may be familiar with Hamill from a long line of voice work after he did the original Star Wars movies, but he renders Muska to full evil. His voice sounds like his regular voice and mix of the Joker, who he played for many episodes on the animated Batman series. Rounding out the cast is voice character actor Jim Cummings, who does a great, gruff job as the general and Andy Dick and Mandy Patakin as members of the Dola gang.

Now let me talk about what really makes this dub special, Joe Hisaishi's newly arranged music! For those who have never heard of him, Mr. Hisaishi does the music and like all of Miyazaki's films, the music is very memorable. Each of his scores has it's own personas which fits the particular film perfectly. Now, these new arrangements he has done are more "American like", which I think was the goal of the new recordings. Don't worry, the classic tunes of the Japanese version are still here in great form. The score, to me, sounds to be arranged like this is a Hollywood blockbuster. It has more power, it has more emphasis, it's clearer and deeper. The film's prologue, the first seconds where we are introduced to the airships, has some new music (I am not sure, but I believe when we first saw the ships there was no music at all). But a majority of the music has new backdrops and more background music to enjoy. Things seem very enhanced. In a powerful scene, the music is more stronger then in the original versions. In a calm scene, it's more calmer. Overall, I think many of you will be pleased with the new arrangements an mixes, I highly did myself, and personally think it helps improve the film. I prefer the new score over the old one, and I hope Disney will release or license the music rights to a full blown soundtrack.

Another plus side to the dub is that the story remains faithful, and much of the original Japanese lines are intact. In Kiki, I'm sure a few lines where changed, and this is the same way, lines have been changed. But a majority are close or exactly the original lines and dialogue Miyazaki has written. I was afraid some excellent lines would be butchered, but they were there intact. Some new lines have been added as well which help out. But I am not sure whether to consider this a good thing or a bad thing, Disney DID NOT translate the ending song, it was in Japanese. I was mortified when they did completely new songs for the Kiki dub, but with this version it's the original song... in Japanese. So I guess it's good it's still the original, but bad since a majority of people seeing this dub speak English.

There is a big down side to this dub, and it deals with how the voices match the character's lips. Of course in any dub it won't be perfect, but I think in Kiki and Mononoke the dubbing of lines to match were much better executed (and Disney had a little bit more time with this one...). Some of the time everything matches perfect, some of the time it doesn't completley match, and in a rare case, someone says something and the lips don't move at all (there's a scene where Sheeta chuckles and her mouth doesn't move one bit).

As far as things about the film itself, these are my thoughts. I thought the most amazing part of Laputa was the animation. From the opening sequence to the ending, the animation is so lush and detailed, you just have to watch in awe. You see the true nature of each character, true detail to their face with extreme close ups and action. You have to give a ton of credit for the effort that these animators put into this film. Everything is so well done and beautifully hand drawn, it's like a moving piece of art. And to think, this was done in the mid 1980's. The animation is quite different from Disney, Ghibli has it's own distinctive flare which is very different, but very good. And after all these years, the colors look as vibrant as ever. Laputa also has tons of action sequences, lots of plane dogfights plus a few on ground. These sequences are so well done and so intriguing, it's scary that they are comparable to a big budget action film. And the finale is just something you MUST see. The sound effects are pure and classic and fit explosions, guns firing and everything else well. And like all Miyazaki films, each one focuses on a different theme (i.g. Kiki: Confidence). This one has a great a lesson on greed and power. People don't realize how greed can take over you, and how having too much power isn't good. People are obsessed with power, and are greedy, and the main villian, Muska, greatly shows this.

All in all, Laputa: Castle In The Sky was a great film to begin with, and is now improved for the most part. I am glad a more mainstream audience now have the chance to see this classic animated film in all it's glory. With a great voice cast who put a lot into the film with the excellent redone musical score from Joe Hisaishi, Disney has done a nice job on this dub and is quite worthy. Though I think the voices matched the mouths better in the Kiki and Princess Mononoke Disney dubs, Castle In The Sky is still a great dub and is worth the long delays because now more can expierence a fantastic film.

Princess Mononoke (1997)

Wow

[10/10 · 30 October 1999]

I am a huge Miyazaki fan, and I just saw the English dub, and even if you are not into the anime genre I have some advice: if you can, go see this movie. The dub is very good, but there are a few flaws: First off, the adaption by Neil Gailman is very well done, but here and there some corny dialogue lines come about. Second, I did enjoy Billy Bob Thorton's performance, but it was terribly miscast. Other then that, the sweeping musical score, vivid animation and wonderful story will pull you in for 133 minutes, and this movie will forever live in your heart.

Phenom (1993–1994)

One of the Best Shows Ever

[24 September 1999]

It was a shame ABC axed this show after one season, I bet if it was on longer a bigger audience would have been built. Either way, Phenom is a gem. It's a sitcom with some good morals, and is funny without being too corny. The acting is also top notch. I am thankful I do have about every episode on tape, and I occasionally do hold mini marathons where I watch them. The series focused on Angela Doolan, a 16 year old tennis ace. She came across problems all teenagers face: family, friends, pressure and her overbearing coach. I even went to a taping of this show (if you see the episode where Coach Lou's friend dies, listen closely to hear a stupid fake laugh, that's me). I swear, if I had enough money I'd buy the episodes/rights from Columbia themselves (okay I am going nuts). Maybe the Fox Family Channel or Disney or some cable channel will somehow notice this show and buy them and broadcast the episodes. If you ever get a chance to see this show, see it and enjoy. Oh yeah, whatever happened to Angela Goethals?

Castle in the Sky (1986)

Miyazaki Masterpiece

[10/10 · 24 September 1999]

I am a huge fan of Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki, and I have been anxiously awaiting the Disney dub of this film. Luckily, I recently saw a subtitled version at a museum and let me say, it's a great movie. Like all of Miyazaki's films, you expect one thing you get another, but you are never disappointed. The film focuses on Pazu, who into his arms falls Sheeta, who holds the power to Laputa, the castle in the sky. They are chased by government agents and pirates (who they later befriend). It's a thrill ride the whole way through, and it's a wonderful movie. The visuals are amazing, and you have to give a ton of credit to the animators. The script is solid and the film is surprsingly funny, there is a lot of humor. So when Disney releases this one sometime in 2000, don't miss it!

Family Guy (1999– )

Racist, Outrageous, fun for the whole family!

[4 September 1999]

Adult oriented animated shows are all the rage nowadays, and I think Family Guy is the best one next to the Simpsons. The show focuses on the hilarious misadventures of the Griffen family. From insurance fraud to an Indian spiritual quest, this show has some of the best lines and scenes I have ever seen (Peter's flashbacks are great). If you haven't seen the show yet, turn to your local Fox station and watch watch watch!

Rushmore (1998)

Pure genius, only way to describe Rushmore.

[10/10 · 4 September 1999]

I got a new imdb account so I am posting my review from last December again: Pure Genius, the only words to describe Rushmore. Rushmore is one of the best films of 1998 and is one of the best films I've ever seen, and one of the funniest. Rushmore re-teams the team who brought us the cult hit "Bottle Rocket" Rushmore focuses on Max Fischer, a student at the elite Rushmore private school. Max is the founder, president of literally all the after school clubs and extra curricular activities. He's president of the Backgammon club, edits the school yearbook and newspaper, and even has his own team of actors "The Max Fischer Players". But what this highly involved student doesn't have is good grades. He soon befriends a local millionnaire, who is played by Bill Murrary, in which he does a brilliant job portraying Mr. Blume. He deserves an Oscar nod. He also befriends and begins a crush on to the first grade teacher at Rushmore, Miss Cross. And so begins of the most funniest and entertaining movie love triangles. Rushmore is very well done, it's funny, it has a deep good script, you don't know which way it's going to turn. This is a great follow up to "Bottle Rocket". I simply love this movie and was very fortunate to see in its one week release. Don't worry the rest of you, Rushmore opens nationwide in February. I can't wait to see it again. A masterpiece.

The Stupids (1996)

Cheesy! Cameos! And learn how to be your own grandpa!

[8/10 · 4 September 1999]

This is one of those movies which is so bad it's good. One thing leads to another and it all ties together and The Stupids try to find out who's stealing their garbage. There is a part in this film which does make sense, however, the song "I Am My Own Grandpa" which is downright hilarious and if you examine it, it's so true.

House Arrest (1996)

Underrated Film

[9/10 · 4 September 1999]

A lot of critics really hated this film, I don't know why. The concept- About a group of friends who's parents have martial troubles and lock their parents in a basement, sounds stupid at first, but it's funny, true and teaches the all important factor how children should listen to their kids and their feelings. If this movie has turned you off, please give it a second chance, it's actually a very good film.

Kiki's Delivery Service (1989)

Great film, though I prefer Totoro

[10/10 · 4 September 1999]

Kiki's Delivery Service is a very good film, and Disney did not dub it down for it's United States release. It's by Miyazaki, who I think is the master of Anime, and this films proves it. He wrote, directed, produced, drew and much more in this coming of age story of a young witch who needs to gain self confidence. The artwork is amazing, the script is solid. I do prefer his film before this, My Neighbor Totoro, but this is still a great film. HAIL MIYAZAKI!

My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

OVERLOOKED, MUST SEE FILM!

[10/10 · 4 September 1999]

I admit when I first saw the commercial for Totoro back in 1993 (when it had a short run in the theater) it looked stupid. But a few years later I saw it in my video store and gave it a chance, and it has become one of my favorite films of all time. It's beautifully animated and was directed/written by Miyazaki, who I think is the master of Anime (believe me, I've seen a lot of Anime in my day). The story is about two girls who move to the countryside and befriend a friendly forest monster, who gives them hope and helps them out. Great script, great animation and they adapted the Japanese songs perfectly. A must see film for all ages.

Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

Speechless...

[4 September 1999]

This film will leave you speechless. And Anime fans, you're in for a treat. The animation looks very realistic (they use the soft brown edge process, not really used much more in anime) but the story... the story of war and it's effects on the innocent will make you feel broken hearted and feel for those who suffered in war. The film focuses on a brother and sister, who, after their mother dies in an air raid goes to live with their cruel aunt. Soon they can't take anymore of their aunt and decide to live on their own... but can they survive? This film will break you down and make you emotional... especially the end. The music fits perfectly... okay, I'll shut up now and let you go see this movie. Buy it, rent it, just see it. You'll never look at war the same way again.

Some Kind of Wonderful (1987)

Great teen fun

[10/10 · 4 September 1999]

I love this movie, it's shown on cable TV quite often and one of the lesser known teen films. It's funny, it's true, good music and pure 1980's which I love. The basic plot is that Keith (Stolz) has a huge crush on Amanda (Lea Thompson). However, he overlooks his best friend, Watts (Masterson) who has a crush on him. Please rent it if you haven't seen it.

Beverly Hills Cop (1984)

Murphy at his best

[9/10 · 4 September 1999]

Beverly Hills Cop is a great comedy filled with action and loads of laughs. Eddie Murphy plays Axel Foley, a Detroit cop who makes his way to Beverly Hills to investigate his friend's death. There he meets up with all sorts of trouble. This movie has some nice action sequences (nice opening one and good ending one) plus tons of laughs. Murphy is just brilliant. Also, the soundtrack is great, pure 1980's. If you haven't seen this film, go rent it, you won't be disappointed.