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nudaydreamer
Reviews
Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002)
WOW.
I bought tickets to see Episode II at 12:01 AM and 9:30 PM, and my first thought when the film finished the first time was, "I have to wait 18 hours to see it again?!". I LOVED this movie. A huge SW fan since age 5, I was holding back tears as the opening theme began. From that moment, my eyes didn't leave the screen (except for a few moments when I covered them in fear). It seems like the "cool" trend among "real" fans is to point out as many flaws as possible, such as the movie's admittedly unremarkable dialogue, but you know what? If loving AOTC makes me less of a fan, so be it. The film is AMAZING. There are at least half a dozen visually unparalleled scenes. The plot blends just the right amount of adventure and intensity with subtle (or not-so-subtle) foreshadowing of episodes 4-6, and leaves the viewer drooling with anticipation for Episode III. AOTC was everything I wanted it to be and more. The Force is with us again! I love you, George Lucas!
Chocolat (1988)
Beautiful but frustrating...
Claire Denis's Chocolat is a beautiful but frustrating film. The film presents a very interesting look at the household of a European colonial family living in Cameroon, giving the viewer an informative perspective on the lives of many characters and their interaction. However, the development of these characters is often maddeningly insufficient. For example, a central theme in the story is young France's inability to form strong relationships with others. Although this portrayal is executed flawlessly, notably in the way that Denis frames the story with scenes from France's return to her childhood home, the girl's lack of intimacy with the film's other characters makes it difficult for a viewer to invest much interest in her development (or lack thereof) as a protagonist. The general stagnation of the film's character development makes it difficult to become engaged in the loosely organized plot. The film raises a great deal of tension between characters, particularly between Aimee and the men in her life, but never fully addresses this social friction, leaving the viewer unsatisfied. The final few scenes are powerful but depressing. Denis's work is certainly interesting from an intellectual and historical standpoint, but if you are looking for a film with adventure or drama, Chocolat is definitely not the best choice.