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Reviews
The Ultimate Weapon (1998)
Redefining the action genre
Often imitated, but never duplicated, this is the movie that started it all - the bombshell that sparked a revolution in action movies that continues unabated to this day. As soon as it was released you knew that no action movie could ever be the same, and indeed, the influence of "the Ultimate Weapon" will probably be felt 50 years hence. Gone are the days when a top grossing action flick could expect to get by on marginal acting, low brow humor, a few car chases and exposed breasts, some brief colloquial dialog occasionally interrupting the constant bombardment of seizure inducing special effects. "The ultimate weapon" has changed the landscape forever. So much more is demanded now. Gone are the flat, one dimensional action heroes, little more than walking assortments of infantile one-liners and agonizing clichés. Enter Ben Cutter: a character so psychologically complex, affecting emotional states so vivid and true to life, that he seems almost to jump out of the screen and merge seamlessly into the viewers surroundings. He has a tangible, corporeal presence that the audience finds difficult to shake off even after the movie has ended. The framework of this movie is disarmingly simple. The plot seems to be yet another rehash of the same tired action formulas from decades past. But the movie manages to invest all these familiar thematic elements with an energy and aura all its own, something so difficult to describe and awe inspiring to behold, that no review can claim to do it justice. The truth is I can't really pin down what makes this movie so great. I'm able to discuss plenty of other great films with others, but when "the Ultimate Weapon" comes up an inexplicable silence falls on the conversation, and all that remains is certain knowing and strangely communicative glances between all involved that seem to convey a common understanding, wordless and enigmatic, between those who have had the privilege of witnessing this movie.
Gosford Park (2001)
Thrill ride that grabs you by the crotch and never lets go. EVER!
Take 2 hours of non-stop heart pounding action, and then add a sizable helping of T&A, and you get 2001's Gosford Park. Although the gore level was a bit high for my tastes, this movie was an unbelievable adrenaline rush from opening to closing credits. Maggie Smith! Oh my god, I'd like to shift her into gear. And I even read she does all of her own stunts in this movie. This is not for the feint of heart, but a must see for die hard action-splatter-fest fans.
Mr. Nanny (1993)
This movie takes a lot of risks, but still has the fundamentals
Wow! I recently saw this movie on TV, and even though it's 10 years after release, the power of this film is undiminished. Hogan has never been known for making conservative films, but Mr.Nanny breaks all the rules. It shatters boundaries and takes the audience places I didn't know a movie could. It may be quite experimental, and thus not for everyone's tastes, but it features a tour-de-force performance by Hulk Hogan reminisent of his unforgettable RIP Thomas. Probably the most mind blowing thing for me was reading that a lot of the Hulkster's on screen time was adlibbed, and that some of the most poignant lines in the film weren't actually in the script. A true modern classic.
Suburban Commando (1991)
Best film of the decade
Both the critical and box office success of 1989's No Holds Barred were unprecedented, and needless to say, many had high expectations for the eagerly anticipated Sububan Commando of two years later. What movie goers recieved that year was arguably the best film of the decade, with the Hulkster bringing Shep Ramsey to life in yet another heart stopping performance. Comparisons with No Holds Barred are unavoidable, but in my opinion unfair. The latter film is primarly concerned with philosophical issues pertaining to man's relationship with the universe, while Suburban Commando has a much tighter focus, presenting the individual as a mirror reflecting the socio-politcal values of the "new" deomcracy in which he finds himself captive. The much touted gay scene between Christopher Loyd and Hogan was left on the cutting room floor, but may be included in the upcoming directors cut. In short, Suburban Commando is a landmark film which rarely gets the attention it deserves.
No Holds Barred (1989)
THE GREATEST MOVIE OF ALL TIME!!!!!!
This movie changed my life! Hogan's performance was nothing short of incredible, and I still haven't recovered from his exclusion from the 1990 Oscar nominations. And as brightly as the Hulkster shines in this movie, you can't discount the brilliant writing and direction that vaults this masterpiece in to the highest strata of achievement in film. If you haven't seen this movie, drop what your doing right now and get yourself a copy. I guarantee it will blow your mind. And if you don't like it, then I just have one question for you.... Watcha gonna do when the 24 inch pythons and Hulkamania runs wild on you!!!!