Change Your Image
Jod-z
Reviews
Solaris (2002)
I think this might just be the worst movie I have ever seen - and for a film festival goer that is a big statement!
As a George Clooney and Soderbergh fan this movie was, if it is possible, more painful to sit through than for the average punter.
I am actually contemplating writing to the production company for my money back...and charging for my time as well.
Lame derivative story, special effects we have seen before, and long drawn out shots using slow resolving focus over and over and over again. Even the annoying character is not quite annoying enough to stand out from the rest of the film.
Film Scores are supposed to enhance or add to a film not just irritate the crap out of you and let you get distracted from the movie (even when the distraction is welcome).
I would have scored it zero - but the lowest on the IMDB Scale is a 1.
Avoid this film at all costs.
The Inside Story (2001)
Great Low Budget Genre Bending Effort
Australian film is in good hands..if only they could get a distribution deal.
I saw this delightful effort at the Sydney Film Festival. A fantasy/reality/comedy/drama. Great acting, clever story, intriguing plot twists and good looking special effects. Laugh, cry and be on edge with the wonderful cast of characters and the original story.
I hope this film gets out and about - further than the festival circuit....apart from deciding how to market it...it's got commercial success written all over it.
Werckmeister harmóniák (2000)
Painful!
What a drawn out painful experience.
That's over two hours of my life I will never get back.
This Film Festival Director's delight - is awash with overuse of the long slow shot....however - that's not the only thing that makes a script.
Avoid this movie at all costs.
My Generation (2000)
Angry.
I walked out of this documentary angry (at the end) - extremely angry in fact.
The 1969 footage was used as a way to compare and contrast the behaviour of the audience at the later show's (94 & 99.).
The inclusion of the '99 footage was almost as an afterthought and most of the film was dedicated to the financial and political machinations in setting up the 94 Festival - with a huge set of statistics being quoted.
The songs that were used from the later festivals were picked for their violent content - the only footage used that wasn't of this nature was Sheryl Crow - when the audience were asking her to flash them and Offspring telling the guys in the audience not to grope the women that were crowd surfing(and the women in the audience to grope the guys.
The riots of '99 were shown - however, little of the aftermath or reports of violence (specifically against the women) was even referred to.
And who the hell cares what Rosie Perez thinks about the youth of today.
Thanks for your distorted view of what happened.
The highlight of the piece was the girl walking us through the Vendor tent where they were selling everything ...her commentary was the highlight of an otherwise ordinary documentary.
Almost Famous (2000)
Cameron I love your love letter
Frances McDormand almost said it all when she told Cameron Crowe she liked his love letter.
What a joy to see this movie. I laughed and I cried while I sang along.
Cameron Crowe, in addition to inviting us into his life, and along on the dream journey of every rock fan, has written strong female characters brought brilliantly to life by the wonderful Frances McDormand and the mercurial Kate Hudson. The strength of the women does not detract from the wonderful portrayals of William, the band and the other male characters.
Takes me back to repeat play on the record player and posters on the wall, can't wait to play it again.
Bring It On (2000)
Better Than Expected
I went to see this as the movie I had planned to see was sold out. It seemed the pick of a bad bunch of School Holiday movie trash.
It seemed we picked right.
The opening scene/dream sequence is hysterical and worth the price of entry alone, and whilst the cheerleading is taken seriously - it is not taken TOO seriously.
The closing credit sequence to Toni Basil's Mickey is executed firmly with tongue in cheek and continues the laughter.
This movie isn't going to be written in as a classic, but the opening scene should be, the middle of the movie is harmless fun, and the closing credits sequence makes you laugh.
Enjoy it, but don't compare it to "great films of our time" or expect life-altering revelations. An amusing way to pass some time.
Dancer in the Dark (2000)
Disturbing
Whilst this film had some amazing moments - the complete package was disappointing considering the pedigree (Cannes!).
The use of the hand-held camera for home movie effect is over-utilised early on causing disorientation and illness.
Bjork's signature sing-song voice produced a jarring London-like accent on her Check immigrant character.
There is almost no registration of the underlying characters in this movie apart from to break into song/dance when required at bizarre moments, with even the son and David Morse's characters wife reduced to shadows (especially during the later part of the movie - where the son makes no appearance at all).
What is essentially a quite tragic story was completely overwhelmed by "effects" and leaving me feeling dis-satisfied like a poorly prepared meal.
That said, the friend I went with, cried and claims it as a triumphant work - go figure!
Titan A.E. (2000)
Visually Brilliant.
How many times did I hear "What a pity the visual brilliance of this film is not matched by an equally stunning story line". What rubbish.
True - This film's plot is pretty mundane sci-fi fair...think Star Wars or Star Trek's weekly plotline for that matter. But we haven't been selling sailing adventures and Sci-Fi novels and books in huge numbers because people don't enjoy them!
Where it excels is the truly beautiful visual landscape that is layed out as the story unfolds.
The initial exploding earth scene and the final scenes are breathtaking to behold.
A complete Visual Feast.
Soft Fruit (1999)
Fabulous Movie
Watch this family cope with its own crisis.
Unbelievable cast maintains the humanity and uniqueness of this family. Jeanie Drynan and her "daughters" Genevive Lemon, Alicia Talbot and the unbelievable Sacha Horla...bring this family alive. And rip your heart out while you are laughing. See It.