DrLaser's stats
- Review count280
- Helpfulness votes157
- First reviewMarch 15, 2008
- Last reviewAugust 14, 2013
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4
Overall rating
4
/
5
Twisted and smart
PostedSeptember 3, 2008
This is a very eccentric self mocking small art house film with many funny moments but it is not a standard comedy. There are lots of clever inside jokes directed at High School, acting, provincial attitudes, free speech, and especially forgiveness. Director Fleming uses over the top raw emotion both sad and funny to very slowly build his story. It is worth the wait. Like Hamlet, its the play within the play. The student play Hamlet 2 is so over the top that it works. Not only is it funny and well staged, but it actually has a valid message. Coogan, Keener, and Shue give perfect performances. But its the kids who really shine. Think of it as Hamlet in the Hood on acid.
If it seems odd and slow, just hang in there and expect the unexpected!
If it seems odd and slow, just hang in there and expect the unexpected!
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
3
/
5
Close but no cigar
PostedAugust 13, 2008
This movie is a story of the dysfunctionality of our society seen through the innocent eyes of a child full of wisdom. Adults are seen as either having thrown their lives or their principles away and its up to this one child to help them find redemption. Madeline Carroll who plays the drunken Kevin Costner's daughter is simply amazing. She is the shining star of this movie. Her performance almost makes the rest of the film's tedium acceptable. I have to give credit to Costner who put his ego aside and allowed her to steal the show. But its hard to care about him until very late in the picture.. The movie only comes together in its final scenes which are good but come too late to redeem an otherwise minor predictable film..
No, I do not recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
3
/
5
Its a stoner flick, duh!
PostedAugust 11, 2008
If you liked Knocked Up or Superbad, and think this will be along the same lines you are in for a rude awakening. This is definitely a stoner flick and nothing more.
Its not as good as Harold and Kumar, and probably not as good as any of the Cheech and Chong films. But it has its moments and a few laughs. Sure the script is weak, as is the actiing. The humor is all about these stoned out dudes and their drug fueled adventure. The opening scene that takes place in a secret government lab in the 1940's is probably the best directed part of the entire movie. Some of the sight gags really do work. If you enjoy low brow humor and slapstick this is the movie for you. If not, skip this one.
Its not as good as Harold and Kumar, and probably not as good as any of the Cheech and Chong films. But it has its moments and a few laughs. Sure the script is weak, as is the actiing. The humor is all about these stoned out dudes and their drug fueled adventure. The opening scene that takes place in a secret government lab in the 1940's is probably the best directed part of the entire movie. Some of the sight gags really do work. If you enjoy low brow humor and slapstick this is the movie for you. If not, skip this one.
No, I do not recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
/
5
Darker than Night
PostedAugust 6, 2008
From the very start of the film you quickly realize that it is very different from any other Batman movie ever. You can just throw away any and all previous incarnations of the Joker whether its Jack Nicholson or Caesar Romero. Heath Ledger is the Joker and he's no longer a clown.
Christopher Nolan has decided to take the Batman saga in yet another direction far different than he did in Batman Begins. If you are expecting a simple continuation of that film prepare yourself for a shock. Although many of the characters are the same and by and large played by the same actors (with the exception of Maggie Gillenhaal taking over Katie Holmes' role of Bruce Wayne's love interest Rachel Dawes), the way they are developed is quite different. This is no longer a simple comic book. Director Nolan has moved the story so as to now focus on the ageless question of whether the ends justify the means. And we discover that the answer is disguised in a maze of smoke and mirrors leaving us guessing.
Much has been said about Heath Ledger in the role of the Joker and I can testify that the Oscar buzz is totally justified. His acting is simply brilliant. As is often said, there is a fine line between genius and madness and Ledger pushes that line like it has never been pushed before. The Joker is as strong a character as is Batman. He conducts a symphony of pure evil and his soloist is none other than the Bat. He uses the Bat as his catalyst to achieve his ends. His strategy is simply brilliant to the point where you must give the devil his due. After seeing this you fully feel the enormity of the loss of Ledger at such an early age.
For those of us who know the Batman story we are caught a bit off guard by the number of intertwining story lines that go on here. At times its breath taking and a little confusing. The directing is excellent as is the acting.
Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman are among the very best actors in Hollywood and add a touch of class to their roles. Aaron Eckhart is fine in his role but only reaches his best near the end. But it is Gary Oldman who is able to take a modest role and elevate it to a place few others could have. And although his role might not be as meaty as the Joker, his acting is every bit as good. Like Ledger, he is a true chameleon and becomes whatever the part calls for. Christian Bale has tempered his Bruce Wayne character and ramped up his Batman.
Younger children might have a tough time dealing with the very dark nature of this film even though it is not full of blood and gore.
This is a very good movie. At two and a half hours you'll wish that it could have gone on longer. It will be very hard for Christopher Nolan to top this one.
Christopher Nolan has decided to take the Batman saga in yet another direction far different than he did in Batman Begins. If you are expecting a simple continuation of that film prepare yourself for a shock. Although many of the characters are the same and by and large played by the same actors (with the exception of Maggie Gillenhaal taking over Katie Holmes' role of Bruce Wayne's love interest Rachel Dawes), the way they are developed is quite different. This is no longer a simple comic book. Director Nolan has moved the story so as to now focus on the ageless question of whether the ends justify the means. And we discover that the answer is disguised in a maze of smoke and mirrors leaving us guessing.
Much has been said about Heath Ledger in the role of the Joker and I can testify that the Oscar buzz is totally justified. His acting is simply brilliant. As is often said, there is a fine line between genius and madness and Ledger pushes that line like it has never been pushed before. The Joker is as strong a character as is Batman. He conducts a symphony of pure evil and his soloist is none other than the Bat. He uses the Bat as his catalyst to achieve his ends. His strategy is simply brilliant to the point where you must give the devil his due. After seeing this you fully feel the enormity of the loss of Ledger at such an early age.
For those of us who know the Batman story we are caught a bit off guard by the number of intertwining story lines that go on here. At times its breath taking and a little confusing. The directing is excellent as is the acting.
Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman are among the very best actors in Hollywood and add a touch of class to their roles. Aaron Eckhart is fine in his role but only reaches his best near the end. But it is Gary Oldman who is able to take a modest role and elevate it to a place few others could have. And although his role might not be as meaty as the Joker, his acting is every bit as good. Like Ledger, he is a true chameleon and becomes whatever the part calls for. Christian Bale has tempered his Bruce Wayne character and ramped up his Batman.
Younger children might have a tough time dealing with the very dark nature of this film even though it is not full of blood and gore.
This is a very good movie. At two and a half hours you'll wish that it could have gone on longer. It will be very hard for Christopher Nolan to top this one.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
3
/
5
Interesting but....
PostedJuly 30, 2008
I guess I'm in the minority here but this was a small movie that didn't really make a statement. It alludes to the environment and the sedentary nature of our society but fails to really go anywhere. The animation is definitely good but the story is both predictable and weak.
Actually the short cartoon that precedes the full movie starring a rabbit and magician is better than this film.
Its sad to say this because I feel that the issues that are raised here are quite important. Yet they are treated in a trivial manner that only serves to minimalize them. There is practically no dialog, which in itself would be fine if the story were better. Its a pitty that the writers did not do a better job because this is truly a missed opportunity.
Bottom line, good for children and the feeble minded.
Actually the short cartoon that precedes the full movie starring a rabbit and magician is better than this film.
Its sad to say this because I feel that the issues that are raised here are quite important. Yet they are treated in a trivial manner that only serves to minimalize them. There is practically no dialog, which in itself would be fine if the story were better. Its a pitty that the writers did not do a better job because this is truly a missed opportunity.
Bottom line, good for children and the feeble minded.
No, I do not recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
4
/
5
Roller coaster ride in 3D
PostedJuly 22, 2008
This is really a wild ride! Brendan Fraser knows just how to entertain in a light exciting family film. The 3D is amazing and actually scares you at times. Rather than trying to do another tired remake of an old film they have found a clever way to update it and make it fun.
Aside from the Journey, this is the story about a boy and his uncle and how they come to bond. And of course its a love story too. Stick around to watch the end credits. The 3D tidbits there are fun to enjoy like a dessert after the main course.
Aside from the Journey, this is the story about a boy and his uncle and how they come to bond. And of course its a love story too. Stick around to watch the end credits. The 3D tidbits there are fun to enjoy like a dessert after the main course.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
4
/
5
Family film for kids
PostedJuly 8, 2008
Kung Fu Panda is a lovely kid's story with some great actors doing the voices. Its a cute tale of learning to believe in yourself no matter how crazy that may seem. Its another version of the Ugly Duckling turning into the swan and its done well with humor and compassion.
You often hear that a movie is suitable for the whole family, but this one really is. Enjoy it and stick around for the little treat after the end of the credits!
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
3
/
5
Ok but no more
PostedJuly 8, 2008
It wasn't bad for a mindless summer action flick, but it sure was no Ironman. The writing was mediocre. The acting was fine but predictable. You knew what to expect and that's all you got. There were no surprises.
It wasn't a bad movie. It was just nothing special. What could have been a good story got mired down in another Highlander concept if somewhat skewed. I think that highjacked the story line and hurt the potential for this being about something more than just another comic book gone bad.
If you just want action and a few laughs, you'll be satisfied.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
3
/
5
Tired Night Shyamalan
PostedJune 24, 2008
Its sad to say that this director like Orson Wells might have peaked with his first film, The Sixth Sense. Since then, there has been a lack of inspired genius. And this film is no exception.
Although the premise is promising as is the acting, the writing handicaps everything else and makes you wonder if this guy will ever live up to his promise.
I found the screenplay totally predictable and tired. All the punches are telegraphed to you as if you were too stupid to actually be able to think for yourself. By the end of the movie you know exactly what is coming next. How sad is that?
There are a few funny moments and one good scare from an old lady, but that's it. The characters are rather shallow. It never really goes anywhere nor does it make you think. Its not really a funny film. Its not really scary. Its not really exciting. Its not intellectual. And when it comes right down to it, its not really a good film.
Although the premise is promising as is the acting, the writing handicaps everything else and makes you wonder if this guy will ever live up to his promise.
I found the screenplay totally predictable and tired. All the punches are telegraphed to you as if you were too stupid to actually be able to think for yourself. By the end of the movie you know exactly what is coming next. How sad is that?
There are a few funny moments and one good scare from an old lady, but that's it. The characters are rather shallow. It never really goes anywhere nor does it make you think. Its not really a funny film. Its not really scary. Its not really exciting. Its not intellectual. And when it comes right down to it, its not really a good film.
Maybe you should wait for it to come to cable or dvd. Its not the worst film you'll ever see, but its far from the best.
No, I do not recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
/
5
WOW!!!!!!!!!! Great film!
PostedMay 7, 2008
First, when the movie ends, do NOT get up and leave until all the credits roll or you will miss the big surprise. Trust me on this. Its worth the wait.
Iron man is what is supposed to happen when you combine a great director, writers, and actors. Its the real deal. Everything you've heard about this one is true. I went in skeptical and was literally blown away in just the first few minutes. I actually jumped in my seat. It was scary, funny, sensitive, and amazing.
Robert Downey, Jr. brings just the right blend of arrogance and sympathy to his character. I can't help thinking that his time in prison has reshaped him into an even better actor. Gwyneth Paltrow takes what would have been a shallow role and fleshes it out with just the right blend of loyalty and sensuality. And who would have thought that a bald Jeff Bridges would be such a prefect villain. There are a few inside jokes worth looking for like Stan Lee of Marvel Comics fame being mistaken for Hugh Hefner and the limo driver being the film's director John Favreau.
The special effects don't even look like special effects. That's how good this is! Iron man has set the standard for this summer's movies. Definitely go and see it.
Iron man is what is supposed to happen when you combine a great director, writers, and actors. Its the real deal. Everything you've heard about this one is true. I went in skeptical and was literally blown away in just the first few minutes. I actually jumped in my seat. It was scary, funny, sensitive, and amazing.
Robert Downey, Jr. brings just the right blend of arrogance and sympathy to his character. I can't help thinking that his time in prison has reshaped him into an even better actor. Gwyneth Paltrow takes what would have been a shallow role and fleshes it out with just the right blend of loyalty and sensuality. And who would have thought that a bald Jeff Bridges would be such a prefect villain. There are a few inside jokes worth looking for like Stan Lee of Marvel Comics fame being mistaken for Hugh Hefner and the limo driver being the film's director John Favreau.
The special effects don't even look like special effects. That's how good this is! Iron man has set the standard for this summer's movies. Definitely go and see it.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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