Mini Movie Reviews I

Open Water--

With a low budget and unknown actors, this movie still manages genuine terror. Two or three scenes absolutely are horrifying, making this one of the best horror films I've seen. Worse, nothing in the events portrayed is beyond the realm of possibility. The scenes of the divers bobbing endlessly in the ocean almost made me seasick on dry land. There were some flaws, such as snippets of political correctness, a little too much profanity, and the film was too short; but overall, a great, suspenseful movie. Go. Rent. And wear a lifevest.

Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow--

This takes place in a 1930s decade that never was, filled w/ the hustle and bustle of big cities, juxtaposed w/ technology ahead of its time. If you like larger-than-life characters, dizzying action sequences, giant robots, and genetically altered animals, this movie's for you. It reminded me of the old Superman cartoons, made in the 30s, as well as the Indiana Jones series. Check your brain at the door for this one, though. Awesome special effects can't hide some of the silly dialogue, unanswered questions, unrealistic character reactions to specific dangers, and logical inconsistancies. But despite its imperfections, I loved this movie. It took me back to my childhood. In fact, if such a film had appeared on the scene, when I was a kid, I would've flipped my lid. Don't let the flaws scare you away. I've never seen another movie filmed quite like this one. It's worth watching just for the spectacle. Highly recommended.

Hero--

Very strange movie, reminiscent of the old kung-fu movies from the old days. The dubbed voices are a bit grating, but not too bad. But the dvd allows the option of watching it in Chinese, w/ English subtitles. Some of the character names are corny, and many of the plot points are bizarre and unlikely. But the fight scenes are a beauty to behold, breathtaking in their near-perfect choreography. The special effects are amazing. I heard somewhere that this is the most expensive movie ever made by the Chinese. After having seen it, I have no doubt that its true. Odd and convoluted, you won't likely forget this film. Well worthwhile.

The Stepford Wives (remake)--

Here's a conundrum. What happens when Hollywood has a great idea, but executes it w/ all the grace of an elephant on roller skates?? You get The Stepford Wives. First the good: competent acting, great fx, good musical score, and an interesting premise. Now the bad: everything else. This is one of the most pc, anti-male movies I've ever seen. This is particularly inexplicable in light of the director's maleness (Frank Oz). Of course, I admit the possibility that hanging w/ muppets and Yoda all the time has the potential for skewing one's perspective. Almost every element of this film was absurd--particularly the end. If you haven't seen it, count yourself lucky. Better yet, go find the original--and far superior--version. Made in the 1970s, this is a great horror movie, w/ an impending sense of doom that'll have you squirming in your seat. It was not a facile attack on males like its current incarnation. A must-miss.