bjswalker Reviews

Chasing Amy (1997)

Guerilla film-making at its best

[9/10 · 20 March 2006]

Given the film's relatively meagre budget of $250,000, it meant that Kevin, Moiser et al had to call in favours, use all of their contacts, get their friends and relatives and their friends and relatives to appear in the film, and get everyone working for scale (film-making's minimum wage).

Personally, I think the film is better for it, as it means that the film has a gritty realism to it, rather than a Hollywood stylisation, although this is also due to Robert 'Ratface' Holtzman's production design.

The casting of such people as Jason Lee's ex-wife, Carman, as Alyssa's lesbian lover, Kevin's cousin as Codee London, Casey Affleck as The Kid, etc, also adds a further layer of enjoyment, for me at least.

Smith's 'no style' style also adds to the film as well, as simple, no-frills shots makes the film seem more realistic,( even if the plot is rather unrealistic!) For goodness' sake, Kevin even said that it was his sci-fi film, as that would never happen!

Blade: Trinity (2004)

Not as good as it could or should be

[6/10 · 14 December 2004]

Basically, what my one line summary says.

This film is a bit of a let-down. There are some good points, and I did enjoy it, but it fails on so many levels.

Firstly, I enjoy Ryan Reynolds' work, especially in the second season of 'Two Guys and a Girl', and I liked his performance in this, as he was the one character who provided some laughs, but he is not Hannibal King. Yes, Hannibal King is a wise-cracker, but he is much tougher than he is portrayed in this movie. He reminded me more of Xander off 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' than he should of. Also, he un-necessarily said the f-word a lot, which I think was done for the purposes of achieving at least a '15' rating alone.

Secondly, pro wrestling has no reason for being in this film. Triple H is a good actor and he did well in the role of Jarko Grimwood, but never, in all of the vampire films I've watched over the years, have I ever seen a vampire body-slam someone!

Thirdly, the fights were far too choreographed, which detracted from the atmosphere of the film, as did the blantant advertising of I-Pods. Also, unlike the previous films, the action sequences weren't violent enough, due to the fact that they were so complex and methodical because of the choreography.

Finally, as I mentioned earlier, Hannibal King was the one character who provides laughs in this film. which shouldn't be. Previously, Blade has always had a great line in dry humour and wittiness, as had Whistler, and this isn't present.

I was really looking forward to this film, as a fan of the series, but I'm really disappointed. If a Night Stalkers spin-off is made, which I would like, as I liked the characters, and there are a lot of different ways in which the characters could be developed, I hope it is better than this.

A Man Apart (2003)

Good, but bad

[6/10 · 23 November 2004]

I personally liked the film. Vin Diesel's performance was the right side of credible. Lerenz Tate was a good choice as a partner, as he provides a solid performance as well and provided the comic relief this sort of film needs. The plot wasn't as lightweight as I thought it was doing to be, the script didn't go too over the top (although there was some moments) and the action was pretty impressive. Not too bad for a Vin Diesel vehicle.

My one problem though is that the ending didn't make sense (why did everyone start fighting when he was walking off at the end?)Frankly, I think it would have been better if they had swapped the end scene with the previous scene at the wife's graveside.

Also, did the makers of 'The Punisher' watch this film beforehand, because they are very similar.