cheryllawrence-41883 Reviews

Alien³ (1992)

Nowhere as bad as everyone claims but falls short of the first two entries in the series

[7/10 · 21 September 2018]

David Fincher's debut film is atmospheric and great looking but there are some missteps. For one- and the reason many hated it upon release is that the filmmaker chose to kill the much liked characters of Newt and corporal Hicks at the very start of the movie. Then the fact that a colony of convicts in a far off colony simply does not seem as appealing as a crew trapped upon a spaceship or marines killing aliens. But today the film's reputation seems to be improving. The problem, perhaps, with Alien 3 is that it is a sequel to two beloved films. On its own standing this isn't as bad a film as its reputation denotes.

Point Break (1991)

An underseen Keanu Reeves- Patrick Swayze film

[7/10 · 23 August 2018]

Point Break is a breezy(no pun intended) film with charismatic stars and action of a different kind than the usual car, bike or guns- although it does involve pretty much all of those. Keanu Reevees and Patrick Swayze star on either side of the law and the scenery is just as tempting as the leads. Few would know but this is directed by Kathryn Bigelow and she is adept at not just the dramatics but also the action sequences.

Before Sunset (2004)

One of the most romantic films ever made

[8/10 · 2 August 2018]

Before Sunset is the sequel to the incredibly touching film Before Sunrise and this one is no lesser in either content or execution. Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy return as Jessie and Celine, only older and wiser. It is hard to believe that the time spent between the two films(a decade I think) has no impact on the actors as their chemistry is as good(if not better) than in Before Sunrise. Richard Linklater is an auteur and this is a great example of a great movie by a director given full reins.

The Fly (1986)

David Cronenberg at his best

[8/10 · 31 July 2018]

David Cronenberg is an artist and the Fly is one of his most amazing efforts- This is a remake of a much older film but Cronenberg gives it sufficient touches to be considered the maker. The atmosphere is amazing and the city of Toronto has never had as much presence in a film as it has here. Jeff Goldblum as the crazy scientist who starts transforming into a fly is great here as is Geena Davies as the reporter turned lover. Special effects are outstanding and you can possibly squirm when Brundle starts to undergo all the physical changes. The end is tragic and moving. Though there is enough body horror at show here The Fly woks as a touching story which will appeal to a broader audience. This is a great science fiction film and not to be missed.

Full Metal Jacket (1987)

A war film from Stanley Kubrick

[8/10 · 24 July 2018]

Stanley Kubrick was already a legend when he made Full Metal Jacket- a war movie. The film is divided into two parts. The first focuses on a bunch of new recruits in boot camp and the other takes place smack in the middle of a warzone. Full of images that stick in mind and some great use of music Full Metal Jacket is Kubrick through and through. From the long takes to the nihilistic overtones there is a stamp of authority of the master filmmaker. The acting, as is the case with every Kubrick film is sublime especially Mathew Modine and Vincent D' Onofrio. If you want to see an auteur at work Full Metal Jacket is a film you should check out.

The Making of 'Jurassic Park' (1995 Video)

A great behind the scene featurette presentation

[7/10 · 13 July 2018]

This is a great behind the scenes look at one of the finest movies made in the recent past. Everything from Crighton's inception of the idea to the pre-production dilemmas to the actual production is laid bare here and there are some stunning footage. Especially fascinating is a scene where we see Spielberg direct a scene and you can clearly see his enthusiasm and passion. The works of Stan Winston and his studio in creating animatronics of the giant reptiles is nothing short of magic. If you are a film student or just plain fascinated by the workings of this film then this is a great documentary to see.

A Perfect Getaway (2009)

Decent one-time watch thriller

[5/10 · 5 July 2018]

A perfect getaway is a decent enough film and if nothing else you can enjoy the Hawaiin scenery, but I found the twist way before I should have and upon reading other people's accounts it seems like the director should have been more discreet. I will not spoil anything of course but the basic premise is about a couple who go to a Hawaiin retreat and meet another couple with a shady temperament. Steve Zahn, Milla Jovovich and Timothy Olyphant are all good actors and give fine performances, but the script is a letdown. Oh well, you will surely love the gorgeous tropical locations.

Unstoppable (2010)

A decent train action movie

[6/10 · 30 June 2018]

Unstoppable is a typical Tony Scott (RIP) film in that it provides what it promises- an hour and a half od solid entertainment. This one concerns a railroad engineer and a young conductor who must race against the clock to prevent an unmanned freight train from crashing into a city. Its fast paced and more importantly- well-paced. The effects are good and the train lashing towards its destination like a bullet does provide some sort of excitement. The actors are good- Denzel is always reliable and Chris Pine ably supports him. This is a good film that you can watch and forget and that is what its intentions are

Alexander (2004)

Watch this to see how not to make a big budget film.

[3/10 · 9 June 2018]

Boy was this painful. Colin Farrell and Oliver Stone team up to make this magnus opus on Alexander which badly misfires. Watch this to see how not to make a big budget film.

The Legend of Hercules (2014)

Go to see how to never make an expensive movie again

[7/10 · 30 May 2018]

Does this film signal the end of Kellan Lutz career? It seems so because this is destined to bomb so hard. And it is easy to figure out why- the acting is terrible, direction lacks panache and grace and the special effects would probably be at home in the year 1987. This film will destroy many careers. (Go to see how to never make an expensive movie again)