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Marco Polo (2014)
Anthropology major & fan of HBO here. Marco Polo is astounding.
Spoiler Alert: This story enveloped me. I'm a fan of shows like Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones. I love Doctor Who. But Marco Polo has bewitched me on a whole new level. The actor who portrays Kublai Khan is amazing. I feel the Genghis power just watching him. Watching the entire cast perform their multi- faceted roles is mesmerizing. I can see how they have depicted so many cultures in such developed ways. From the way 100 eyes says "rootless" to Marco's initial martial arts skills, to the way Yusuf and Ahmad talk about their rough childhoods. The female cast are amazing. The strength, brutality and sadness of their lives is shown in a respectful, profound way. I cannot wait for Season 2. Season 1 was worth every minute.
Apocalypto (2006)
This one stayed with me long after the movie finished.
Like many others, I believed the criticism meted out by many experts regarding the social dynamics of this film. Was I ever wrong to judge this movie before seeing it for myself.
The volume of thought and historical preparation that went into this film must have been astounding. All of the Actors blew me away-- how in the heck did Mel find such a cast. Every actor put so much soul in the subtlest facial suggestion. They were so realistic, so like people we know that inevitably the viewers care very much for them. Long after the movie ended, I kept thinking of these people. The real people like them and what they went through in that lush and dangerous terrain-- their laughter, their warmth, and their culture long time ago.
I was on edge the entire time watching this film. The movie is fast-paced -- I could feel my heart beat thumping along many times. This is one of the most beautiful stories ever to be made on screen. I was not a big fan of Mel but I must admit -- the guy knows how to make a movie. One criticism I'd make is that the movie should have focused a tad on the technological and scientific accomplishments of the Mayans.
Little Mosque on the Prairie (2007)
"The Saudis couldn't see the moon if it was spurting with gold"
That was probably the funniest line, after: "My parents never fasted...they are huge." This isn't edgy comedy-- its light-hearted satire on some very serious issues. The writers sure addressed some difficult issues like Saudi's obsession with money with a lot of humor (Baber "The Saudis couldn't see the moon if it was spurting with gold". The acting is pretty good -- all the actors did a superb job, although the accents were kind of thick. The show's creator based the show on some of her experiences growing up in Regina, so it'll be interesting to see a Muslim woman's perspective of small-town Canada. The white people portrayed in the show were pretty cool. This sitcom may not last after the 8 taped episodes, but it was well worth the effort CBC! Thanks!
The Thing (1982)
Brilliant, Intelligent and Scary without special effects
This film is deliciously scary. It is thoughtfully directed with these long camera shots that made me tingle. I enjoyed every minute of it. I'm surprised this film wasn't a hit. The dark, cold tundra is beautifully and hauntingly portrayed. There are no women in the film and that was a bit weird for me because I haven't watched a movie without female characters for a long time. Nothing is predictable in this film, the events twist and turn. The sound effects are really nice, just enough timbre to give it a long haunting feel. The other really cool part of the film, especially for the female viewers, was Kurt Russell. He looked fine! and with that rugged beard of his!
Siu Lam juk kau (2001)
One of the best films of all time
I love this movie, and Stephen Chow is at his best. What a great actor, and good looking too.
This is funny, original, heart-warming and just plain great entertainment. I haven't' laughed so hard in years. An intelligent script, great acting and tender love story too- it had all the right ingredients for a great film. I wish there was sequel to this film because it will be a smash. I can't believe this movie has not won more awards and its hardly known in North America. Every character is endearing and just plain funny to watch. There are subtexts within subtexts, and even a couple of popular culture references that make it so worldly. A couple of really sad moments bring the hilarity down to earth, but overall, one can't help falling in love with all of the characters.
Saw (2004)
Like "Cube" in a grimy washroom.
Wake up in the grimiest washroom with your leg chained. A deranged psycho is about to teach "ungrateful" people a painful and fatal lesson. Very diabolical and sick. Very entertaining.
The acting is a tad weak in some parts but generally much better than most first-time actors. Adam's acting was emotionally believable when he was yelling at Dr. Gordon about the foot, and the toilet scene was hilarious. This is really good horror film with many unexpected twists. Great first try by Wan and Whannel.
The plot thickens right from the beginning. There is no slack in the story, despite a few weak holes. There's plenty of scenes that'll make some viewers cringe and gag. The Director's commentary on the DVD is funny enough by itself, and worth listening to. Whannel's BBC impression is very funny.
Code 46 (2003)
Thoughtful Romance Set in the Future
I thought this film was very good. It has great actors, thoughtful lines, and a very intriguing concept of corporations, languages and "viruses" of the future.
There are sub themes on immigration, class, and race stratifications. What I found most fascinating was the language. It was a mix of many languages and managed to blend in religious phrases like "khudahafiz" and "assalam wa laikum" with perfect ease.
The concept of "memory deletion" is probably a reality right now in some lab. The audacity with which the corporations, and government interfered with individual mental space, privacy and rights is disturbing. This film gives you something to think about. Some folks may find it a bit slow at times. But it is two hours well spent, in my opinion. 8/10.
The Village (2004)
An Exquisite Romance
What would you do for love? This is the basic idea of the film. I was not a fan of MNS. But now I am in love with The Village. It is a most beautiful, exquisitely thoughtful and a visual-breath taker. I cannot fathom how anyone could give this artwork negative reviews. There is nothing wrong with this movie. It is solidly paced, thoughtful lines, and oh, the camera work just blew my mind.
I loved the romance. This was perhaps the best romance I have seen on screen in years. The chemistry between the lovers was so soft, and sexy without the aggression of modern love. MNS makes you feel such empathy for the characters.
The plot is very intriguing, and the final scenes were just jaw-dropping. Every scene is so pretty. It was like watching a moving tapestry of picturesque images -- 10/10.
Open Water (2003)
Shaky camera on ocean waves - nauseous combination
This is a so-so film. The story is interesting, but it was long, monotonous and a little boring. There were some great subtle shots of sharks that makes your hair rise up, but the constant bobbing up and down of the ocean waves made me nauseous. No great thrills, lines or action.
I don't know why this film received great reviews. It is a mediocre film -- what was the supposed impact? Fear? I don't think any one is going to stop their vacation plans based on this film. But it may caution people to stay away from shark regions. Entertainment? Hardly entertaining with the same camera angles pointing at the same spot of the landscape over and over. Was this film supposed to educate the audience? Sure, maybe I'll be careful next time I go vacationing, but I hope I won't be so naive as the actors. Rating: 4/10.
The 13th Warrior (1999)
Fast-paced Cross-Cultural Adventure
I really enjoyed this film. It is an excellent depiction of medieval Arab, Islamic and Viking history. My only complaint is that the film was too short and the action sequences ended too quickly.
Ahmed is nicely portrayed by Antonio Banderas with a believable Arabian accent. Tony Curran gives a strong and humorous performance. The actors' abilities were just as beautiful as the landscape. I don't know where this film was made, but the haunting scenery was scary.
Each character is deeply developed. With a flick of an eyelid, or a tightening of the lips, the emotions come across clearly and expressively.
Most films these days like to portray "bad-guy-is-Muslim" kind of attitudes which are frankly easy and redundant. This story had a completely different premise. The dialogues were thoughtfully scripted, with open-minded approaches to both cultures. I appreciated this film, and I think many people who enjoyed "Gladiator" will also like this film. I hope there will be another adventure with Ahmed Ibn Falad and that red-flaming haired Tony Curran! 9/10.
The Bone Snatcher (2003)
Mumbling accents and shoddy acting.
Chalk up another stinker for Canadian films. Did people actually travel to South Africa to film this stinker? What a waste of energy. This film was terrible. A cast that can't act scared, with boring mumbling dialogues in unfathomable accents and cheap CG. The only worthwhile thing was the idea of the Queen Ant scavenging for humans to fit her purpose. Okay, so that was interesting. But this story could have had so much more depth and complexity. But nooo, there was no depth, no scariness, no acting. This movie goes to show why American films reign; it's cause of the story writing and accents. Generally, mostly everyone can understand American accents better than Aussie and European accents --they are so thick in this film, subtitles were desperately needed. And they film makers were too cheap to put in English subtitles. Rating 1.5/10.
The Chronicles of Riddick (2004)
A thinking movie; one of the best sci-fi films.
Warning: There are some details of the film here but no major spoilers.
I enjoyed this film. It is beautiful and thoughtfully constructed with many different worlds, each a story on its own. I will not be surprised if this film gains a cult following, but that may take time, because this is a complex, multi-faceted film. It is a gorgeous sequel to Pitch Black, and ties in the plots and different character development very well. In order to fully appreciate this film, the viewer has to be somewhat familiar with Pitch Black (PB), religions and spiritualism.
At the start of the DVD, there are two choices: Convert or Fight. This phrase sums up the spirit of the fight in the story. The Necromongers are a warmongering race, bent on converting the peoples they conquer. The Necromongers believe death is a final phase, and use death and destruction as their religious justification. Their armour and masks are suggestive of Roman gladiators. When the Lord Marshal first makes his appearance, the stage is like a gladiator arena filled with scared families and worse things follow.
In Pitch Black, we got to know the gritty parts of Riddick's childhood. COR explains his origins in Furyan planet. We also come to know who had ravaged his planet and his family. It neatly ties into the Prophecy of the Necromonger in COR.
The setting on Helion Prime is suggestive of Islamic culture. The settings look like a futuristic Prince of Persia game. The Helion's fighter plane has Arabic script scrawled with a marker on it. From the decor on the doors, drapes, clothes, New Mecca city also has a fragment of the Kaba rock. It is a city with many diverse cultures living together. There are sounds of 'salam' and the mosque azans. The Necropolis has beings that neither eat or drink, much like fasting. They are reminiscent of the psychic beings on the Minority Report.
Diesel was his usual charming and thunderous self. Diesel is a Furyan; the simmering rage, the brute force, and husky voice make up the character. We get to see more emotion from Riddick in this story. But other characters were just as dominating. Thandia Newton playing Dame Vaako was absolutely stunning. Her sinuous walk, hissing orders like Lady Macbeth to her husband was a strong sub-Shakesphearen story. Kyra (also the super-thief on Angel) excellently expressed her rage and frustration at her life. An unexpected change from the little, shy girl in Pitch Black. Some critics had sad she resembled a young Ripley from Aliens; she played a fiesty fighter in a subterranean world quite similarly.
COR sets the tone for a Part 3 very nicely. There are hints that the Furyan world will be further explored, Riddick's 'keep what you kill' situation, and what of the Necromonger faith? Riddick, once a baby that was almost strangled to death with his umbilical cord, has become something that he could never imagined in his wildest dreams. I cannot wait for Part 3.
Pitch Black (2000)
Amazing, one of the best sci-fi films ever.
As a zombie fan, I really love these types of plots where people end up in strange places surrounded by wicked monsters! PB is also an excellent tie-in to Chronicles of Riddick (COR). The gang has to run as fast as they can away from darkness. There are so many metaphors in the story! Riddick is this bad guy, but he's also the hero who tries to save the slow-paced folks. The Muslim guy, Imam, relies on the sun's positions for the five times a day prayers, but he is stuck in a land where darkness will rule. Overall, I recommend this film to any sci-fi fans. You won't be disappointed.
Dark Harvest (2004)
Cheesy would be a compliment, this is not.
This movie is proof that Alliance Atlantis do not review every movie that they distribute. I want my $5 back. The acting was horrendous, the lines were clichéd, and the camera shots were just like someone's home made video. The movie started out interestingly enough with the murders. The first two minutes was the only good part. The remainder of the film was fragmented with a stupid storyline and annoyingly bad actors. The costumes looked like something out of Superstore. At least put some thought into the costumes, man! The cover art on the DVD looks so scary, like Jeepers Creepers. But it is deceiving! I've seen Bollywood movies with more style and substance than this sad attempt. I couldn't believe Alliance Atlantis distributed this movie.
The Ladykillers (2004)
Hanks is not funny
Hanks should fire his acting coach. This movie could have been great, if it weren't for the lame gang of un-funny actors, headed by Tom Hanks. Hanks is so boring, dull and plain annoying in this film, I was embarrassed for him. The rest of the actors were just not into their roles. There was no depth, no charisma, nothing. Some of the cinematography on the bridge with the gargoyles was picturesque. The only lively character was the old lady. Even the cat had more charisma than Hanks. Aside from Hank's terrible acting, the story itself was not bad; it was a moral, religious one meshed with Edgar Allan Poe-style Gothic fall of the bad protagonists. It could've been really good.