Change Your Image
firebrandfilms
Reviews
King Kong (2005)
Finally! A Hollywood blockbuster that delivers.
This is for all the cynics who hated King Kong. Everybody's got an opinion, so here's mine. I've wasted too much money on Hollywood big-budget crap that's all style and no substance, but was pleasantly surprised if not deeply moved by Kong. This film actually delivers. It does what a good movie is supposed to do - evokes emotion. I'll admit, this movie made me cry... more than once. Call me a sucker for tearjerkers or a victim of melodrama, but I loved this movie. It beats the hell out of the mindless George Lucas crap we have to endure every couple of years - all special effects and no humanity. Why does Kong succeed? Besides the fact that the special effects, cinematography, art direction, acting, action sequences, etc, are unbelievable, not to mention the recreation of 1930's New York City is flawlessly stunning, it's the fact that we actually care about the ape. Peter Jackson was the perfect director for this combo of special effects mastery and humanistic sensitivity. He humanized Kong in such a way, developed the relationship between Anne and Kong so wonderfully, utilized several setups with perfect payoffs, that by the time Kong exhales his last breath and spirals toward 5th Avenue to his inevitable death, we the audience are heart-broken. That my cynical friends is the way Hollywood is supposed to do it. I can only pray George Lucas has retired. Sorry Star Wars fans. Kong rules.
Stranger (2000)
See "Stranger" and see a real indie film
This critically acclaimed dark little jewel is one of those sleepers that not a lot of people know about. Hopefully, that's about to change.
STRANGER chronicles the surreal journey of a no-named homeless drifter who meanders the back alleys, mean streets and lonely highways of this chaotic universe known as America.
Along the way, we get an in depth character study of the man and the manic mazes of his mind, and it ain't pretty folks! Each frame is an angst splattered canvas of urban grit and grime, seedy bums, rednecks, kinky prostitutes, and well, you get the picture.
It's a seamless shadow world where every mundane highway sign is rich with metaphor, every frame filled with archetypal images that are as heavy with symbolism as they are with smoky hipster cool.
In one scene, the Stranger takes a whiz in an adult bookstore parking lot as a train zips by, a tattered American flag flapping in the background, and police siren screaming in the distance. It would take a 'Social history of American cinema' class half a semester to analyze that scene. And look out for a left turn ending that'll keep you watching this one over and over for years to come.
STRANGER is more than a shock schlock movie. There's more to it than the usual blood and guts shock cinema fare, but it's just as visceral and compelling in it's own jagged way. STRANGER is a thought-provoking, often disturbing and visually stunning piece of art... all be it a sick, twisted piece of art.
The critics seemed to agree: "Aces! A great film." John Pierson - Indie Film Guru "Humorous and disturbing. Subversive. Creates an effect that's hard to shake." NASHVILLE SCENE "Epic and inspired." BIJOU FLIX "Bile dipped celluloid." FILM THREAT "A psychotic mix of Jarmusch and Bukowski." SHOCK CINEMA "Enthralling! Expressive and accomplished film-making." Amy Taubin - VILLAGE VOICE I strongly suggest you go to Amazon/Borders and purchase the 4 pack DVD titled "PSYCHOTIC TENDENCIES" and experience STRANGER for yourself. It's the only way you'll get to see this piece of hard candy... anywhere. Warning: Not for the squeamish!