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kreagan82
My favorite movies are Akira, Ghost in the Shell, Brazil, Shawshank Redemption, Green Mile, and movies of such nature.
Reviews
Das Leben der Anderen (2006)
First German Movie - not disappointed!
I went into this movie knowing nothing but it's rating. After, my friends and I sat in a near coffee house staring at our expressions of "Wow!" The ratings are not lying, this movie is great.
Wiesler, played by Ulrich Mühe, is a professor who investigates/interrogates "enemies of Socialist party of Germany". Under the request of his superiors, he investigates a play writer, Georg (Sebastian Koch). Georg's apartment is bugged and he is surveillanced 24/7. Wiesler, a systematic tool of the system and lacking a personal touch in life, joins the Socialist party due to unrealistic ideals - this party is strong and helps the German people. While watching Georg, he is touched by how strong and good this play writer is. Lives of Another portrays how the two effect each other (and hopefully the audience).
The written detail is impressive. There is a scene where Wiesler reads aloud a passage in a book. My memory took me back to English class where the teacher would point out a poem or tangent the author wrote. While trying to explain the relevancy of this "tangent", I always felt the writer added this part for filler or to push the story. But in Lives of Another, these little passages, plays, or conversations had relevancy to the characters and carefully planned. Details such as: how much Georg valued his significant other and why, how powerful art is to change someone, and how someone can sacrifice oneself to be who they are.
The ideals and messages are wonderful too.
300 (2006)
Artistically Jaw Dropping
I saw this opening weekend. I went in expecting a lot - great action and great artwork and hopefully a good story. I was not disappointed. The movie itself is 80% action with a shallow story to act as the action's catalyst. Though a lack of story can be annoying, 300 works well with little. When watching this movie, keep in mind: The story is meant to be a exaggerated war-tail passed on through generations. The good guys, the Greek, are perfect men - chiseled as Gods and ready to die for freedom. The Persians are portrayed as deformed evil demons. Each wave of new Persians are less human and seemingly more indestructible than the last. The visuals are rustic and kind of fuzzy as if you are imagining this instead of being there. Again, you are not witnessing this event first hand. A couple of my friends didn't enjoy the movie because of a mindset they are used to - movies are meant to be first hand accounts. "The exaggerations are too unreal and silly." So just go in assuming the story is exaggerated and the experience will be more enjoyable! ;)
Man cheng jin dai huang jin jia (2006)
Appropriate Title: Even Royalty Can Be White Trash now available in yellow!
I was exited to see this movie. I LOVED Hero and seen parts of House of Flying Daggers. I expect to see breath taking scenes artificial or natural and fancy martial arts while hoping for a good story. This movie was lacking in both arenas.
Some visual elements were wonderful jewelry, clothing, and shots taken outside. However, most of the movie was taken inside the castle. The interior decorator should have been shot for creating tied died pillars, tied died decorations, and tied died ceiling decorations. Because the background was so busy, it took away from their intricate attire and became quite annoying. My guy friend thought the EXCESS of cleavage was also distracting. Visually, this movie was not up to par with Hero or even close.
The story-line was so exaggerated. Taking many notable moments in Shakespeare's plays, throwing most in the climax of the movie, and then working the rest of the storyline around this soggy soap opera-like royal family (rich white trash) does not equate to a great movie.
The acting was good through except one part. "Watch Smosh Short 1: Dolls" which can be found on YouTube before seeing this movie. There is one scene were the gasping must have been taken from this 1 minute home movie. The similarities made me laugh.
At any point, the movie wasn't my favorite I have seen and expected better but it was watchable.
Jesus Christ Vampire Hunter (2001)
Should be on MST3000
Okay, this movie is horribly acted and the story is ridiculous. I could never take this movie seriously. But if you take a couple of your close and creative friends and make comments through the whole movie - Mystery Science Theater 3000 style - this movie can be quite fun. The dialogue is extremely out there - not to mention the story. Lesbian Vampires, hot Jesus with ear piercing AND ninja fighting ability, and a hot women in a leather attire. It's just silly!
I need to add in more text. Anyways, it's the new millennium and Jesus must fight the forces of evil that are praying on lesbians. Where did all the lesbians go? I don't know. But Jesus will find out with his ninja kick and holy water.
Lady in the Water (2006)
Similar to a small breathless child creating a story at the dinner table.
This movie is horrible. Continuity was forgotten. Plot line is whimsical. Screen shots are weak and uninteresting. Everyone follows a stereo-type. Actually, a lot of characters are so shallow that their only personality are their stereo-type - from the stoners to the Jewish New York.
The fairy-tale made hardly any sense and we, the audience, are just forced to swallow this sporadic muck. M. Night Shyamalan needs to get off his high horse - I swear he wrote this movie to make him feel better.
Annoying observation: Almost all the characters lack depth or any character development. Quite a few "important" characters do not surface until the end and are quite passive in the story. These characters are just there - holding hardly any form of importance in the movie - but have importance in the fairy-tale that encompasses the 2 hours of confusion I had to watch.