mbucky Reviews

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)

Very disappointed

[4/10 · 11 March 2006]

I was so looking forward to this film, even though my gut and my disinterest in the trailer told me that I would not like it. I have not read the books, so that is a caveat before I can continue this review. I love books, but after watching the first film version, which I loved immensely, I decided I would have to wait to clear my mind of the environment and characters the films had cemented in my imagination. The Prisoner of Azkaban was extraordinary and proved, especially after the waning quality of the franchise was exhibited in the Chamber of Secrets, that a wonderful director was necessary to make these films work.

However, Mike Newell turned this story into a flashy, dull, ostentatious spectacle. Maybe it was the fact that I viewed it at home, but it is my belief that a film cannot only ride on its ability to exploit big screen advantages. The acting was also as deplorable as the directing. The young stars, who seemed so innocent and devoid of conceit, exhibited oodles of ridiculous over-acting.

For anyone who has not seen this in theaters: beware! At home this film is nothing more than a big budgeted groaner. I may stand alone, although not entirely because my boyfriend hated it more than I disliked it, but I believe that this film marks a sad turn for this series.

Uptown Girls (2003)

Dismiss those other comments

[6/10 · 2 September 2005]

I will not attempt to prove that this movie should be ranked among the great movies, but I am more than willing to defend Uptown Girls against the mostly male haters. True, this movie could be deemed a 'chick flick', but why is that so unbelievably, unforgivably horrible? If you don't like movies with mostly female characters and even some slightly feminist themes, than you will not like this movie. I, on the other hand, watched this movie for the first time expecting the worst and most guilty kind of entertainment, and was more than pleasantly surprised by the dark tones and impeccable performances. I'm a harsh critic, and if you don't trust me, check out the link to Ebert's review of this film via 'external reviews'. Murphy and Fanning are a refreshing duo in a buddy film and like many female buddy films, Uptown Girls is unfairly abused and underrated. If you are trying to sound pretentious you probably shouldn't admit to liking this film. However, if you honestly found this film entertaining, and in some small respect, refreshing, you should admit the merit of this 'chick flick'. Murphy should be commended for choosing roles like Molly and her character in Little Black Book, because in a sea of fantasy and escapism there is an aspect of actual female representation written by women and made for women. Boys, if you want to win points with the ladies, stop letting your testosterone take over your actual pleasure gauge, and attempt to see the positive attributes of films such as this one. Trust me, it will do no good in the long run to hide your opinions on the basis of reputation and ornery stoic persuasion.

Boyz n the Hood (1991)

Place for Race

[9/10 · 20 May 2005]

Most movies about life in the hoods of LosAngeles, New York City, and other urban areas of the U.S. are discounted as novelty entertainment for audiences seeking sex and violence. Out of an era of gangster rap came a nationwide exposure of the issues within the Black and Latino communities, and directors like John Singleton and the Hughes Brothers follow in the footsteps of the great Spike Lee. The film Boyz n the Hood is an intricate examination of the archetypes and stereotypes of the hood, as well as an introduction to the survivors, both trapped in the violence and escaping the cycle. The film concentrates on a Black community without the interactions between communities shown in Do the Right Thing, another epic race commentary. The direction of the film is fluid and natural, the acting heartfelt and strong, the affect extraordinary. The message of the movie is deeper than White or Italian based gangland movies, because the human aspect and the characters are more solid and approachable, and rooted in highly intellectual and applicable theories on race and violence. This film is a showcase of the radical and moderate themes expressed by Black activists, with Laurence Fishburne's character as the leader and role model of the film. A careful examination of the film reveals a strong message and a strong film. Don't underestimate the power of this film.

Personal Velocity (2002)

DV masterpiece

[9/10 · 4 March 2005]

Personal Velocity is one of the most beautifully shot digital films I have ever seen. The story is uniquely touching and develops a woman's perspective on life and love into a series of lives and events. The cinematography by Ellen Kuras defies the documentary roughness of the digital experience. Often the insert shots in the film are the most enthralling, focusing on small objects to extract the film's delicate beauty. Defying the need to connect the narratives, the film manages to create thematic connections, and forces the viewer to think more about the images and the characters' emotional journeys. One major drawback, the narrator is distracting, but if you can dismiss the intriguing insertion of a male voice over a female narrative, you can enjoy the interesting perspective on a woman's film. Wonderfully shot, well-written, worth-watching.