reservoirdogs07 Reviews

Into the Sun (2005)

"Into the Sun" is definitely action-packed, but it still fails to deliver classic Seagal fun

[29 March 2005]

What is so amazing about Seagal's direct to video movies are that they all have similar problems. You would think that after making a mistake on one movie, the next would improve in quality, and continue to do so until they are enjoyable films. Jean Claude Van Damme is doing it, so you really wonder why it is so much harder for Seagal. He has always been a bigger action star then Seagal ever was; and there is no doubt he has always had more hits. Still, Seagal fails with all of his Direct to Videos to do one thing: bring a certain level of quality and entertainment to his fans.

To be fair, "Into the Sun" is probably the best movie Seagal has put out since 2001's "Exit Wounds". For some, that's not saying much, because reviews have always been mixed on the movies he has made in his later career. All of his post "Half Past Dead" projects have had three major problems.

1. Lack of a Coherent Storyline 2. Stunt Doubles 3. Voice Overs

"Into the Sun" had a 35 million dollar budget, and was intended to be released theatrically, so it does look a little better than his other films, but not much better. The stunt doubles are still here, along with the choppy editing and hole-filled plot. But this does have a little more violence then Seagal's more recent films, so maybe bloodthirsty fans can appreciate it more.

Seagal is a CIA-agent who is assigned the task of investigating the "yakuza", better known as the Chinese mafia. Anyway, Seagal gets tangled up in a war between the "yakuza" and "triads", and ends up having to use his own brand of justice to settle things.

Extremely formulaic, Seagal really is in a stupor for most of the film. He is still overweight, and there is no reason to assume he will ever get back into decent shape ever again. Still, the film was an okay rental, and Seagal's performance was a little better than it has been lately. The Asian locale was nice as well, but I think Seagal should return the United States or at least Canada if possible.

Honestly, this film was pretty bad. Yes it was an improvement, and I could tolerate it, but it is still embarrassing to watch Seagal work in these conditions. Once a hardcore Seagal fan, movies like these have turned me off from the man, and I am hesitant to even rent his later movies. The most frustrating thing is that Seagal could do better, he just doesn't. Overall, I will probably never pay money for a Seagal film again,at least not without careful consideration first.

Donnie Darko (2001)

Over the top and overrated, but still entertaining

[29 May 2004]

"Donnie Darko" is the perfect example of a rookie filmakers attempt to capitalize on the success of "Memento" and other odd movies, and writing a script thats unbelievable yet imaginative. I have been told it's totally impossible to understand unless you go on the internet. What if you dont have the internet to reference. Yep, your screwed. Well not screwed, but you certainly miss out.

It's the story of a kid who is involved in a near death experience, and continues to live in a paranormal life. The acting is marvelous, the dialogue is witty. It's actually a great film until Kelly decides to go crazy and makes up some stupid stuff about time travel. It could have been a great film, with great characters, but instead became a good film with great characters. No doubt its entertaining, but it becomes hard to sit through.

If you like films that are different, and films you have to have a reference book to completely understand its for you. But this movie tries to hard to be different, which ultimately hurts its quality, but apparently not its large following and surprise success.

Reservoir Dogs (1992)

A Perfect Film

[31 March 2004]

When I watch a film, I have certain guidelines/expectations that must be met in order for me to considerate it entertaining. Reservoir Dogs meets all of these guidelines, and is not only entertaining it is incredible. By now, you know the story. A crime boss hires a team of thieves to rob a jeweler. They're the best of the best. It's the perfect plan. Nothing can go wrong. Until something does. Now, its up to you to help find out what did, and who traitor is. Does the movie have action? Are you kidding, Every scene is non-stop anticipation and excitement. Does it have drama? Yes, it does. Suspense? Uh-huh. Comedy? Oh Yeah. What about the acting? Flawless. Storyline? Intriguing. Twists? Yep. What doesn't this movie have? Im not sure. The film is the first to be directed by acclaimed director Quentin Tarantino, and it proves Tarantino is unbelievable. His first film is better than the majority of films a director does in their career. It's a great film and a cult classic.

True Romance (1993)

A masterpiece on every level

[29 March 2004]

True Romance is a movie that has very little faults. It is also one of those movies that require viewing more than once before the full impact hits you. Its the story of a dorky southern boy, who falls in love with a prostitute his boss hired for him on his birthday. From that description, the movie sounds sleazy and maybe even dumb. However, it is far from it. As the movie moves along, things get more and more involved in complicated for the star crossed lovers. Its an action violent romance which has one of the most powerful scenes in cinematic history. If your not familiar with it, its because its a cult classic, and will always remain a favorite of 90's rockers and prepubescent teenagers.

Dawn of the Dead (2004)

Typical Horror film, nothing out of the ordinary

[27 March 2004]

I had high hopes for "Dawn of the Dead". It looked like a typical horror/action movie, with just a little more style then the majority of films in its genre. However, the only thing that surprised me was how little the film had to offer. Yes, its a pretty cool movie while your watching it, but beyond that, its your run of the mill hollywood horror production thats ultimately forgettable. The movie had cool scenes here and there, but failed to develop an interesting plot besides a bunch of people shooting zombies and telling corny jokes. The performances were decent, but then again, it's not like it would be a challenge to play the part of a screaming, sarcastic idiot in an emergency situation. In other words, I probably should have waited for it to come to DVD.

Out for a Kill (2003 Video)

TERRIBLE,TERRIBLE!

[24 March 2004]

From my message board history, you can tell im a very big steven seagal fan. I've enjoyed many of his movies, and continue to support him even after his career has ended. But sometimes, you just can't feel sorry for the guy. Especially when he puts out garbage like this. "Out For a KIll" is an example of what any movie should not be. Its horrible on every level imaginable. Even Seagal shows a sense of depression throughout the movie. Then again, what movie doesnt he? Apparently Seagal is a reformed prisoner, who is now an archaelogist. Yes folks, i said archaelogist. And of course, as every reformed-prisoner-turned-archaelogist knows, specializing in martial arts is a prerequisite. But thats not even the worse part of the film. Seagal isn't trying hard to convince people hes at all putting effort into putting out a decent action film. Hes slow, hes sad, and frankly, he seems like he may be using drugs. All in all, this movie is terrible. but its not the lowest point in seagal's career. ooohhh, noooh, theres much worse. Thankfully, seagal's newest title "belly of the beast" is actually decent. Many might even consider it decent enough to be in theatres. But thats another story. this film embarasses seagal and frankly i think after making this movie he deserves to have such a lousy career. Stay away from this movie. Far, Far Away....

Beverly Hills Cop III (1994)

the weakest link

[23 March 2004]

It's hard to imagine this movie was in anyway related to the orignal "beverly hills cop" movie. The original was fun and classic, and arguably one of the best comedies of all time. (no, its not a true hollywood classic like "some like it hot", but still is no doubt entertaining on every level.) not only was the orignal a great movie, up until a few years ago, "beverly hills cop" was the top grossing rated r movie of all time.

Fast-forward almost 10 years later. The hilarious Eddie Murphy has a few succesful films, but he fails to capture an audience and follow his greatness after beverly hills cop. He already made a sequel, so what was left? Ah, yes, a third movie in the franchise. anyone who watches the first two, then this, can easily tell it was thrown together and not produced with the care the first one, and even the second were. Every thing that made the first and second one enjoyable were missing. Characters like Taggert and Boghamil were gone, and the unfunny Judge Reinhold is left with the NYPD BLUE guy and an almost embarassing Broson Pinchot. Those faults would be bad enough. But no, they weren't the only ones in this trash. A weak and formulaic storyline, cheezy, campy violence filled this movie. Not to mention the classic Axel F theme song was remixed into a terrible, terrible new sound.

Why watch this movie? I have no idea. It lacks the stability to be considered a good film even when you don't compare it to its predecessors. The only thing I enjoyed about this movie was the fact that Eddie had a few, I repeat, A FEW slick lines, and the fact they brought back Eddie's old boss. No, Paul Reiser, NO irrevrant hijinks. just a plain old fashioned lousy sequel.

Bushwhacked (1995)

average family movie

[16 March 2004]

this movie is okay, its pretty cool, but nothing special you havent seen before. in fact, most anything you think of is better. karate kid, little giants, honey i shrunk the kids. this movie has dumb one liners and hijinks that have all been done before and stolen from other movies. yet daniel stern is hilarious as "mad max". i guess the question is, should you watch this movie? if your thinking about paying to see it (renting or buying)definitley not. but if you see that its on in the cable guide, it wouldnt be a bad idea to sit down and watch it if you have the time. Overall, its amusing and if your a daniel stern fan, you'll enjoy seeing him as the dimwitted troop leader.

Primal Fear (1996)

A great movie filled with twists and turns

[13 March 2004]

This movie is probably one of the most powerful crime dramas ever made. Although the story can be hard to follow at times, (mainly the south river developement story)it is still fast paced and well done entertainment. i found myself really enjoying it when i saw it on hbo awhile back, then on tv again, then i bought it. now, i consider it to be one of my favorite films of all time. Richard Gere is in top form, as is Edward Norton, who shines as the charming altar boy Aaron Stampler. It was a crime he didn't win an academy award for this performance. This movie has a little bit of comedy, action, and a whole lot of great dramatic suspense and twists. if you our considering seeing this movie, don't consider it. Do it! You will be happy you were a witness to this cinematic masterpiece.

Tears of the Sun (2003)

Tears of Disappointment

[6 March 2004]

Tears of the Sun stars, Bruce Willis, and beyond that, anything about this movie seems to have been forgotten while I watched it. It's the story of a navy seal, bruce willis, who must rescue a doctor from an African Missionary after a military conflict breaks out between christians and muslims. For a war movie, you would expect to see lots of action and shooting. However, Tears of the Sun doesn't have much of either. It tries to hard to be a dramatic philosphical examination of racism and courage, but really, it's a 2 hour borefest. Very little acting, because the dialogue is choppy, and very little satisfaction in terms of a conclusion. If you like war films, watch Saving Private Ryan, it's the exact same storyline, except that is an actually entertaining movie.

Belly of the Beast (2003 Video)

Not so bad for a direct to video flick

[7 February 2004]

Over the years, fans have been razzled and dazzled with action movies. Going as far back as the 50's, production companies were trying to use the latest and greatest special effects in order to increase sales. As the years progressed, these companies began to emphasize this more and more, and acting in cinema in general declined. this perfectly describes "actor" Steven Seagal, who although is no Robert De Niro, managed to gratify audiences with violent sequences and explosive action early in his career. Seagal proved he was "Above the Law, in the late 80's, he was definitely "Out for Justice" in the following years, and soon held the box office "under siege". Now, 11 years later, Seagal has managed to destroy whatever reputation he had during those years. Many filmgoers of this generation haven't even heard of Steven Seagal, which to be honest, isn't a bad thing considering his most recent efforts. Now Seagal is back, and apparently hes got the "belly of the beast". In his latest thriller, he plays a hero (shock!) who wants to avenge the kidnapping of his daughter(where have we heard this scenario before? Perhaps its from the numerous other Seagal titles that its been stolen from.) Anyway, Belly of the Beast is a mindless action flick, as many Seagal films tend to be. but this one, for some reason, is different than his newer films. Seagal seems younger and more vibrant on screen, and looks like he may have even lost a bit of the poundage he was putting on. Sure, the fighting scenes are toned down a bit, but lets face it, Seagal is a long way off from being Nico at this age. Despite this fact, the action is surprisingly well done. Lots and lots of shooting, lots and lots of very fake deaths, but it all comes together at the end when you see Seagal playing hero. I'm not gonna spoil any of the plot, but you can kind of figure it out yourself. pretty formulaic, but in a way entertaining. and it sure is nice to see the seagal back that we all knew from long ago.

Desert Heat (1999)

Surprisingly decent acting, terrible movie

[4 August 2003]

Jean Claude Van Damme stars as Eddie Lomax, formally a war hero who becomes an alcoholic. When he decides to give his war buddy a newly refurbished bike, trouble starts between him and the local drug cartel/biker gangs. The movie also stars Pat Morita, who was Mr. Miagi in The Karate Kid series.What surprised me about this film was the fact that Jean Claude Van Damme, was actually being a decent actor. In fact the biggest problem with the movie was the action. This is usually vice versa in Van Damme films. It's worth watching on USA Channel, but dont even consider buying it.