burnsker Reviews

The Sacred Science (2011)

Interesting Point of View for the Desperate

[6/10 · 28 February 2015]

This documentary gives a different point of view. It's not a tale of the miracle of modern medicine and it's not an hour long commercial for a quack's "alternative" cure. It's simply following some first world sick people as they attempt to heal themselves using herbalistic traditions in Peru.

So to that point, the film was kind of boring to watch. I wish there was a little more history about herbalism or the people of the area.

But the film is simply interviewing and following those who in their little camp. The healers and the sick. 8 people and a few shamen (and a budding shamen).

It was cool to see what could happen in this setting. In the thick of the jungle rather than an expensive resort or meek hospital.

I think this film can give people a realistic perspective. The treatment seemed to work for things that we already know is reversible/salvagable such as type II diabetes, IBS, mental health issues and some neuromuscular disorders. If I had these problems and couldn't find an answer -- this would also be my last resort and I would take the chance!

Unfortunately, as we could all predict, this stuff didn't seem to help more serious conditions.

But if I had a cancer, did everything I can, and was just at my wit's end -- a trip such as the one documented would definitely change my life perspective and would be worth while. Not necessarily for my disease, but just for myself as a human who desires self-actualization and to live the rest of my life with rich, beautiful perspective!

I give this 6 stars. It wasn't too bad. It was authentic. Can spark some conversations. And the point was to reveal that there is no "science" to this, which is unfortunate. The creators hope this film can encourage MORE scientific documentation on healing arts.

I wouldn't give it more stars because it's not exactly a thriller. I would only watch this when bored (which I did. watched while I was cleaning my room). Wouldn't make the intent to watch this for fun or educational purposes. Only if I were leading some sort of healing arts conference or class or something.

yep. That's my 2 cents.

The Chair (II) (2007)

Different from other Horrors

[9/10 · 6 April 2008]

I liked this movie A LOT. It is so different than what I'm used to. I'm used to people dying in interesting ways every 30 seconds, but in this film, nothing really happens (killing-wise) in the first 2/3 of it. Its just building up tension and interesting situations. This is great and necessary for this thing to be believable and touching. When I watched it, the director was there which was GREAT because I got to hear what he thought of it and ask him my questions (I am a youngun who is ALWAYS full of questions). One thing that I always hated about horror movies is that they go to a house and its haunted and weird crap happens. And its just like "... GET OUF OF THE HOUSE! MOVE!" But they made the character a psychology major and someone is is incredibly interested in this sort of thing. Also, she is mentally ill, so there are several reasons for her to decide to not leave like a regular person.

And then one thing I LOVE about this movie, but maybe I am a pervert, is the sexual undertone. I think even if you are not paying attention, you can FEEL it, unknowingly, and it just makes everything seem so juicy and personal.

**SpoileR** So, I liked this horror movie a lot. I mean, its not perfect... there was a scene where the guy was digging up a body of someone named Crow with a crow bar and it was a desperate situation and he said "A crowbar for Crow" and it made me LAUGH. And I think that was Brett's intention, but still dude! Haha!

And he was really pleased with our reactions to the wind up flashlight. I personally LOVED it. It was the eerie sound which just added to the feeling and the frustration of the flash light adding to the tension. You're just like "God, the damn flashlight!" hahaha

Across the Universe (2007)

Incredible for the music and adaption, but sucky for story

[7/10 · 29 September 2007]

I feel like I should have given this movie a 2/10 but that would be misleading. This is a bad movie. Its really bad. Bad plot, bad transition, bad character development. Its a bad movie and you can sense it within the first five minutes.

And yet I love it. Why? The music. The adaptions. The trippy-fest. The actors have beautiful voices. The adaptations and interpretations are so great. The videos they put to the music will send you on a magic carpet ride.

The movie starts out feeling bad and boring, at least to me, - but it will start to get very intense and so will the music. I feel like the movie was just an excuse to expose people to someone's interpretation of the Beatles. Its something that... I would cut out everything that is not musical and then put it as a series on youtube. You have the movie just so you can put the people in the videos in some sort of frame of reference.