Change Your Image
illumeentertainment
Reviews
Old School (2003)
The Will Ferrill Show
There are those (eh hem!) who would say that this movie, or this movie's "genre" is stupid and shallow, yada-yada-yada. I really feel sorry for these people who have to take everything seriously and can't for a moment laugh out loud at the world and themselves. Sure I could read a good book, but I would never end up laughing myself to tears (falling on the ground and having my fiance think I was going into a seizure) as I did during moments of "Old School." And the star behind these moments was Will Ferrill. I can imagine that the director gave Will extra takes to improv and to have free reign. And man, it paid off bigtime. This is some of his (or anyone else's) finest comedic moments.
So for those who would scoff at such sophomoric dribble... man, take a hit from a beer bong, go streaking, and chill out dawg!
Kyûketsuki hantâ D (1985)
Groundbreaking 1985 Anime
This dark anime is set in the much distant future where vampires and werewolves and other supernatural creatures intermingle the earth with humans. The story centers around Doris Rumm, and a vampire hunter named "D". Count Magnus Lee is a 5,000 year old vampire who has his heart set on marrying Doris. "D" is begged by Doris to protect her. He does so, and ends up battling with mystical beasts, soul sucking snake sisters, and some of Count Lee's offspring.
What I liked about it: Considering this was done in 1985, it was a groundbreaking film. The dark themes and creatures were something new to Japanese audiences. I liked the darkness, and I liked the action sequences. I liked the main character "D", who spoke sparingly, had a talking right hand that spewed forth insults and magical spells, and who was not invincible. This movie obviously inspired later animes and films such as "Blade".
What I didn't like: Doris was way too whiny and mushy. The supposed love story made me queasy. It did not fit in this movie.
All-in-all, I sort of enjoyed this movie. I mostly enjoyed watching the main character, "D". I liked the character design and his talking hand. I liked the subtleness of his personality.
Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi (2001)
The Iron Chef of Animation
Aren't we all tired of cuddly singing animals and happily-ever-after plots? Well, according to box office numbers, the American movie audience is not. But man, I am. It is so refreshing to be amused and surprised while watching a movie. Although this movie is marketed as a children's fantasy fairy tale. often compared to Alice In Wonderland, I think this movie is much more than that.
I can compare a standard Disney animated movie to a Happy Meal. Hey, I have nothing against Happy Meals. They're cute, they're tasty, you know what to expect, and there's always a neat toy inside. It's a proven success.
Miyazaki is the `Iron Chef' of animated movies. You might not know what the heck you are about to eat, and some of the dishes might violently disagree with you. but you may come across something that will blow your socks off.
Expand your palette. Watch Spirited Away.