filmy1 Reviews

The Road (I) (2009)

Very important movie ...

[28 November 2009]

I just got home from seeing "The Road" and my stomach is still in a knot. I never read the book and therefore won't be making any comparisons. I'll simply comment on the film.

I can't imagine the performances being any better from any of the actors, starting at Viggo and working my way down to the smallest roles. I can't imagine the bleak post-apocalyptic world being portrayed any more realistically. I can't imagine the general feeling of sadness, desperation, hopelessness, terror and pain being captured more accurately. If that was the goal, the people involved in the making of this movie did their job magnificently.

Having said that, it isn't for everyone. I saw this movie alone because I had a feeling my wife wouldn't be into it. It's tough to watch. However, in the midst of this recession brought on by greed and materialism, I think it's a movie that everyone of age SHOULD see in order to put things back into perspective, if only for a day.

I had a lump in my throat through most of the movie and was desperate to get home and hug my two boys through most of it as well. I also felt like downsizing our entire life in terms of the unnecessary "stuff" we have. I imagined how many homeless people wander the streets right now with that feeling of hopelessness and desperation. What more could I ask from a Saturday afternoon at the theater? It's this kind of movie that helps maintain a degree of integrity in the film industry among the inaneness that surrounds it.

The Shield (2002–2008)

Probably the BEST I've ever seen ...

[28 August 2007]

Of ALL the TV programs I've watched over the years, this is probably the best. I resisted it for a while because, historically, I've never been into "cop shows". Long story short, my wife and I recently bought all five seasons on DVD and we were so engrossed, we watched all of them in less than three months. It would be midnight or later and we'd both be exhausted, yet still press play on that third episode in one night.

I've never seen a show with such intelligent writing and attention to character development. For instance, they RARELY EVER bring a character on for one episode to accomplish a certain emotional gag for that particular show. Nearly every character they introduce becomes part of the "Shield world" and shows up in later episodes in some clever and organic manner.

If a character, such as Detective Wagonbach mentions how much he likes ding-dongs in one episode, five episodes later you'll see him eating ding-dongs during a break from an interrogation. It's attention to detail like that which make this show SO DARNED RICH and interesting. Every main character is seen as vulnerable, dominant, hurt, angry, happy or terrified. Nobody is presented as good or evil, just REAL and I love that. Even the smaller roles are usually presented as three dimensional and have motivation for their actions no matter which side of the law they're on.

To those who cast aspersions on this show, you absolutely cannot absorb all that is so AMAZING about the "Shield" from one or two episodes. By the way, the pilot episode, in my opinion is the weakest of the series. It seemed as though all the actors were still finding their characters and tended to "over play" their personalities. But, boy did they address and correct any problems within a couple of episodes. Maybe that's a problem for this show and it's a shame. For Emmy consideration, I believe only one episode is submitted. You absolutely cannot get the magic of this show from one episode. That is what makes is so special, but admittedly difficult to "jump into" mid season or mid series.

You have to follow it for a few episodes to understand the genius behind this ground breaking project and see how these artists can bring characters and stories together over time in such a believable and detailed way. These people obviously truly care about creating something special, gritty and unique. In my opinion, they have accomplished all that and more.

My only complaint is that "The Shield" has ruined the rest of dramatic television for me. The other night I accidentally turned to one of the CSI shows and almost laughed out loud. The female detectives are beautiful with flawless wardrobe and make-up. The camera work is SO "hollywood" with long dolly shots and swooping crane work. I was just so AWARE that I was watching something fake, unlike the way I am able to immerse myself in "The Shield".

Now, don't get me wrong. Nobody is perfect and at times I've shaken my head at things on the show. But, considering the difficulty of producing this kind of show for six seasons and the quality of 95 percent of it, I can forgive an occasional head shake. BRAVO to all involved with this program!

Bloodline (II) (2004)

Pretty good flick, though not "slasher fare"

[15 December 2005]

The best way I can sum this up is ... I felt similar to how I felt after seeing "The Unforgiven". I went in expecting a "shoot em' up" western with some fun dialogue from Clint and I got something completely different. I walked out a little disappointed until I later realized that I got something better than what I expected. Although I'm not putting a straight to video horror flick on the same tier as that movie, the feeling was similar. What I got from "Bloodline" was a little more story, a little more acting, a little more production value and a little less blood and a few less tits than I was expecting. I was a bit disappointed at first, until I put my expectations aside and got into the story (kudos to the guy that played "Travis" and the guy that played "Al" for that/can't remember their real names). There's a interesting twist in the end as well. I don't think that's a spoiler. I can't say I was "riveted to the screen", but all in all, if you aren't too disappointed by the lack of standard "slasher" elements and just want to see a decent story told with pretty good acting for the most part and better than normal production value for these kinds of movies, rent it. You won't be disappointed.