fkarsten Reviews

The World Is Not Enough (1999)

Too long, too unlikely and too complicated

[6/10 · 12 January 2000]

Yawn, yawn. Glad it was all over in the end. Where's the suspense in this one? More stunts, action and sexual jokes than ever. But this time, like often, more is not better. Watch Denise Richards as the most unlikely, terrific looking, below 25 years old nuclear scientist in the most unlikely place on earth. On the positive side though , she has a nice pair. Of shoes.

Living with an Idiot (1993)

Strange and idiotic film

[8/10 · 21 May 1999]

Certainly not a mainstream movie. Never will be too. Quite enjoyable though. A Russian intellectual, living together with his wife, takes an idiot from an asylum and starts living with him. As can be imagined, this doesn't go about smoothly. Not enough room in the house for three people but enough room in the script for strange and funny scenes. The maker of the film seems to say something in this film about the Russian psyche and Russian intellectuals. I didn't get it really but I can imagine the Russian psyche is a bit mixed up.

Airplane II: The Sequel (1982)

Even better than the first

[9/10 · 21 May 1999]

Alright, alright, there's little to no subtlety in the humour. More like humour with a sledgehammer. But it's funny anyway. Very funny. William Shatner is fantastic and you can see it 6 times and still discover new jokes. The best of it's kind (in the league of completely silly and absurd humorous films like Top Secret, Kentucky Fried Movie etc...)

Taxi (I) (1998)

Keeps you off the streets

[7/10 · 19 May 1999]

Though not fantastic, Taxi is a very entertaining movie. Sunny weather, light humor, nice shots and cars, and fine racing. A good way to spend an evening on a rainy day.

Het ondergronds orkest (1998)

Moving

[8/10 · 19 May 1999]

A moving documentary. The life stories told by immigrants in Paris are often saddening. The hardships they went through and their current uncertainty and difficult situation. No residence permit, fear of the gendarmerie, little money, poor housing. The quality and background of the musicians is many times amazing.

1-900 (1994)

Quite entertaining

[8/10 · 19 May 1999]

Theo van Gogh (distant relative of Vincent), the enfant terrible of the Dutch film 'industry' has created a pretty entertaining short movie. Certainly not sexually arousing to me but interesting and funny. Although the cast consists of only two actors in two different locations it didn't bore me. Made for (if I clearly remember) only 250.000 Dutch guilders (divide by 2 for US$). Quite a feat by itself. I liked the scene in which Wilbert impersonates a professional interviewer asking Sarah very explicit intimate sexual questions in a very formal and quick manner.

Starship Troopers (1997)

Over the top

[18 May 1999]

What's wrong with Paul Verhoeven? His Hollywood made movies continue to get worse. Subtlety is not an American trait I'm sure. Even for a war/action movie this film has too much action in it. So much it becomes both laughable and annoying. Although I kinda liked the political 'criticism' in it (militarism, nationalism, gender mixing), I was glad I could read 'The end' of the screen. Probably very entertaining for today's video generation. Hopefully Paul's next film will be driven more by creativity than by money.

What I still like about his work is that in all his films he doesn't show political correctness (two thumbs up!) and I don't think he cares a lot about morality either(third thumb up). Like he said in an interview: I don't do it for money, I don't do it for fame or recognition, I just want to make the films I wanna make.

Léon: The Professional (1994)

A special kind of action movie

[9/10 · 18 May 1999]

Jean Reno is terrific as the hitman. A anti-hero who likes plants and milk. Love him already. Quite a difference from Rambo and therefore much more convincing and enjoyable. One can not help but like him. The action is compelling and brought to you in a raw manner. Watch Gary Oldman take his 'medicine' in his own peculiar way just before the showdown. Still have too see the uncut version. The version Besson wanted it.

Without a Clue (1988)

Unexpectedly enjoyable

[8/10 · 18 May 1999]

Rented this one and didn't expect much. Too bad this film hasn't reached a larger audience. The humor in it is not hilarious but more subtle and therefore very pleasant indeed. Wouldn't know with what film it could be compared. Will watch it again sometime.

Tootsie (1982)

Easily recommended

[9/10 · 18 May 1999]

Saw it again recently and enjoyed it as much as the first time. It has terrific humor with hilarious scenes, an interesting story and great acting. It's emotional but not overly sentimental. Hoffman is very convincing as Dorothy. As Dorothy, (s)he is direct and strong willed and one can easily understand why the viewers of the TV series love her. As Michael Dorsey he is less sure and got his whole life messed up. Can't think of anything I didn't like about it. Easily recommended to a large audience.

Blade Runner (1982)

Convincing sci-fi of the near future

[9/10 · 18 May 1999]

One of the reasons I like it so much is that it gives a rather realistic depiction of a future that is not so far ahead. It is my firm belief that in about 50 years we 'll have computers more intelligent than humans and maybe will be able to put it in a biological container. In that sense the film is quite different from sci-fi films as Alien or Starship Troopers(bleh). It also is less violent but the violence can therefore be more intense. The visual effects are stunning and the whole film is a bit dreamlike, surrealistic. Even if one dislikes the storyline one can easily be mesmerized by it cinematography. I give it a 10 out of 10.

Life of Brian (1979)

Feeling depressed? Don't swallow Prozac! Instead, see the film.

[10/10 · 18 May 1999]

The funniest film I have seen up to date. If you're not offended by blasphemy, not a Christian or Jew of the conservative kind and you don't take things very seriously this might just be the film for you. I do not like to speak in superlatives but with this masterpiece it's hard to avoid. Truly terrific, absurd, and hilarious. This stands out from most other Monty Python films in that it has a continuous story. It's not a string of unrelated sketches, which is harder to think up but nicer to watch.

Feeling depressed? Don't swallow Prozac! Instead, rent, buy (preferred option) or steal this film and enjoy it thoroughly and repeatedly. Best viewed on the big screen.

Fierce Creatures (1997)

Silly in the wrong meaning of the word.

[15 May 1999]

The makers of 'Fish Called Wanda' (which I quite liked) needed money fast and forgot to think up some real jokes. Silly in the wrong meaning of the word. I (together with 4 friends) stepped out of the theater. Someone give me back my money! Not recommended for fans of Fawlty Towers (Fatty Owls / Farty Towels)

Stalingrad (1993)

Realistic and impressive war movie

[8/10 · 15 May 1999]

Realistic, frightening, impressive and pretty true to the real thing so it seems. Germans speak german (as they should) and Russians do likewise. The movie gives an impressive view of close combat. Weapons are authentic also. Truly recommended to war movies fans.

My Stepmother Is an Alien (1988)

One of the worst movies I have ever seen

[1/10 · 15 May 1999]

Don't go there. Renting it should be forbidden. Viewing this film can endanger your mental growth. Bad acting, stupid story.

Apocalypse Now (1979)

I loved it!!!

[10/10 · 15 May 1999]

Surrealism, madness, violence and horror. Too bad sex is missing. The movie creates a certain dreamlike and fantastic atmosphere. Have seen it about 6 times now. What a movie! Anyway, one can hardly compare this movie to others. Not really a war movie actually. Indeed a very special experience. Not to be recommended to most people though.

Schindler's List (1993)

Impressive, but too sentimental in the end

[9/10 · 4 May 1999]

One doesn't notice the long duration of the film. It doesn't bore you. Very unfortunately, in the end Spielberg shows his Hollywood background by becoming overly sentimental again. Schindler starts crying and regrets he didn't save more jews. Fienes is wonderfully frightening as the sadistic Nazi. At the start I thought I wouldn't be able to accept the english speaking polaks, germans and russians (there are other languages besides english, you know) but after a while it doesn't annoy anymore. I wonder whether the sex scenes have been removed for the US version.

Turkish Delight (1973)

Verhoeven in his better days

[14 February 1999]

Very enjoyable. Even after 25 years. Romantic, endearing and funny. One of Verhoeven's films I like best.

Saving Private Ryan (1998)

Better watch a documentary

[2 February 1999]

I had quite a few laughs during the movie. It could have been tears too. Especially at the end where Spielberg shows his nationalistic view to comfort his compatriots. At times I couldn't look at the screen anymore (and not because of the bloody scenes). When Tom Hanks says his last words: 'Make sure you're worth it' only the nice lady next to me prevented me from stepping out of the theater. In my opinion, the movie shows the sentimental stuff that is typical of so many American made commercial movies. It was so ridiculous. The Germans outnumbered the enemy but even after 4 years of fierce combat training they weren't able to conquer a piece of land defended by a dozen marines. Instead, they fell like dominoes.

If you didn't like it either for the same reasons, try watching Stalingrad (1993) directed by Joseph Vilsmaier. No false sentiment in that one.

What I quite liked about SPR were the landings on the beach. (And the Germans actually speak German for a change!) Try watching 'D-Day to Berlin' by George Stevens. Filmed during 1944 -45 and in full colour. Not easy to get your hands on but very impressive!

The Polish Bride (1998)

No sentimental Hollywood stuff

[9/10 · 26 January 1999]

Pleasant to watch. Subtle humor and a convincing love story. If I were to fall in love I'd like it to be in this manner.