jonestobias-08093 Reviews

Chimera Strain (2018)

Too claustrophobic

[19 April 2019]

I am very claustrophobic, and this movie is like my nightmare. Almost the entire film is set in dungeon like rooms with bare minimum light. Literally I counted and there are only 2 scenes with the sun! Having said this, the film is a valiant effort in my opinion though I suppose many people will not like the ending. Henry Ian Cusick is amazing, as he is everywhere and Kathleen Quinlan shows us her face again. Maurice Haems has a nice visual style and the kids are good. But as I said at the start- too goddamn claustrophobic.

The Fourth Kind (2009)

Could have been a lot better than what it is

[24 January 2019]

The problem with The Fourth Kind is the manner in which its told- like a documentary. I am certain that had the filmmakers chosen to go the normal narrative route with the material they had this would have been an infinitely better production. There are some good scares in The Fourth Kind. In fact, it could be argued that the movie works better as an example of horror than one of science fiction. Many scenes are presented as "re-creations" with professional actors MillaJovovich (as Abbey), Elias Koteas, Will Patton, and Hakeem Kae-Kazim assuming the identities of their counterparts. In an attempt to enhance the illusion, the filmmakers often show the "documentary" footage alongside the "re-creations" via a split-screen. There are times when this works in a History Channel way, but it kills any hope at character identification and genuine involvement in the story. It feels more like an experiment than an actual movie. Even the director has a cameo- for crying out loud. The location and setting are well shot.

Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights (2004)

Watch it for the nice dance sequences, forget the rest

[8 January 2019]

A six-word review is arguably all that's necessary for this movie: at least the dancing is hot. More a remake than a sequel, Havana Nights takes the Dirty Dancing formula (which is actually "Romeo and Juliet" crossed with "Cinderella" and transplanted into the 1950s) and infuses it with cross-cultural issues. For the most part, it's a better film that its tepid 1987 inspiration - at least until the end. Sure, the storyline is unsurprising, but the acting is more elastic, the dialogue is less laden with clunkers, and the dance sequences arguably exhibit additional energy (maybe it's the salsa-flavored rhythms). However, while the strength of the original Dirty Dancing was its magical, climactic "(I'll Have) The Time of My Life" coming-out party, Havana Nights comes close to falling apart in the last ten minutes. Instead of a celebration of teen love and dance, we get a perfunctory lesson in politics as a glossed-over, whitewashed Cuban Revolution hits Havana.

Tightrope (1984)

Tightrope is typical Eastwood film

[20 December 2018]

This is a decent, though not entirely flawless, dramatic thriller. Clint stars as a hard-nosed detective (does he play any other kind?) trying to figure out who's behind a string of murders in New Orleans. But these aren't just any murders, as the female victims were all part of the wonderful world of kinky sex. Our hero's mean squint gets even squintier when it becomes obvious the women are being targeted because of their kinky relations with him. It's reasonably paced, not entirely predictable and nicely buffered with some cute (sometimes hilarious) father-daughter moments (Clint's real-life offspring, Alison, plays one of his two girls). Decent watch.

Star in the Dust (1956)

Typical 50s Western

[18 December 2018]

Very Gunsmokish-type movie. Standard 1950s Western Movie fare with a righteous sheriff outnumbered by the opposition, with the standard range war backdrop of farmers versus cattlemen. Opposition naturally led by a powerful baron who practically owns the town. Another standard theme. A love story thrown in, complicated by its trail that leads from the sheriff's office straight to the baron's ranch house. A ballad singer on a guitar, accompanies the audience throughout the film, adding an interesting feature to the movie. Not unentertaining. Slightly an above average production.

Nadja (1994)

Quality dark comedy vampire movie

[9 November 2018]

Nadja opens in modern-day Manhattan, where there are apparently all sorts of vampires and zombies roaming around. One such is the venerable Dracula (although he doesn't last more than ten minutes into the film), while others include his daughter Nadja and her twin brother Edgar.Dr. Van Helsing a nutcase vampire-killer acting like an aging hippie who dropped too much acid during the '60s, has driven a stake through Dracula's heart and is now after the kids. Helping him in his quest is his nephew. Nadja is atmospheric and the deadpan tongue in cheek humor serves it well but the film is too mashed up in various genres to really stand out. However, this is a good, rarely known Vampire movie that will be a good entertainment option for the night.

Blood Simple (1984)

where the illustrious career of the Coen Brothers began

[24 October 2018]

Blood Simple was the debut of the director due of the Coen Brothers and Frances Mcdormand who stars as the main lead. Everything one has come to expect of the Coens- the shady characters, unpredictable plot and small-town setting can be found in Blood Simple. The film's plot concerns a man who hires a PI to kill his wife and her new man as he senses that she is cheating on him. Young Frances Mcdormand is very pretty and as good an actor as she later came to be known for. If you are a fan of crime thrillers or wish to see where the talented brothers began their Hollywood career- Blood Simple is the film to watch.

Star Trek (2009)

Fantastic pacing and a great script makes this reboot a winner

[8 October 2018]

This is the reboot that needs to be applauded-JJ Abrabs has made a film that will entice new fans and at the same time not offend Trekkies. All the new actors adapt themselves to iconic roles and the special effects are low key but fantastic. Of course, the main question is- will new fans like it, or even understand the lore? Yes, they will.

The Doors (1991)

Watch it for the great leading performances

[26 September 2018]

Oliver Stone decides to give the political theories a rest and dives into the biography of a rock band's leading man. This is a biographical take on Jim Morrison and you'd be hard pressed to find a lot of faults here- Kilmer is literally the photo copy of the real Jim and Meg Ryan is adorable as his girlfriend. The film itself wasn't such a hit because, well to be frank it is vague and goes off on many tangents but this is a valiant effort to show a true rock star. Even if you aren't a fan of the Doors I suggest you check this one out.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

One of the finest offbeat drama films out there

[31 August 2018]

This is one of the most unique science fiction films I've ever had the good fortune to view. Everything from the plot to the dialogue to the production design is zany in a good way. Both Carrey and Winslet are very good as a couple who have their memories erased to start all over again. The visuals are gorgeous which is something Michael Gondry has come to excel at and the flow of the movie is terrific. If you want an original work in the science fiction drama genre this is a great choice.

Predator 2 (1990)

Pretty decent sequel to Predator

[31 July 2018]

Predator 2 is an alright movie but comparing it to the original is futile. None of the main cast return and the setting isn't a lush jungle anymore, it is downtown los angeles. But there are some decent set pieces and one in particular where the Predator descends upon a gang is quite good. Ably supported by well known faces like Danny Glover and Bill Paxton Predator 2 is better than a bad movie but not as good as a great one. Still if you have seen the original you can watch this.

JFK (1991)

A great film on a touchy subject

[24 July 2018]

JFK from Oliver Stone is a well- executed conspiracy theory full of great performances and a nice setup of events leading up to one of the most unforgettable events in world history- the assassination of President John F Kennedy. Costner plays state attorney Garrison who has been given the arduous task of finding out who committed the heinous crime and how. The film is political and so the subject is a bit hard to sit through, but no one can question Stone's perspective or approach. This one will bring up hot debates and conspiracy theories.

American Beauty (1999)

A very overrated film in my opinion

[17 July 2018]

How good is American Beauty? Well, it depends on how emotionally you enjoy being drained. Also, I feel this movie is massively overrated because the whole disjointed dysfunctional family aspect is way overplayed. I could not take Spacey seriously as a character- why did he start smoking pot and working out, suddenly? Why is the wife unhappy and if they are unhappy than why not get a divorce? Despite 1999 being one of the best year for American Cinema I can't believe this one won all the awards and accolades. Regardless, you can judge for yourself but in my opinion American Beauty has not aged well at all.