Change Your Image
chicagrrl
Reviews
The Lost Empire (2001)
Good intention, bad production
As someone who grew up reading "Journey to the West" and various Chinese folklore, I must say this attempt at presenting a rich, wonderful culture was quite lacking. I am not so sure I got the point of the movie as I was cringing so much from the bad acting and story line. I guess the road to bad TV movies is paved with good intentions.
Maybe I am a purist, but it seemed wrong to be mixing elements of Western romanticism with Eastern tradition, courage, and wisdom. Sure, in some stories, these elements are great together, but not in this one. Am I supposed to believe that the Goddess of Mercy, the epitome of compassion and gracefulness, is a scantily-clad, large-bosomed, overly made-up young woman with claw-like press-on nails, who lives in a church and just can't help falling in love with a mortal? Or a supposed Chinese scholar who couldn't tell the difference between Mandarin and Cantonese? Please, I beg of the producers, have a little mercy on those of us who know enough to know that it is, well, just plain wrong.
Yet, despite my objections, I admit, I couldn't stop watching it. Some good things CAN be said about this movie. Russell Wong is, as usual, a talented, versatile (yet under-rated) actor. The production stayed true to the details of MOST characters in "Journey to the West" (i.e. physical appearances, personalities, and magical abilities); in some ways, seeing the characters on TV brought back nostalgic memories of being completely engrossed with the book. If the producers' aim was to welcome and inspire more students of Eastern philosophy and history, the movie may have only succeeded in drawing (or averting) people's attention with its incredible cheesiness.
Go now, buy "Journey to the West," and become lost in the fantastic tale, as many of us have throughout the ages. But you're better off skipping "The Lost Empire."
Lightning Field (1991)
Almost a good science fiction...
The story evolves around a nomadic Latin American cult who believes Martha's baby can cure a curse, and Martha's search for her baby. Through a twist of events, fictional history, and somwhat tepid acting by most of the characters, one is left feeling a big incredulous. The concept of the movie is fascinating, but somehow one wishes the plot could be a bit more developed and the acting a little better. Nancy McKeon, however, shines through with her acting. It's a good video to rent if you like the paranormal.