Macheath's Movielog, April '04
Submitted by Macheath on Mon, 04/05/2004 - 02:05
Tags:
- Battle Royale II (2003)
- Kinji Fukasaku's follow-up to the shocking Battle Royale is a mess of a film, but at least it's a mess with a purpose. Kinji knew he was likely not going to live to see the release of the movie and wanted to say a few things about war and terrorism while he still could. But overall the movie is bogged down with mindless action (including a Saving Private Ryan battle sequence filmed in the same shakeyvision style) and one-dimensional characters, which just could not hold my interest for the 2+ hours. I respect its intentions, though. (2/4)
- Destry Rides Again (1939)
- All I ever really want from a movie is to be entertained, and this one, though it may not be perfect, is wonderfully entertaining. Everybody is along for the ride and a good time's to be had by all. I can also sense that this was the inspiration for several western-based Bugs Bunny cartoons of the 50s. (4/4)
- Zatoichi (2003)
- Two siblings roam the countryside posing as geishas to track down and kill those responsible for the slaughter of their family and servants ten years ago. The ronin Hattori, in need of money to help care for his ailing wife, sells his services as a bodyguard/killer to the local crime boss Ginzo, who steps up his protection "service" by demanding daily payment from the local businesses. And in the middle of all this comes the blind masseur Zatoichi. Kitano's version of the character seems to be more introspective and more ruthless than Shintaro Katsu's, which is just fine since it still comes off very well. Kitano also infuses a lot of his humor and action into the movie (it's as funny as it is violent). About the only complaint I have is that the CGI effects were quite obvious most of the time (some of which you can see in the trailers). Besides that, it's just a ton of fun. (3.75/4)
- Giants & Toys (1958)
- It's one thing to see a film ruthlessly critical of capitalism and the corporate environment, but it's another to see one from 1958, and still yet something else to see it come from Japan, which was moving at light-speed to catch up to the west in modern business just a decade after the effects of World War II. Three candy manufacturers fight it out for the greater share of the market territory, and World Candy ends up discovering an 18 year old girl from the poor side of town with effervescent personality and rotten teeth. Soon after becoming their model Kyoko becomes a celebrity in her own right and has no trouble leaving them behind. When one rival company goes down, all discussion of honor and respect is quickly put to a halt because that would mean fewer sales. Talk about savage. A great review of the movie (the one I nicked a few ideas from, in fact) can be found here. (3.5/4)
- City Lights (1931)
- One of my absolute favorite movies. The ending gets me every time. (4/4)
- Suddenly, Last Summer (1959)
- This sort of psychological melodrama just isn't my cup of tea, though the performances and direction are pretty solid. And I'm not above admitting that whatever enjoyment I got from the movie was due to Elizabeth Taylor looking incredible. (2.25/4)
- Panic (2000)
- It was a real treat to watch William H. Macy at work here. Watching a character go through mid-life crisis can be pretty tedious, but he's able to convey Alex's confusion and turmoil so well. It's a damn sight better than American Beauty. (3.5/4)
- Something's Gotta Give (2003)
- It's a piece of fluff to be sure, and too long to boot, but the moments where Nicholson and Keaton get to shine keep it from becoming too lightweight for its own good. Diane is terrific, especially. Where I lose it are the moments which seem to have been written in haste or with "good idea on paper" intentions, such as the crying fits and just about all of Keannu Reeves. (2.75/4)
- The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964)
- Every time she's on the screen I cannot take my eyes off of Catherine Deneuve. Her luminescence, the colors, the beautiful music, and the story blend perfectly to create a unique viewing experience and an absolutely wonderful movie. After watching Demy's Lola a couple of months ago Roland Cassard doesn't come off as such a bad guy anymore. (4/4)
Cool, glad Zatoichi delivered! Have you seen the first Battle Royale (I have not)? How do you tend to get these unreleased films? I think I remembered you said you bought Zatoichi on R3 DVD. Is that typical? If so, how do you decide if a movie is going to be good enough to buy sight unseen?
I bought Zatoichi from Amazon in Japan, and though I don't exactly do that sort of thing all the time, I will when I want to see something bad enough. BRII I got on VCD from Poker Industries, so it was cheap. :-) I do have the first Battle Royale (also from Poker), which is terrific.
Reviews are coming soon for your latest 4, I hope? You know I'm curious to hear your thoughts on Panic, but in the meantime I'm psyched it got such a high rating from you!
I'm still mulling over my thoughts on the movies, but I hope to have something up soon. And Panic was terrific! Thanks for the recommendation!
:-) You're welcome; I'm glad it worked out. It may very well be my favorite Macy role.
Hey, what happened to May?! :-) Let me know if you're posting movie reviews somewhere else so I can go read 'em wherever they are.