Prostak Reviews

Entheogen: Awakening the Divine Within (2007)

Interesting overview

[7/10 · 28 November 2022]

Yes, interesting overview yet with chaotic background.

We can watch a number of significant scientists and authors, that point out some crucial ideas on spiritual development of human society, consciousness and its altered states.

We see also some interesting historical footage.

Yet, for me two things were the obstacle in full appreciation of movie's subject. One was constant techno music playing in the background. Its intensity was different, but while played together with someone speaking, distracted from listening of the message.

Second thing was visual technique used - very often picture disruptions and other intereferences, suggesting 'old, archival material'. This, together with video displayed sometimes completely irrelevant to the spoken word heard made this interesting movie harder to grasp and absorb.

Rehearsals for Retirement (2007)

Bleak and obscure

[5/10 · 29 December 2021]

In the beginning I mark that I have never pplayed or even seen Grand Theft video game. I just saw this short movie as a separate work.

To put it concise: interesting graphics (especially fine light/shade scenes), monotoneous music (I believe a single piece looped), bleak, apocalyptical visions (why ? What for? No clue...).

I would say - only for computer animation fans.

Bruce Lee: A Warrior's Journey (2000 Video)

Worth seeing

[8/10 · 16 May 2021]

Why I give 8 out of 10 ? (not 10...)

Because nothing was mentioned about possible reason of Lee's death. Trite subject ? Maybe, yet it is still puzzling why such a man just suddenly passed away at the age of his top abilities.

Unique advantage of this production is original Game of Death footage, not published before. DVD released about 1995 shows about 20 minutes of material, which is quite unlike - rather typical action/criminal story, though it was still good to see it (different fight scene at the highest pagoda level).

But definitely the best in this production is its mood - true Lee's philosphy. Timeless and universal message how to find one's own way of life and expression, instead of following footsteps of others.

Prazdnik pechyonoy kartoshki (1978)

In memoriam for heroic woman

[7/10 · 26 March 2021]

* * * IT'S A DRAMA, NOT A COMEDY * * * Action goes on in USSR after communist revolution, then continues during World War II and after it.

It is a based on facts story of brave woman, Alexandra Avramovna Derevskaya. She saved many orphans, adopted them, creating for them real home. Information in the end of the movie says she brought up 48 children in her life.

Then do not expect any comedy here, rather realistic drama from hard times. Pompous scenes are rare (contrary to some other Soviet productions), this film is rather touching and warm, yet somewhat static. By showing emotions of heroine, director avoided stiff or monumental picture.

Slave of Crime (1987)

Why so high notes ?

[4/10 · 30 August 2015]

I am surprised that this movie has over 7/10.

Compared to other Franco's productions this one is so-so. Naive and not very reasonable plot, poor acting (especially in fight scenes), suspense kept by repeating the same actions and words.

And almost complete lack of what Franco's fans are looking for: the mixture of violence, sex, perverted characters and weird sense of humor. I am disappointed also by visual side - should pictures of exotic vegetation accompanied by emotional music replace really intense scenes ? And view of actors' faces substitute for shots of explosions and fire ? Not for me.

I would say - skip it, save your time for another one.

Trash Humpers (2009)

No harmony

[2/10 · 16 December 2014]

There's nothing in it, simply nothing. I cannot even say it's disgusting, provocative or shocking - because this would somehow distinguished this film from others. Pure crap. Lack of idea made into filmmaking.

I wouldn't be surprised if this was a teenager's homemade production, kept in private, not published. Or a short movie. But no, this is full-time movie, and many people viewed it. Probably like me, hoping in vain that maybe somewhere, in the end we will be given a good reason why it was made.

Don't be the next one, don't waste your time. Watching weather forecast will give you more than this.