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shenacat
Reviews
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
Great movie
Please excuse the advanced critique that IMDB has posted with this movie. I have to say, it was obviously generated by someone schooled in the film industry who has very hardened opinions on what constitutes good filmmaking. Unless you are looking to view this film with a critical eye or rip it apart for your script writing class, you will hardly notice half the things mentioned in the previous critique.
This movie was astounding in its ability to portray a true fantasy story in a dramatic, serious fashion. American filmmakers seem to have a block when it comes to science fiction and fantasy and seem to want to "silly it up" for the kids. This movie does not have any of this. It is given all the serious attention this type of story deserves. I am *very* pleased with this. I feel the fantasy character of Gimli was expounded upon as a dwarf in the way that Legolas was as an elf in the first movie. We got to see dwarves as they should be portrayed, with laughing good cheer, belching good appetites, and an at times comical battle lust.
This movie is just a heavenly delight for a true fantasy lover. Even if you've never read Tolkien, just newer fantasy novels, you'll recognize all your characters in these people.
My one critique would be in casting of the Lorien elves which come to assist at the battle of Rohan. The leader was chubby enough to be a dwarf, practically. :) But what is suspension of disbelief for, anyway...?
Reign of Fire (2002)
great visuals, disappointingly short
The movie was too short, I left the theatre feeling as if I hadn't watched a movie at all. The visuals were great, I loved seeing the dragons, but the story itself fell short here and there. For instance, they rush off to find the dragon's lair and kill it, and get immediately toasted. What an anti-climax! At the end of the movie we're left with so many unanswered questions. We barely even find out that the dragons eat ash - it's only hinted at and not even said outright.
I would recommend seeing the movie for what it offers, but plan on seeing another movie that day or you will not have a good theatre experience.
Sally Marshall Is Not an Alien (1999)
Nice family film
This was a nice family film, fun in the way of the old Saturday Morning specials on TV. The acting was a bit rough here and there, but the actress playing Pip was cute and inspiring. I would recommend it to anyone liking stories for young adults.
The Count of Monte Cristo (2002)
Great movie!
I remembered almost nothing of the written story before watching this movie, and so it was fresh and new to me. They spent so much time in the beginning setting up the tragedy that I first doubted that this movie would have a happy ending (a doubt that lingered even though good things started happening around the middle). But I was mistaken! The ending was fabulous, although revenge came too soon for the likes of us! It would have been better to drag out the "seeking revenge" part a little, just to satisfy the evil inside of me that wanted Edward to have the sweetest revenge in spades.
Overall - likeable characters, good development, and excellent acting. If I had to pick though I would land upon the character of Yocobo, Edward's lackey. There was a bit more suspension of disbelief for this actor who did not seem to fit the time period, but after I got past it I realized that he actually fit very well. It became humorous, and I wonder if that was the intent. It did add to the story though. :)
Go see this movie NOW. :)