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Reviews
Way Out East (2004)
Stereo is Still Brilliant...
I'm a Stereo fan from back in the day. Soon after I started skating I was shown the original Stereo video 'A Visual Sound'... it was so different from anything I had ever seen (as far as skate videos or anything else is concerned)... that I was quickly hooked on the company and it's philosophy on skating. Unfortunately, Stereo had gone under by the time I saw 'Sound.' Lee was already off making flicks in Hollywood and Pastras was at school. Still, I got my hands on 'Tin Can Folklore' (the other original Stereo video) and watched it nearly daily for about a year.
I was fairly realistic (I thought) and realized that Stereo would probably never return. But here it is, nearly a decade later, Stereo is back. 'Way Out East' has all the flare and intelligence that the previous videos had but now it has matured into a style completely its own. Gone are the jazz tracks, replaced by Midlake (a fair trade, both work great for this team). There are three young cats in this video with a ton of that signature Stereo style. Keegan Sauder is all over the map with his tech style and interesting terrain choices. Benny Fairfax is one of those guys who does simple stuff... just BIGGER, awesome flow. Clint Peterson is an all-around brilliant skater with a lanky tilt. Plus, you get some old school type stuff with Pastras and even a little Lee for good measure. It's been tough looking for good vids since Stereo left but it's time to rejoice... STEREO IS BACK!
Chasing Amy (1997)
This is Kevin Smith's best movie. Maybe it's not most peoples favorite but it's what he's all about.
Most of my friends don't quite understand this movie yet and they might never. It struck a nerve with me. Everything about this film is what I love about Smith. The budget was low, the actors were up and coming, and the jokes were sharp and well developed. Smith has said Jersey Girl was a return to this form and as much as I love the guy ... it was far from it. I don't think he has another one of these in him and that's OK. I guess the family man Kevin Smith isn't the most interesting thing for people to watch when they go to the movies.
View Askew fans no doubt know Jason Lee made this picture for most people. People see movies to be entertained and he was the most entertaining actor in this flick. The whole convention opening scene is hilarious but the tone shifts a little bit from there with the development of the relationships between all the characters. Ben Affleck is a better actor than he will ever get credit for and this movie put him in his best role. He can do all the action flicks he wants but this is the kind of film he shines in, that will remind people of his charm. Joey Adams' career has faded in recent years but she was right there, giving it all as Alyssa.
Smith was baring his personal life in this movie for all his fans and followers to see. Chasing Amy won't make you chuckle as much as you did while watching Clerks, Mallrats or any of his other films really but it will stick with you and if you're like me you'll remember it at the most important times in your life. Don't see it expecting the Smith you've seen elsewhere and you won't be disappointed. My favorite movie ever.
Apocalypse Now (1979)
A Genuine Masterwork!
This is a film that could be remembered as much for what happened on the set as what ended up on the screen. Both stories are complex and quite uncanny. Let it be said I loved this movie. To be harshly critical any of the performances is ignorant to the times and the works that inspired the film. Sheen is something to behold and it wasn't until I witnessed this film I understood the emotion he could convey on screen. You could say Hopper, Duvall and Brando have almost cameo like rolls... and you'd be wrong. They were used to their potential and you have to disregard the fact that their screen time was limited. This film is a brilliant spectacle. Hardly ever does a person examine life on the scale of life and after seeing Apocalypse Now, you will never be able to see war on the scale of war. It is made up of actions much more insignificant. Coppola saw it, Sheen acted it, I felt it.