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Reviews
Pumpkin (2002)
Um...no.
I can't even begin to understand why anybody liked this movie. I will say that Christina Ricci looked beautiful and that the boy who played Pumpkin was a good actor. Unfortunately, I feel I'm giving him extra credit because everything else in this movie was just so incredibly horrible. To start with plot points that make this movie unbearable, there's the often-mentioned blowing up car scene in which Catherine's boyfriend escapes paralyzed but unscratched. Not only is this incredibly unbelievable, but it had nothing to do with the movie other than to, supposedly, show him what it felt like to be in Pumpkin's shoes. Um, help me if I'm the only one that noticed this, but Pumpkin was retarded and could walk, and the boyfriend (sorry, I just saw the movie and can't remember his name) ends up in perfectly fine mental health and paralyzed. I really don't see the connection. OK, also, who the heck is stupid enough to completely forget that they left someone on the beach? That's insane. I could go on and on, about the completely random scene where she swallowed all those drugs and survived, about why Kent (that's his name!) became a coach (?) for the Challenged Athlete's team, about what the deal was with the stupid bug in salad, but it's kind of painful to think about. As for running problems with this movie: 1. The acting sucked. Even Christina Ricci. With the exception of Pumpkin (by the way, they never explained the meaning of his name at all), every single character in this movies acted excruciatingly absurd, especially Kent. This guy was worse than any actor in any movie I've ever seen. He makes me think of an elementary school play. I'm /not/ joking. 2. The cinematography sucked. There were weird random close-ups that made the whole thing feel fake (as if other aspects didn't do that enough) and made me really uncomfortable. 3. The casting sucked. The people casted were just so completely far-fetched, including Pumpkin, that I couldn't handle it. I mean, the woman who plays Suki on Gilmore Girls as a depressed psychomaniac? I'll admit, she tried really hard, but she doesn't fit at all. Neither does anyone else. 4. Finally, the whole plot, the continuity, the theme, none of it was coherent. Anyone who thought this movie was deep was seeing something that wasn't there, kind of like when you have a crush on a movie star because you feel like you know them or something. There were so many scenes in this movie that could have been edited out because they just didn't have anything to do with anything. There were entire characters that could have been edited out and it wouldn't have even mattered - like the professor. And what was the deal with him falling to one knee after she left? What was up with the weird hippie people? Why would Kent /ever/ want Catherine back? How did Pumpkin learn to walk and talk so well by the end of the movie when he couldn't even pronounce Catherine's name in the beginning? How the heck did Pumpkin knock Kent down in the fight scene? By running into him? Please! This movie is so ridiculous that I suggest you /do/ watch it, with a friend! It's one of those bad, bad, bad, bad movies that'll leave you wondering, "What?"
The Ring (2002)
I am not easily scared.
First, I'd like to make a comment about the critique that many people are pointing out in this movie and in every other movie ever made - if you can see the boom mike, it is NOT the cameraman or editor's fault, it's the movie projectionist's. Therefore, if you see the mike in a movie (unless, I mean, it comes halfway down the screen or something), it's the fault of the person up in that little box behind you, OK? Glad I got that out; that really p****d me off...
OK, now as for the review. Like I said in the one line summary, I am not easily scared. Exorcist didn't scare me. Silence of the Lambs only scared me in that one scene in the car, which you could probably compare this whole movie to. I went to this movie expecting to jump a little bit and have fun with my friends. Oh, was I ever wrong. My friend, Amy, and I walked in and noticed, "Hey, cool, there are only four other people in here!" Trouble is, they left right after the movie started. During the movie, my eyes were glued to the screen. Amy and I kept telling each other, "I'm watching, you have to watch, don't cover your eyes!" The whole thing was so amazingly mind-boggling. This comes from someone whose favorite movies are Quills, Memento, and Magnolia, so believe me when I tell you. If you complained about the, "plot holes," you didn't watch it right. The fear of the unknown is what it's all about. Also, people that complained about the acting didn't watch the same movie I did. These actors were so incredibly real that I felt like I was watching something taped from real life. Yes, the movie did go for a few easy scares, but it also made /fun/ of them too.
You know in ever horror movie, when people creep up behind someone sitting in a chair, and they spin it around to show somebody with their eyes gouged out or something? This was a running inside joke throughout the whole movie. There are tons of those. Anyway, when the movie ended, we planned to sit through the credits like we always do. This movie, however, was so freaking scary that we just wanted to leave. The problem was, our shoes were on the floor and we were afraid to reach down and get them. So we sat. In the dark. Until this horrible, loud agonizing music came on and we started /squealing/! It was awful! You know how when you want to watch the credits to a movie, they always turn the lights on and ruin it? Our person wouldn't turn the lights on, and Amy and I were frozen in our chairs. Finally, we RAN out of the theater and Amy slammed the door and we sat hyperventilating in the bathroom. The guy that saw us run out didn't even look surprised: I suppose a lot of people reacted that way. Suddenly, I realized: I'd left my purse in the theater. Amy wouldn't even come back in with me, so I had to ask this total stranger to come in. And I reiterate /very strongly/, I don't get scared easily at all. I recommend this movie if you're in a good mood and you have a really good friend to clutch onto, or a boyfriend. And please DON'T talk, OK? That just p****s people off...my other friend saw it and didn't get scared at all because there were people giggling through the whole thing and making out. *sighs* Anyway, go see it. You /won't/ believe your eyes.
~*~ FOR ALL OF THOSE PEOPLE WHO SAW IT - SPOILERS! ~*~
I don't know about you guys, but wasn't the girl's room in the barn totally creepy? That was one of the things that creeped me out the most. Also, some running themes I noticed throughout the movie:
*seeing people sitting from behind, like I already mentioned, *fire! *rings...seriously, look, they're everywhere, and they keep flashing them in between frames! Very scary... *horses...OK, I know, duh, but it's surprising how /many/ you see.
Thumbelina (1994)
Beautiful
My friend and I sat down to watch Thumbelina last night. It was her first time, and I was excited to show it off for her. She fell in love with it, and, since I hadn't seen it in a while, my adoration of it was re-ignited. I'll be honest: you're not going to enjoy this movie if you don't like animated features. While there ARE a couple cheesy phrases in this movie, if you watch it with good humor, you're sure to enjoy it. This movie wasn't made for adults, but it wasn't made for little children, either. I think that it's best viewed with an open mind and a friend. First, I'll start with the animation. The characters' movements and appearances are very reminiscent of other Don Bluth films, such as An American Tail and Anastasia, which is definitely a good thing. Not only are all of the major movements very flowing, but smaller things are perfect, like the twirl of Thumbelina's skirt and the characters' hair. In fact, if one looks hard enough, it's noticeable in every aspect: characters have little facial expressions, little movements, little changes in their eyes that fully represent real life. I'll admit that some of the non-human characters are a little annoying in appearance and don't fit in perfectly with Thumbelina, in particular hero, the dog; but on average, they blend in pretty well. One of the things I enjoy the most about the animation is that when a character holds on to something, it actually looks like they're touching it, unlike in most animated features (in particular, Spirit, but I'll not hold a grudge against it). Secondly, I'd like to point out the scenery. It's a bit simplistic in some parts, but it always alludes to something more, and it really makes you feel as if you were there. The storyline, while a little silly, is very entertaining, and I really tended to feel the ups and downs of Thumbelina. In some parts, it gets a little tedious, but in general, it's wonderful. The movie, in my opinion, was very romantic, and, in a couple scenes, very, very sad. There's also just enough humor to keep the story flowing without so much that it becomes the main focus of the plot. Finally, the sounds are exquisite. The characters' voices are all perfect, especially the mother frog. "Always Follow Your Heart," the main theme song, is horrible and extremely annoying, but all of the rest of the songs are great. "Soon," is very sad and simple, and it fits Thumbelina's mood perfectly. "Let Me Be Your Wings," is beautiful and is a perfect song to reprise. The first time that Thumbelina and Cornelius sing it, it's very romantic. *SPOILER* When she sings it to the mole after Cornelius, "dies," it's one of the most tragic and beautiful parts of the movie, and my favorite. Finally, at the end, when she sings it in the Veil of the Fairies, it's haunting, and when Cornelius cuts in and proves that he's not dead, it's uplifting. *END SPOILER* "On the Road" is a cute song with a Latin beat, and is fun to watch. The song that the beetles sing is a little annoying, but it's bearable. "Marry the Mole," is funny and well-placed. Now, my friend is 14, and I'll be turning that age this month, so I can't honestly recommend it for adults, unless they're young-at-heart and enjoy cartoons (which, I've noticed, often have a lot deeper themes than most real-life movies). If you're about my age, and you don't think that you're too cool to enjoy an animated film, give it a try. Oh, and if you're bilingual, like me, rent the DVD and watch it in French. They dub the songs, and everyone adds their own touch to it that makes it just as good as in English.
Tom's Midnight Garden (1999)
Pretty Good
This movie had a beautiful plot and inspired a lot of my writing and art. The scenery was perfect and awe-inspiring. This kind of film is where fantasy meets reality. Unfortunately, after watching the movie, I felt a little unfulfilled. Like one of the user comments said, time wasn't spent developing the characters. It's great that they got into the story quickly, but I don't feel they spent enough time setting the mood. I expected this to be a cross between Alice in Wonderland and The Secret Garden because of the description and the setting, so I was really disappointed when I saw that there were very few characters, and the ones that existed were boring. I grew a bit more excited when he met Hattie because I thought that a meaningful relationship twist might develop, but all that happened could be described as a slight crush. They didn't even seem to be very good friends. All in all, though I was extremely satisfied with this movie- until I saw Hattie as an old lady. Ewww! It was disturbing because the whole movie had slightly implied a love for Hattie from Tom, and then she's this old, matronly woman! Also, when Tom saw the tree being cracked by lightning and heard the gasp, the sound effects were horrible, and the timing didn't make any sense. Don't think that I hated this movie, though. It was a very fun film, and I enjoyed watching it. If you're looking to see whether it's worthwhile or not, though, I suggest you save it for a night when you're alone and bored.
An American Tail: Fievel Goes West (1991)
beautiful music
I can't believe no one has commented on the song "Dreams to Dream" yet. When I heard that song, I instantly fell in love! It's amazing- James Horner rocks! I sing this song to my friend when we're spending the night, and she goes to sleep instantly! If you don't see this movie for any other reason, go for the music! "Dreams to Dream" occurs when Tonya is washing the windows, right after Fievel wanders into the bar and right before Tanya performs, when she sings another great song. Also the animation is GREAT, and the plotline, though somewhat bland, is still interesting. I recommend it to children, women, and sensitive men.
The Rage: Carrie 2 (1999)
The view from a younger generation
I know that a lot of people say that The Rage: Carrie 2 is not a very good movie. I read Carrie last year (when I was 11) and liked it, didn't love it. I love Stephen King by the way, but this book wasn't *extremely* fascinating like the Shining or Hearts in Atlantis. The Rage, at least in my opinion, was an excellent, very very sad movie. I never saw the original "Carrie", personally, because I think that it's a waste of time to read the book AND see the movie. Everyone is saying that it's slow. I watched it twice in one day. The FIRST time I watched it, it did NOT seem slow. I was definitely enthralled! But the second time, it did get kind of old and I fast forwarded it. At least, I did until it got to the end scenes. It was excellent! I think it was very, very, VERY good. I cried. Yeah I know, but most people who see this movie really can't relate. You notice that very few people gave it a 4 or 5 or 6. You either love it or you hate it. Do NOT see this movie if you have a heart condition. And DON'T cover your eyes. It absolutely ruins it!!! Maybe I enjoyed it a lot more because my adreniline was rushing from a Y-club District Rally I had attended earlier, but this movie really got my heart beating at the end. But what's this happy ending crap? How is it a happy ending? And since when was Rachel popular? Run a race or scream really loud get the juices going), then rent this (don't buy it until you've seen it TWICE).
Here on Earth (2000)
The view of a younger generation
Alright, I'm 12, so this is where you get to see the movie from a pre-teen's point of view. I've also commented on Magnolia and Bicentennial Man, both great movies, if you want to check it out. Alright, Here on Earth was a beautiful movie with astounding scenes and images, very pleasing to the eye. The writer (I don't know who it was, check IMDB) either worked very hard or has a good appreciation for love, poetry, and drama. I cried 4 times throughout this movie, once for over 30 minutes. It was really sad, really beautiful, really meaningful. IT's a great movie for anyone, say, 11 and up who isn't a romantic-comedy freak. Yeah, it's romantic, yeah, it's comedic, but (in my opinion), it's better than "She's All That" or "Whatever it Takes". I never cry! It's a tender story. Go rent it and tape it :).
Bicentennial Man (1999)
A view from the younger generation
I'm 12, so you can see this review from a pre-teens point-of-view. I also commented on Magnolia, if you want to check it out. Bicentennial Man was an excellent movie, it was great for children and adults (at least in my opinion). It's a movie to watch with your parents, if you're my age (and close to your parents...*smirk*) or younger, and it's a great movie to watch by yourself or with a friend. Just don't watch it with, like, a 4-year-old, because they'll get really really bored. I love the futuristic stuff, always have! Rent it, if you're about 15 or younger, for a sleepover or a small party, or for by yourself. Othwerwise, only rent it if you're hangin with a younger bro, sis, niece, nephew, kid you're babysitting, etc. Parents, don't hesitate to watch it with your kids, though. It's definitely not a baby movie. There's only two parts that I can think of that mention sex, but little kids won't "get" it and it's not bad at all, unless you're *MAJORLY* protective. I mean, it's no "Dirty Dancing", give it a break :). Um, they swear, like, two times in the whole movie, that's why it's rated "PG". There ya go.
Magnolia (1999)
The view of a younger generation
I don't pretend to completely understand the entire story, but I can tell you how I viewed it. OK, I'm 12, got that over with. I think that Magnolia is a very deep, very twisted plot with a lot of intricate characters and very real quotes, you know what I mean? It gives a feeling of calm confusion, or at least it did me. Some people try to pull out one simple lesson or meaning from the story, but the best way to watch it is to kind of take ALL of the meanings in. The plot sounds very confusing when you read it, but believe me, the movie has plenty of time to go through and explain it. Also, don't get too hooked up on one of the sub-plots, or you'll miss the rest of the movie. Trust me- I've got personal experience. If you haven't seen this movie, I definitely recommend it. If you don't understand it, watch it in a while and see what happens. It's worth your money.