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ladyaggravate
Reviews
Needlework Pictures Presents Francesco Vezzoli in Gore Vidal's 'Caligula' (2005)
Short and sweet
All I can say is that this is awesome!
I only wish it could have been made into a full-length movie and not just a teaser. The only downer was Milla Jovovich's performance, she was sort of hammy but the others treated that short film with the same deference of a true full-length epic.
I've seen the original, got it on DVD. For its time period, it was really very good. However, it didn't truly represent even an allusion to the incredible decadent sexuality that permeated the Roman Caesar's rulership let alone the mind-numbing violence that still echoes through histories of the time to today. This short at least attempted it, if only for a few short minutes.
If you can't find it to see for yourselves, take a trip to YouTube. Well worth the few minutes of your time - if you fully understand what depravity to expect anything bearing the name Caligula. Not works safe, not kid safe and not prude safe by along shot.
Prison Break (2005)
Simple statement
I disconnected from television over a decade ago - this show has me rethinking that decision. A relation bought the DVDs of Season One and came over determined to get me to watch. From the moment the first disc hit the machine I sat pole-axed, unable to leave the television. It is an utter mystery how regular viewers managed to go week by week waiting for the next installment. The craving to watch more is brutal.
There is a little bit of something for everyone - action, tension, adventure and emotional involvement. Mostly, I was impressed with how the show brought out the myriad themes on innocence and its destruction or redemption. The characters are outstanding, not a one is superfluous or weak. I couldn't imagine a better cast down to the smallest role of prison guard. While a lot of women my age seem hung up on the "pretty" guys like Wentworth Miller and Dominic Purcell, (don't get me wrong the guys are talented and sexy) I have to admit to being utterly captivated by Robert Knepper's portrayal of the character "T-Bag"; a most compelling, reprehensible sociopathic degenerate. As a character T-Bag makes even the scariest predators in the prison look tame. It takes a lot of skill as an actor to find the ugly inside and pull it forward, Robert Knepper deserves accolades for bringing Teddy to the table in technicolor monstrosity. Despite the "ick" factor, Knepper's is the most fascinating performance.
Now, I am stuck waiting on tenterhooks for the next episode. Help...
Unleashed (2005)
Simply the best of Jet Li's films.
I rented this movie because Jet Li was in it and I love his action movie fighting style. It always amazed me the sheer beauty of his movements. Ballet was ever the nearest comparison I could envision when watching him in action.
Unleashed/Danny the Dog is utterly, astoundingly different. The opening scenes of violence were just that. Hard and vicious, no beauty, pure street-level brutality. As the character evolved, grew into a person, the style changed. It was still harsh and brutal, but tempered with a hint of the flow of his other works. I haven't noticed other commenters picking up on the transition, it deserves notice. In martial arts, movement is highly attuned to the person - and Jet Li certainly understood the need for Danny to transition as a person, a fighter and more in this movie.
There wasn't a single scene that didn't make you react - shock, sympathy, empathy or sheer longing for the character's freedom and growth. I sincerely hope Jet Li receives recognition for the intensity he brought to this role. It has quickly moved to being one of my favorites.