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hobo_hobisho
Reviews
The Days (2004)
Aside from my headaches and seizures, it was okay
This show has a good premise--typically screwed up American family. They appear pretty together, until you realize they are coming completely unraveled. The show's acting is not AS horrible as some of the other shows on TV (Are you listening, OC???) but it isn't anything to write home about either. The single outstanding feature is the camera work--and its not outstanding in a good way. Watching the show made me motion sick--not an ideal quality in a television program. The camera moves constantly, pulling in for WAY too close-ups, then pulls out and readjusts three or four times a second. It's absolutely awful. The pacing is off because of the camera work; it constantly seems like everything the character is saying is Shocking or Very Grave. If they would work on that, I'd watch it again.
Sports Night (1998)
Despite all its flaws, an absolute classic
Let me preface this by saying that I fully recognize Sports Night's flaws. The repetitive dialouge can be a bit grating, and at times it does smack of trying too hard. But the acting on this show is amazing. Josh Charles and Joshua Malina in particular stand out. The first few episodes of the show are a bit shaky, but as it finds its legs, the show grows to be incredibly funny, witty, and moving. The friendships depicted between the characters are not the superficial, material-based friendships so common on TV these days. The lead characters care for each other, and the viewer can absolutely feel that. Robert Guillame (Sp?) as Issac Jaffe is amazing. The only character I dislike is that of Dana--played brilliantly by Felicity Huffman--but even Dana's annoying quirks become lovable as part of this amazing television experience. I fully recommend watching Sports Night for a laugh, or even a cry. Don't be deterred by the flaky edges--at the center, this show is rich and fulfilling.
Secret Window (2004)
I laughed my butt off. It was painful. (Spoilers)
This movie had a predictable plot - even I guessed it halfway through, and I am usually horrible at guessing the 'twists'. The use of a multiple-personality is not a new one. The use of the black hat to switch personalities was a bit lame, as well. For the first half of the film, it does a good job of casting dispersions on all the characters - I truly was wondering, 'Who's torturing this poor guy? Who murdered the doggy?' But I was able to figure it out without much effort. Although it was billed as a horror film, I found it quite hilarious. That's not a criticism of the movie, though. It was excellent as a comedy, just not scary. Johnny Depp is, as always, funny and captivating. His wry smile makes a scene. Despite the cheesy ending (the ominous corn? come on!) I left the theater ultimately pleased.
Thirteen Conversations About One Thing (2001)
I was already horribly depressed, and this film did not help!
Although I enjoyed the movie to some degree, I found it horribly depressing. I was in a bad mood to begin with, and I just found the subject matter and especially the pace of the film, pretty sad. The acting was good, and the editing was creative. I don't generally enjoy Matthew Mc... Matthew, but he was fairly good in this film. I only recognized one other actor, Clea DuVall, who seems to be typecast often as the disturbed young girl. But, she was in fine form as she usually is. So, it's not a bad film, just not cheerful. Some of the themes are fairly profound, in terms of luck vs. will, and what really makes one happy. So many stories in one makes for a bit of a cluttered film, but it didn't move too quickly to handle.
S.W.A.T. (2003)
When I wasn't drooling...*spoilers*
*spoilers*
When I wasn't drooling over Colin Farrell's extreme hot-ness, I was enjoying the pace of the film. It didn't slow down and get too sappy, although it did incorporate the emotional elements of a friend's betrayal, and briefly looked at the effect of the job on officers' families.
I liked this movie. I'd place it on the Top 5 of the movies I've seen this year. It had a small amount of humor, which is always a plus. Overall, this isn't an overly complicated film, but it's the perfect summer film because it's fun and HOT. Whew!
Impostor (2001)
Cheesy and mostly poorly acted
If there's one type of movie I hate, it's this type. The premise itself is not too terrible; I like scifi. But the sets are too grandiose, the actors visibly trying, and the plot full of gaping holes. The surprise ending is really surprising, that's one thing to the film's credit. The only performances that I can actually watch without cringing belong to D'Onofrio and Mekhi Pfifer. Gary Sinise is so talented, but that simply does not show in this film, and Madeline Stowe's performance is simply awful.
How else can I describe how much I disliked this movie? It crawls in some places, and moves too quickly to make sense in others. It's worth watching, but only if you do so for free.
The Whole Wide World (1996)
I was in absolute awe after watching this movie
This film is absolutely perfect in every way. It is beautifully shot, beautifully written, beautifully acted by every member of the cast. Vincent D'Onofrio is as amazing as usual, and Renee Zellweger gives an incredible performance. If you are a fan of somewhat misbegotten romance, this is a film you should definitely see.