Underworld 3 — Outlander — Blindness — and more — movie and dvd catchup
We’ve seen a number of films this year, but I just haven’t had the time to write anything about them yet. So, in an effort to get some of these out the door, here are a few ultra-short reviews. And, speaking of ultra short, I’ve got myself a twitter account now. Follow me, and I’ll follow you back.
I’ll be back later in the week with a review of Shinobi no Mono 3. The rest of the month will hopefully see a return to Japanese film reviews as well. Enjoy.
Underworld: Rise of the Lycans – Underworld with an actual story, that you actually care about. This was surprisingly good. I think I might actually remember the plot to this one a few months down the line. Plus, I’d take Rhona Mitra over Kate Beckinsale any day.
Blindness – I’ve not been so repulsed by a film since the original Last House on the Left. But unlike Last House, Blindness I morally object to. It’s dime-story Nihilism, its exploitation of great actors, it plot-hole-ridden narrative, it’s rampant misogyny (poor Yoshino Kimura seems to be making a career of getting raped on screen)…About the only thing you can say for this film is that it looks great while purposely making you feel like shit. An absolute waste of time.
Curious Case of Benjamin Button – Pretty darn good, if a bit long. Not quite as good as Zodiac (arguably Fincher’s best so far), but enjoyable.
Resurrection of the Golden Wolf – This may be the most macho film I’ve seen this year. Bank heists, stickups, fist fights, gun battles, strippers, and a waka-chaka soundtrack to boot. The story sees a regular man rebelling against society’s constraints in near every way imaginable. It’s kinda like Falling Down by way of Payback, only good. Plus it stars Yusaku Matsuda, the actor who inspired the character model for Onimusha 2, and Kiyoshi Kurosawa regular Jun Fubuki. Check it out.
Cemetery Man – This film is so much better the second time around. This wildly funny avant-garde zombie-comedy is unlike any zombie film before or sense. Makes a wonderful double feature with The Young Poisoner’s Handbook. Highly recommended.
Zack and Miri Make a Porno – The worst film of 2008. So wretchedly unfunny it makes Jersey Girl look like Animal House. Seriously. Wtf was this?
Outlander – Vikings vs. Aliens vs. Jesus. Well, Jim Caviezel at least. This film was something of a rollercoaster, alternating between better-than and meeting expectations. Great special effects, some cool action, and some decent acting, marred only by its setting the bar a little too high in places. Worth a look on dvd.
Eagle Eye – Better than expected, but just as stupid. Probably not worth a rental, but we did it.
We’ve actually seen a number of other films, but I’ve since forgotten them (must not have been that good after all). If I do, I’ll be sure to append them here.
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