Reviews by Garrett

[Garrett]

I've decided to see how my writing skills are.

Let's get started.

For my first review, I've decided to do something relatively simple. It's one of my favorite movies of the 70's.

COFFY http://img15.photobucket.com/albums/v44/dingoateyourbaby/Reviews/star.gifhttp://img15.photobucket.com/albums/v44/dingoateyourbaby/Reviews/star.gifhttp://img15.photobucket.com/albums/v44/dingoateyourbaby/Reviews/star.gifhttp://img15.photobucket.com/albums/v44/dingoateyourbaby/Reviews/halfstar.gif
Director: Jack Hill
Starring: Pam Grier
http://img15.photobucket.com/albums/v44/dingoateyourbaby/Reviews/Coffy/COFFYREPR.jpg

The storyline goes something like this: Coffy (Pam Grier), the afro-sporting nurse turned vigilante, is out for revenge. Typical, right? Well, yes, but that's not to say it doesn't have it's high points. It has many. Coffy singlehandedly takes out each and every dope-pushing thug responsible for her sister's comatose state and defeats anyone who stands in her way. She manipulates and mutilates with ease. This is all done in the full-on, bloody style typical of 70's blaxploitation films. Pam Grier doesn't disappoint in either the action or the nudity department. Which is typical of Pam Grier, who usually has at least one nude scene in a movie, and tons of action sequences. The movie builds up to an exciting climax that is sure to please action fans and exploitation fans alike. All in all, this movie takes you on an exciting, fun-filled ride that leaves you wishing for more.

http://img15.photobucket.com/albums/v44/dingoateyourbaby/Reviews/Coffy/coffybanner.jpg
__________________________________


Constructive criticism is welcome and appreciated.
This is a first review, hopefully they will get better with time.
I was kind of nervous this time around, I'm very anxious to know what you think.

[Mark]

[SIZE=1]Constructive criticism is welcome and appreciated.
This is a first review, hopefully they will get better with time.
I was kind of nervous this time around, I'm very anxious to know what you think.

I think you did a great job. Short and sweet. I also like that you picked a film out of the mainstream, yet, a genre and actress most of us should be familiar with. I haven't seen any blaxploitation films (that I can recall), but I'm interested. Maybe Coffy will be my first.

[Garrett]

I think you did a great job. Short and sweet. I also like that you picked a film out of the mainstream, yet, a genre and actress most of us should be familiar with. I haven't seen any blaxploitation films (that I can recall), but I'm interested. Maybe Coffy will be my first.

Thanks for your kind comments. It means a lot to me. :)

[Garrett]

http://img15.photobucket.com/albums/v44/dingoateyourbaby/Reviews/Thriller/theycallheroneeyeposter.jpg

They Call Her One Eye (Original Title: "Thriller: A Cruel Picture")http://img15.photobucket.com/albums/v44/dingoateyourbaby/Reviews/star.gifhttp://img15.photobucket.com/albums/v44/dingoateyourbaby/Reviews/star.gifhttp://img15.photobucket.com/albums/v44/dingoateyourbaby/Reviews/star.gifhttp://img15.photobucket.com/albums/v44/dingoateyourbaby/Reviews/halfstar.gif
Directed by: Bo Arne Vibenius (aka Alex Fridolinski)
Starring: Christina Lindberg, Heinz Hopf

Thriller is a very grisly film... whether you like it or not, you won't be forgetting it any time soon.

The movie's heroine is a young, mute woman named Frigga (Lindberg). One day Frigga decides to go to town. Unfortunately, she has missed the bus. Thus, she is forced to take a ride with a handsome stranger named Tony (Hopf). Tony gives her a ride and invites her in to his apartment, only to be drugged and rendered unconsciousness. He continues to give her a series of heroin injections. By the time Frigga wakes up she is already addicted. Now, Tony reveals that he plans to use her as a prostitute. Frigga doesn't like the idea of prostitution too much, so she proceeds to attack her first client. As punishment, Tony brutally rams a knife into one of her eyes.

I'm not going to give away too much of the story, but it all leads to Frigga vowing her revenge against Tony. She now has an ample amount of cash from prostitution. With her money she learns the basics of becoming an assasin.

http://img15.photobucket.com/albums/v44/dingoateyourbaby/Reviews/Thriller/oneeyescreenshot1.jpghttp://img15.photobucket.com/albums/v44/dingoateyourbaby/Reviews/Thriller/oneeyescreenshot2.jpghttp://img15.photobucket.com/albums/v44/dingoateyourbaby/Reviews/Thriller/oneeyescreenshot3.jpg

The slow motion violence scenes, while not fast-paced and exciting, seem like a bloody ballet.
You might notice similaritys between Frigga and well know characters such as Travis Bickle and Harry Callahan as she is pumping her various victims full of lead in classic "Make my day, punk" fashion.

It seems that all good movies have a deeper meaning. With this film it seems the writer/director has a negative attitude toward sex. Thus he creates the ultimate example of an abused chick that just ain't gonna take anymore.

This is one of the best exploitation films of the 70's, and is a great example of the genre. I can't say that this movie is for everyone, because it most certainly isn't. If you like girls-with-guns revenge films, or just exploitation films in general then this is definitely for you.

____________________________

After talking to Synapse Films I recieved this message a few days ago:
"We're not dead! The delay (since, really, October) is that we've been
secretly scheming to overtake the world and that takes more time than
we
thought! Hah!

Nah, really... Synapse has been in negotiations with Ryko Distribution
to
handle our label for the next few years and our contracts and
negotiations
took a LOT of our time. Because of this, we really couldn't announce
ANYTHING until the deal was done.

The deal is done now and, starting in June, Ryko will now be handling
Synapse product.

As of right now, here is our release schedule:


THE DELI
June 29, 2004

ENTRAILS OF THE VIRGIN
July 27, 2004

ENTRAILS OF THE BEAUTIFUL WOMAN
July 27,2004

LEMORA: A CHILD'S TALE OF THE SUPERNATURAL
August 31, 2004

THRILLER:A CRUEL PICTURE (UNCENSORED VERSION)
September 28, 2004

Kindest Regards,

Don May, Jr.
Synapse Films, Inc.
www.synapse-films.com"

This will definitely be one to watch out for.

[Garrett]

This review took me a lot more time and more effort in general. I hope to God that it shows.

[Garrett]

http://img15.photobucket.com/albums/v44/dingoateyourbaby/Reviews/Kill%20Bill%202/kill_bill_vol_two_ver6.jpg
(other posters can be found here) (http://www.impawards.com/2004/kill_bill_vol_two_ver6.html)

KILL BILL VOL. 2 http://img15.photobucket.com/albums/v44/dingoateyourbaby/Reviews/star.gif http://img15.photobucket.com/albums/v44/dingoateyourbaby/Reviews/star.gif http://img15.photobucket.com/albums/v44/dingoateyourbaby/Reviews/star.gif http://img15.photobucket.com/albums/v44/dingoateyourbaby/Reviews/star.gif
2004
Written and Directed by: Quentin Tarantino
Starring: Uma Thurman, David Carradine, Perla Haney-Jardine Daryl Hannah, Michael Madsen, and Gordon Lui

Simply put Kill Bill Vol. 2 is brilliant. It is possibly Tarantino's best work ever. Kill Bill Vol. 2 made up for the lack of dialogue and depth that was all too common in Kill Bill Vol. 1. I imagine that it would work out just perfect as a full picture. Unfortunately I'm not reviewing the full picture yet, just the second half.

In Kill Bill Vol. 2 The Bride (Thurman) continues her quest for bloody revenge. Only this time, it's not quite so bloody... not to say there is a lack of action, because there certainly is not. In this installment we are given a little more depth and background to the history of The Bride and Bill (Carradine). We also find out just what happened on that faithful day at Two Pines Wedding Chapel years ago. There is also a spectacular showdown between Elle Driver (Hannah) and The Bride. All of this is done with the grace and wit that makes Quentin Tarantino's work all the more lovable.

Each actor is in top shape in this film. David Carradine has redeemed himself as an actor, just as Travolta redeemed himself in Pulp Fiction, and Pam Grier was brought back to life in Jackie Brown. Uma Thurman executes every line with little to no visible flaws , it is clear that she made a hard-working dedication to this film and backed it up with a great performance. At first I wasn't too sure about Daryl Hannah's acting ability, but she pulls off Elle Driver's badass wit and villainy flawlessly. Madsen does an excellent job portraying Budd's humorous nature and naivety. Perla Haney-Jardine also has a notable performance, I hope she goes further in the acting business.

"The Cruel Tutelage of Pai Mei" is one of the most memorable moments in the film. Tarantino has managed to make it all work out yet again. The furry eyebrows and long beard of Pai Mei just add to his character. For a 100+ year old man he still retains an excellent sense of humor as his villainous laugh will tell you.

I read the first draft of the script and thought it was brilliant. Admittedly, I was pretty upset that Quentin took out so many promising moments (such as "Yuki's Revenge"). Yet again, however, he manages to maintain the great film that I was waiting for. Quentin, I'm sorry I ever doubted you.

There are also a few cameos and nifty bits of trivia that put the icing on the cake(ie. Budd's Mr. Majestyk (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0071866/) poster and the exotic DeTomaso Mangusta (http://www.pim.net/1121goose.html)).

If you're wondering whether or not to see this movie, quit wondering and go see it!

[Caitlyn]

Well done.... welcome to the club... :D

[Garrett]

Well done.... welcome to the club... :D

Thank you :D

[bluebottle]

Nice reviews.:)
I think you did a great job. Short and sweet.
I agree.

[Garrett]

Nice reviews.:)

I agree.

Thank you. ;)

[John McClane]

Short and sweet, I love it. Keep up the good work.

[Garrett]

Short and sweet, I love it. Keep up the good work.

Thanks a lot! :D

[John McClane]

Thanks a lot! :D
No Prob Bob!

[led_zeppelin]

Ok garrett, first off. . .wonderful reviews. Second, I regarding Kill Bill Vol. 2, I was talking to Charlie on AOL and he said Kill Bill Vol. 1 was MUCH better. Do you agree?

[Sedai]

Nice reviews man :)

I want to see Coffy, as Tarantino mentions it in the 'Making of Kill Bill ' documentary. I'll have to check it out.

[Mark]

They Call Her One Eye (Original Title: "Thriller: A Cruel Picture")

This sounds very interesting! Thanks for the review! I hope I can find this without having to wait until the fall.


KILL BILL VOL. 2
I haven't seen this yet, so I'm not going to read your review until I have.

[Garrett]

Ok garrett, first off. . .wonderful reviews. Second, I regarding Kill Bill Vol. 2, I was talking to Charlie on AOL and he said Kill Bill Vol. 1 was MUCH better. Do you agree?

Thanks and, no, I like Kill Bill Vol. 2 better... but they're different in so many ways that I can't really say one is better... I just "prefer" vol. 2. :p

Sedai - Thanks! :)

Mark - Thanks, and good luck finding "They Call Her One Eye" :)

[Mr. Wieners]

First, I would like to say you've done a wonderful job with your reviews so far. In fact, everyone's that I have read are quite well written. Garrett, I thought your review of Kill Bill Vol. 2 was a very good review and I agreed with most aspects of it. Nevertheless, I was disappointed walking out of the theater. I won't list certain reasons right now due to spoilers for people who haven't seen it yet, but I will say that I disagree with your comment about Vol. 2 not lacking in the action department. I haven't written any reviews for this site yet but I soon will and one thing that I personally like to hear in a review is to whom you would recommend a particular movie. For instance, I would certainly not recommend Kill Bill Vol. 2 to an action seeker. In conclusion I would like to say that I look for all things in movies, not just action, and I was disappointed at first because I expected much more from this movie action-wise. On the other hand, I like Vol. 2 a lot more now than I did on the day that I saw it. If anybody has any questions about my comments please ask me about them, I won't jump up and smite you down with a vengeance just yet.

This has been Mr. Wieners, and I have come to town!!!!!!!!

Charlie Powell

[poeman]

First, I would like to say you've done a wonderful job with your reviews so far. In fact, everyone's that I have read are quite well written. Garrett, I thought your review of Kill Bill Vol. 2 was a very good review and I agreed with most aspects of it. Nevertheless, I was disappointed walking out of the theater. I won't list certain reasons right now due to spoilers for people who haven't seen it yet, but I will say that I disagree with your comment about Vol. 2 not lacking in the action department. I haven't written any reviews for this site yet but I soon will and one thing that I personally like to hear in a review is to whom you would recommend a particular movie. For instance, I would certainly not recommend Kill Bill Vol. 2 to an action seeker. In conclusion I would like to say that I look for all things in movies, not just action, and I was disappointed at first because I expected much more from this movie action-wise. On the other hand, I like Vol. 2 a lot more now than I did on the day that I saw it. If anybody has any questions about my comments please ask me about them, I won't jump up and smite you down with a vengeance just yet.

This has been Mr. Wieners, and I have come to town!!!!!!!!

Charlie Powell


Welcome to the MF!!!

[Garrett]

First, I would like to say you've done a wonderful job with your reviews so far. In fact, everyone's that I have read are quite well written. Garrett, I thought your review of Kill Bill Vol. 2 was a very good review and I agreed with most aspects of it. Nevertheless, I was disappointed walking out of the theater. I won't list certain reasons right now due to spoilers for people who haven't seen it yet, but I will say that I disagree with your comment about Vol. 2 not lacking in the action department. I haven't written any reviews for this site yet but I soon will and one thing that I personally like to hear in a review is to whom you would recommend a particular movie. For instance, I would certainly not recommend Kill Bill Vol. 2 to an action seeker. In conclusion I would like to say that I look for all things in movies, not just action, and I was disappointed at first because I expected much more from this movie action-wise. On the other hand, I like Vol. 2 a lot more now than I did on the day that I saw it. If anybody has any questions about my comments please ask me about them, I won't jump up and smite you down with a vengeance just yet.

This has been Mr. Wieners, and I have come to town!!!!!!!!

Charlie Powell

Well, I can understand your dismay at the lack of action... Vol. 1 might have been a bit misleading. As time goes by, and the movie sits in my mind, I realize certain things that were bad or good that I missed the first time around.
Anyway, thanks for the compliments. I will try to remember to add what kind of people would like the movie and what kind of people wouldn't in future reviews.
(I can also definitely understand the disappointment in Bill's demise.)

Welcome to MoFo, Charlie. :)

[led_zeppelin]

I can also definitely understand the disappointment in Bill's demise.

Well you sure didn't say the same to me on AOL you bloody wanker. Kidding. I mean I'm not lying, but I'm not really offended, well you get it.

[Garrett]

Well you sure didn't say the same to me on AOL you bloody wanker. Kidding. I mean I'm not lying, but I'm not really offended, well you get it.

You misunderstand, my friend. I can understand why someone would be dissappointed, it's just that I wasn't.

[led_zeppelin]

You misunderstand, my friend. I can understand why someone would be dissappointed, it's just that I wasn't.


aHAAAAAAA! I see. Well, time to go eat pie.

[Mr. Wieners]

You misunderstand, my friend. I can understand why someone would be dissappointed, it's just that I wasn't.

Thank you for understanding, and we all are entitled to our own opinions and I completely understand that. Thanks for the welcome as well, that was a nice touch....

[Garrett]

Once upon a time, a woman was picking up firewood. She came upon a poisonous snake frozen in the snow. She took the snake home and nursed it back to health. One day the snake bit her on the cheek. As she lay dying, she asked the snake, "Why have you done this to me?" And the snake answered, "Look, bitch, you knew I was a snake."

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00003BDXG.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg
Natural Born Killers http://img15.photobucket.com/albums/v44/dingoateyourbaby/Reviews/star.gifhttp://img15.photobucket.com/albums/v44/dingoateyourbaby/Reviews/star.gifhttp://img15.photobucket.com/albums/v44/dingoateyourbaby/Reviews/star.gifhttp://img15.photobucket.com/albums/v44/dingoateyourbaby/Reviews/star.gifhttp://img15.photobucket.com/albums/v44/dingoateyourbaby/Reviews/halfstar.gif
1994
Directed by: Oliver Stone
Written by: David Veloz
Starring: Woody Harrelson, Juliette Lewis, Tom Sizemore, Robert Downey Jr.,more (http://imdb.com/title/tt0110632/fullcredits)
A nod to Tarantino for the story

When I started watching this movie, halfway through the opening credits, I started thinking to myself, "I probably shouldn't have wasted 2 dollars on renting this." Boy, was I wrong. This movie is everything but a waste. It is just so clever, witty, and whimsical (in a rather disturbing way).

Natural Born Killers follows the story of Mickey (Harrelson) and Mallory (Lewis) Knox. Basically they go around murdering masses of innocent (with the exception of a few) people. They are highly romanticized around the world due to the corrupt, ratings-obsessed media.

Almost every character in this movie is unforgettable. Tom Sizemore plays the egomaniacal detective, Jack Scagnetti, who's determined to catch Mickey and Mallory. Robert Downey Jr. is the host of an "America's Most Wanted"-type show who's determined to make a name for himself. Every character in this film has basically the same goal... fame.

The film is shot in a wide variety of film formats, there are weird camera angles, and some bad/strange editing. All of this makes the film a little disjointed and confusing but, by the end of the film you probably won't care because of the fun you just had. Oliver Stone's craziness works both for and against him in this film.

This movie is undoubtedly a social/media satire. This is done brilliantly and you almost instantly understand what the director has set out to do with it.

It also sparked much controversy back around the time when it was released. It certainly isn't a suprise. Some people even blame this film for causing violence among teenagers... If your child is that unstable you probably shouldn't let them watch this movie. Some people go as far as calling the film "dangerous"... What kind of idiot describes a film as "dangerous"? That's about as intelligent as saying your refrigerator made you fat.

I can't really "reccomend" this film to a certain group of people because the only way to figure out if you'll like it, is to watch it.... well I can say this film isn't for anal idiots who can't see a film for what it is... a FILM. I loved this film and there's a chance you might like it too (as long as you aren't the aforementioned idiot).




Coming soon to "Reviews by Garrett"
"Le Pacte Des Loups" (Brotherhood of the Wolf)
Takashi Miike's "Audition"

[bluebottle]

Nice work, Garrett. I'm eagerly awaiting your Audition review and your opinion on Brotherhood of the Wolf.

[mothish]

You gotta get online and fix the image on that before I can put it on the site, yknow.

[John McClane]

You gotta get online and fix the image on that before I can put it on the site, yknow.What's your avatar? Is it from a movie? Is it some person? I'd like to know, I like it.

[Mark]

[Natural Born Killers

I love the way Mallory's family is portrayed as a dysfunctional sit-com. It's like "Married with Children" gone bad.

[Garrett]

I love the way Mallory's family is portrayed as a dysfunctional sit-com. It's like "Married with Children" gone bad.

Yeah, that was one of the best things about the movie.... I can't believe I forgot it in the review :rolleyes:

[nebbit]

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00003BDXG.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg
Natural Born Killers http://img15.photobucket.com/albums/v44/dingoateyourbaby/Reviews/star.gifhttp://img15.photobucket.com/albums/v44/dingoateyourbaby/Reviews/star.gifhttp://img15.photobucket.com/albums/v44/dingoateyourbaby/Reviews/star.gifhttp://img15.photobucket.com/albums/v44/dingoateyourbaby/Reviews/star.gifhttp://img15.photobucket.com/albums/v44/dingoateyourbaby/Reviews/halfstar.gif


Thanks for a great review, I will watch it soon, Gosh I hope I don't turn out to be aforemententioned idiots :goof:

[LordSlaytan]

Great reviews Garrett, I didn't notice this thread before for some reason. There's so many reviewers nowadays that it's hard to keep track and stay current. Have you seen Kalifornia?

[Garrett]

Great reviews Garrett, I didn't notice this thread before for some reason. There's so many reviewers nowadays that it's hard to keep track and stay current. Have you seen Kalifornia?

Thanks a lot, Slay! :) Coincedentally, I have been considering renting Kalifornia after I heard it had a similar plot to NBK. What are your thoughts on it?

[LordSlaytan]

*with a friggin' Irish accent* It's friggin' g-g-g-r-r-ea-a-a-t!

[nebbit]

[i]http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00003BDXG.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg
Natural Born Killers http://img15.photobucket.com/albums/v44/dingoateyourbaby/Reviews/star.gifhttp://img15.photobucket.com/albums/v44/dingoateyourbaby/Reviews/star.gifhttp://img15.photobucket.com/albums/v44/dingoateyourbaby/Reviews/star.gifhttp://img15.photobucket.com/albums/v44/dingoateyourbaby/Reviews/star.gifhttp://img15.photobucket.com/albums/v44/dingoateyourbaby/Reviews/halfstar.gif

This movie is undoubtedly a social/media satire. This is done brilliantly

. I loved this film and there's a chance you might like it too (as long as you aren't the aforementioned idiot).

I finally watch this today, the first copy I borrowed from the video shop was so scratched it wouldn't work, so inspired by your great review I went and got it replaced.

I have avoided watching this movie until I read your review, I loved this film.

Robert Downey jr's Aussie accent was so spot on.

Thanks again for an inspiring review, as I may have never watched it and i would have missed a great movie. :D :D

[John McClane]

Hey keep up he good work. Love your reviews when can we expect another one and what will it be on?

[led_zeppelin]

Sorry I didn't reply sooner, but I watched this movie a couple years ago and I love it. And did you notice that in two films by Quentin Tarantino the "bad guy" has a last name of Scagnetti? ANYway, I think my favorite character in the movie is Robert Downy Jr.'s

[Mark]

KILL BILL VOL. 2

I watched this the other night, and I'm sorry to say I was disappointed. However, I was disappointed when I walked out of Kill Bill V. I, as well, but I rented it the other night, and I loved it the second time around.

Vol. 2 certainly had it's moments, but for me, the amount of action was missing, and the dialogue in its place was nothing like Res. Dogs, Pulp Fiction, or Jackie Brown.

"The Cruel Tutelage of Pai Mei" is one of the most memorable moments in the film. Tarantino has managed to make it all work out yet again. The furry eyebrows and long beard of Pai Mei just add to his character. For a 100+ year old man he still retains an excellent sense of humor as his villainous laugh will tell you.

This is, by far, my favorite part of the film. This entire sequence has gotten me interested in the Kung Fu genre.

Good review, Garrett, but I wished I would have liked it as much as you. :p

[Sedai]

Sorry I didn't reply sooner, but I watched this movie a couple years ago and I love it. And did you notice that in two films by Quentin Tarantino the "bad guy" has a last name of Scagnetti? ANYway, I think my favorite character in the movie is Robert Downy Jr.'s

Tarantino does this often it seems. The Vega brothers (Vince and Vic) are another example..

_S

[Colonel Sanders]

[QUOTE=Garrett
I can't really "reccomend" this film to a certain group of people because the only way to figure out if you'll like it, is to watch it.... well I can say this film isn't for anal idiots who can't see a film for what it is... a FILM. I loved this film and there's a chance you might like it too (as long as you aren't the aforementioned idiot).QUOTE]

Garrett, may I remind you I am one of those idiots... ;)

[Garrett]

Garrett, may I remind you I am one of those idiots... ;)

:p

[John McClane]

:p
Nice avatar, yet again. ;)

[Garrett]

Nice avatar, yet again. ;)

Thank ya

[Garrett]

I'm putting Audition and BotW on hold.

My next review will be...
-drumroll please-
Lone Wolf & Cub: Sword of Vengeance

EDIT: Oh yeah, it should be ready by this weekend... or earlier. ;)

[Garrett]

A Quick Review of:

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0000B1ODQ.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg
Lone Wolf And Cub: Sword of Vengeance
http://img15.photobucket.com/albums/v44/dingoateyourbaby/Reviews/star.gifhttp://img15.photobucket.com/albums/v44/dingoateyourbaby/Reviews/star.gifhttp://img15.photobucket.com/albums/v44/dingoateyourbaby/Reviews/star.gifhttp://img15.photobucket.com/albums/v44/dingoateyourbaby/Reviews/star.gifhttp://img15.photobucket.com/albums/v44/dingoateyourbaby/Reviews/halfstar.gif
1972
Directed by: Kenji Misumi
Written by: Kazuo Koike, Goseki Kojima
Starring: Tomisaburo Wakayama, Fumio Watanabe, Akihiro Tomikawa, more (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0068815/fullcredits)

Plot: This is the story of a Ronin(Tomisaburo Wakayama) who wanders the countryside with his infant son Daigoro(Akihiro Tomikawa) seeking the vengeance of his dead wife, under the name of the "Lone Wolf And Cub Assassin".

Review: I watched this film with high expectations and I came out feeling fulfilled. Each battle has poignant choreography and is played out very gracefully by Tomisaburo Wakayama. The storyline is basic, however, concieved in a manner that makes it all the more appealing.

This film takes you to a small variety of exotic locations. One of the best scenes in this movie is a battle staged on a small waterfall between the Ronin, Ogami Itto, and his wife's murderers. It is these beautiful camera angles, exciting battles and exoctic locations that make this movie memorable.

If you see this installment of the Lone Wolf and Cub series make sure the others are available to you... by the end of "Sword Of Vengeance" you will be eagerly anticipating the the next installment.

[Colonel Sanders]

Great Review found it interesting, next time you come over we'll have to watch it.

[Mark]

Four questions:

1) You wrote "1994," but didn't this film come out in 1972?

2) Is this the first film in the series?

3) What is the order of the other films?

4) Are they all good?

Thanks for the review!

[Garrett]

1) You wrote "1994," but didn't this film come out in 1972?

You're right, dumb mistake. :P


2) Is this the first film in the series?


Yes


3) What is the order of the other films?

1,2,3,4,5,6,7... I wasn't quite sure what you meant by this one... is that it?


4) Are they all good?

I've seen all but three... and I have enjoyed all of them.

Thanks for the comments. :D

[Garrett]

Great Review found it interesting, next time you come over we'll have to watch it.

Thank ya. Yes indeedly do. :)

[Garrett]

I just saw possibly the best movie I've ever seen. I'm going to be watching it a few more times because I want this to be my best, most well thought out review so far. If you have any objections to my studying the formats and layouts of some of the other great reviews around here, speak soon, because I might not be here as much when I'm working on this review.

Enjoy my absence.

EDIT: Scratch that.... those comments were hasty and stupid on my part.

[LordSlaytan]

What is it?

[Mark]

1,2,3,4,5,6,7... I wasn't quite sure what you meant by this one... is that it?


I've seen all but three... and I have enjoyed all of them.

No, that's not what I meant. The titles of the sequels don't indicate what order they are in. What I found are the following:

LWaC: Baby Cart at the River Styx
LWaC: Baby Cart in Peril
LWaC: Baby Cart in the Land of Demons
LWaC: Baby Cart to Hades
LWaC: White Heaven in Hell

I have no idea what order those should be watched, and they're not titled 1,2,3,4,5,6,7...which would have been obvious :laugh:

[LordSlaytan]

Look up their release dates on IMDb.

[Garrett]

No, that's not what I meant. The titles of the sequels don't indicate what order they are in. What I found are the following:

LWaC: Baby Cart at the River Styx
LWaC: Baby Cart in Peril
LWaC: Baby Cart in the Land of Demons
LWaC: Baby Cart to Hades
LWaC: White Heaven in Hell

I have no idea what order those should be watched, and they're not titled 1,2,3,4,5,6,7...which would have been obvious :laugh:

Oh, sorry. :indifferent: I guess I just didn't get what you meant. I'll look it up.

EDIT: Or you could do what slay suggested.

[T-850]

LWaC: Baby Cart at the River Styx (1972)
LWaC: Baby Cart in Peril (1972)
LWaC: Baby Cart in the Land of Demons (1973)
LWaC: Baby Cart to Hades (1972)
LWaC: White Heaven in Hell (1974)

[Garrett]

Sword of Vengeance (1)
Baby Cart At The River Styx (2)
Baby Cart To Hades (3)
Baby Cart In Peril (4)
Baby Cart In The Land Of Demons (5)
White Heaven And Hell (6)

[Mark]

Look up their release dates on IMDb.

Yes, I tried that, but as you can now see, there were four (including the original) that came out the same year (1972).


Sword of Vengeance (1)
Baby Cart At The River Styx (2)
Baby Cart To Hades (3)
Baby Cart In Peril (4)
Baby Cart In The Land Of Demons (5)
White Heaven And Hell (6)

This helps. Thanks! :D

[Garrett]

After talking to Synapse Films I recieved this message a few days ago:
"We're not dead! The delay (since, really, October) is that we've been
secretly scheming to overtake the world and that takes more time than
we
thought! Hah!

Nah, really... Synapse has been in negotiations with Ryko Distribution
to
handle our label for the next few years and our contracts and
negotiations
took a LOT of our time. Because of this, we really couldn't announce
ANYTHING until the deal was done.

The deal is done now and, starting in June, Ryko will now be handling
Synapse product.

As of right now, here is our release schedule:


THE DELI
June 29, 2004

ENTRAILS OF THE VIRGIN
July 27, 2004

ENTRAILS OF THE BEAUTIFUL WOMAN
July 27,2004

LEMORA: A CHILD'S TALE OF THE SUPERNATURAL
August 31, 2004

THRILLER:A CRUEL PICTURE (UNCENSORED VERSION)
September 28, 2004

Kindest Regards,

Don May, Jr.
Synapse Films, Inc.
www.synapse-films.com"

This will definitely be one to watch out for.

Update!
DVD release information and cover! (http://www.fangoria.com/news_article.php?id=2516)

[Garrett]

Possible reviews coming soon:

Haute Tension (2003 - Alexandre Aja)
Ed Wood (1994 - Tim Burton)
Freaks (1932 - Tod Browning)



I'd really like to just cut the sh** and get writing, but I've been busy lately and I don't know when I'll get time to really get down to it.

[Garrett]

http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/B00012E3NM.08.LZZZZZZZ.jpg
Haute Tension (Switchblade Romance)
http://img15.photobucket.com/albums/v44/dingoateyourbaby/Reviews/star.gifhttp://img15.photobucket.com/albums/v44/dingoateyourbaby/Reviews/star.gifhttp://img15.photobucket.com/albums/v44/dingoateyourbaby/Reviews/star.gifhttp://img15.photobucket.com/albums/v44/dingoateyourbaby/Reviews/star.gif
2003
Directed by: Alexandre Aja
Written by: Alexandre Aja,
Starring: Cécile De France, Maïwenn Le Besco, Philippe Nahon, more (http://imdb.com/title/tt0338095/fullcredits)

Plot: Friends Alex (Le Besco) and Marie (De France) visit Alex's family in the countryside. An intruder (who isn't what he appears to be) upsets their visit in the middle of the night.
_________

It becomes more and more apparent with each year that we must look to foreign sources for a good scare. This film solidifies that assumption.

On the outside this film looks and feels like a typical modern horror movie (part slasher, part survival). That, however, is not so. This is clearly the work of someone who actually knows what they're doing. There is great camera work, good use of color and even some pretty good effects without taking the CGI route.

The acting is pretty good even though there are only actually two people doing any "real" acting for the majority of the movie. Maïwenn Le Besco spends the greater part of the movie tied up, screaming and crying, and for what it's worth, she does a pretty good job of pulling it off realistically.

This film is not without a fair amount of gore. It works, though, because it's done properly and not to a point where it's absolutely ridiculous. Though, I believe the film would work just as well without it.

Did I mention that this film has one of the most shocking endings since the first time I saw The Usual Suspects? I'll let you find out for yourself, I don't want to spoil it.

I can't wait to see what Alexandre Aja does next in the horror genre and I hope it's as enjoyable as this was. If you ever have the oppurtunity to see it, I would definitely reccomend doing so.

[Caitlyn]

Great review Garrett... I'm not a big slasher fan but this sounds interesting... thanks... :)

[led_zeppelin]

I have no clue where to begin looking for this movie without ordering from the internet, but I really wouldn't mind seeing this. It's not every day you get a modern horror film where you get the impression that the director has taste and uses gore in a way that isn't needless.

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Nice review, Garrett. Sounds like an interesting flick.

[Garrett]

Thanks, guys. :)

[Maniac]

Man I have to go and see this now.

I agree with you 100% on the fact we have to go to foriegn sources to find better scares.

Then again I think foriegn romance films are more valueable to, they seem to be better.

Keep up the great work Garrett!

[Prospero]

I've only read your first few reviews, but they're all great.
I need to seek out Thriller. :)

I'll get to pages 2 and 3 soon.

[SpoOkY]

I liked your Kill Bill II review, captured all the important aspects of the film and you were accurate in your interpretation of the characters and themes good job. It was a lot better than the first and the directing was brilliant, I'd give it about four stars too. cya

[chicagofrog]

http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/B00012E3NM.08.LZZZZZZZ.jpg
Haute Tension (Switchblade Romance)
http://img15.photobucket.com/albums/v44/dingoateyourbaby/Reviews/star.gif

congrats for the review!
i must say i was rather disappointed, but tis my personal opinion. i prefer the kinda horror thrillers Spaniards and Catalans are becoming so good at.
the end was a surprise though, and made the rest retrospectively better, but i found the killer lacking of any charisma i like about killers (is it just me??), the aesthetics are not to my taste (like in Korean movies, details and especially *nuances* are) - yep, that's the word, nuances lack here - and too many illogical events (like how can she get outta the car? SOOOOOOOO much bleeding without getting weaker? come on!!) are annoying - i know, at the end, everything's become clearer and more logical (except the blood loss...), but till i got there, i was feeling already so annoyed that i had a hard time appreciating the movie, and i'm usually not the impatient audience that wants everything clear from a beginning, quite the opposite.
like always, a matter of taste. but as a frog ;) , i think frogs can do better, and more delicate and intelligent horror than this movie.

[Pyro Tramp]

I want to see this, Switchblade Romance as its been called here. It doesnt seem to have been released anywhere but London but is on DVD after crimbo so i shall get it then.
Note on the Lone Wolf and Cub films, dont forget Shogun Assassin, a re-edited version of Sword of Vengeance and River Styx, dubbed in English to make a new film (i believe). I need to see the the Babycart films as well lol.

[Garrett]

http://www.red-colored.org/lazysod/mishima.jpg
Mishima: A Life In Four Chapters (1985)
In Paul Schrader's most ambitious work as a director he recalls the life and fiction of Japanese author Yukio Mishima. The film is structured in a clever albeit somewhat confusing manner; interspersing color dramatizations of Mishima's fiction, black and white flashbacks to his upbringing, and the day of his ritual suicide. Paul Schrader has created a visually pleasing image of Mishima, while not really establishing a perspective on the man himself. This makes the whole affair quite impersonal and unengaging. In the end all we're left with is a cold photograph of Mishima where we should have established an understanding of the man. There is, however, one thing this movie has going for it: the cinematography of John Bailey; it alone is enough reason to at least rent the movie.
All I can say is nice try, Mr. Schrader. Recomended viewing for fans of Mishima who will want to praise or condemn it accordingly.
Starring Ken Ogata. Rated R.

[linespalsy]

Nice review. I really thought the whole point of the movie was that Mishima "the man" treated his life as one of his novels. To get a "perspective on Mishima" you have to go to his books, the Ken Ogata character is just a stand in. I thought he was an interesting choice to play Mishima though, who for me compares well with his Enokizu character in Vengeance is Mine (which I'm almost tempted to link back to Mishima's over-the-top performance in the 1966 film adaptation of Patriotism).

The Temple of the Golden Pavilion sequences were fantastic, it's my favorite of his novels by far and these are the standout portions of the film for me.

[Garrett]

To get a "perspective on Mishima" you have to go to his books.
Exactly. This is why I think this movie was nothing more than a visual wet-dream. I would rather curl up with one of his books than watch this movie.

The Temple of the Golden Pavilion sequences were fantastic, it's my favorite of his novels by far and these are the standout portions of the film for me.
The Temple of the Golden Pavillion sequences were easily the most memorable part of the movie.


Perhaps you're right, maybe I am missing the point. Or maybe my expectations were just too high.

(By the way, I've got a copy of Vengeance is Mine on my shelf, I'll try and get around to it tonight or this weekend.)

[Garrett]

Hitchhiking the galaxyDirected by Garth Jennings
Screenplay by Douglas Adams, Karey Kirkpatrick
2005, 110 min, PG

















4 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is a movie that I have been anticipating as well as dreading for a long time; fearing that they would ruin something as treasured as Douglas Adams' masterpiece. The jump from novel to film is a bumpy road in Garth Jennings' feature film debut.

RAWR!4 A better cast couldn't have been put together. The four main characters are played by Martin Freeman (The Office), Mos Def, Sam Rockwell, and Zooey Deschanel (who is, quite frankly, too adorable for her own good). Martin Freeman is probably the best choice to play Adams' hero, a confused everyman. The real gem, though, is Sam Rockwell, who breathes new life into everyone's favorite stuck-up, dimwitted president (... I'm talking about Zaphod Beeblebrox here, guys). The voice of Marvin is provided by the perfectly dull Alan Rickman.


MAGRATHEA!4 Ford Prefect has been stripped of most of the wit of the original character and falls into the background, for the most part forgotten. Arthur has also been changed quite a bit, as the movie centers more around a relationship between he and Trillian. There are also a few original characters and events that Adams created specifically for the film (John Malkovich makes a very amusing appearance).




4 Though flawed, the film manages to find it's niche among the other embodiments of Douglas Adams' tale. It's worth seeing, though you might want to wait for a rental. For the those of you inclined to ratings, I give it about a 7/10.

(Notable guest appearances include Simon Jones, who played all previous incarnations of Arthur Dent, and the Marvin the Paranoid Android from the miniseries.)

[led_zeppelin]

I agree with everything you said. Sam Rockwell is amazing in everything he does, I really loved his performance. Also, the movie does take quite a few liberties in telling the story from page to screen but I liked it. What'd you think of the opening with the dolphins?

[nebbit]

I saw it today, it wasn't great but i enjoyed it. No one was laughing during the movie which is a worry for a comedy, it felt like an extended TV episode.

As for the Dolphins, an the Whale, now, that was funny. :yup:

[Garrett]

What'd you think of the opening with the dolphins?
It was a little funny but more or less unnecessary.

[led_zeppelin]

I thought it hilarious. Necessary, unnecessary, these terms don't apply here my son.

[Pyro Tramp]

Garrett, i think you're the only person who enjoyed Haute Tension's twist....

[OG-]

While I didn't love the twist, I'll say that it wasn't at all a deal breaker for me.

Aja worked tension in that movie better than any horror director of the past 6 years.