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Search and Destroy (1995)
A Most Awful Movie
I was willing to give this promising movie a chance, but this was truly one of the most horrible movies I have seen in a long time. The story was incoherent and uninteresting, the visual style was a mess - 'just trying some things out' - and Griffin Dunne was really terrible as the main character. Talents of Douglas, Hopper, Walken, Turturro were absolutely wasted.
I rememeber it being released with bad reviews, by now it has not aged well and it only got worse.
Auf bösem Boden (2007)
Why would anyone want to make this movie?
Not having a big budget was not the main problem in the production of this movie. It's the lack of talent and ideas that make it so extremely bad. The acting is so over the top that it becomes annoying after 30 seconds. The camera moves like a madman, thinking this is the way to make your movie look cool. The colors and lighting only add to the cheapness. The main problem is the story, which isn't one. It just drags along, one stupid fight after another. Not anyone in the theater was laughing even once.
And only for trying to make a rape scene funny, this movie deserves to be called worthless.
The Number 23 (2007)
An incoherent mess
I'm fond of Jim Carrey, especially when he's NOT doing comedy. But what I saw him doing in this awful movie, can hardly be called 'acting'. But I don't blame him. This movie has no decent story to begin with. The script is an incoherent mess, a would-be psychological mystery that can only be entertaining for 14-year-olds and with the kind of formulaic twists that makes me fall asleep. Without spoiling anything: the book that sets everything in motion, is written by 'Topsy Kretts'. How clever is that? It takes the characters about half a movie to discover that that is not a real name! How stupid do the people who made this thing, think we are? Add the complete lack of style of Joel Schumacher and you get a movie that is bad in every way it can be. Mr. Schumacher plays with shadow and light, with colors and obscure locations, but he still is the king of kitsch and not the David Fincher he thinks he is. The man is simply one of the worst directors ever, who coincidental made some good movies, but mostly awful ones.
The Number 23 is a terrible, terrible movie and I never want to watch it again.
Perfect Strangers (2001)
Subtle and heartwarming family drama
There's a lot to like about this excellent British drama. The story about the relationships between the members of a family, may seem a bit too simple, and the lack of big surprises may disappoint some people, but anyone who takes a closer look, will discover a rich, subtle, heartwarming family drama that offers very authentic, original characters and more emotions and reality than any soap opera will ever do. Stephen Poliakoff's direction is impeccable, the casting is truly perfect (even for the smallest roles), the actors never less than wonderful. The beautiful music supports the dramatic events in a way that 'Perfect Strangers' will be in your head for several days. An absolute masterpiece.
City Loop (2000)
enjoyable
Here in Belgium, City Loop was shown on the International Film Festival of Flanders, Ghent, but only a few people watched it. I was one of them, and I must say, I really enjoyed it. It was refreshing, original, especially in the way the story was told. It also had quite some funny bits, and the actors all succeeded in portraying real young people. I also liked the atmosphere that was created through the combination of night and the city, it was recognizable on one hand, and then again, so weird, so special. I would in fact like to know what city it was. I can't make any comparisons, because in fact, I have never seen a movie like this, and believe me, I have seen a lot of movies!
Lawn Dogs (1997)
American Beauty got his inspiration here!
I had no idea what to expect of this movie, but after a few minutes already, I knew this was a hidden treasure! This beautifully photographed movie has a very strong script, a perfect balance between irony and drama, and it sometimes reminded me of 'Happiness' and 'American Beauty', two great movies that got much more attention than 'Lawn Dogs', although they were made later than this film! And then, the actors! Mischa Barton is incredible! I can't remember having seen any child (certainly not the horrible Haley Joel Osment) acting so great lately. This girl is a supertalent and I'm sure that within a few years, she's going to be a star! I highly recommend 'Lawn Dogs' to everybody who has seen enough of the typical Hollywood-drama's!
The Assignment (1997)
The other side of Aidan Quinn!
I must say I didn't expect much about this movie, but it turned out not to be bad at all. Most striking of course, was Aidan Quinn's performance. I would never expect to see this fine actor as an action hero. The great thing about it is that he really builds up his character (Annibal). I mean, it was not like Mel Gibson or Bruce Willis would do it, he was sensitive and modest. For example, he's really upset when he kills someone. I also noticed that some clichés were avoided. When Annibal gets his training, you would easily expect him to be a rebel and act like any average American would do in such a situation, ask what the f*** is going on and refusing to cooperate. But Annibal is a professional marine officer, he doesn't give up and he tries not to lose his courage, in which he succeeds pretty well, except for a brief break-down on Christmas Eve, which I think was very realistic. I'm glad that Aidan Quinn got this opportunity to show another side of him (in fact two, because he plays the villain as well), even although the film wasn't that successful.
The Commissioner (1998)
clever and effective thriller
I had my finger on the fast-forward button while watching this, as I expected this to be a boring and mediocre political thriller and I'm not that very interested in politics. But what a surprise! It turned out to be a smart and very intelligent movie, with a realistic and intriguing story! Although lots of actions happen, on a very high tempo, the story always remains clear and comprehensible. John Hurt was extremely strong, the photography was nice and the camera-work effective. I also liked the music very much, it certainly contributed tot the tension in the film. I think it's great the way George Sluizer made this movie with possibly not that much money.
Uitgesloten (2001)
powerful drama
This was a very strong and touching movie: an intelligent and realistic script, good camera-work and, not in the least, terrific actors. It were especially the three young actors who convinced me with their performances! This picture certainly gives us something to think about! I now know much more about the Jehova-religion (but I can't say this movie made me understand it). Congratulations to the film-makers for their nice job on a risky theme!
Hannibal (2001)
Where is the soul?
I don't understand why this movies gets this much of enthusiastic reactions by the IMBD-members. I didn't like it that much. First of all, the story was not interesting. In fact, a good plot was missing. 'Hannibal' lacks surprises, psychological depth and real people and emotions. Liotta and Goldman's characters were nothing but caricatures, and Hannibal Lecter has lost much of his creepy manners. Ridley Scott made some great movies, but I don't think he got any little bit involved in making this, emotionally I mean. So I wonder where the 'soul' of this movie is. Everyone involved in the making of 'Hannibal' probably assumed this was going to be a great movie, so they forgot to make the efforts for it.
And then the actors. Hopkins is never bad, but if you compare his performance to those in 'Titus', 'Remains of the Day' and especially 'Silence of the Lambs', this isn't a great performance. And although I like Julianne Moore a lot (Boogie Nights! End of the Affair! Big Lebowski!), this role was so badly written that it would only reach the audience if it was played by Jodie Foster again! Of course there were some good moments too (the pigs, Liotta's head during dinner, the scenes in Italy), but there wasn't a single moment that the movie touched me in any way, and isn't that what cinema is all about?
Manhunter (1986)
A Masterpiece!
I never bothered to see this movie, because it was not that famous. I was only willing to watch it because I'm a Joan Allen fan and she's in it, but I still kept thinking that nothing could be better than 'Silence of The Lambs'. I was wrong. Although 'Silence...' is one of the best psychological thrillers ever, 'Manhunter' just excels in every way (except that it hasn't Jodie Foster). I never, never saw a movie so intense, so constantly exciting... Brilliant photography, the most thrilling music ever and great performances. There were plenty of moments that made me feel really uncomfortable, just like the main characters. This is a real masterpiece and it makes a mediocre movie like 'Hannibal' even worse. Ridley Scott, watch this and quit the job!
The End of Violence (1997)
what is this about?
I expected much of this movie, since I think Gabriel Byrne and Andie MacDowell are fine actors. But what a disappointment! It did not really bother me that it was a very slow movie (although I almost fell asleep sometimes), but for me, the story was a big question mark. I have seen complicated movies before, but I always understood them (Usual Suspects, Memento, Mission Impossible, ...). I would not recommend this movie to anybody, it is boring and it makes no sense!
Starman (1984)
Jeff Bridges was never this good!
I have always admired Jeff Bridges, but it wasn't until now that I realized he made movies when he was younger. So I was surprised to see him in this role as an alien who does not understand anything of what's happening here on earth. I can now understand why he became such a star. His performance is really good, maybe one of the best things Bridges ever did in his career! But the movie is good on all levels. A strong story, that succeeds in avoiding all the predictable jokes about a stranger getting to know the customs of a new environment (like e.g. Crocodile Dundee, or Blast from the Past), good actors, strong directing and great special effects (Bridges' transformation from a baby to an adult!) that never predominate the rest of the story. It's hard to believe this movie is already 18 years old! Like many of these '80-movies, it has this timeless quality that makes a movie worth watching even twenty years later (just like Out of Africa, The Natural, Tootsie, E.T., Blade Runner,...). If you're looking for a sweet and strong movie that gets into your heart, watch this!
City Loop (2000)
enjoyable
Here in Belgium, City Loop was shown on the International Film Festival of Flanders, Ghent, but only a few people watched it. I was one of them, and I must say, I really enjoyed it. It was refreshing, original, especially in the way the story was told. It also had quite some funny bits, and the actors all succeeded in portraying real young people. I also liked the atmosphere that was created through the combination of night and the city, it was recognizable on one hand, and then again, so weird, so special. I would in fact like to know what city it was. I can't make any comparisons, because in fact, I have never seen a movie like this, and believe me, I have seen a lot of movies!
New Year's Day (2000)
Fantastic
This film really deserves to be seen by the general public! I was really impressed, because I didn't really know what to expect of it. But I was thrilled! Great actors, an interesting, original story (although it sometimes reminded me of other British movies, like e.g. A Clockwork Orange and Beautiful Thing, but those were also great!). It's just a very fine and well directed piece of cinema! I also liked the music very much! I hope it finds a public!