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Reviews
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
The best movie of all time!
Well I was never a big fan of Tolkien's books growing up. I never even saw the old Bashki version of the movie. I was never forced to read them, but maybe they were just too wordy for a 10-yr old. I re-read them a few years back, and then read them again before the movie was released. I was blown away...it's simply one of, if not the best story of all time.
Tolkien has a wonderful knack for over describing everything. At first glance, this might irritate some who find the lengthy descriptives boring. But with that in mind, his style of writing allows the reader to have a VIVID picture of Middle Earth. During watching this film, I was blown away at how everything was just as I had imagined it. It's perfect...the only thing in the film that did bother me was that Arwen was introduced too early, and the movie is very long. It's tough to have to sit through without going to the bathroom, but good enough that you won't want to leave your seat.
As far as the cast...it was nigh-perfect. Ian McKellen's GANDALF was impeccable. Viggo Mortensen as STRIDER was also a wise choice...and Christopher Lee as SARUMAN was the most perfectly cast character. Saruman, in fact, was my favorite character of the whole story. So I can't wait for THE TWO TOWERS, since Saruman plays a major role (& also sees his own downfall) in the 2nd chapter of the trilogy.
This movie is AWESOME. It's without a doubt the best movie of the last 10 years. Maybe not the best of all time...but only time will tell! GO SEE IT!
The Lord of the Rings (1978)
Not too shabby...
I just bought this movie on DVD and watched it for the first time the other night. I've been a fan of Tolkien's work for about 4 years now, ever since I got out of high school. I didn't grow up on this movie...perhaps my mother kept me away from it. It's definitely not for children. Not that it's bad in a graphic sense, but that the themes would go right over most 10 year olds heads. Overall, the animation was excellent considering this was made in 1978/1979. I thought the story followed the book fairly well in a loose sense. But I am bothered that Bashki didn't just add another 40 minutes or so and tack on the Return of the King parts. That would've made it the ultimate movie. I was bothered by it's abrupt end, and then when I heard Return of the King sucked, I was bothered even more. Too bad it wasn't one great animation film. It might have garnered a higher vote from me. I give it a 7. I can only hope Peter Jackson will do the books justice with the new live action LOTR.
Snatch (2000)
Ugh...again
Guy Ritchie isn't funny. I'm sorry but I don't see why everyone is plugging him as something so great. I think the only reason his stuff is in the limelight is because he married Madonna.
The funniest part of this movie is the dog that eats the pink rubber ball , squeaking every time he barks. Haha...VERY funny...whatever.
This movie is slighty funnier than Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels. I give this one a 6 out of 10.
Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)
Ugh...
It was utterly disappointing. I picked up this movie because I saw SNATCH a few weeks ago. Snatch had it's moments, and picked up on most of the quick talking British jargon. Maybe I just don't like British humor (I like Monty Python!), but I don't think Guy Ritchie is as brilliant as everyone is making him out to be. I mean come on, the guy married Madonna. Anyways...don't waste your time on this one. It wasn't nearly as funny as Snatch; which wasn't that great either. A 5 out of 10.
Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001)
I was disappointed...
Well everyone has been writing extremely great things about this movie. I for one went into it with my girlfriend with the highest of hopes...and maybe I was hoping too high. I loved Mallrats, and Clerks, and Dogma...so I just knew I was going to love this one. But I walked out feeling disappointed. Maybe it's just that Jay and Silent Bob can't really carry a flick on their own. They were GREAT in Dogma (Smith's best picture so far!) because they don't take up the "whole" movie...but here it just got a little annoying. Sure it has it's funny moments, but overall it was a bummer. I gave it a 7 out of 10.
Batman & Robin (1997)
Whew boy...what a piece of junk
This movie is the worst thing I've seen in a long time. It's TWO HOURS of YOUR LIFE you will NEVER get back. I think it might only appeal to kids 6 and under. Anyone with the ability to think clearly would probably fall asleep, or vomit at the sight of this movie. As a fan of the first two Batman films (with Michael Keaton), I don't see the spirit of Batman anywhere in this movie. It's complete and absolute corny campiness. I blame the director Joel Schumacher. He's a bit of a fruit loop, and Warner Bros evidently gave him the reins to do with as he pleased. He completely ruined the Batman franchise. Wonder why there hasn't been another Batman movie in 4 years??! Bring Tim Burton and Michael Keaton back.
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)
One of the best Christmas movies
This has got to be one of the most perfect Christmas movies ever. I watch this EVERY year along with "A Christmas Story," and it's funny ever time. Chevy Chase reminds me of my own father at Christmas time, which is probably why I laugh so much. Cousin Eddie, played by Randy Quaid, is the relative everyone loves to hate. The scene where Clark slides down the hill on the metal saucer brings me to tears every time. Go rent this, or better, BUY it. It's a great flick. 10 outta' 10.
Eagles: Hell Freezes Over (1994)
The Eagles are back in fine form, but lack enthusiasm
Well the Eagles got back together in 1994. So what? Big deal? Well the big deal is that this is one of those reunions we thought would NEVER happen. The truth of the matter is, the Eagles are a fantastic group of performers. Each member in his own right can stand alone with their own solo work. But you put the five of them together, and they create an amazing sound.
This show, as a whole, would satisfy any Eagles fan. What it doesn't do, however, is appeal to those Non-Eagles fans. Quite simply, the show doesn't "ROCK" enough. Don't get me wrong, I consider myself an Eagles fan. Yet, I was somewhat disappointed by this DVD. Too many of the groups slow ballads drown this show in depression.
Secondly, the members don't seem to be enjoying themselves on-stage in the least bit. The bands' chops seem to be up, and they play perfectly, but the tunes just lack any emotion. It comes across as if they are just going through the motions. One might even say that this reunion may have been done only for the money. And if you want to deny that would-be-fact, ask yourself where have the Eagles been since 94'...?
Any ways, it's a decent show. A solid 8 out of 10. If anything, it makes the grade for the musicianship alone.
Fleetwood Mac in Concert: Mirage Tour '82 (1983)
Fleetwood Mac in Fine Form
After viewing the Mac recently, such as 1997's "The Dance", one might call this show tame in comparison. Keep in mind that during this show, set in 1982, the band had almost been apart for 3 years. While I've seen the Mac better, this show does do them justice. Classic tunes like "The Chain" are played with brilliance and improvisation. Also included is an amazing rendition of "Rhiannon", "Not That Funny", and the shocking "Sisters of the Moon." The latter tune I never really cared for much until I saw this video...
Overall I'd give it a solid 8 out of 10 for showmanship. Lindsey Buckingham simply steals the show. Stevie's vocals seem harsh and rough, but hey, that's Stevie. Mick and John are in great form, and Christine's deep vocals render perfect versions of "You Make Loving Fun" and "Songbird."
Give this video a shot if you can find it! Fleetwood Mac rules!
Fleetwood Mac: Tango in the Night (1987)
Great show, but lacking something...
Although some prefer the post-1987 Fleetwood Mac shows, without the combined magic of the Buckingham-Nicks lineup, the tunes seem lacking. Rick Vito and Billy Burnette, while both amazing guitarists, seem emotionless while playing the classic Mac tunes. They seem a little too stiff and come across without much enthusiasm. Maybe that's due to the huge shoes they had to fill when Lindsey Buckingham walked away from the 1987 tour.
Rick Vito does a great job on "Dreams", and Christine's "Isn't it Midnight" is a great tune laced with guitar soloing. Again, the tunes seem a little less than punchy, but the crowd altogether seems to enjoy them. It's almost as if no one noticed the absence of Buckingham. Especially the lack of Buckingham & Nicks' stage melodrama; those dueling vocals and intense stares full of that hate/love thing.
Overall, it's a pretty decent show. It isn't one that you'll be watching once a week, but it's worth a viewing.
Fleetwood Mac: The Dance (1997)
The best show on earth...
This concert is simply mind boggling. The restored vocals of Stevie Nicks, the aging yet awesome voice of Lindsey Buckingham. The whole set is just awe-inspiring.
The show starts off with the classic Mac tune "The Chain." Lindsey Buckingham has put a new spin on his guitar riffs for this one. Haunting reverb and his custom guitar simply spit out this tune. It's one of my favorite songs of all time. "The Chain" even garnered the Mac a 1998 Grammy nomination for best rock performance.
Other hits like "Dreams", "I'm So Afraid", "You Make Loving Fun", "Gypsy", "Go Your Own Way" are played effortlessly and beautifully. Watching these 50+ rockers belt out the tunes shows they haven't lost their edge a bit over the last 25 years. In fact, they've gotten better. I suppose that comes with age.
New tunes include Stevie's AWESOME "Silver Springs" (another Grammy nominee). It's a classic breakup song...one might even call it the 2nd part of "Go Your Own Way." Lindsey's put an amazing spin on his 1987 tune "Big Love." I like to call it an acoustic masterpiece. Lindsey simply steals the show. His guitar work is amazing, proving he is one of the best and most underrated guitarists of all time.
If you must own one Fleetwood Mac cd, dvd, or video--make sure it's this one. Personally I love RUMOURS and TUSK, but there's just something about this live show that puts it all in perspective. I can't say enough about it. IT'S AWESOME! SO GO RENT IT!