Change Your Image
MurrayTodd
Reviews
Shattered Glass (2003)
Incredible Screenplay
I recently lived an experience where someone had created an entire world of fiction, had to create even more fantastic lies, turned people against each other, and in the end it all collapsed. The screenplay and the acting were so realistic to what that experience is like. It's ability to capture the human nuance is uncanny.
Additionally, the acting was good and the story is amazing. I think this was another sleeper which deserved much more attention than it got. I'm absolutely going to buy it when it's released on DVD in March.
Unconditional Love (2002)
Unconventional, delightful, star-studded "Sleeper"
Okay, it's sappy, but in a way that's wonderful--not derivative. I kept laughing, and I found it thoroughly delightful. How come I never heard of it? This is too good to have been "direct to video". None of these reputable actors disappoint, and even the newcomers sparkle. Kudos to a great casting job!
The Anarchist Cookbook (2002)
Imaginative, thought-provoking, but rough around the edges.
This film will not likely be considered one of the great, thought-provoking movies of our time, but it represents a fresh new voice with a fresh (attempted) perspective on a social "movement/issue" that few people can tackle with ease.
To its criticism, it should be edited with 15-20 minutes pulled out. The beginning has little form or direction and it isn't until about halfway through that it finds its narrative voice. The "villain" is a bit one-dimensional and his eventual dealings with drugs and neo-nazi's is a little contrived and cliche.
To its credit, I had to think it over and discuss it with friends to eventually understand some of the issues and (what I believe to be) its message. Kudos for not spoon-feeding me some dogma. There was no simple distinction between the good and bad, which we only see in a rare film (like Traffic). It tells a simple story and lets you be the judge.
I would recommend "Anarchist Cookbook" for someone who wants something outside of the Hollywood establishment. If you want a simple, brain-dead teen flick, look elsewhere. But it is no "Trainspotting" or "Traffic" or American History X".
The Specials (2000)
Bad writing, little inspiration
The premise had some good possibilities. With a good script I think it would have been possible to make a really low-budget movie that could entertain. Instead it was a low- energy collection of dialogues between unmotivated characters with no story arc and little wit. In other words, it failed to even be a good "B movie".
Hot Pursuit (1987)
A superb film for its genre. Refreshing and unpretentious.
This is my favorite John Cusak movie of all time. Although he has been in many more ambitious projects and tried a multitude of roles, Hot Pursuit places him pat where he plays best, the hapless but spirited underdog whose love for an
upper-class girlfriend forces him to undergo a "trial by fire" where he finally discovers what he's made of. (Okay, upon reflection that could be a summary for half his movies. Still I say this was better than "The Sure Thing" or "Say Anything".) It is unpretentious, the dialogue is by now ways "Mammat" in sophistication, but it delivers its point and gives the audience an enjoyable journey in the
meantime.