Clockers is one of Spike Lee's best movies. It definitely opens in a very dramatic fashion and is very moving if not disturbing. I think one of the intentions of this movie is to disturb and show the truth behind what goes on in the world of the disadvantaged. In most movies drug dealers are shown in one dimension but in this one Strike, the main character, is shown as something slightly heroic but definitely human. In this movie I feel there are no heroes only observations of truth.
Reviews
8 Reviews
Rocky IV
(1985)
A 7?, yeah I know but it's good
3 December 1999
I gave this movie a 7. I know most people are wondering why so I'll break it down. Of all the boxing movies this one, which is very fake when it comes to actual boxing, is the most like boxing. What do I mean, well since Rocky is about heavyweight boxing then one would know how corrupt it has become. I can watch the older fights and wish I could have seen those. Instead I can pop in Rocky IV and get the result I want, America winning. What is better than having your team come out on top every time you see them play? Plus there is a slamming James Brown song in the movie so that automatically gives it more points than Rocky III.
Watership Down
(1978)
A great film for adults and kids
29 April 1999
This movie which is based on Richard Adams' novel is a film which can be enjoyed by adults and kids. When I first saw it around the age of 8 I loved it, even though I didn't know what exactly was going on. I watched again later around age 15 and understood what it is about. This movie is a commentation on freedom. It poses the question, would you like to live in a society with no problems but no freedom or a society where your next meal isn't guaranteed but at least you can do as you please? I thought it was a direct hit on the communist governments of the world but if you want the full effect read the book. The movie is fast paced and you won't fall asleep. The characters are very believable and even though it is a cartoon this movie possesses much more thought than most of the movies churned out today.
Sign 'o' the Times
(1987)
One of the greatest concerts ever filmed...
20 April 1999
If you like concerts or never have seen one on film...Don't see this one because every other concert will have a hard time measuring up. Prince is definitely one of the best performers of the 20th century. Unlike some of the new cats playing music now in days, Prince's concerts have been known to go over 3 hours...and that is not an exception. You get your money's worth of funk, dance, and message. His music not only is loaded with talent but the lyrics offer hope, such as "The Cross", while others are pure dance like "Housequake". No one else in the 1990's offer this much funk. So if you are ready to see and experience a real genius you've got to see this movie.
Purple Rain
(1984)
Great Music, Mediocre Movie
20 April 1999
This movie, which is directed by one of Prince's managers, is rather mediocre. It's not that Prince is a bad actor, he is as good as the countless others making movies who probably shouldn't be. At least he is primarily a musician and has some excuse, but the principle problem I think lies in the direction. Morris Day is pretty good at what he does but the director should have given Prince more lines. The concert footage is great and I think this has something to do with Prince appearing lifeless. His character, the Kid, is only alive and well when he is on stage otherwise he is reclusive and manipulative. If you want to see some great showmanship and awesome guitar playing pop this video in and sit back.
More than vampires
6 April 1999
Anne Rice's tale of a vampire's struggle to accept himself for what he is puts a new twist on the vampire genre. Usually the vampire is bad and there are limited ways to kill him. In this movie however you don't want the vampire dead because Rice makes you sympathize with him. Everyone must come to terms with what they are or are not and do whatever they can to compensate for it. Louis, one of the main characters, must accept the fact that he is a killer. He must also realize that the one person who can help him make his road to self discovery easier doesn't or can't help him. Watching all the obstacles arise and watching Louis confront them is very interesting and as a result I think this is a must see for all fans of horror movies.
Platoon
(1986)
The Best VietNam Movie
1 April 1999
This is the best Viet Nam movie I have seen. The reason I say this is because it deals with the war. A lot of war movies try and put romance or a persons life in the script. Oliver Stone did this but kept it to a minimum. Charlie Sheen plays "everyman". He can be anybody and nobody. You want to be Sheen but then you don't. His character is complex, mixing good intentions with bad results. The war action is also extremely realistic and has been called some of the best on the big screen.
Devil in a Blue Dress
(1995)
A great crime film
30 March 1999
If you are looking for a great crime film...this is the movie for you. It doesn't have all the complicated twists and turns of other movies such as "The Usual Suspects" but it still serves a movie that keeps your attention the old fashioned way, reveal a piece of information but don't tell all of it. Denzel does a good job and Don Cheadle gives a great performance as Mouse. I hope the rest of Walter Mosley's books become films because if this is any indication of how the rest will be made.
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