Change Your Image
DaveKerr
Reviews
Drive (1997)
Not In Neutral
I saw drive after a friend recommended it to me. I blindly bought this film with lots of curiosity, and not much else. What I was presented with was quite a surprise. I was treated to a film that, in spite of its low budget, managed to shine and show the viewer some of the best action sequences I've ever seen. Kadeem Hardison shows his comic talents as a Chris Tucker type (without the effeminate voice) who's been kidnapped by enhanced assassin Toby (played by Mark Dacascos). This feels a lot like a more violent, foul-mouthed version of Rush Hour, but in a good way. In fact, it pre-dates Brett Ratner's Rush Hour. I guess the plot's reasonably important; super-soldier enhanced by implant in his chest escapes from Hong Kong to San Francisco, but bad guys chase him and want him back alive. Super-soldier is forced to kidnap bar fly/wise-cracker for a ride and the two soon form a friendship and make their way to LA where super-soldier will get loads of cash for implant. This film has heart, it has humour, it has action. It's probably director Steve Wang's best work and it's thoroughly enjoyable. The actors all work hard and it looks far more expensive than it actually cost. However, I will say this; avoid the version that was edited for TV, get yourself a copy of the Director's Cut. It's far superior and doesn't have it's heart and soul ripped out. If you love action, and you love humour then definitely see this film! Dave's Rating ***** out of *****
Daredevil (2003)
Watch It, And Pay Attention!
Okay, first of all; I'll be honest. I'm a huge fan of the Daredevil comics, and perhaps that's influenced my view of this film. But anyway; here goes: Daredevil is a character from the Marvel comics universe. Lawyer by day as Matt Murdock, vigilante by night. Oh, and he's blind too; but don't discriminate on that fact. Converting such an obscure and complicated character is not an easy task; but it's been done to great effect in this case. The characters are, for the most part, well developed and interesting. The look of the film is very gritty and conveys the mood of Hell's Kitchen (a deprived area of New York) brilliantly. So far, the reviews I've read have been quite a downer; saying how it's not like Spider-Man, or there's no plot, just action. However, if you pay attention to this piece of film you can see how there's plenty of depth. Daredevil/Matt is a tortured soul but he tries to not let despair consume him; he fights back and he is a man with faith. This film takes you on his emotional journey and, at the end of it all, you feel very satisfied. Affleck, a choice for DD that I was unsure of, shines in his role; as does Jennifer Garner as his loved interest: Elektra. This isn't just a fanboy flick, it's not just a film for guys. This is a great piece of cinema that can appeal to various groups of people. There's humour (mainly from Jon Favreau as Foggy Nelson, and Colin Farrell as the Irish assassin 'Bullseye'), romance, drama and action all in an interesting mixture that works superbly. I won't rant on about the plot, because I think that's something that you should discover for yourself. Admittedly, they've had to change certain elements and so it sometimes deviates from the comic but they're never unnecessary changes; they help move the film along and make it work in that particular medium. And, as someone who's loved the comic for several years, I don't find any of these changes offensive. But please, when you watch it. PAY ATTENTION and go in with an open mind, oh, and make sure you sit through the end credits for a nice reward. Dave's Rating ***** out of *****
The Hitcher (1986)
Run for the Hills
A friend brought over the DVD of 'The Hitcher' touting it as a great thriller. Instead, I was presented with one of the most laudable pieces of drivel that it has ever been my displeasure to view.
Okay, Hauer's good as the maniac car-jacker but beyond that we're just treated to one ludicrous plot twist after the other with pathetic points meant to 'shock' us. Jennifer Jason Leigh also puts in a good performance but no level of great acting could ever save this abomination of cinema.
If you like cohesive, believable films then just avoid this one. If you like rampant stupidity, feeble script and plot then please, watch this. Though I would think it fitting if they warned you that trash like this could putrefy your brain.
0 out of 1000000
The Thirteenth Floor (1999)
Superb Film, A True Classic from Rusnak
As many people may know, 'The Thirteenth Floor' was not received well by critics, in fact, it was only released on video over here in the UK, it sadly never was given a chance at the cinema. I think much of the problem with people perception of this film stems from a series of inescapable facts; there are no big names in this film, the budget was modest, there are no real 'action' sequences to speak and the director has not really been heard of in America. But these are not things that you should base the worth of a film on, yet many people do. The top and bottom of it is that 'The Thirteenth Floor' is a gripping sci-fi/noir thriller which keeps you on the edge of your seat. The acting is first rate, with Craig Bierko putting in the most notable performance as Douglas Hall as well as Gretchen Mol playing the love interest, Jane Fuller, yet it is Mol's performance as the checkout girl persona which deserves most credit. In addition, the concepts of worlds inside worlds is dealt with far greater maturity than the 'The Matrix' was. You also can't say that this film stole any ideas as the novel that is was based on was written over 20 years ago. I was rivetted to this film and anyone with the patience to let the film drag you in will be too. The whole plot revolves around a simulation of the 1930s in which Douglas Hall and his now-dead boss, Hannon Fuller, interfaced with. When entering the simulation they replace virtual beings that are scentient and the consciousness of these beings is temporarily stored in the brain of the user. However, Fuller is killed and Hall soon becomes the prime suspect and he soon begins to believe that he could possibly be the killer. The film follows Hall on his investigation in to what happened whilst he finds himself becoming attracted to Fuller's daughter, Jane who Hall didn't even know existed. All the while Hall is being pursued by Detective McBain who is played to perfection. The sets in the 30s are fantastic, the acting is top-notch and the plot is involving. Some people may find the twist easy to predict and, okay, I predicted it too but it doesn't detract for the overall sense of struggle to define ourselves and the integrity of somebody whether real or created. I loved every second of this film. I won't tell you what happens in the end but that too was brilliant, even though I personally believe the original ending would have had more impact. So, what are you waiting for? Go BUY this film, or at the very least rent it! 10 out of 10!
Being John Malkovich (1999)
Not Quite as Original As You May Think...
Well, first of I want to make clear that I am a person who is not put off by out there concepts nor am I intellectually devoid. I only point this out as many people seem to think they could be the only reasons why a person could not enjoy this 'masterpiece'. I'm not going to say this film's awful, but I will say it's over rated. All the cast put in a good performance and I particularly enjoyed John Cusack as I usually do yet I felt cheated by this film. Firstly, the concept of delving into someone elses mind in some kind of voyeuristic power trip is nothing new, it has been explored in novels before today, and even video games i.e. Body Rides by Richard Laymon and the game Psychic Detective. I state this to show that the idea behind this film isn't so revolutionary as some may think. In Laymon's Body Rides a bracelet is used to go in the mind of others and, coincidentally, the main character in the story ultimately uses the bracelet to jump into somebody elses mind to escape death. And in Psychic Detective the main character can do the same merely by though. I'm not saying the stories are identical but they do share common ideas. Secondly, I just couldn't relate to the characters, I know they were supposed to be obnoxious but I ended up almost not giving a damn about them as a result of this. However, at this point, I must point out something that did touch me in this film, it was Cusack's character (Craig) who's fate was somewhat undeserved and I felt sympathy for him, his act showing that he did indeed love Maxine, and I also found the thought of Malkovich's daughter becoming the next vessel disturbing as, in essence, Lester/Malkovich/etc was stealing somebody's life. To sum up as a whole, the film did have points where I chuckled or felt something but I ultimately felt denied and I think people should allow other people to think that this film isn't as good as it has been made out to be. In my opinion, if a friend has it, borrow it and see for yourself but don't waste your money on a rental or a DVD, it's just not worth it. Even if you enjoy fringe cinema as I do, you will find no substance in this film to satisfy you, only a huge hollow space around which there is a thinly woven plot.
The Frighteners (1996)
Expertly Crafter
The Frighteners is an excellent horror-comedy-drama in which Michael J. Fox plays ex-architect and now psychic scamster Frank Bannister. The film revolves around the premise that Frank, after being involved in an accident which resulted in the death of his wife, can now see disembodied spirits and runs a scam in which the ghouls haunt houses under the order of Frank and then he 'exorcises' them for a fee. However, a series of murders begin in Frank's town and it becomes achingly clear that these murders have something to do with his wife's death. The romantic involvement comes in the form of Trini Alvarado (Little Women) who plays a doctor who's husband was killed by the evil forces at work. This film achieves many things, it manages to create a comic atmosphere at times whilst being able to make us feel real sympathy for the character of Frank and his tragic circumstances. This is a truly under-rated film and it is well worth watching.
Lexx (1996)
Sci-fi like never before
Lexx is a non-PC version of Star Trek with elements of horror, comedy and drama all mixed into one to form one of the most amazing sci-fi series around today. The music from Marty Simon is brilliant, the special effects are excellent, the acting is of a high calibre and the plot diverse and refreshing. The basic storyline is that of Kai, last of the Brunnen-G being prophecised as the person who will destroy the evil forces of 'His Shadow'. However, Kai is the last of the Brunnen-G alive and is killed at the hands of 'His Shadow'. 2000 years later and 'His Shadow' rules 20,000 planets and is the most powerful force in the galaxy and is unopposed. However, the predecessors of 'His Shadow' are still scared of the prophecy even though Kai is dead and so they do not leave 'The Cluster' which is his base planet as it was prophecised that their downfall would occur once they left The Cluster. However, 'His Shadow' is reincarnated once more in another human body which was not properly cleansed and so part of the human personality is left behind and the new, much more arrogant 'His Shadow' decides to leave the planet to command 'The Lexx' (the most powerful destructive force in the galaxy) on its voyage of destruction...much to the objection of the predecessors. Most of the predecessors begin to comfort themselves in the belief that a man who's been dead for 2000 years cannot harm them. However, one of the predecessors (the one who killed Kai) iforms them that he had Kai's body preserved and turned into a mindless assassin...and then things really begin to get interesting.
Angel Heart (1987)
Noir at its best
Angel Heart is the story of Harry Angel, a P.I., being hired by a man named Louis Cypher to locate a crooner by the name of Johnny Favourite who owes Cypher something. This is a tale of voodoo, black magic, sex and death. If you've read the book 'Falling Angel' beforehand then the film loses some of its impact but if you have not read the book beforehand then the final twist will deal a magnificent blow. The direction is on form from Alan Parker, the music haunting from Trevor Jones, and this all comes to form an excellent film.
Blade Runner (1982)
Darkly Sinister
Probably one of the classics of modern day. Ill-received at the time of its release, it is now seen as one of the greatest films of our time. Ridley Scott's direction is fantastic and creates some of the most visually stunning scenes ever captured on film. Beyond the basic plot there is a discussion on such things as whether slavery is right and when does something become human. The film is topped off with the superb score by Vangelis and the stunning visual effects from Douglas Trumbull and visual conception by Syd Mead. Blade Runner is one of the must see films of all time, haven't seen it? See it now.