This & That 12.15.02: LOR, Potter, Star Trek, More
Posted by Michael Dalvano on 12.15.2002
How's it going everybody? Since this is my first column here at 411, I'd just like to do a little introduction.
How's it going everybody? Since this is my first column here at 411, I'd just like to do a little introduction. My name is Michael, I attend St. John's University in New York, and I major in TV & Film and Communication Arts. As the column title states, I'll simply be doing a little of 'this' and a little of 'that' in my columns. I've had a busy week (and it's not over yet), and I'm running low on free time ... so if this first column is a bit short, I apologize.
I got a chance to see Equilibrium this past weekend. I have to say I was quite happy with the film, especially considering how much negative feedback the critics have been giving it. I can see why they have lots to complain about ... some characters are underdeveloped, there are a few plot holes, it's not very original ... but even through all that, the film manages to come off quite well and is very enjoyable. While some may criticize it for using ideas from 1984, Fahrenheit 451, and The Matrix ... I find what they did to be perfectly all right. The way the film blended together a few elements from each film, and then added in its own little components, came together quite nicely to form an interesting plot with some stunning visuals. For my full review, click here.
This is going a ways back, but is still worth mentioning. Most people probably didn't get a chance to see Comedian due to its limited release. Even when it opened wide, it was still in very few theaters. The film does an excellent job of getting us behind the scenes of comedy clubs across the country, and gives us a fascinating look into the life of a struggling comedian. For those of you who think this is a movie about Jerry Seinfeld, think again. Although he is the main attraction here, and the documentary was largely marketed around him, the film is about much more. The people he meets throughout the country are all integrated nicely into the film ... and in most cases, especially with Chris Rock and Colin Quin, you get to see what they are like behind closed doors. Orny Adams is followed throughout the film almost as much as Jerry, and you get to see him develop through the eye of the camera. He is a very funny man, with loads of potential, but has a serious attitude problem. He is an obnoxious human being from the second you are introduced to him, and one of the best moments documented here is when Orny is finally put in his place and told to drop the attitude. If you haven't seen the film, it is a must. Keep your eyes peeled for pay-per-view or Blockbuster.
Did anyone see Half Passed Dead? I'm just curious if it was as bad as it looked. Steven Seagal hasn't made a half-decent film in over a decade, and couldn't deliver a line to save his life. He makes Arnold Schwarzenegger look like Jack Nicholson.
The next installment in the Tolkien trilogy opens on Wednesday, and I'll be on line for tickets as early as humanly possible. I never really bought tickets in advance for movies, I just always went when I had a chance, and usually I got in without a problem. I didn't wait in advance for the first Harry Potter, not for The Lost World, not even for Star Wars. But this Wednesday, I'll be on line as early as need be. The Two Towers looks amazing ... there's no other way to describe it. Just from the teaser and trailers I've seen, I get goose bumps ... and after watching the WB's behind-the-scenes look that aired a week or so ago, which they did a really fantastic job with, I am even more intrigued. I thought the first one was great, but not really as incredible as it was made out to be. It's main purpose was to set up this next film and the last, and it did a fantastic job of doing just that. This film looks to have the potential to make my all-time list of favorites... I just hope I don't set my expectations too high and wind up slightly disappointed.
I'm not a big Star Trek fan by any means... I haven't even seen half the previous movies. But this Nemesis one that opens on Friday looks damn good in the commercials. I'm sure all the Trekkies will be pleased with it.
I didn't get a chance to see Adaptation this weekend, which upset me a lot. I've heard many good things, and Nicholas Cage is one of my all-time favorite actors. I'll definitely have to take a trip to the city to see it next week ... no way I can wait till January or so for a wide-release.
That's all for this week. I had to be in court today to fight some traffic tickets, I had to visit my Grandfather in the nursing home, I have 4 finals in 2 days ... you have no idea what I've been through. But before I close, I just want to leave everyone with a little suggestion. Instead of watching Gladiator or Fight Club for the 3rd time this weekend, check out something new. This week I went through my collection and pulled out Boiler Room from 1999. It's a fantastic film about a genuine chop-shop that tries to get by as a legitimate investment firm. Giovanni Ribisi is excellent as the lead actor, playing a college dropout who is looking for an easy way to make big money. It was somewhat popular, and many of you may have seen it, but if you haven't, I definitely suggest you check it out.
Any feedback, opinions, or questions regarding anything in my column is always welcome. Don't hesitate to drop me a line... I love hearing what you think.
