Posted in: Disc Reviews by Archive Authors on July 2nd, 2004
I usually meet discs that contain a movie that I have never previously heard of with a groan. I figure the chances are that if I missed it in theaters, and I have never seen a preview for it, or seen it mentioned on a chat board, there’s probably a good reason. These were my exact feelings on the day that 3-Way arrived on my doorstep. These feelings were further confirmed upon insertion of the disc, when I was greeted by trailers for such classic films as Cruel intentions 2 and 3, and Wild Thi...gs 2.
It was with an apprehensive heart that I finally pushed the “play” button on my remote. “At least it’s only 88 minutes long,” I told myself. Imagine my utter shock when the film actually tuned out to be entertaining! Now, it’s certainly not a great film by any stretch of the imagination, but it sure is a load of fun. In fact, it is fun in very much the same way that the original Wild Things was fun. There is lots of sex, lots of crime, and everybody double-crosses everybody else; all of which is portrayed by a cast of semi-popular actors.
Posted in: Disc Reviews by David Annandale on June 30th, 2004
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Posted in: Disc Reviews by David Annandale on June 29th, 2004
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Posted in: Disc Reviews by Archive Authors on June 18th, 2004
Apparently inspired by Three Godfathers, the over-sentimental John Ford western from 1948, the "godfathers" here are three homeless Tokyo-ites -- Gin, a former professional bicycle racer; Hana, a transvestite; and Miyuki, a young runaway girl -- living together in Shinjuku, Tokyo. On Christmas Eve, they find a baby, and embark on a journey that takes them all across the city in order to reunite the baby with its parents, while at the same time bringing their own lives closer to their ultimate destinies. Fun, fast-pac...d, and cleverly laced with well-timed humor, the wacky events that ensue have a deep element of humanity that craftily puts into context their entire journey.
From his jump-cuts from extreme facial gestures, to the hilarious "Homo of Tokyo" run cycles of the strong-willed comic-relief Hana, director Satoshi Kon certainly knows how to entertain an audience. But the depth of the characters and the poignancy of the ultimate storyline are what separate Godfathers from the usual Anime fare. A wonderful achievement.
Posted in: Disc Reviews by Gino Sassani on June 15th, 2004
With the release of Spider-Man 2 in late June, it was no surprise that Sony decided to give us an upgrade of the first film. Spider-Man was probably the best superhero film to come along since the original Superman in the late 70’s. Perhaps not as recognizable as Batman or Superman, Spidey is still quite an American icon to the millions of us who grew up during the golden age of comics.
This film is a faithful adaptation. The only real complaint I’ve heard is the tweaking of the origin story. In the comics...it was a radioactive spider, not a genetically altered one, that sank its teeth into Peter Parker. The casting is exceptional with the possible exception of Kirsten Dunst. I can’t put my finger on it, but she is the weak link of the entire picture. Law and Order’s Simmonds is a dead ringer for J.J. Jamison.
Posted in: Disc Reviews by David Annandale on June 14th, 2004
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Posted in: Disc Reviews by David Annandale on June 12th, 2004
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Posted in: Disc Reviews by David Annandale on June 8th, 2004
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Posted in: Disc Reviews by David Annandale on June 2nd, 2004
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Posted in: Disc Reviews by David Annandale on May 25th, 2004
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