RelayerDoug's stats
- Review count60
- Helpfulness votes22
- First reviewOctober 26, 2008
- Last reviewAugust 7, 2013
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating3.8
Overall rating
5
/
5
Beautiful & thought-provoking, but not for every1.
PostedAugust 18, 2011
What an ambitious concept that pays off in spades. I can compare it to George Clooney's SOLARIS in that it takes a story of 2 people put through an emotionally-devastating experience...and puts it in a sci-fi setting. (And I loved SOLARIS, too.) As the movie progressed, I wasn't sure if I was going to like it...it had the arty, "indie-film look" about it. Meaning, for me, it would either come off as boring & pretentious, or ultimately as a masterpiece. Thank God it ended up being the latter.
This movie, as stated in my title, is definitely not for the average Joe. You will not see dazzling special effects or space ships, aliens, etc. What you will see here is Earth, going through a historic, life-changing miraculous incident, the variety of effects it has on people around the world, the increasing drama & fascination as we learn more about the doppelganger planet...and, at its core, how it spurs a tragedy between 2 characters utterly unprepared for how life has its charming tendency to come at you sideways, up-end your world, and make you question the goodness & purpose of existence in this world. What unfolds between Marling and Mapother (2 INCREDIBLE actors) is something that perhaps we can see happening ahead of time...but what I DIDN'T see coming was how the film would end, and how (as others have said), the movie makes you think & generates discussions about its meanings, both literal and allegorical.
The originality and depth of this film cannot be overstated. I love films/stories of this calibre that take a completely untrodden path in storytelling and keep us rapt with fascination, wondering what could possibly be around each successive corner. Highly, HIGHLY recommended to those with intelligent & open minds.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
/
5
OFF-THE-CHAIN ASTOUNDING.
PostedJune 30, 2011
Before I submit a review here for what I regard to be a classic film, I go immediately to the negative, 1-star reviews just to get some perspective. I have to confess, though, that the few 1-star reviews posted here have taken the prize for hyper-(pseudo-)intellectual diarrhea-of-the-mouth posturing. What did these "scholars" expect--Shakespeare? They're action/sci-fi movies based on Hasbro toys, fer chrissakes. "Drumerboy" (did he forget the extra "m"?) and "tron0000" (apropos choice of numbers) seriously need to emerge from their self-erected golden towers if they want to enjoy movies of this genre in their proper context. I can't help wondering about what kind of sad lives they must lead.
That being said, if you're a Transformer fan, I see no logical way in which you could see this movie & walk out thinking it was the piece of merde that Our Lords Of The Movie Review made it out to be. The story line is great, it holds your attention from start to finish, the humor/one-liners are great, and of course, the special effects are absolutely off the charts...making this the greatest installment of the 3. See it, see it, see it. No more need be said. T3 delivers in spades...pure movie-going exhilaration.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
/
5
Howlingly funny sequel.
PostedMay 26, 2011
First off, this website needs to get its shyte straight--Liam Neeson is NOT in this film.
As often happens when a sequel to a blockbuster comedy is released, the question inevitably arises: Will it measure up to, eclipse, or fall short of the original? Well, IMHO, HANGOVER II is at least AS funny as the original, if not more so due to its plunging even further into off-the-chain raunchiness. I (and everyone in the theater last night, apparently) loved it...many, many moments of laugh-til-it-hurts humor that leave you gasping for breath, and already looking forward to the DVD so you can hear the lines you missed when the audience was roaring with laughter. The 3 main characters again shine as brightly as in the first film, and credit has to be given again to Zach Galifianakis for his reprised portrayal of one of comedy's most truly twisted characters. Hats off to Ken Jeong as well, who has proven himself to be a great comic actor...I sensed greatness for this guy when I first saw him in ROLE MODELS as the bizarre Renaissance Fair "King."
Overall, a very satisfying and sure-to-be-a-major-hit sequel...it hits on every cylinder and I seriously doubt if anyone who loved the first film will be disappointed with this one.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
/
5
Originality of story=worth every minute.
PostedApril 17, 2011
Being a complete newcomer to Ms. Rand's epic novel, all I knew walking into the movie was the synopsis published here and the reviews of 4 people who had seen it. I had to smile when the "Who is John Galt?" phrase started get bandying about--immediately had me wondering if the answer to the question was going to be similar, if not identical to the question, "Who is Kaiser Sosay?"
I can't give an in-depth socio-political/philosophical review for this film that hasn't already been stated, but this much I can share: This obviously isn't a movie for the masses & will most likely only appeal to Rand's fan base and those who enjoy deep, politically-oriented essays on the decay of society and the way the creative voices in our midst are often ridiculed, ignored or exploited. Sitting through the film had me wondering where the story was going to take me...but the acting, the intelligence of the script and the utter originality of the story made it worth the effort. It got my attention, I cared about the characters, it made me look forward to the sequels, AND it made me want to go out & buy the book, which I have every intention of doing. I actually saw the book in a store several months ago and almost bought it at the time, mostly due to curiosity brought about by all the praise I'd heard about it.
As you can see by the LARGE number of positive reviews, this film has turned out to be a success in the eyes of the majority, and as always, I fail to see the logic behind the few negative reviews. To each their own. I recommend the film highly for all those who appreciate a deep, meaningful, well-thought-out & intellectually-stimulating movie-going experience; one that is set far, far apart from the mainstream of what is passing for film entertainment today.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
/
5
Fantastic film & loving homage to Grateful Dead!
PostedApril 15, 2011
This is the review I posted for this film & its killer soundtrack in iTunes, & I wanted to share it with you guys here:
@ Drew Andrew: Drew, if I'm not mistaken, the song you're wondering about is Summer Song by The Tulips. The really odd thing about that song is, having lived & grown up during that musical period, I had never heard the song until seeing this film. If it was a hit on the radio, it must have been a localized hit as opposed to a national one......?
At any rate, I have to agree with ShyGiggles--I knew before this movie was even over that I would want the soundtrack, despite the fact that I already had quite a few of the other songs on CD. The late 60s through the early 70s were my coming-of-age years, and for me the psychedelic age was not only a time when music went from caterpillar to butterfly, it was also a time of expanding consciousness (and not necessarily via the use of acid or shrooms) when the youth of America realized their real potential for changing the world for the better. These times are vividly portrayed in this movie, and the entire cast--ESPECIALLY J. K. Simmons--are absolutely astounding. If you liked him as the dastardly Vern in the HBO series OZ, as Juno's father in the film of the same name, or even as Peter Parker's loudmouth boss in the SPIDER-MAN films, you will LOVE him in this movie. He really gets to show his acting chops this time out, and my respect for him as an actor has done a quantum jump as a result of this very memorable role.
I also wish they could have included all the songs sampled in this movie, but I imagine there were the usual stumbling blocks in getting them approved to be included. But since this film is a roundabout homage to the Grateful Dead (a band I didn't have QUITE as much appreciation for before seeing the movie), there are some great Dead tracks included here. The others, needless to say, are classics as well.
I urge any and all of you who were alive during this era to see this film immediately while it's still playing at your independent film theater and make a point to get the soundtrack afterwards. Both are works of art.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
/
5
Astronomically funny!
PostedMarch 22, 2011
Once again, Simon Pegg & Nick Frost have paired up to give us a quality comedy that keeps the laugh-out-loud moments coming one right after another, done with intelligence & just enough slapstick to keep it from becoming a comedy geared for lamebrains. The previews hint at what a comedy hit this film is, and seeing it underscores that notion exponentially. There are cameo roles in the supporting cast that will delight all sci-fi fans, and references to older classic sci-fi films that will have you rolling in the aisles. There are also tender moments of pathos mixed in that could very well bring a tear to your eye.
Overall, a successful, well-made comedy with a great script, great acting, and the pre-requisite great special effects. I was down in the dumps when I went to see this film, and it didn't just lift me out of them--it catapulted me, like a UFO taking off at light speed. Don't miss this one.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
1
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5
Unmitigated tripe.
PostedJanuary 30, 2011
Anthony Hopkins has been my favorite actor since the early 80s, when I first saw him in THE ELEPHANT MAN. Virtually everything he's done in cinema has been astounding at best, somewhat weak at worst. Now, however, it can be said: The redoubtable Mr. Hopkins has graced us all with his first all-out turkey. The fact that actors of his and Ciaran Hinds' mettle could appear in a mess like this is beyond belief. I can only guess that the $$ thrown at them was right enough for them to swallow their artistic pride.
So far this film is getting pretty good reviews in here; I haven't read them yet, but I'm guessing that those reviews come from those who A: have never seen THE EXORCIST, or B: who don't have the ability to recognize plagiarism, unspeakably lame dialog, and sub-par acting when they see it. There is much in the way of borrowing from the 1974 tour-de-force that it makes the film come off as the half-baked knockoff that it is. And, my hand to God, you will not BELIEVE the lines that come from Anthony Hopkins' mouth when he is in his "possessed state." Nor will you believe who the priest chooses to assist him with exorcising Hopkins!...for a few minutes I actually had a hard time accepting that the plot had actually taken that idiotic of a turn. Both Hopkins and Hinds--actors of considerable talent & doubtless intelligence--will probably be happy at the proceeds that come in from this film, but I daresay if someone were to ask them if they were PROUD of it, they'd turn beet-red & promptly change the subject or walk away.
Wait for this one to appear on the pay cable networks and don't waste your $$ otherwise. I categorically despise movies that insult your intelligence, and this one (along with fellow piece of crap BLACK SWAN) does so in spades.
No, I do not recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
/
5
Everything & then some!
PostedJanuary 15, 2011
Aside from the publicity generated by the previews, the first thing I heard about this film is how the rabid fans of the Green Hornet mythos were SO P*SSED OFF that Seth Rogen had been chosen to play the lead role. After seeing the film, I wish I could relate to/empathize with their feelings, but I can't. In fairness, though, I remember kind of feeling that way when I heard that Michael Keaton had been cast as the big screen Batman. And yet......he pulled it off. As does Mr. Rogen here.
This film has everything that every superhero/comic book hero movie needs--lots of action, great villains, tongue-in-cheek plots, the whole 9 yards. But then it puts the topping on the cake--it's funny as hell. There are many, MANY moments of laugh-out-loud humor, which, of course, one comes to expect from ANY movie Seth Rogen appears in.
The bottom line: See it and be prepared for an evening of great entertainment. Hints are given that there will be a sequel, and I sincerely hope it measures up, because this is one class act. Loved it, loved it, loved it.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
/
5
Stark, undeniable perfection.
PostedDecember 23, 2010
I remember being at a Crosby, Stills & Nash concert in the summer of 1982. At the end of one of their acoustic guitar-centered songs, as all of us in the audience spontaneously rose to our feet for another in a series of ovations that evening, David Crosby held both his hands up in front of him, pointed them at each other, spread his fingers apart, and brought the hands together in a motion of gears meshing perfectly. That's how I would choose to praise this masterpiece of a film. When DAYLIGHT AGAIN was released & CSN announced their plans to tour in support of the album, those of us who love their music already KNEW it would be one hell of a concert...and that's exactly the feeling I got when previews to this film began showing up. Call it premature, if you will, but it's great knowing that my instincts were right this time. I mean, the star power...the director...the subject matter...how could it NOT be great?
Last night on the telly, during a commercial preview for the film, it was announced that TKS is already up for 7 Golden Globes, including best picture & actor. All I can say is, no surprise there. And watch out, come Oscar time. I'll be shocked to my core if it doesn't walk off with at least 4 statuettes.
There are still those cynical few on this planet who stubbornly & irrationally maintain that the movie industry ceased making quality cinema long ago. This jaw-droppingly astounding movie is the perfect choice in refuting such short-sighted points of view. You hear it a lot these days, but this is truly "not to be missed." Treat yourself & your loved ones & see for with your own eyes & ears what a prize among prizes this film is.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
/
5
A Gay Version Of "Catch Me If You Can"
PostedDecember 18, 2010
I'm surprised I'm the first person to mention the comparison...like the Spielberg/DiCaprio classic, this is the true story of a con man who, for the better part of his life, is contantly putting one over on "The Man," & excecuting his ruses/charades in ways you never see coming. Does this make him a character we can be sympathetic with? The mixed reviews I've read so far can answer that question. (Note to reviewer AntRalphy: Dude, I don't know what movie YOU were watching, but to say there's no spark between Carrey's & MacGregor's characters proves you're either clueless, were falling asleep during the film, or are homophobic. Oh, and do a spell check next time you post a review ["STORT" "is was"].) (And to the 1-star who got up & walked out--what did you expect, Grandma? If you don't know the overall content of a film before you go see it, then stay the hell away from it!)
As one other reviewer also stated, the fact that Carrey was cast in the lead role may cause some potential viewers to shy away from this film. That would be sad because, IMHO, Jim has shown his acting chops and proven that he's more than just an on-screen nutbar--e.g., ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND, DOING TIME ON MAPLE DRIVE, and what I believe to be an unfairly-overlooked film, THE MAJESTIC. In all fairness, though, I would say MacGregor is the star who truly shines here--this is one of his finest acting jobs, giving him ample room to show a full spectrum of emotions we rarely see from him. The relationship between the two is very well-acted & believable.
Another reviewer is also spot-on when saying that it's potentially confusing as to whether this film could/should be labelled as a comedy. There are definitely a few moments of Carrey's trademark schtick we're all familiar with, but they're kept to a minimum and utilized to good effect in the telling of the story. The film is actually a dramedy, going from moments of side-splitting humor to dark, heavy drama.
My friend and I both enjoyed this movie immensely and believe that fans of Jim Carrey & Ewan MacGregor will, too. It's a sad-but-funny retelling of the story of a man out of touch with realistic goals in life and finding out the hard way that karma can, indeed, be a cruel taskmaster. How you relate to such a bittersweet tale is entirely up to you.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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