todd21 Reviews

Party Monster (2003)

Good dirty fun.

[8/10 · 5 September 2003]

Party Monster was not designed to be high cinema. It is an overly indulgent story about overly indulgent people. Macauley Culkin as Michael Alig is, if nothing else, entertaining to witness. I found it hard to take my eyes off him when he was on-screen. Seth Green as James St. James was delicious, and a more polished over-the-top than Culkin's performance.

What makes the story especially great is that it is true. No one could have invented Michael Alig, except perhaps Michael Alig. In the end he pays the ultimate price for his excess - he is no longer fabulous.

Camp (2003)

A perfectly flawed film, about perfectly flawed people

[9/10 · 30 August 2003]

I had heard the soundtrack to Camp before I actually go to see the film, and yet I still didn't really know what to expect. Camp was a simple film, tackling complex subjects in a perfectly flawed manner. Nothing that I can say here will do this film justice. It is, quite simply, the best film I've seen this year.

Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever (2002)

Ugh!

[2/10 · 28 July 2003]

I watched this one out of curiosity. Could it be as bad as everyone said it was? Turns out it is/was! This nightmare was directed by Kaos, which is exactly what this movie is; chaos.

At first I thought the plot would take form after a while. I was wrong. Not only is the plot puerile, but the dialogue is downright absurd, when there is any dialogue. Mostly cars explode and people drive fast, and there are several slow-motion, pseudo-dramatic shots, but this movie is one big turkey. Avoid it at all costs.

Heat (1995)

One of the best Crime Dramas ever.

[10/10 · 11 November 2002]

I can't tear myself away from the television whenever this film is shown, even when it's "edited for television!" Simply put, this is one of the most brilliant crime dramas ever. From the haunting score, to Michael Mann's pristine direction, Heat's darkness will keep you glued for its entire 171 minutes of perfection.

Moulin Rouge! (2001)

Spectacular Spectacular!

[9/10 · 1 June 2001]

I went in to Moulin Rouge expecting to be disappointed. I knew the visuals would be impressive, but I had no idea that the performances and the script would be equally impressive. Moulin Rouge is an incredible use of pop culture and is highly entertaining. I'm neither a Nicole Kidman fan, nor a Ewan McGregor fan, but I'd see this one again.