JamisonC Reviews

Eros (2004)

May not be what you're expecting.

[7/10 · 29 April 2007]

Eros collects three short films by three talented directors. Each director sets his 30 minute story in his native language and country (China, Italy, USA). Each piece is preceded by a 2 minute montage of gently erotic drawings depicting intimate scenes between lovers. These are "film poems" that are required viewing for fans of the directors or actors. "Spoilers" follow.

The cover of the DVD may lead you to believe that this is an erotic movie festival or soft core porn. It's not. Each story raises some issues and makes some points about the romantic relationships shared by women and men, but there is only one brief sex scene.

The first segment, THE HAND, is an accomplishment in short film-making. It is a sublime short story about lust, devotion, and the consequences of prostitution. Set in China, it is beautifully filmed and acted.

The second segment, EQUILIBRIUM, is enjoyable for its acting. The story of a man having a dream within a dream, it is a comedic study of the human psyche, and hardly deals with romance at all.

The final segment, THE DANGEROUS THREAD OF THINGS, tells the story of a man cheating on his wife and chronicles the disintegration of their relationship. That said, this segment is like being on vacation, as the scenery is breathtakingly gorgeous: forests, beaches, waterfalls, castles, and two women. One woman offers the man companionship and the other sex. Each woman's personality is suited to the task. A celebration of beauty, one hopes that this married couple will realize how good they have it and reconcile.

I recommend EROS as a sensitive and subtle study of desire and relationships by talented and accomplished creative teams. Seven out of ten stars.

Connections (1978)

Connections is brilliant!

[10/10 · 11 May 2006]

Please borrow this series of BBC episodes, written and hosted by James Burke, from your local library. If they don't have it, ask them to order it.

This is the most eloquent presentation of the history of civilization that has ever aired on television or appeared in cinema. It should be required viewing for any English-speaking student. This series will powerfully enhance your perspective of history and your place in it, because you will understand why things are the way they are today.

Each episode is expertly crafted to a high standard that invites repeated viewing. You will be amazed.

Early Edition: Time (2000) Season 4, Episode 20

EE Finale

[7 March 2006]

This is the closest thing to a finale that EE has. It shows how the paper is passed from Lucius Snow to Gary and to the girl Gary saves in this episode. This puts Gary into a lineage of 'subscribers' and ends with Gary realizing how fortunate he is, not only to be alive, but to be a hero in the the larger story. It also provides some background on Gary and sheds some light on how the paper operates. As Gary steps out, having passed the torch to the girl, he notices people loving life, suggesting he will set out to enjoy life and appreciate the moments, as Snow advised. Which would be a good change for the stressed-out and always preoccupied protagonist. A fitting end, the only one we've got, to the adventures of this Chicago common-man hero.

Mindwalk (1990)

Take your mind for a walk.

[9/10 · 24 February 2006]

Rarely does a film inspire me to take notes. I filled nearly a page of my sketchbook with notes and sketches. I watched the film on recommendation from a teacher for a project I'm developing. I started by paying close attention to 'relevant' details and was quickly caught up in the conversation entirely.

The plot is simple. A politician (presidential candidate) calls his brother, the poet, because he's disillusioned and needs a break. The politician visits his brother in France and they visit an amazing castle-island in northern France, where they meet the scientist (and her daughter), and have a long philosophical discussion about the structure or system of reality and mankind's (especially Americans) role in nature.

I recommend this to anyone that has philosophical thoughts. Highly recommend it to politicians, scientists, artists, ministers (religious leaders), and designers - it should be required viewing for us. It's a good discussion and I wish we all had conversations like this more often.

The Passion of the Christ (2004)

I dare you to make a better version of the Passion.

[10/10 · 26 February 2004]

This film will polarize viewers. Those that know real love will see that this is what the story is about. Those that don't may just be disgusted by it, but it's still a good step for them to take on the journey towards truth and freedom.

Gibson has depicted the Passion mostly as I have always imagined it. And this is the miracle of the gospels; they may not match verbatim, but then what would be the point? My imagination doesn't match Gibson's scene for scene, but it's amazing that we see it almost the same way. There is truth in the story! We all have a unique perspective on life, we each have a version of the truth. For good reason - but that's another story.

Reviews of this film shouldn't focus on a critique of technique or acting, but I will mention that Caviezel's performance (and the film-making) brought heartbreakingly beautiful moments to life. I saw the face of my Savior come over the face of Caviezel like a sunrise over the ocean. There are scenes that I would have cut, like the shroud scene and the anti-christ baby scene, but they do not detract from the life changing power of the crucifixion/last supper scenes.

I'm amazed that I can say "watch the face of Jesus," because this is the most accurate interpretation I've seen of the beautiful face of our Savior.

All About Eve (1950)

All about Eve, indeed.

[9/10 · 7 February 2004]

The vote history indicates that the youth like this film the least, and

I'm not surprised. I am pleasantly surprised that men and women

rate it highly overall. I'm sure that those same youth will appreciate

the film when they view it as adults. Why? This is one of the best

studies of the fair gender ever made into a movie. Each of the

major feminine personality traits is displayed in detail, inside of

the metaphor for civilization: theater. The examination of 'Adam's'

relationship with 'Eve' is just as accurate. All contained within a

well-acted and entertaining story. An amazing summary of human

nature; to watch this movie is to watch ourselves. Bravo.

Spartacus (1960)

A Little Long But Worth It.

[9/10 · 23 January 2004]

I only know part of the complex story behind this production. The

writer, Trumbo, received his first credit after being jailed by the

House Un-American Committee. Some of the most crucial

scenes were removed because of the MPAA. Thankfully, the

restored extended version is amazing. Kubrick came to the project

late and didn't like the script or the lead actress. Unfortunately, he

replaced her with Simmons; she's a decent actress, but the plot

depends on her being a gorgeous woman, which she's not. This

is Douglas' finest performance (that I've seen). A great epic movie

with a famous poster by Saul Bass. This is the story of a rebel

made by rebels, and they changed Hollywood in the process.

Bravo!

Faithless (2000)

Excellent study of adultery.

[8/10 · 18 January 2004]

What motivates these characters? This is a study of motivations but you have to pay attention. This is about the cycle of sin - the impact of our immorality on our relationships. I appreciated discovering the start of this cycle at the end of the film. Well directed, written, and played. Great metaphors. Recommended!

Indiscreet (1958)

Straight-up romance with no real drama.

[8/10 · 18 January 2004]

I know, I'm a typical guy, I don't generally like romance movies. I do

like good movies, and this is one. However, the only drama is

created by the spitefulness of Bergman's character. So it's almost

like a lullaby. It's well acted and well directed and pleasing to look

at. . . almost calming. The redeeming factor for me is the perfect

portrayal of those romantic moments over the phone. I've lived

those moments and it's comforting to know someone has captured them for posterity. Beware! This movie may make you

sentimental. I think it will wear off in the morning. . ..

The Big Blue (1988)

The Original Cut.

[10/10 · 17 January 2004]

The two hour original American cut of this film is much better than

the extended DVD version. Most of the changes weakened the

film. I am searching for the original version on DVD - it is one of

my favorite films. Extremely beautiful, poetic, and charming.

Direction is excellent, acting is great, and the story is enjoyable.

Lolita (1962)

Don't waste your time.

[1/10 · 15 January 2004]

I haven't read Vladimir Nabokov 's novel (and I don't want to after

seeing this) but the movie taken on it's own merits should be

passed over. Watch something else! I will agree that Winter's

performance as the annoying mother we've all met (or had) is on

target, but I find little else to redeem this picture. This is another

movie that makes Kubrick inconsistent. I only saw hints of his

trademark cleverness.

The Philadelphia Story (1940)

Brilliant!

[10/10 · 9 January 2004]

I don't usually like romantic comedies, but this one is always immensely enjoyable. Perhaps the three best actors ever, delivering perhaps their best comic performances. Timelessly entertaining, this film deserves the praise it's received.

Star Trek: The Next Generation: All Good Things... (1994) Season 7, Episode 25

The best episode and better than most of the movies!

[10/10 · 29 September 2003]

I've seen almost every episode of STNG and all of the STAR TREK movies. This series finale is the best two hours of STAR TREK, ever. The third, fourth, sixth, and eighth movies come close. Here, finally, is the crew bonding as a family in a great story that is well executed. "Star Trekking" at its finest. Bravo!

Band of Brothers (2001)

Phenomenal True Story!

[10/10 · 28 September 2003]

Many films use WWII as a background for their stories, but BAND OF BROTHERS tells a true story of the war, by telling the biography of Easy Company. This is the best documentary-drama I have ever seen, and is comparable to SAVING PRIVATE RYAN, THE ENGLISH PATIENT, and THIN RED LINE as the best WWII films. Easy Company is part of the 2nd battalion of the 506th parachute infantry regiment of the 101st airborne division; the first paratroopers. BOB tells their entire story, from training in Georgia to the end of the war in Germany and Austria. BOB vividly depicts the last two years of the war with the lives of the men in Easy.

An excellent narrative of leadership, soldiers, life and death, bortherhood, the army, good and evil, valor and cowardice - BOB amazingly includes almost every important facet of war. Buy the special edition tin - it is the best DVD set I've seen! Comparable to the special editions of THE LORD OF RINGS.