scree Reviews

Black Moon (1975)

One of those 'for movie lovers only' movies

[5/10 · 7 December 2006]

Well, I am torn by this movie. If you love movies and can watch almost anything, then this one delivers just fine. Strange unexplained events and such with a plot that basically goes nowhere still makes for a nice surrealistic trip. But on the other hand, at least other movies of this type are typically slices of real life, whereas this one is just a bunch of weird things, like a dream as mentioned elsewhere. Really have to be in the right mood to appreciate fully. Much like listening to Pink Floyd music, I suppose. (hehe) Anyway, at least the lead actress is as cute as a button, which always helps greatly. (But if you HATE insects, watch out! LOL)

N.Y.U.K (2000– )

Funny for a while

[23 June 2004]

These little couple-minute "N.Y.U.K" intros to the Stooges shorts when AMC was showing them were funny for a while, but quickly became grating. I'd be like "Just get to the Stooges already!" once they started recycling the intros (there must have been like only 10 at most). Plus the guests just tried too hard (Carrot Top; the Wonder Years dad) or seemed completely out of their element (the especially-ditzy-at-that-time Anna Nicole). Anyway, it was sure better than having commercials in the middle of the shorts. Hopefully AMC will pick up the good IL' Stooges again!

Marathon (2002)

Simple yet effective

[9/10 · 6 April 2004]

Movies like this one are what make the Sundance Channel my favorite! Marathon is a 72 minute ride of compelling filmmaking on several levels: visually (even for black and white, which I generally dislike watching); sonically (the audio is great, the environmental and subway sounds are almost hypnotic in a way); and emotionally (without having to deal with other characters, or even talking at all). I can understand how many general movie-goers would not appreciate this type of film, but for those who do like independent (or what may be known as "arty") films, Marathon is quite enjoyable and satisfying. And I sure hope we see a lot more of Sara Paul in the future! (hopefully in color -heh) [A]

2010 (1984)

More like a Star Trek movie

[5/10 · 28 March 2004]

I finally got to see 2010 again thanks to digital cable. 2010 is a decent movie in its own right, but definitely not a good sequel to 2001 (other than it explains and ties up some things from the original, of course). 2010 just doesn't sit well as a follow-up because it mostly plays like lots of other movies of the genre at the time (in other words, nowhere near the masterpiece of 2001); has a large focus on 80s cold war stuff (however, I can see how this is used in leading up to 'live in peace together'); and includes quite an annoying cast (especially Roy Scheider, who I think completely overacts his part, compared to the original Dr. Floyd). Anyway, a worthy "space" movie for those interested at all in sci-fi. [C+]

Wonderfalls (2004)

So-so so far

[18 March 2004]

The show isn't bad at all, in fact it has quite a good sense of "today", if that makes any sense. The dialog is quite witty at times, much like on Gilmore Girls. And it's just quirky enough to be interesting without being cheesy (however it does come close a few times). So basically what will make this series last is its fantastic lead star. I'm already a little annoyed with the secondary characters, again much like on Gilmore Girls. LOL (They are funny for a short while, then you just wanna smack em.)

So will this series last? Well, I actually doubt it, especially since it's on Fox, let alone on Friday night. Another thing, at least so far, is that the show seems to lack what I call a "cute message", which for example Joan of Arcadia has in every episode (and regardless of the god stuff); I mean Jaye is ultimately trying to help people, but there's no loving family lesson at the end. That's why I said this series has a better sense of "today", but it's what also will hold it back from a bigger audience, unless a lot of teens and 20-somethings would prefer this instead of The OC. heh

[Something I find strange is that "Star Trek: Voyager" is listed under "If you like this title, we also recommend". I find that a bit confusing, because Voyager was a superior showcase of brilliant writing and acting, and what a cast member even called being in a "morality play" every episode. So my guess is that Wonderfalls' similarity to Voyager may be somewhat evident in the acting and maybe writing, but it sure will have to be proved more in future episodes.]

The Help (2004– )

Another standard-issue sitbomb

[7 March 2004]

The WB does it again! Or should I say, network television does it again. Here we have yet another so-so sitcom laid on us, not overly funny, yet not really a stinker. The story so far is actually a bit interesting, but the problem always seems to be the level of comedy. Maybe it's the overall lame dialog, generally overacted performances, or the annoying studio audience laughing (better than a laugh track, of course, but this one seems to be trying to emulate old Married With Children's). As only the pilot episode has aired as I write this, hopefully there will be a potential realized with the stellar eye-candy cast (Camille Guaty, Megan Fox, Marika Dominczyk, Keri Lynn Pratt, and yes even Brenda Strong), which is what saves this sitcom from a quick death (well, I would hope so, anyway). Plus Tori Spelling guest starring in anything is worth watching, IMHO! So, best of luck to this show. [Show: C - Cast: B+]

Death to Smoochy (2002)

Not bad at all!

[7/10 · 28 February 2004]

Any movie with the exquisite Catherine Keener in it is worth watching. Any movie with Robin Williams in an even slightly funny role is worth watching. And any movie that features the cool Edward Norton -- who I believe is one of the best actors of his generation -- is well worth watching. With that said, sure, Smoochy still has its share of corny, but even those parts fit well because of the theme (doing a children's show). I found this movie very entertaining, and the story held my interest all the way through. And it is Norton who actually makes it a good comedy, rather than Williams. Oh, and having the Irish mob to boot makes it even better! hehe ... B

Security, Colorado (2001)

Maybe too true to life...

[6/10 · 7 February 2004]

This film is as interesting as it is high-tech. Not necessarily a bad film, but it's rather boring and inconsequential. In fact, perhaps its main problem is it's too true to life, which is sometimes just not what many folks want to spend time watching on screen. Plus the fact that the dialog is simply terrible at times. These factors make it understandable why this film got zero stars in my digital cable guide. Anyway, the fact that the story and acting are pretty natural, and the lead actress is darn cute, save this film. Let's hope we see a lot more of Karen Felber! C+

See the Sea (1997)

Not bad, like an extended 'short'

[8/10 · 4 February 2004]

Saw this film on the Sundance Channel a couple times now. It's really not anything new, but it's still a haunting story of frustration, need, and (mis)trust. Sasha seems to be happy (and even says so) with her current settled life, yet there are displays of her boredom and frustration throughout the film (the baby keeps her occupied, yet at the same time it also won't let her sleep, read, etc.). She is also in need of some sex, as a couple scenes prove.

I suppose probably being as bored as she is more so than being polite, she befriends Tatiana after being wary of her at first. Strangely, she starts to place way to much trust in this person (leaving her to watch the baby, etc.), but that just shows Sasha is so pent up that she'll take any chance she gets to have some relief. As they get chummier, Tatiana starts to show to the audience signs of being a bit unstable (you got to see one such scene for yourself!), and later Sasha finds her weird notebook drawings but doesn't seem to think much of it (we all doodle, right?). Later when Sasha offers her most trusting friendliness, Tatiana finally does what she has to do, starting with a scene that at first looks more a return of friendship than what really happens. (Even though what finally happens is a bit predictable, it doesn't take away from its impact since such a thing is always disturbing and tragic.)

Overall, this was an enjoyable film, if you are into concise, well shot and acted drama with talented actresses. Also, for this particular film, it's length was just right, at just under an hour. A-

Show Me Love (1998)

A reason to love foreign films

[10/10 · 15 November 2002]

Simply put, this is one of the best movies I have seen in a long time, American or foreign. It is an excellent portrayal of what could be a real slice of 'normal' teenage life anywhere today. The two main lead characters are simply great, the cutest young actresses who give a heart-felt and sensitive performance. The whole execution of the movie is brilliant, and the ending is just the cutest thing to witness (and the song during the closing credits adds a great feeling). 10/10

The Others (2001)

Great all-around movie

[10/10 · 22 June 2002]

This movie is a brilliant piece of work! The acting is superb, right down to that of the children. Nicole Kidman pulls off a cool English accent and fills her part excellently, being much more suited to this kind of role (like Dead Calm) than her tough-chick (The Peacemaker) or black comedy (To Die For) attempts. There are just enough characters to keep it all interesting, and the old mansion and outdoor scenery make for some great cinematography for the time period (WWII). And the suspense factor is just enough as well, not overblown or cheesy at all. If you liked The Sixth Sense, then this movie will rank right up there with it for you!

Death of A Cheerleader (1994 TV Movie)

Good stuff

[9/10 · 16 March 2002]

Anything Kellie Martin is in is simply gold, and this tv movie is no exception in her nice collection. She is such a fabulous young 1990's actress who seems to remind me of Jodie Foster -- great acting talent and screen presence, but she just doesn't act enough anymore! And believe it or not, Tori Spelling is also a great little actress, and not just famous daddy's girl and/or another tv movie queen. Anyway, this is a quality movie and a perfect example of great acting by the best young actresses the 90's have generated. (oh yeh, it can also be classified as "Lifetime Channel Friendly" hehe)

Gymkata (1985)

Bad, cheap, cheesy...Yet can't look away! :)

[3/10 · 7 September 2001]

This is indeed quite the strange movie... First, we have an ex-U.S.-gymnast trying to turn actor (or something), and this seems to be the only role he ever got (that I know of anyway) -- and for good reason. While he does pull off the role well enough to keep some interest, it is a rather bland and flat performance. Second, we have the WORST EVER sound effects ever used in a movie!!! I'm not kidding. This alone makes the movie extremely comical, but in that annoying way. hehe And third, while we have a generally decent acting supporting cast (including the required hot chick!), an actually not-so-bad story, and some cool visuals; the dialogue, fight scenes involving gymnastics (hilarious!), and overall execution of the plot are weak. This movie would have been barely better as a network TV movie (too bad Fox wasn't around in 1985). It's one of those movies that's simply bad, yet you can't resist watching and even enjoying it once you get used to it, especially now that it has found the perfect eternal home on late night TV and cable.

Give My Regards to Broad Street (1984)

No masterpiece, but not bad at all.

[8/10 · 18 August 2001]

Here is a light-hearted, entertaining movie that gets quickly dismissed by critics who think every movie should be a 'Godfather' or something. If you like rock music in general and aren't looking for a complicated plot, this movie is a very nice Brit production complete with pretty visuals and kooky characters; if you are a fan of Paul and/or The Beatles, then you will love this movie, plain and simple!

Now, Voyager (1942)

Quality Bette.

[7/10 · 18 August 2001]

Though I haven't seen many of her movies, this is one of the better Bette roles I have seen so far. She was definitely at the height of her craft in the 1940's, and she handles the quite wordy dialogue in this movie like the true pro she was. I'm too young to know much about the era, but two things struck me about this movie. One is the running time - I was amazed to see a 2 hour movie coming out of 1942. But that definitely wasn't a drawback at all in this case. And two is the movie's almost sad ending. Without giving anything away, I'll just say that this movie must have been one of the first to end on an "almost but not quite" happily-ever-after note.