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Pirates of Silicon Valley (1999)
Why isn't it under the category COMEDY?
This movie was supposed to be the novice's introduction to the history of Apple and Microsoft. Nothing else.
It's poorly written and not accurate. I was tempted to see it as it had huge potential, but watching it there was so many cringe moments I had to struggle to stay awake.
I feel bad for the cast that had to endure such a travesty of a movie. The writers probably thought "this will be very popular among the geek boys and also we throw in a girl and some sexual references that is completely inappropriate. But anything to widen the audience. At least so the guys date cared enough to stay through the whole thing.
I still have it, but this will be one that I will never care to re-watch. Perhaps if it was money involved I'd do it. There are better efforts for free on YT. Done by one guy.
I hope the writers felt some guilt or shame in hinsight, watching it again. To see what a bad movie it was. My tip to everyone is to stay clear of it. It may be fun to watch with someone else that knows the story and laugh of it. As I said, it should be filed under the category COMEDY. Or PARODY.
Star Trek: The Next Generation: Birthright, Part I (1993)
God made man in his own image - as so did Dr. Soong create Data.
This episode has religious overtones in the way Data explores the hallucination he experience when his sensors get overloaded by the plasma beam: It makes him have a LSD like dreamstate experience where he first, with sinister overtones watches a blacksmith hammering on something, forging out something out of metal.
It turns out the blacksmiths face is Data himself, or his creator Dr. Soong, as a young man.
Data first try to imterprent his vision through artwork, 26 images of very elaborate styles and variations of his experience. It does not give definite answers, so Data wants to go back into this "state of mind" again. So they recreate the same plasma overload and off Data drift into a deeper state than the first.
This time Data experience meeting Dr. Soong and he get to talk to his creator. Explaining that the wing he hammered out was the moment when he created Data out of circuits and programming. That Data is the bird and his experiences up until that moment was him becoming the bird, but no longer a model, but alive. He tells him to spread his wings into the dream and fly off. We watch Data as he soars through Enterprise and outside into space, witness remarkable sights.
I almost cried when I watched this story as it contain so much of the very same information we humans have asked ourselves since we began to think and become self aware. Who are we, who made us?
As Data, we have a creator, be it a scientist or maybe we created ourselves, but in order to experience the creation we made we had to become it and evolve - up to the point where we acknowledge that we are the creators of the music and the dreams.
We are the music makers and we are the makers of the dream; "The soldier, the king, and the peasant. Are working together in one".
It's poetic and serves as one of Data's most profound moments in the whole of Star Trek Lore.
And of course there is the anti-Data: Lore. The Evil Twin. The Doppelganger. The one creature we have to meet on the threshold, he looks up at us from the Abyss, calling our name. "You are me and I am you". As the old saying goes by the brave people: If you can not meet with perfect balance in your heart, Lore will consume you and you become a "Black Brother", but in perfect union the veil is drawn aside and you may pass on into the City of the Pyramids, beyond space and time.
Nothing more, nothing less... just infinite and beyond!
Dead for a Dollar (2022)
A modern Western with a nod to the golden age of Western
Clearly the golden age of Western genre was from 1950-1975. Sure there were a few good westerns made from 1975 and until today, but the volume went down considerably.
This movie does have a lot of common with the old type of western movies, both script and actors. The cast was good I thought. There were few big surprises, but in thread with the common theme from the golden age - the good guys always wins in the end. It was what was important for it to become a good movie. It wasn't until the late 60s and 70s you started find movies where the 'bad guy' sometimes came out on top - or everyone died. Like Butch Cassady and the Sundance Kid.
To me it's a shame that the movie industy has forgotten about making good wester movies. The TV-series took over after the decline western movies had died out. Like in the 80s with The Macahans (How the West was Won), North and South I and II, etc. Up until Deadwood, which to me remains as one of the best western series ever made.
Back to the plot of Dead for a Dollar. We seen the plot before, or it's a mix of old plots. However the main character is very well played, with William D. As a outlaw, in the middle of good and bad. Towards the end he get to make a choice, he could ride out with his life and a handsome reward in his pocket, but as the good cardplayer he was, he thought he had the best cards and failed. Almost surprised. That moment was to me what made the movie get some depth, along with the female cast. Both the hotel owner and the wife of the evil man surprised in their roles and acting. That her evil husband gunned down an helpless and innocent guy in the prison just make the viewer hate him even more. They could have prolonged his suffering a bit longer perhaps.
Overall it's a good movie, a perfect Sunday film to watch with your kids and tell them about the Western period, as remembered in films for generations backwards. I can see both granddad, father and son enjoy this movie together.
So I'll conclude it's a strong 7 out of 10 for Dead for a Dollar.
The Northman (2022)
Script is very predictable and kinda boring, but get points for effort.
Just finished watching this movie.
First I'd like to say I was not impressed with the way they portrait the viking period and especially the religious aspect. As a long time follower of exavations from the period and conclusions drawn by researchers I find the things in this movie to be lacking badly on giving an accurate portrait of the Vikings, their beliefs and rites.
They try mix into old norse language, but the constant shift between old norse and english is frustrating. They should gone with full english language or full norse. The mix only fuels the confusion.
The vikings rituals in the movie are stereotypical and borderline annoying. They have clearly no idea how it was to live in that period.
I will say that watching a movie where a woman of statue put her hand between her legs and smears the face of the "king" with the blood of the moon is rare to see in any movie. That was a surprise.
The ending feels sudden and gives very little to think of afterwards. I'd like to have seen the future of their "life tree" as the avenging son put's it. He was after all going to be father of twins. I guess they were running out of screentime, so they had to finish it in a hurry?
Hence my medium+ grade of this movie.
The Summer I Turned Pretty (2022)
The Summer I turned Cringe!
OKey!
So there's suddenly a shift from 80s retro love to explore the fakery of the 90s teenage tv-series we all HAD to watch in order to stay in the conversations at school and meeting/hooking up with girls.
This must be the most fake imagery I've ever seen on a tv-screen so far. I know I am not in the target group, but I do know a good or bad tv-series when I see one.
And this is a new low. It's all about sex and being sexy. And cringy love situations. Be sure to bring a large set of paper bags when plowing through the seasons. Because its going to be pukey. And you do not even need to put fingers into the throat to do it - just watch.
Why can't makers of such tv-series look to Europe for inspiration, where they focus more on good scripts and reality than this fake fakery world.
I guess we will have a lot of young people going for the cashprizes and getting their 1 seconds of fame. It used to be 15 mins, but these days you are lucky if you get a second of fame. And you have to sell your soul in order to get it. Spread them thin, softskin legs of yours wide apart, because a sugar daddy is ready to pay for your fun.
The Parallax View (1974)
Alan J. Pakula directs another bad movie.
Well, this has really not stood the test of time. The easy explanation I think is the director: Alan J. Pakula.
Yes, the same Alan J. Pakula who later directed the sleeping pill "all the presidents men". Another 3 out of 10 movie.
Here, like in his later film(s) he manages to get a great cast of actors to play a mediocre script, with a very slow and predictable road towards the ending that comes sudden and fast. I have tried watch some of his movies, but it strikes me as he was highly overrated as a director. He insisits on following a formula that makes me doze off half way into the movie.
It's a thriller, but so predictable it gets boring very fast. There are a few moments of action that can appeal to some people, but they have to suffer through long periods of meaningless dialog and setup to enjoy it.
Perhaps his role as producer fit him better? IDK. I have not gone over the movies where he was the sole producer, but often there are more than one per. Film.
All the President's Men (1976)
One of the most overrated movies from the 70s, perhaps ever.
It's a teaser. "Just the tip" movie, that I would only recommend for movie historical reasons. It's sloppy written and the ending comes like walking on a landmine. A sad surprise followed by the credits. Sure, watch it, judge for yourself, but I was not the least entertained by it.
The actors does an OK job, but its oh so boring. It's just the leadup to the case, which imo is lengthy and dull. It's probably sad for the actual journalists to watch, thinking back on how they covered the case. It's use of TV footage is what gives it dramatic effect, without that it would been even worse.
So I can only give it 3 out of 10. I seen it when I was young, in the early 80s and again now recently. 70s movies was not as bad as this overall. Actually I like a lot of the movies from the 70s. There are so many more exciting, funny, good written movies to chose from, so if you haven't seen it before - be ready to jump 30 sec forward between some stops to catch up on the 'story'.
Skin Deep (1989)
One of the funniest movies I've seen.
Blake Edwards made many funny movies, like the pink panther movies and others, but this is him at the top of his game. And John Ritter plays an excellent drunk writer that has sort of hit rock bottom. I remember the classic condom bit, but to be honest there is much more funny moments in this film besides the duelling cocks in the dark. Of course that was the part that most people associate with this movie thanks to the heavy marketing when it was new. But I urge everyone that likes their comedies a bit dark around the edges to watch this. And there's plenty of such humour in the film. It's still a perfect comedy imo. It has aged like a fine wine. It has gotten better over the years. A good way to remember the very talented John Ritter, that sadly left us too early. Totally free of the meta humour that is so cringe these days. And pre-woke times. It's honest to its viewers.
Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015)
Old rehash of the original
Where to begin. It's supposedly cast 30 years after the end of Return of the Jedi, but that would make Kylo Ren in his late 20s?!!? Snoke (Kylo Rens master) looks like he is 100 years. Where was he during the return of the Jedi? Also how did the fallen Empire manage to be rebuilt as the First Order within that short time? Do they make these Death Stars in lightspeed? The movie is ridden with so many flaws and errors it's a mockery of everything done by Lucas. It also has so many similarities with A new Hope that it's basically the same movie redone. I found this whole movie to be a huge disappointment, perhaps the biggest in movie history. The CGI is OK but for the budget they had it's not impressive. I hope that people convey to Disney how much they messed up the Star Wars universe. It's a turkey of a movie. Perhaps the biggest ever.
The Revenant (2015)
It's like you are into the movie: strong, immensive and real
No story spoilers here ;) I just watched the Revenant again today. It's such a crowd pleasure of a film (phun intended). But it's truly an artwork of a film. It's like you are INTO it and the story - even thou not a happy one, its profoundly spiritual and makes you think in a new way about yourself, life and what's it's all about. If you've not seen it go do so. I am sure some people are not checking it out because the massive talk and awards to the film, but please do not hold that against it. Go see it with fresh eyes. Make up your own mind. And the scenery is just amazing. 4K resolution on the BlueRay version must be like out of this world.
Vikings (2013)
Vikings the alternative take on their life and myth
What is there to be said about this series that hasn't already been said? If you want an action filled series with good plots then you should be in for a treat. I would like to mention the series spiritual aspect. The Vikings were clearly very spiritual. And we get to see them encounter the new religion, Christianity, that was to replace their old belief system. This is a topic that is central. Most clearly seen in the lead characters Ragnar, Floki and their trell Ahtelstan (who is a devoted Christian, but who finds himself in conflict in his spiritual journey). I think the series does not hit the nail completely, but to their credit they try and do an OK job. I do miss more details of the Viking rites, their lore and how integrated it was into everything they did. It's also a very good portrait of how England was formed, from being divided into regions into the unity that later was to be known as United Kingdom. If there's something negative to mention I'd say that they chose some odd music (imo) to accompany the Vikings. I did not know that Scandinavians were into Mongolian throat singing :)
The Sex Movie (2006)
A movie about sexual identity and being honest about it...
The acting is top notch, the dialogs are also great - however the characters are a bit too "perfect" to portrait real life, but in a movie it works. In reality people are rarely (if ever) this good in expressing polished/perfect ideas, with smart and witty comments, perfectly timed and executed. But in a movie it works and comes across both funny and in place - we believe in the characters, they are cool, like we would sometime want to be. Perhaps the director could have used the dogme approach to the film - it would have become more believable?
Here's my conclusion; what is this movie really all about? What is being told to us? What do we think when it is all over and done? OK I will try to express my view: When looking back at the story I feel that the "straight" angle is somewhat missing; as all 4 seem to end up homosexual (or bisexual). Perhaps the intention of this movie is to tell us that everyone is not locked into a sexual finite box, that deep down, when the mental armor we put up around our sexual being is removed (by the right words, setting or persons)? Perhaps that is the directors view? When looking back at how the movie ends.
If I agree? Yes, I kinda do. We are sexual beings, man or female, and sex does not always have to be about reproducing our selves. It CAN be a good experience, just focusing on the pleasure-part. Not always, but it should be explored at some point in anyones life.
I think the "gay dude" explains this rather good in the movie at some point. If one think back and remembers how sex was first encountered, how the feelings where, before being "programmed" by society, porn, TV, books, parents, or whatever - what is felt inside oneself - I do not think it was important if one had sex alone or with a boy/girl - but rather with a person - another individual - mostly someone at the same level and age. We can close our eyes and imagine. Later we turn into either heterosexuals or homosexuals and this become the norm. But even later in life it is possible to return to the "source" and have sex without thinking it to death. If one is safe in his/her sexual identity. Sometimes friction does the trick and is all that we need :-)
Even if you paint a zebra black, it's still a zebra - it does not become the black stallion - or whatever.... Go see the da*n movie!
Murder-Set-Pieces (2004)
One of the most complex horror movies I've seen
I found this movie disturbing, as it should be, yet, compared to other movies in the same genre: Hostel, Saw, Devils Rejects - it's the movie with the most gore, blood and shock value. I too, at first, found the script a bit on the light side, but it grew on me throughout the movie; It portraits the dark side of humanity in a very shocking, disturbing and sadly - true - state. None can deny there is murder going on - every day. Gruesome. Gory. Bloody. That is for all to see. But beneath this gore? Is there some other story told? I actually find "the photographer" more sane and mental appealing than for example: George Bush (or other world leaders), who have more death on his hands, yet he does it with a smile into the camera. He smiles to us from the TV. The photographer hurts as we can see, time after time, he hates himself, he shouts in pain and yet he can not escape the broken child that still exists inside of him, making him keep on killing females & children. I found the subtle connection to 9.11 very suitable, when thinking about the mentioned connection with murders committed by the "leaders" of the country. First the lives of young American soldiers, then the children and women of Iraq who suffers daily upon this leadership. I am not surprised that most Americans never saw any connections like this, as most people are lost inside their little glass bubble, in denial about the state of planet Earth. This is not simply a gory horror flick - it is a mirror of the times we all live in. That's why I give it 9 out of 10. Another common thing with the photographer and George is that they both like to quote from the bible. As to justify their actions to some kind of good or justice, that most people can relate. Yet, it is completely madness, as we can all see. Nothing is covered here, it is all in the open - and rightly it is almost too much for anyone to see, the gore, the horror - Abu Grabi like - crazy - concentration camp like. Yes, there were the 3rd Reich connection as well. Did everyone who gave this movie 1 out of 10 not get anything out of all the connections, the symbolic languages told? It is almost as I would recommend those of you to buy the Twin Peaks box set and start study analogy and symbol languages therein. Just to fresh up that ability and then I hope many of you watch M.S.P. one more time. Last: plz try to see the whole thing this time. Despite the blood, gore and un-human like behaviour.
Profit (1996)
10 Year celebration
I was a fan of this series when it was shown here in Norway, and I agree with the other comment before this saying it was sad it got canceled. I also would like to see new episodes, picking up from where it left, 10 years ago. Or perhaps even better, a new script with the same lead character now 10 years older, talking about what took place, summing-up the old plot, and later start a new plot, more up to date.
I also agree that the reason why it was taken off, is probably due to the rather uncommon plot/story - where the lead role act out a darker side than normal. I esp. liked the fact that he crawled to sleep inside a cardboard box, instead of a nice bed with a standard to his wealthy income. I guess, he could not forget his past, more difficult, life? I feel like "profit" could have been directed by David Lynch, it somehow fall into his style of making TV series (Twin Peaks, etc).
American Beauty (1999)
an important movie for the new millenium
American Beauty is movie on many levels. Different induviduals interacting and living together in the most realistic way I can ever remember to have seen in any film. There is a part of the movie that deals with an plastic bag, a symbol for the spiritual nature. I must admit that this film made me cry and laugh, think and relate to myself. It is amazing how the whole movie can put all the loose ends into a well organized structure in aprox. 2 hours, leaving the viewer changed forever. Very good casting by the actors, Kevin S. especially, but all the others was very "real" and did a very good job.