Movies you may have missed...
Movies are about entertainment, which comes in many different flavors. Enjoying films often
requires the viewer to suspend disbelief or to remember that the movie represents and 'documents'
an extraordinary set of circumstances. I am the kind of person who enjoy movies for that reason, as well
as find redeeming qualities in almost any movie. On the other hand, I will be the first to nitpick my
way through it if I feel the producer/director have lost sight of these things in their film.
It is easy to understand how this movie would be overlooked, especially if the previews (which I never saw) depicted the movie
incorrectly. While it does have a Matrix-like feel, it is unavoidable given the nature of the fighting style (described in the
movie) and actually a very small portion overall. From IMDB, the following
description is quite accurate and very fitting: "Writer/director Kurt Wimmer's `Equilibrium' is a b-movie update of
`Fahrenheit 451' and `1984,' with a hint of `The Matrix' thrown in for good measure. It's a visionary, cerebral action film in
a time where both rarely seem to coexist anymore. If Stanley Kubrick were still alive, and was dying to make a science-fiction
action blockbuster, this would be the end result." What isn't emphasized nearly enough is the story behind the movie,
revolving around a society that has outlawed emotion and will kill you for having them. ||
Read more...
Three movies by three directors, yet they form a trilogy of sorts. Each movie explores human nature
in a brutally honest but savage way, reminding us that while we may dress up our negative emotions
or downplay them, they are clearly a driving force behind our words and actions. On the outside we
are socially acceptable and politically correct, while on the inside we are a fountain of bitter contempt
and hatred toward other people. We use and abuse as we see fit, indulge in our hedonist lifestyle
when we can, and barely give notice to those we hurt along the way. These movies are the trilogy
of human nature. || In the Company of Men,
The Business of Strangers,
Rodger Dodger
When I think of movies that have a surprise ending, The Usual Suspects is
one that will always come to mind. This movie tells the story of a group of criminals, thrown together by circumstance and
coerced into fufilling certain criminal obligations. With incredible character development, the movie spins an incredible tale
that will have you anxious for the answer to the question, "Who is Keyser Soze?"
|| Read more...
Heat: Cop and Criminal, Hunter and Hunted. Pacino and De Niro face off in
this epic crime saga that teaches each man that they are more alike than either may realize. Both willing to sacrifice
anything and everything for their chosen profession, even if it costs them dearly. One of the more appealing aspects of this
film is the characater development, where everyone has their flaws that aren't glossed over in typical Hollywood style. Unlike
so many other crime movies, the reality behind their actions and dialog sets in and gives the feeling that the story
comes from society, not imagination.
|| Read more...
Two drifters, nothing to lose, score of a lifetime. Simple plot by all means, but this movie
sure goes beyond. The four men proficient in firearms in this movie come across as
the very definition of professional; Two that protect, two that take what they want. The nature of
the gun play, the fact that guns need reloading, cash is heavy, and everyone has flaws all go
to the gritty realism of the movie that make it stand out.
|| Read more...
By most people's standards, Strange Days was pure mediocrity in all
respects. I of course disagree, and see a lot of merit in the film. The protagonist is a deeply flawed man who has forsaken
the life of law enforcement and found refuge in selling pieces of other people's lives. His character flaws run almost as deep
as his ability to care and love someone, an ability to offer compassion that is lacking in so many, even if it is an excercise
in futility. Add to the great characters a plot revolving around the end of the world as some religious fanatics believe(d),
set in a society that feels like the logical evolution of our own. || Read more...
Two unrelated movies in general, but both great stories that offer a scary insight into
the near future of our society. When technology makes certain leaps and gets directed
to our behavior or monitoring, there will be consequences.
Code 46 gives us a scary look into state controlled behavior modification, even
if it doesn't jibe with what we feel. The Final
Cut shows us the disturbing life of a 'Cutter' and reminds us that the end of the
path of where modern surveillance is taking us may be unpleasant to say the least.
Other Movies of Note:
