CriticwithAngerTowardsSatan

Waking Life (2001)

Very different

To sum-up: Waking Life is a breakthrough film as far as it's look and overall format but is at the same time quite disturbing in many ways.

Many characters are shown in order to voice their various opinion's over random subject matter in a sort of roundabout way, sharing everything from friendly conversation to revolutionary theories. It's animated layering is a very appealing structure and was a real treat to the eyes.

Pro's & con's:

+ The cartoon stylings are amazing and seeing them morph from scene to scene is very enjoyable.

- I really would've enjoyed this movie a lot more if it completely focused on Wiley Wiggins' character (this movie is practically Linklater's previous film "Slacker" except ten times better.)

+ The script is incredibly intelligent.

- There are certain sections of the movie that are just downright unnecessary.

UHF (1989)

Funniest Movie Ever

To sum-up: UHF is an ultra-hilarious romp through the underground world of retarded television capers, featuring a cast of wild characters doing some seriously stupid stuff and of course: "Weird Al"

Pro's & con's:

+ I laughed every other half-a-minute

+ Yankovic has an awesome film presence

+ Michael Richards as Stanley, ha ha!

• It was very low budget (but this really isn't a big deal)

Signs (2002)

Loved it like crazy!

To sum-up: Signs is an unusual look into the lives of one family that is destined to be more than they ever thought possible, facing challenges both emotionally and physically all along the way. Mel Gibson leads you through a totally mind-blowing depiction of human survival and spiritual assistance that grabs your attention with a twisting plot and many pattern changes all throughout.

Pro's & con's:

+ The tension involvement is incredibly accurate

+ Shyamalan's genius surpasses all the boundaries of any other director's film-making. Every moment in this film is recorded perfectly and in a more interesting way than has ever been seen before (much like his equally exquisite previous film attempt: Unbreakable.)

+ There isn't a single hole in the entire story...

+ ...which made for a very amazing and original script that didn't focus on any boring cliches or lame thrills to get it's message out to the audience

+ I walked out of the theatre in awe (drama hasn't been so beautifully expressed in such a long time, the acting is absolutely superb!)

! (There are no con's) ha, ha...

About Schmidt (2002)

Wow, that's depressing...

To sum-up: About Schmidt is a melancholic film depiction of the senior retirement "after-life" so to speak. Jack Nicholson plays a very lost old man in a world that seems to either move too fast or not fast enough for him (depending on how he may feel that day.) In my opinion the acting is as expected, dynamic and very accurate as far as what you would expect in situations like these but time and time again throughout the entire duration of the film I found myself just feeling sorry for the main character caught-up in all of these slowly announced endeavors.

Pro's & con's:

+ Like I said, great acting all-around

+ There was terrific scenary within every moment of the movie

• It moves so slow that it feels like it's longer than it really is

• I found such a display of emotional confusion and disarray as this to really be nothing more than a sad, sad story that basically makes you feel let-down

Fever (1999)

Ultimately Disappointing

To sum-up: Fever is a very dark, shadow-filled look into the formation of emotional disease and discomfort. The acting is very good on Henry Thomas' part as well as the direction by Alex Winter (Bill from the infamous Bill & Ted films) but the storyline has a few out-of-place moments and enough awkwardness to make even the sleepiest of viewers cringe.

Pro's & con's:

+ Henry Thomas' performance (you'll have trouble believing that it's the kid from E.T.)

+ Alex Winter's high quality and sometimes colorful directing style (including some nice, steady camera work which was more fitting for a film like this)

• Very cheap visual effects

• By the time it ends you'll feel like you've wasted your time

Stonebrook (1999)

Reminded me of the Usual Suspects in a way...

To sum-up: Stonebrook isn't anything new but I still found it interesting as it progressed. Brad Rowe plays a college loner who sort of befriends Seth Green and gets caught up in some small time crime that gradually blows up in his face in a big way. The plot twists were very "expectable" but still enjoyable all throughout the film.

Pro's & con's:

+ Good storyline with fitting character's

• It has the feel of a Television movie