Directed by: Jack Smight Written by: Garris Bateson Cinematography: Philip Lathrop Editor: Neil Travis
Cast: Stacy Keach, Bud Cort, Marianna Hill, Graham Jarvis, James J. Sloyan, M Emmet Walsh, Ford Rainey, James Greene
Jonas Candide, an ex-carny who in 1918 travels around the bayou with a portable electric chair. At $100 a head, he rendered his services with loving care. But then he falls for a female “client”.
This movie is like a Coen brothers movie before their time, only less stylish. That kind of gets you into the mindset and expectations of the film.
A curiosity of 1970’s cinema as half of what makes the film Memorable are the characters who mostly come off as humorous or some more ridiculous but all feel lived in. They all also have loose morals. None more than the central character played with charm by Stacy Keach.
He is an actor who is considered a character actor but once you look at his resume. Not only has he appeared in some forgotten gems but also starred in many underseen movies. Usually in which he is a revelation in the lead.
The film is freewheeling yet structured. It gets a bit macabre more in attitude but keeps your interests and moving right along with it.
The irony of this film is then it begins and he is more of a freelance shady yet fun character. Everything runs smoothly but as soon as he tries to do the right thing in his own way his luck runs out and each act leads to things burying him deeper. Throughout his desperation, he stays strangely upbeat.
The villain of the film is one of the characters who is supposed to be the most moralistic. The lead guard at the prison. Who is one of the few characters who isn’t impressed or taken by his charm.
During all of this, there is a love story thrown in, that makes him have this change of heart.
Luckily the film is more cynical than anything else. It has a dark sense of humor, that is only highlighted by its downbeat yet happy ending. Which shows the film never loses its sense of humor. No matter how dramatic it might get.
This is a film that creeps up on you as you watch. But towards the end, we are surprised by how much we care.
Directed By: Shawn Crahan Written By: Joe Casey Cinematography By: Gerardo Madrazo Editor: Meg Ramsay Production Design: Jeremy Reed Art Direction: Anton Tremblay Cast: Kim Coates, Lauren Velez, Sam Witwer, Meadow Williams, Mark Neveldine, Reno Wilson, Tracy Vilar, Alison Lohman
Based on the Man of Action/Image Comics original graphic novel created by Joe Casey and Chris Burnham, written by Joe Casey, about a police officer who can’t be stopped by death so he returns to the streets time and time again to fight crime.
An opening scene that offers sex and Nudity for no other reason than it just seems to go a long with the cliches of the material and to at least have that In the film which might help viewership. Though doesn’t offer much of later.
Only in glimpses and really has nothing to do with the story other than to have an inside joke of an orgasm counter. Which pretty much sets up the type of film you will be watching. As it’s not clever. Nor does it try to include anything as jokey as it again. So after watching the opening scene at least you know what you are in for and if you wish to proceed. At least you were warned. As it doesn’t get any better.
The film tries too hard To be offensive. It Feels like a combination of bigger budgeted Troma studios film mixed with ROBOCOP (just as nihilistic but without the satire) and the animated AXE COP series. Even though I know it is based on a graphic novel. It feels like it as the film is continuously episodic though gathers no real excitement and the world it takes place in makes no sense and seems outrageous and colorful just to be with no real reasoning behind it.
It obviously owes a debt to the CRANK movies which this film shares co-director and co- writer of Those films Mark Neveldine here as a cast member and one of the producers of the films. The film also has cast member Rob McHenley Who suffers the same fate in this film as he does in the CRANK movies and seems deemed to keep co-Starring in dark violent over the top comedies that make it to the screen. One wouldn’t expect less from one of the creators and cast members of IT’S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA.
The film is directed by Shawn Crahan of the band SLIPNOT a band that is heavy metal and he film feels like one of their songs or videos come to life. As it has a rocking soundtrack that always seems loud and has a rather nihilistic world view. That seems more exploitive and explosive, but never exactly tries to turn it down but never reaches the volume it clearly wants and seems building to.
Seems to want to be adrenaline pumping throughout. Though comes off more like a teenage boys wet dream, with Over the top violence and gratuitous sex. Three members of Slipknot make cameos in this movie. Corey Taylor as Headcase Harry, DJ Sid Wilson as a Thug and Percussionist Chris Fehn as Vulture
The film feels like it doesn’t have any reason or point to make. So it comes off more Like a fan film with It’s low budget quick cutting action sequences, quick editing and just off the wall humor. That seems like it was more intended as a highlight reel with a stitched together plot. That makes one believe this Seems like it would make an interesting short or even a series to go into more detail and explore this strange reality that the film takes place in as well as offering plenty of side stories.
I Wanted to like the film. As I enjoy the CRANK movies way more than I should, but this film leave one with a feeling of been there, done That and seen it before. that makes it feel like a copy rather then fresh even though it has it’s own original storyline. It also is barely 90 minutes and feels long. At least the CRANK movies while ridiculous knew how to keep the audience entertained and following along.
Though the CRANK movies were better maid and seemed to have a point and somewhat of a story. As this film only offers more do the same continuously while trying to seem like there is more to it.
I mean this film has killer Nuns and animalsor at least people in animal masks as gang leaders. Yet while fun it still never rises to the proper amount of lunacy. It reaks of attempts. Not out of passion. More like it was made up as it went along. Where the thinking was let’s include whatever silly thing we can think of to really mess with the audiences sanity.
I am usually always glad to see Kim Coates working. He is one of my favorite character actors. Usually playing villains of somebody of questionable morals. It is impressive here to see him Play a hero cop for once, of course one who is more extreme is not entirely surprising.
Also as a fan of Kim Coates I was more than willing to give the move a chance and actress Alison Lohman. Who I haven’t seen in anything in awhile who was once Hollywood’s new it girl. Disappointed in her small role in this film which might be a blessing as she might not have wanted to be too much in the film and be considered one of the major stars of it. As she is more in a small supporting role. It sets out to be a cult genre film and is mildly successful. Though it tries too hard and surpasses it’s aim and meaning. Especailly after starring a few years in the box office hit DRAG ME TO HELL
Though not a total failure. It’s not something I can imagine anyone wanting to see again more than once.
It’s an outsider film that seems desperate to fit in or gain an audience. As it does feel like a film made of youth and that is who it seems designed to appeal to. It’s Addicted more to cheap spectacle rather then detail.
The film is shot like a porno Film. There is always plenty of action. Only they use use the gore and violence as a kind of money shot with plenty of releases throughout.
Though this film is episodic and feels like informing the audience of an origin. The villains while a challenge, don’t seem that hard to defeat. So while predictable there is no suspense. Which is a shame as the film has all the ingredients. But the formula fails. This film makes like HARDCORE HARRY all the more impressive and fun.
Directed By: Andrea Di Stefano Written By: Andrea Di Stefano & Francesca Marciano Cinematography By: Luis David Sansans Editor: David Brenner & Maryline Monthieux
Cast: Josh Hutcherson, Brady Corbet, Benicio Del Toro, Claudia Traisac, Ana Girardot, Carlos Bardem
Nicko and his brother take off from Canada in search of an easier life on the beaches of Colombia. Nicko meets a girl in the local village and they quickly fall in love, only for Nicko to later find out that Maria’s uncle is the drug trafficker, Pablo Escobar. His life takes a dramatic turn after meeting El Patron, and Nick is forced into impossible situations to try and keep his family safe, but does Pablo have other ideas?
The film is really shocking in its brutality and cruelty. The film shows, considering when the film first begins you believe it will probably stay on the fringes. Though slowly the film brings you in deeper as the character does. Until we are all in the middle.
Benicio Del Toro is top-notch though he is in throughout the film. Kind of haunting the scenes have isn’t in. He appears only in probably less than half of the film. You want to see more of him. Though him being a phantom character worked well. Like a horror film villain, you can’t wait to appear. Just as mean-spirited. Luckily the film doesn’t turn into a biography of his crimes.
What is not too hard to believe is that the main character doesn’t hide disillusionment well so I would suspect or not totally trust him one hundred percent either.
Hard to believe he didn’t see how dangerous and deadly he is though fictional was still riveting. as at first thought, it was based on a true story then realized it was impossible. For that reason thought the film would be filled with more hope
The last act is thrilling and filled with tension. Not so much action. The beginning of the film is kind of confusing as it seems to have quick flashes of aftermath edited together, but you can tell happened in different time periods.
I believe the film works just as it does for people discovering Pablo Escobar. At first, he seems like a genial nice guy. The boy realizes how ruthless, violent and brutal he can be. Just as the violence in the film comes more in the second half of the film.
Josh Hutcherson does what is required doesn’t really become effective until the last act when everything is on the line and vital as he is trying to escape. Though you wonder why his family didn’t leave earlier?
Too bad he doesn’t match the performance he is playing off of, but then again one is an acclaimed seasoned actor playing a charismatic larger-than-life role. At least he gets to try to match him. He stands his own, but not as memorable.
Would have been interested to learn more about the history of Pablo Escobar through enough films, television, Nolan, and information. This has a nice general overview.
It’s not an undercover tale, more a should have known better and what if kind of movies. Related it for more an American audience by putting a character we can relate to in this international situation and sensation.
Part of Making film more than just a potboiler is slowly presenting the thriller and dangerous moments and making the film about Pablo Escobar. Even if he is more in the background. even though the Canadian story could have been any random Colombians story who happened to cross paths close to Pablo Escobar.
Wish the film set its roots a little more rather than seeming like it speeds up to match its thriller premise when at first seems more like a drama.
Also not believable when he has tons of family, children, siblings that he moves his niece and her boyfriend into his living quarters. Even if he is Canadian. One would think he could use him more as an asset instead of all of a sudden seeing him as a burden.
One could see if it was more a result of him testing him and failing instead of guessing he needed a job done and all who could know except for him. The vital details eliminated, whereas henchman only knows the beginning and end. They don’t know the middle
Written & Directed By: Jon Lucas & Scott Moore Cinematography: Ben Kutchins Editor: James Thomas
Cast: Adam Devine, Rose Byrne, Alexandra Shipp, Ron Funches, Charlyne Yi, Michael Pena, Wanda Sykes, Justin Hartley, Kid Cudi
Phil has a major dependency issue – he’s addicted to his phone. He has no friends, he has a job writing pop culture “Top 10” lists, and his love life is non-existent. But his Facebook status is about to change. When he is forced to upgrade his phone, the latest model comes with an unexpected feature… Jexi – an A.I. life coach, virtual assistant, and cheerleader. With her help, Phil begins to get a real life. But as he becomes less dependent on his phone, Jexi’s artificial intelligence morphs into a tech nightmare determined to keep Phil all to herself, even if it means ruining his chances of finding success.
Directed by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore, known to make comedic free for all films. Some that work and are quite funny and some that don’t, but while this one is scaled back it still has the chaos and anarchy run amuck in Certain scenes
This is a comedy film that feels a little late to the party. As it seems to want to lampoon technology and the growing need of people to live by it.
It also provides a movie that has a high concept story and comes off as simplistic as possible, but also trying to have a certain hipness to sell itself to a willing audience.
It feels like a script where it was better to pitch and spitball. Trying to build a Whole film around the concept. That was more fun in thinking about rather than in execution.
As it still ends up feeling out of place to a degree like a 1990’s comedy. Even as the film is supposed to be more dependent on cutting-edge technology. Where it showcases the danger of technology, limiting it more and the rewards of living life and experience.
Though the film Also shows what can happen when someone who is the center of your attention loses interest or has no dependence. How vengeful they can be in that loneliness.
It also in its own way shows what an addiction can do to us. Therefore love your life for your own enjoyment.
The cast all seem to give it they’re all. As every character seems over the top to a degree. Adam Devine is a funny and able leading man, but needs to find better scripts than these subpar romantic comedies of the Netflix variety.
Alexandra Shipp is attractive as the love interest but is given nothing to really do rather than show independence early on day then fall into romance and be the most understanding cool, beautiful girl in the movie.
Though the late romantic square becomes awkward and doesn’t exactly work. Nor is it explained why Jexi is the way she is.
In the end, it was a perfectly ok time waster. As long as you know what you are getting into and don’t expect much.
Directed By: Chris Columbus Written By: Larry Doyle (Based Upon his novel) Cinematography: Phil Abraham Editor: Peter Honess
Cast: Hayden Panettiere, Paul Rust, Jack Carpenter, Lauren London, Lauren Storm, Shawn Roberts, Jared Kesso, Brendan Penny, Alan Ruck, Pat Finn, Andrea Savage, Samm Levine
A nerdy valedictorian proclaims his love for Beth Cooper–the hottest, most popular girl in school–during his graduation speech. That very night, she shows up at his door offering to show him the best night of his life.
I really loved the book this film is based on as it truly felt like a zany romantic comedy. While Playing in the expectations of a 1980’s style teen comedy. Yet had heart and twisted those expectations for the better. Still remaining identifiable and had just the right amount of Comedy, love, sex, and romance with a downbeat yet realistic ending.
I believe I feel so sharply and savagely about the film that it is my favorite coming-of-age romantic comedy and comes from a long line of films about getting to know your dream girl cinema. Where usually she never measures up to your expectations and the cute girl who was your friend is truly the one you were looking for or she Falls in love with you and you end up happily ever after. But this story also reminds us we have been there. When a crush is so overpowering that you fall For the idea of someone and not the actual person.
Maybe I am taking the failure of quality when it comes to this film a little personally. Considering how much of a fan I was of the book. This was the film that made me really become worried when a book adaptation was made of a book I enjoyed. Even when it seemed like it was in capable hands.
This coming from a man who read THE TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES novel adaptation before the movie, because the movie kept being sold out in its first week of release. While I eventually Loved the movie the adaptation for me was so much better and rich
Not only was this film a big disappointment compared to the book. It would be even if you haven’t read the book.
What was worse is how far it felt like Chris Columbus had fallen either not getting the material or being that far removed from it that he tried so hard with something he doesn’t seem to understand by making it far too general. What might have once been special feels generic. Maybe he was burned out from the HARRY POTTER films he helped produce and decided to Ames this project too quickly as the return to directing or was playing by 1980’s MTV teen movie rules in a more modern age and no one updated him about cultural and stylish change.
Is that this movie was made by writer/director Chris Columbus who is talented and is behind many teen and children’s movies before such as directing some and producing the Harry Potter series of films. Here he seems to have lost his touch or showing his age. As he would seem Like a Perfect choice for the material especially after returning to directing after a brief absence. Here he seems out of place.
Not to mention though the cast is likable they most ultimately feel miscast and instead of playing characters. Play more character types or fill in’s who never get to have a real personality.
The film is a mess as lead Paul Rust who fits the nerdy look but is so obviously too old to play the role. Which makes him look more like a child molester than a romantic leading man.
The casting of Hayden Panettiere as the female lead is understandable. As she was a hot commodity at the time on a hit show. So this was her stab at being a big-screen movie star. She is good as the lead. As she is plucky yet she is supposed to be so memorable and her character isn’t. Especially not for the lead to go through all this trouble. As they live in a small town and while she is cute. Never see the World Class beauty she supposedly has. She comes across more as temptation or a more Willing femme fatale.
Her friends in the film don’t exactly help. Casting Lauren London who could have played the lead more convincingly. As she has more a
World-class beauty and here is relegated to second fiddle with little to do or add to the story. Along with Lauren Storm, who is Just thick, and his best friend who gets the fantasy sex scene to become A Reality. Though comes off lame.
Just like the casting of Hayden Panettiere the film tries too hard to fit in and be all things to all people and instead makes itself unhip and show that this is an older crowd either trying to influence youth or trying to fit in.
The story is about expectations versus reality. The movie comes off more like a zany comedy where nothing feels honest or direct. It has a harsh ending where reality sets in. In the book, it feels more cruel yet just fine. Making home realize he has to put away childish things on the path to adulthood.
In the film, she seems just dropped and feels like an ending of hope while also getting a version of what he wants. Though lacking a kissing scene as if they did. It might look like a promotion of pedophilia.
One aspect that is truly surprising other than the casting. Whereas every character doesn’t Look like a model so it does feel and look more like regular small-town folks.
The film looks washed out. Like they are trying to make the Midwest surroundings dull. So you can see why some can’t wait to escape this town and for some, it’s a forever
The worst crime the film makes is that it took a book of some merit and made it look generic. The lowly inspired teen film made by people too old and trying too hard to be down. Who ends up faking the funk.
Not all Of this falls on Columbus’ shoulders as the novel’s writer did own the screenplay also. If this was made today it feels like it would have been a limited series.
Written & Directed by: Kris Issacson Cinematography: Robert D. Yeoman Editor: Stephen A. Rooter
Cast: Freddie Prinze Jr., Julia Stiles, Selma Blair, Rosario Dawson, Shawn Hatosy, Zak Orth, Ashton Kutcher, Henry Winkler, Lucie Arnaz, Lauren German, Lola Glaudini, Adam Carolla, Jimmy Kimmel
A young man wins and loses the first serious love of his life. Al Connelly falls in love with the girl of his dreams. After the summer she breaks up with him. As he tries to recover Al goes to desperate measures.
This was after Miramax studios had a hit with the movie SHE’S ALL THAT and seemingly green-lit a bunch of teen aimed romantic comedies. Usually starring their golden boy at the time Freddie Prinze Jr.
This feels like a budgeted student film for a studio release. Everything looks cheap and garish. As it feels amateurish in direction and story.
The film is a simple romance story about a relationship and distractions as well as temptations and the influence of friends who rotate around them.
Selma Blair plays a temptress and Freddie Prinze Jr’s crush but the film Never makes her look that attractive or tempting. Maybe because they make her more television teen movie friendly, a woman of the world supposedly who comes off like the movie and it’s character pretentious but have nothing to even back any of that up with.
Rosario Dawson seems to be cast only to add some diversity, for Julia Stiles’ character to have one constant friend of her own. Even Dawson is barely used except to add stoner humor to the film. Why the only minority character for that?
You have seen this type of film a thousand times, much better. This adds nothing new or original to the formula.
The worst is that the film believes itself witty. When it is clearly not. As obviously this film again is made more for teens than the older ones? Just going by subject matter. Though plays more for a younger audience as their ultimate idea of love and romance.
Maybe because it is set in college that everything comes off as what college can be frugal, fun, and messy with bad taste. Yet believing yourself sophisticated with glaze drunken confidence and room For plenty of overcompensation.
Mainly because we get to know these characters. Yet never become interested in them.
The film tries to be true to and force the time periods and is adorable. Like putting them In a blender filled with the then-current themes and styles. Trying to be naughty or edgy yet cool but so watered down to make it feel dormant and dull.
The film has a particularly uninspired music Video playback that feels like how one would play if the director needed to over compose with dialogue for lacking any visual panache or he’s forced into that Miramax/Dimension romantic teen comedy formula.
The soundtrack is filled with basic or generic general music that might have been popular at the time. Except for a song from the band Cibo Matto
To give the film a kind of indie feel. Not to mention matching its College setting and fits the film’s mindset.
The film is a familiar tale where all the fun feels taken out of the way. While trying to seem fun. Including somehow cross-promoting with THE MAN SHOW.
The film does offer some creative touches and luckily has a cast of recognizable actors before and during their popularity.
Directed By: Fernando Leon De Aranoa Written By: Fernando Leon De Aranoa & Diego Farais Based on the Novel “Dejarse Llover” By: Paula Farais Cinematography By: Alex Catalan Editor: Nacho Ruiz Capillas
Cast: Benicio Del Toro, Tim Robbins, Melanie Thierry, Olga Kurylenko, Sergei Lopez, Fedja Stukan
A group of aid workers work to resolve a crisis in an armed conflict zone.
The film has an international cast of actors from different nationalities and origins. As the film follows two days in the life of foreign aid relief workers.
While the characters aren’t perfect there is a humanity to them as in their hearts they want to help and do the right thing. Even if Benicio Del Toro’s character reminds he audience of the type of character who is only a few days away from retirement.
This is the most I have seen Benicio Del Toro play a normal average type person. It is kind of a relief as here there is no showing off or character tics to his performance and he is wonderful in it.
The film is a small film, but defiantly a crowd pleaser. With horrors that are more everyday or average for the people they are trying to help.
The film is mostly centered around the removal of a dead body from a well that is poisoning a towns water. Along the way there are roadblocks and bureaucratic rules that keeps getting in the way.
Throw in there an efficiency expert, who is an ex affair of one of the main characters and a child wondering around who they take with them. That the film ends up almost a political caper. Though with it’s breezy tone throughout never shoes away from reminding you of the dangers the characters face. Which seem to be just around the corner, but the film manages to stay bright and keep the town somewhat light throughout.
The film stays entertaining. As it keeps moving along. With various plot threads and personal stories of the characters that help define them and their time while away from home.
Wish I could say that the film was more noteworthy or that it sticks around after you watch it.
The film never rises above a certain level. Never showcasing or providing the stakes it wants about throughout.
They keeps the film closer to the day to day real life of the workers, but also leaves some disappointment amongst the very few things they seem to achieve and help they are able to provide.
The cast is game and work together as a unit. As their energy is infectious to the audience.
The film allows for flirting and some sexual intrigue between the characters that comes up time to time, but stays verbal more than anything.
Though if looking for something hard hitting despite the description this isn’t the film for you necessarily.
The bureaucratic rules and loopholes they must jump through is what gives the story life. Plus the circumstances of host trying to complete this simple task lead them from one high wire situation to the next in the spacious bleak landscape they also informs us of the citizens and culture. As the film offers no real indulgences. Though seems to be very liberal.
Directed By: Lauren Montgomery Written By: Dwayne McDuffie Story By: Mark Waid Editor: Christopher D. Loszinski
Featuring the voices of: Kevin Conroy, Tim Daly, Nathan Fillion, Carl Lumbly, Alexis Denisof, Michael Rosenbaum, Bumper Robinson, Phil Morris, Olivia D’abo, Juliet Landau
Vandal Savage steals confidential files Batman has compiled on the members of the Justice League, and learns all their weaknesses.
The Justice League is a team of great power, but also of personal secrets they thought safe. That changes when the immortal supervillain, Vandal Savage, has Batman’s Batcave secretly raided to learn them all and more. Soon, the Leaguers are individually beset by their enemies who attack them with inescapable death traps specifically designed with that information. With that, all seems lost until an indomitable Knight and a young Titan combine to deliver salvation even as Savage uses the opportunity to implement a far grander scheme.
The film actually has a good storyline. This is understandable as you are able to get away with grand scenes in animation that would cost hundreds of millions in live-action films. This might be the reason that live-action films with a bunch of CGI in them look practically animated.
The film has a few great emotional individual scenes that actually manage to greatly affect the audience. Not in an artificial or manipulative way. You have already gained knowledge of these characters hopefully before the film if not they fill you in with information now and then. So you don’t have to go through everyone’s origin story.
The villain’s introduction as the Legion of doom is much different than the one I grew up with most in the Justice League cartoons of the ’70s and 80’s Lex Luthor is noticeably missing as well as Sinestro. Lex Luthor who was the leader has now been replaced entirely. At least this leader seems to actually have superpowers though. It seems this league is more like some second-string villains. Who comes off as rather vague I will admit I am not the comic fanatic that I once was but I only actually knew quite a few when it comes to this film.
Batman once again proves to be the brains and most vital member of the team. His character also shows that brainpower is superior and more powerful than any at times.
Though it can be harshly violent at times the film is a bit lighthearted.
Watching the film just makes me wonder why they haven’t made a Wonder Woman or Flash Film yet, They both got Tv Series and The Flash seems perfect for a film. He always has a one-liner and smart-ass remark. He can be serious when needed to be but rather silly and playful too so that he doesn’t seem like he is brooding all the time like most, It would have been more spot-on casting for Ryan Reynolds to play the Flash instead of the green Lantern. He is also popular among the Dc Universe heroes.
I can’t say I know much about Wonder Woman. I realize they are trying to avoid a Catwoman type fiasco but she is needed would be a good role model for young girls. Who finally would see themselves represented in films as more than just a girlfriend they can be heroes too not always the victim or damsel in distress. There was an attempt to reboot the series but it failed miserably plus had a lot of fan backlash. It just seems they can’t get the formula correct.
This is a pretty good animated film as long as you’re a fan of the characters. If not it will not be as interesting.
The thing I found really shocking that this film. While being a fantasy story has real graphic violent characters/Superheroes bleed and are actually murdered violently that is actually shown not as usual in these DC Comics animated movies, Where it is implied or cut away from the fight before it happens.
Sorry, no bizarro in this film. One of the problems is that the film feels a little inspired by the watchmen especially Batman’s other world double who reminds me a lot of the nite owl.
One of the film’s major problems I had with the movie overall is that usually in these films. The characters are voiced by the same actions here quite a few are voiced by different actors particularly batman and not only did that throw me off, but the actor they got to voice him makes him seem like an old man. The film is never boring. It’s filled with action, but it never feels like there is any real danger. It doesn’t feel pulse rounding nor do you get a feel of urgency.
If you collect or are a fan of the comics. This film feels like a monthly issue that you feed but nothing important really happens. No real threat or any seeds laid for future developments.
For the Justice League members that appeared in both the original comic storyline and the film, the contingency plans that Batman developed differ between each version. A few examples from the comics are that Superman was exposed to special red kryptonite that caused his skin to turn red as a result of absorbing too much yellow solar radiation or that Green Lantern’s ring caused him to go blind due to a post-hypnotic suggestion that made him believe he was blind which was placed while he was sleeping. In the film, Superman was shot with a Kryptonite bullet, and Green Lantern was made to doubt the powers of his ring by giving into fear. in the comics, it was Batman’s enemy Ra’s al Ghul that got ahold of Batman’s secret files regarding his Justice League teammates and their weaknesses instead of Vandal Savage.
In the original comic book story-line, it was Kyle Rayner and not Hal Jordan who was serving in the Justice League as Green Lantern since this took place after Hal Jordan had become Parallax and then Spectre prior to this storyline’s release and he wouldn’t serve as Green Lantern again until the Green Lantern: Rebirth story-line that was released five years later.
While most of the film material is completely original, the plotline of Batman developing countermeasures against his Justice League teammates as a deterrent, only to have the plans stolen and used against the Justice League is based on the 2000 JLA storyline “Tower of Babel”. The other animated films created so far had that even though they still had predictable endings.
Written By: Robin Canpillo & Philippe Mangeot Cinematography: Jeanne Lapoirie
Editor: Robin Campillo, Stephanie Lager & Anita Roth
Cast: Nahuel Perez Biscayart, Arnaud Valois, Felix Maritaud, Adele Haenel, Ariel Borebstein, Antoine Reinartz, Aloise Sauvage
The early 1990s. With AIDS having already claimed countless lives for nearly ten years, Act up-Paris activists multiply actions to fight general indifference. Nathan, a newcomer to the group, has his world shaken up by Sean, a radical militant, who throws his last bits of strength into the struggle.
This film presents a Strong subject and story based on historical facts. As we learn about the early efforts of ACT-UP and what they were facing off against. At least the french chapter. That was similar to the US chapters efforts
This film feels like a miniseries done in two hours. It is a very trying and powerful movie. That is as much a drama, as a history lesson in itself told more from the radicals Point of view. Rather than a white-washed film where they make the owners that be the heroes.
The film shows that if not for the efforts of the LGBTQ community at the time. The progress for national attention and treatment would have been slower if ever even developed.
This is more than just a movie about the subject or a disease Movie. The narrative here is more of an ensemble but it is also strong.
The film is designed more as a docudrama without so much handheld camera work, but still, you feel like a Participant and witness. As we see the movement from the inside out. As well as slowly get to know abs see the personal lives of the characters. Which allows the film to be more intimate.
The film focuses on a relationship more or less and its development. That is connected to the modern era of the group in various ways. While also showing us the evolution of the group. That helps us in the audience connect to the characters. Through this process, the film reveals events and situations dramatically and still manages to be shocking at times with its revelations.
So much material and information to cover here that it feels like a dramatized documentary that gets more personal. As some of the characters, we get to know each other deeper and stand out. Even as each character is important in their own way as part of the coalition.
This is just one of those films you can lose yourself in and by the end or realize how much time has passed but definitely feel like you have been through a journey. As this is a film mroe of experience where you feel like a fly in the wall. As the film takes over.
You just watch as it tells it’s take abd unfolds a large story like a book.
As all around the filmmmaking and cast are great not a weak link . No one drops the ball. As the film and tale are emotionally penetrating and the characters are portrayed as callable and not saints.
It’s one of these perfect movies into a culture and history one was not formed upon. Like the French film THE CLASS by Laurent Cantet only that was like this film a look into a social issue and the characters involved that offers no answers. Only this tale is based more on fact and events that actually happens
This is a film that has to be seen. As it dreams you in and offers you education and an experience.
Cast: James Duval, Roko Belil, Susan Behshid, Jenee Gill, Gilbert Luna, Lance May, Alan Boyce, Craig Gilmore, Johanna West
Life really sucks for a group of gay and lesbian teenagers living in Los Angeles. Their parents kicked them out, they’re broke and bored, their lovers cheat on them, they’re harassed by gay-bashers. If things are going to be this way, maybe suicide isn’t a bad idea; at least not in the mind of Andy, our major protagonist, who gives the film its title by describing himself as “totally fucked up.
This film plays out more experimental than his last film. This film more examines days in the life of a group of friends. We get to see their videotaped confessions and each seeks to show their own little stories that overlap. So they end up all having their adventures.
That watching the film feels ahead of its time as it comes off a little like the reality show, THE REAL WORLD but also what social media would become eventually.
As from the first frame of a new clipping about teenage suicide in the gay community. We know what the film will be tackling not that it will eventually be prophetic
If the audience does as we watch we try to figure out who will either try or allow themselves to do that.
The film at the time was one of the most penetrating looks at LGBTQ youth that includes sex reckless and romantic and facing consequences for being themselves such as parents throwing them out, infidelity, random violence, looking for love in all the wrong places and people.
It sets a blueprint for later teenage dramas that were diverse and more hard-hitting in the new Millenium
This film was actually not as bleak as his previous film. At least not until the ending where we get a dark ending but also feelings. Which the film Seems to lack. As like the teen’s characters. They play up a certain persona but each is vulnerable that they hide from each other.
The film stays upbeat and energetic throughout and then comes a heaven ending. Whereas THE LIVING END seems so hell-bent on nihilism until the end where it offers actually hope.
This film still has an avant-garde presentation and punk rock attitude and Sensibility. As well as the soundtrack, but surpassingly by the end it also feels like a hardcore after-school special.
The more artistic expression throughout the film. Can be hard to take, even as it breaks up and focuses on characters. Some in the audience might want more story or action throughout. If that is what you seek you came to the wrong movie.
Watching this now through a modern lens. This film is ahead of its time but could have only been made when it was. As it is penetrating and a nice time capsule of the times. Style and politics and just day-to-day life.
This would also be the first of many collaborations between director Greg Araki and actor/star James Duval
Cut To The Chase 