RelayerDoug's stats
- Review count60
- Helpfulness votes22
- First reviewOctober 26, 2008
- Last reviewAugust 7, 2013
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating3.8
Overall rating
1
/
5
Another in a string of flops...
PostedSeptember 18, 2010
OPEN LETTER TO M. NIGHT SHYAMALAN:
Dear Mr. Shyamalan: I was wondering, sir, if you would enlighten us as to just what the hell's happened to you...? Are you the same filmmaker who intrigued, fascinated & shocked us all with THE 6TH SENSE all those years ago, or has some evil doppelganger locked you up in some unknown locale and taken over in your stead? Do you remember all the accolades T6S received--& how well-deserved they were? Did you pick up on the vibe from the movie-going public (especially we horror/fantasy lovers) about how excited we were that an original, intelligent new filmmaker had burst onto the scene? That there were finally going to be some great horror/fantasy films that didn't rely on gore and mayhem to "scare" us--that these films were actually NOT going to insult our intelligence?
What HAPPENED, Mr. Shyamalan, in the wake of T6S? Were all of your good, intelligent ideas & concepts funnelled into that one classic film? You are aware, aren't you, that everything you've released since then has been, to one degree or another, crap? And is it dawning on you by now that DEVIL--which looked so alluring in the previews (as most of your films have)--is one of the most pungent releases you've come up with yet? Did you purposely gear this movie to the intelligence level of the average 4th grader? Has anyone pointed out to you that the acting & script is not only an embarrassment to the actors, but also gives the film the overall appeal of a sub-par community theater production? Did you think this was going to give you redemption from the unspeakable disaster that was THE LAST AIRBENDER?
Seriously, Mr. Shyamalan--can you shed some light on this? What makes a potentially great moviemaker/storyteller go so unceremoniously down the tubes so quickly in his budding career? Is this none of our business? Am I prying too deeply? Are you aware that many of us want to give you the benefit of every doubt with each new film you release, only to end up disappointed & disillusioned with you time & again?
As DEVIL is so hell-bent (pardon the pun) on shoving this down our throats, the question rises & begs to be asked: are you, Mr. Shyamalan, willing to accept responsibility for your "actions" in releasing a turkey like this and thinking you were going to win your fan base (not to mention your dignity) back?
And one final question: I know I can never get back the hour & 20 minutes I spent suffering through DEVIL...but could I at least ask for my $11.50 back? Pretty please?
No, I do not recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
/
5
Dark day in history & in the American military.
PostedSeptember 5, 2010
I remember well seeing this article on the news, and when the previews to this film were first shown, I recall thinking, "Ah--another version of the TV movie FRIENDLY FIRE, only in documentary form." Frankly, I'm not sure how anyone--even the staunchest "America right or wrong, love it or leave it" types--could find any sympathy for the American military infrastructure after seeing this film. The facts surrounding Pat's accidental (?) death should have been brought to light immediately, and it speaks volumes for the family--particularly Pat's mother--that they patently refused to be railroaded by the collective gaggle of higher-ups who were determined to sweep this incident under the carpet. Chances are you will leave this movie feeling profound sympathy for the Tillman family, and wanting to smack Donald Rumsfeld & his 3 military stooges right in their smug mouths. It also gives you cause to wonder just how often this type of bovine-waste-material goes on in this country.
I salute the Tillman family & offer them my sincerest condolences. It is fortunate that this documentary was made so that his story could finally be told. Rest in peace, Pat.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
/
5
Super Chick Flick!
PostedSeptember 3, 2010
As someone who's loved the great chick flicks over the years (and yes, there have been some turkeys, too), I have to give this one the praise it deserves and put it in the "Must See" column. Now, the cynics will say that the common fault among most chick flicks is their overall predictability, and I'll concede to that. I mean, come on--we're talking romantic comedies here. Be that as it may, in my humble opinion, this IS one of the good ones. The chemistry between Drew & Justin is both believable and touching (possibly due to their on-again, off-again real-life relationship? You be the judge.); you end up caring deeply for these characters and want them to come out on the winning side. Add to this some truly GREAT supporting roles: Jason Sudeikis and Charlie Day are a SCREAM as Justin's well-meaning but buffoonish buddies; Christina Applegate once again shows how far she's come as an actress as Drew's overprotective sister, and Jim Gaffigan is side-splitting as her dorky husband; there's even a great cameo role by another SNL alumnus, Rob Riggle. The comedy is delivered often and always on target, with more than just a few moments that will have you howling.
As mentioned earlier, you pretty much know from the get-go where the plot of the story is going...but in cases of good movies (this one) versus awful movies (THE AMERICAN), predictability can be overlooked, if not forgiven, in the hands of a great director, a great cast, & a great script. This thoroughly enjoyable date movie delivers on all three counts. See it!
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
1
/
5
George...what were you THINKING?
PostedSeptember 2, 2010
The previews to this 'espionage thriller' made it look well worth seeing, if for no other reason than the star power of one George Clooney...up until now, I liked every movie I've seen him in. This INTERMINABLE disaster had about all the excitement of a mouthful of sawdust. The pace is sluggish, the unfolding of the tale excruciatingly slow, the dialog mechanical & more worthy of automatons...and worse yet is this: while you're sitting there squirming in your seat, trying to stay awake and hoping for some kind of payoff at the film's end, you end up with little, if anything good to say about the ending (which anyone with a brain can see coming a mile away). There were people walking out of the theater, something I've never seen in a Clooney film. My movie buddy posited the theory that George obviously LOVED doing this, for 3 possible reasons: A. He is a resident of Italy, B. He's one of the film's producers, and C. He cast himself in the lead role and appears in every scene. Seriously, folks, I tried so hard to like this movie--George is one of my cinema heroes! But as we trudged out of the theater, shaking our heads sadly, the only good thing I could think of to say in the film's favor was the fact that the cinematography of small-town/rural Italy was breathtaking.
In essence, save your money and hope that George's next film eclipses this one...I have a feeling it's going to tank at the box office. I would strongly suggest renting the DVD or watching it on one of the premium networks, unless you have something more entertaining to do...like, say, having a boil lanced.
No, I do not recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
/
5
Inspirational, Engrossing & Uplifting!
PostedAugust 31, 2010
I had a feeling this would be a GOOD movie, but since it dealt with topics like ballet & politics--neither of which hold much interest for me--I thought I'd end up with only a "Meh..." impression of the film. To my complete surprise, it ended up taking my breath away. The story grabs you immediately, taking you into the beginning stages of Li's dancing career & intermingling it with flashbacks of how the incredibly talented dancer that he is came into being. Beautiful cinematography, a great script, top-notch editing...and contrary to what the guy who gave this film 3 stars says, IMHO there is NO bad acting whatsoever. (Bring a few Kleenexes with you for the ending.) Bruce Beresford can proudly add this shining masterpiece to the other ones he's directed; a true work of art. Bravissimo!!!
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
4
/
5
Not the "tas de merde" I thought it would be...
PostedAugust 27, 2010
Despite the underlying feeling that this would be a real bomb, the previews intrigued me. I read about 8 reviews online & decided to check it out, based mostly on the surprising amount of praise the film received. I have to hand it to them: they tried! Filmed in cinema-verite style (Blair Witch, Paranormal Activity, Cloverfield), we actually get to know most of the principal characters before things start to get seriously creepy. Just like Paranormal Activity, this movie takes it time in getting going...couple that with a few scenes of over-acting & unintentionally funny moments, & what you have are what I consider to be the main ingredients that will turn a lot of horror fans off. (To its credit, there are also a few dashes of genuine humor to provide some comic relief.) Once the.....feathers start hitting the fan, it starts taking on all the characteristics of a genuine supernatural horror film about a subject with which we're all familiar, and gives it its own somewhat unique spin. A lot of people have really trashed the movie for its ending (especially the last 5 minutes)...my humble opinion on it is this: Yeah, maybe they could have come up with something a little more original; but for some to say it actually RUINS the film is, for me, going a little overboard. Could have been better, but could have been a LOT worse. I left the theater feeling fairly impressed with the actors, the overall story, & the way they really tried to make this a seriously scary film (without bathing us in buckets of blood, like Piranha). A warning: there is one particularly vicious scene of animal death in the film, so if you're an animal lover like me, you might want to turn away.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
/
5
Mind-boggling & reality-challenging!
PostedJuly 16, 2010
This will go down in my personal diary as one of the greatest movie experiences of my life, equalled only by BLADE RUNNER, AVATAR, and the LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy. What an astounding piece of work this film is, from start to mind-bending finish. This is the type of science fiction that, to begin with, is utterly unique in scope and has never been presented on film before--I can truly recall NEVER having seen anything like it. It is not for casual viewing, by a long shot; this film demands your undivided attention in order to follow the complex but brilliant story, and it deserves it in spades. (If you're one of those bonehead movie-goers who sits and texts and/or blabs to your friends during movies, you will most likely walk out at the end scratching your head & feeling "ripped off." And that will be on YOU.)
Seriously: NEVER have I seen such a brilliant, intricately-woven & spellbinding film as this. As one reviewer already stated, I shouldn't tell you much more than what I've already said for fear of spoiling the experience for you. This is not only one movie I will want to see again (and for God's sake, spend the extra $$ & see it in IMAX--the audio/visual experience is jaw-dropping), but one I will also snatch up on Blu-Ray as soon as it's available...it will be a treasured addition to my collection. If Christopher Nolan ever decides to get out of the movie business, he has a great future as a science-fiction novelist...this, for me, is right up there with the best works of authors like Harlan Ellison or Philip K. Dick.
For those who truly appreciate science fiction that is both intellectually-stimulating while simultaneously accessible and not pretentious in its execution, this is THE film to see this summer. I can't praise it highly enough. I will leave you with one non-spoiler teaser--the hotel fight sequences will knock your socks off! So: prepare yourself for a movie experience you can't possibly prepare yourself for.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
/
5
Funny & totally enjoyable!
PostedJuly 16, 2010
I'm finding it hard to understand why this great, engaging fantasy would warrant any negative reviews; I consider myself a reasonably good judge of what makes a great movie vs. a piece of tripe. This film grabs you right from the start & pulls you into its world of magic, complete with dazzling special effects that only add to the overall joy of the story itself, & there are plenty of great moments of laughter as well as heart-touching sequences. Jay Baruchel, who along with Michael Cera comprise the top level of Hollywood Nerd-dom, puts in his usual whiny but you-end-up-liking-him-anyway performance, Nicolas Cage rises magnificently to the occasion as his Master Sorceror, & Alfred Molina & the always-scary Alice Krige play ultimate evil antagonists. I loved every minute of it & would go see it again.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
4
/
5
Another cool comic book character come to life.
PostedJune 20, 2010
Not knowing anything about this DC Comics character, I saw this film based on the intriguing previews & from being a fan of Josh Brolin. This is a great mash-up of Civil War western, action, sci-fi/fantasy, & a little bit of horror all thrown together. Acting gets forgivably shaky/flaky at times, but the film tells a great, fascinating story that managed to hold my attention/interest through its entirety. Once again, John Malkovich is typecast as a psychotically evil villain, & Aidan Quinn does a good job in portraying President Grant. Should appeal to fans of The Wild, Wild West and The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
4
/
5
Fun & Engaging Summer Comedy
PostedJune 20, 2010
The previews give you a pretty accurate view of what this movie really is: a lot of good, action-packed fun with some obvious & well-played chemistry between Cruise & Diaz. Can't really give it 5 stars because the film's VERY tongue-in-cheek & asks you to swallow a lot in the way of stunts & plot developments; but if you just accept the action/romantic comedy film it labels itself as (with a few nice, unexpected plot twists thrown in), then there's no reason you shouldn't enjoy this immensely. Nice supporting roles from Peter Sarsgaard & Paul Dano.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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