peteyob Reviews

Protocol (1984)

One of the worst movies of all time

[1/10 · 10 January 2007]

There are only two movies I would give a 1/10 to, this stinker and "The Man who Fell to Earth." I remember seeing Protocol at a theater in the early 80s when I was in high school. The script is insulting to anyone (including a high school student's) intelligence. It completely lost me with the "hillarious" gag of someone getting shot in the butt. Goldie Hawn is supposed to be charming but comes across as vapid and moronic. Then there are offensive stereotypes about Arabs, followed by Goldie winning over everyone by spouting populist dribble. The acting was terrible, including Goldie Hawn's. I could not stand to see another movie she was in until IMO she redeemed herself in Everyone Says I Love You. This is the kind of movie you make if you want to put no effort into screenplay writing. The worst.

D.E.B.S. (2004)

Who wrote this screenplay?

[2/10 · 6 January 2007]

If you're going to make a "spoof" movie at least try to come up with a decent plot, one that does not completely insult the audience's intelligence! There are so many times in watching this that you are expected to suspend your disbelief that it is ridiculous. I didn't find one line in this movie funny or even "cute." With the exception of the Lucy and Amy characters, I have seen better acting on Gilligan's Island. I think people who say they like this movie probably think it is great only because it throws in a lesbian relationship as the core of its theme. That's not enough to save this stinker! This is close to the worst movie I have ever seen, but it is beaten out by Protocol and The Man who Fell to Earth, so it gets a 2 from me instead of a 1.

The Sopranos (1999–2007)

I hate this show

[16 March 2006]

I have tried to watch a couple of episodes because my Father and sister love it so much, but I find it unwatchable. I am not criticizing those who love it, it just baffles me. The show presents the worst of our society and glorifies their brutality and lifestyle. The main characters are serial killers who take advantage of the weak and corrupt society. I hope the series ends with Tony and all the other killers being killed themselves or better, ending up in jail for the rest of their lives. That would be justice and leave a positive message - if you embrace evil you will be destroyed by it. I am not a fan of any "Mafia" movies or shows because they glorify this lifestyle without showing all the pain and harm organized crime causes.

Crash (I) (2004)

Moving and thought provoking

[9/10 · 9 March 2006]

This movie was just phenomenal and completely deserving of the Academy Award for Best Picture. The acting was superb and the story was emotionally gripping. *Spoiler Alert* If your heart was not in your throat when the little girl was almost shot, you have no humanity. It was one of the most impressive scenes I have ever seen on film. And when the gun had blanks and gave the shooter a chance a redemption and he took the chance... WOW!! When the racist police office was able to save his victim, and when the carjacker could save a group of immigrants from exploitation and slavery...moving! People all too often stereotype themselves and act in accordance with others expectations, so the stereotypes portrayed ring true. But people in this film are able to rise above these stereotypes at critical moments. Are there too many coincidences? Of course, but great storytelling needs some license. This movie went beyond the normal Hollywood formula that people are used to. It wasn't the typical movie with a theme consisting of "racist person is evil and must be ridiculed and vilified." Its message was that racism is pervasive, otherwise good people can have racist moments or views, and people can overcome their racism and redeem themselves. It also pointed out that there are situations where cultural bias can be as dangerous as overt racism. This was an entertaining and thought provoking film with terrific acting. Congrats to this movie for its Best Picture win!

Pulp Fiction (1994)

Disturbing

[2/10 · 14 January 2006]

*a few spoilers below* I remember seeing this movie at a theater when it was first released. I was very excited and eager to see it as I had heard a lot of positive "buzz" about it. I was very disappointed for many reasons including: 1. Glorification of violence - all the "cool characters are cold blooded murderers, drug abusers or sadists. I cannot identify or become emotionally involved with these type of characters. I didn't care if any of the main characters lived or died. In fact I would have preferred if they all died in the end because they were all terrible excuses for humans. 2. Attempting to mix realistic violence with humor. In the scene where the guy was accidentally shot in the back seat of the car, a few people around me laughed. Others gasped that someone would laugh. I will never forget the guy in the theater sitting behind me saying out loud "wait, that's funny right? Isn't that supposed to be funny" Many action films have cartoonish violence - it's understood that the violence is farcical. This movie seemed to be saying murder and rape are funny and cool. 3. The scene with the gimp was way over the top, not necessary, and sadistic. Again, is this supposed to be amusing and entertaining? 4. The dialog seemed to be random and unconnected and without purpose. People cite lines about McRoyal with cheese like it is profound. Is it me, am I missing something? 5. You have to completely suspend your disbelief at the coincidences that occur. A guy is driving on a random street and happens to pull right up next to the guy trying to kill him?

I am at a loss as to why this movie is rater so high. It had some snappy editing, and a few genuinely humorous moments. But is was a film about nothing but a fictionalized underbelly of society.