john-b-1995 Reviews

The Negotiator (1998)

Definitely worth seeing

[7/10 · 20 September 2011]

The plot consists of Danny Roman (Samuel L. Jackson),a negotiator of the Metropolitan police department. His partner, Nate, tells him that he is investigating a theft in department's disability fund and that the ones responsible are people they work with. Later the same night, he finds Nate dead. Then he finds himself set up for both the murder and the theft. He is pushed over the edge and forced to take hostages of his own to prove his innocence. One of witch he is convinced is hiding something. His own teem arrive but he will only negotiate with Chris Sabian (Kevin Spacey), a negotiator from another department.

I was really drawn to this film, when i first watched it. The acting is fantastic. There are some really suspenseful scenes, where characters are frustrated and the actors pull it off very well. There are some very effective quotes scenes. It is a bit long but definitely not boring, filled with twists and turns and dialogue that adds to the excitement.

The Negotiator is clever, well executed and well written thriller. In my opinion, Jackson and Spacey at their best!

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

Brilliant!!!

[10/10 · 11 September 2011]

Plot: Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) is a banker, convicted of a murder he did not commit and sent to Shawshank prison. After two months of being there, he meets Red (Morgan Freeman) 'a man who knows how to get things'. The warden (Bob Gunton) uses Andy's banking skills for his scams and turns out to be more ruthless than he thought. Andy spends twenty years in prison before his legendary escape.

This is said to be the best film ever made. I can see why. It is defiantly my favourite film of all time. Some say it is too over rated and that might be true but there's no doubt it is a fantastic and well executed film. The acting is good. Morgan Freeman is an excellent narrator. William Sadler is also good. You can't help but laugh with Haywood.

The Shawshank Redemption is a brilliant story of, hope, friendship and obviously redemption. It also has a way of connecting with the viewer's experiences. People relate their own life to the film and it helps people deal with bad moments it their lives. This is not a film to miss.

Lloyd (2001)

I can't believe it is not more popular

[7/10 · 11 September 2011]

First, the plot: Lloyd (Todd Bosley) is a lonely boy who is bullied and gets called ugly. His one and only friend is Troy (Brendon Ryan Barrett) and he is madly in love with Tracey (Kristen Parker), a girl in his class. Lloyd tries everything to get to her to like him, including writing a note to her and trying to impress her with dance moves outside her house, or should i say, someone else's house.

I really don't understand understand why this is so under rated. It is definitely one of the most under rated comedies i have seen. It is filled with scenes that have you in stitches. The plot is very simple but it does not stop it from being entertaining. Lloyd is a bitter sweet family comedy about friendship and growing up.

People need to give this film a chance. If you have not seen it, give it a watch.

The 'Burbs (1989)

Trust me, it's funny

[7/10 · 11 September 2011]

The plot involves Ray Peterson (Tom Hanks) and his eccentric neighbors (Bruce Dern and Rick Ducommun)who are convinced that their new neighbors are murderers. Ray is skeptical but gradually starts to suspect them.

Although the plot is dark, it actually has an up beat theme to it. The characters are immature and funny. Bruce Dern is hilarious as Rumsfield, an ex soldier who still dresses in uniform and uses the terminology. The humor is kind of subtle which acutely makes it more funny. In my opinion, makes it more realistic. Subtle humor is good because you don't have the trouble of having the jokes forced out. Good comedies have been ruined by forcing jokes out. That does not happen in 'The 'Burbs'.

This film is so under rated. To me it's a classic and should be a lot more popular. Anyone can enjoy this fantastic comedy, from children, to the elderly. You can't watch this and not laugh.

The Dream Team (1989)

Hilarious and under rated

[8/10 · 11 September 2011]

This film is about four mental patients who's doctor disappears while taking them on a trip. 'Dr Weitzman' witnesses a murder and is attacked by the killers- who happen to be cops. The patients have to get to their doctor before the two cops do.

This is an extremely under rated film that deserves more. It features Michael Keaton, Christopher Lloyd, Peter Boyle and Stephen Furst, all of which are brilliant in their rolls. There is not much to the plot, mainly because it focuses on the characters, both individuality and as a group.

This is an excellent comedy and in my opinion should be on the list for best comedy film. If you have not seen it, you are missing out!