Reviews

Windtalkers is a war film with enough technical efficiency(which is a given as this is helmed by John Woo) to recommend any war buff and yet this film came and went without any notice. Why? Because Windtalkers is one of the least distinguished entries into the new genre of war movies. This film proves that more is needed than visceral displays of battle carnage, digitally amplified gunfire and explosions, and a camera that won't keep still. Woo is unquestionably a director of great talent and ability, but he went into this movie with too weak a script, and the result is little better than a mediocre and repetitive depiction of one offensive in the most important war of the last century. Another major flaw is that Windtalkers has a serious underlying message about the folly of racism. Unfortunately, Woo's approach to this subject matter is anything but subtle or thoughtful. The result is that the film comes across as preachy and cliched.

A sequel to Every which way but loose, any which way you can is not as good as its predecessor but still great fun. The fights are good particularly the last huge fight with Wilson this fight just seem to go on and on. Wilson is one tough looking guy with very big arms. Until Philo(Clint) shows him who's boss. I think this movie was made not only because 'Every which way but loose' was a success, but also because they felt Philo's character deserved a better ending to his story. Since the first one ended a little darker and not with a bang. They are like one four hour movie check out both if you like bar fights, bikers, cops and orangutans.

I was blown away by V For Vendetta. A comic book never entices me as it does other people but this film was a pleasant surprise. First-time director James McTeigue is relentless when it comes to pacing, rarely letting things flag for extended scenes of flabby explosion. And if there are times when V for Vendetta is overwrought and chaotic, those lapses are easily forgotten in the midst of the rousing nature of the experience. From a visual standpoint, V for Vendetta bears the earmarks of a comic book-to-film adaptation: rich images, deep shadows, and strong iconography. Do not miss this film under any circumstance.

Film History began with A New Hope in 1977 and to this day its effects are being felt in Hollywood. Much has been said about A new hope and I do not need to add to it except for the fact that this film is fantastic- well paced and featuring the appearance of so many memorable characters and scenes. Lucas as a young man sure had an eye for details and it's a pity how he lost this ability by the time he started filming the prequels. The locations, atmosphere and camerawork is so different than the later films it is hard to imagine they were both directed by the same man. Anyway if you haven't already then please watch A new hope and then slowly make your way through the entire saga.

Shortcuts is a typical Altman film featuring all of his traits that have become so famous in time. Robert Altman was a master director and it is great that with the advent of the internet the new generation can know and watch films of his that they would never have gotten an opportunity otherwise. Short cuts, much like most of his films is an ensemble piece featuring top notch actors playing distinct characters in the city of Los Angeles. All are connected- some literally, all thematically. This is a great piece by a master and it inspired many filmmakers, among others PT Anderson. Go watch it now.

His is cheesy and sentimental but in an 80s way so that makes it special. This is the difference between the 80s and today- there was a sense of charm in the way films were made. They made the product more endearing and special. Something today's films with their over the top budgets and effects cannot manage. Ralph Macchio, Elizabeth Shue and Pat Morita star in this film and make something special of it. If you haven't seen it before you owe it to yourself to see it.

Robert Zemeckis's Contact is based on Carl Sagan's famous novel by the same name and it is one hell of a film. Rightly called the thinking man's science fiction this movie contains many awe inspiring scenes. The opening shot which pans back into space, quietly humbling us by reminding our insignificance, the transmission and receiving of the signal, the machine and teleportation of Jodie Foster in it to meet the "makers", this film is filled with such scenes and joining them together is a fantastic story with an excellent pacing. Contact polarized critics but this is a very good film and features some great performances by Jodie Foster, Mathew Mcconaughey and others.

Men in Black works on a few factors- a well plotted storyline and the chemistry between Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones. Men in Black are a secret organization which monitor extra-terrestrial activities on Earth. When an alien being starts creating havoc in New York our two leads act to rid of it. Linda Fiorentino is sassy as the sole female presence here and it is strange to see her career fizzle out the way it did. Vincent D O'nofrio is excellent as the human host of the alien. Men in Black is a breezy affair, funny and the kind of film Hollywood should make more often yet does not. The special effects are good such that they assist the story and not just exist to provide pyro technique eye candy.