Director Bong Joon-ho’s science fiction epic is a maddening and often demented commentary on society and class structure. It brilliantly devises its premise to reflect the rise to a power that may or may not be necessary to the survival of society. Is it worth living like an upper class yuppie if it means maintaining a stratum that can keep others alive for one more day? Even if it’s in the trenches with the lower class and degenerates? Does every part of life serve a purpose right down to the wealthy elite?
Category Archives: Movie Reviews
The Legend of Billie Jean (1985) [Fair is Fair Edition Blu-ray]
You could likely consider “The Legend of Billie Jean” a precursor to “Thelma And Louise.” It’s a film about female empowerment, and young women dealt terrible injustices that become folk heroes. Not to mention “The Legend of Billie Jean” has every chance to become exploitative man hating trash, but very cleverly straddles the line between goofy eighties adventure, and compelling coming of age drama. I won’t claim “The Legend of Billie Jean” is a straight faced character study, but it’s a fun and often exciting tale of a young woman who takes the world by the balls when she stands up for herself.
Son of Batman (2014) [Blu-Ray]
I’ve admittedly never read the graphic novel upon which “Son of Batman” was based on. I highly doubt I’m missing much, since “Son of Batman” is an unpleasant, tedious, and boring affair that offers little in entertainment value. I’m not sure why, but Damian Wayne, the son of Batman, is apparently very popular with Batman fans. But I can’t really figure out what his appeal is. Damian is obnoxious, irritating, and I really wanted to see him perish at the hands of Deathstroke.
The Purge (2013)
It’s a shame that “The Purge” is only sub-par since the concept for it is fantastic. A new society allowing the world to murder, steal and wreak havoc for twelve hours as a means of catharses is a really good concept for a wonderful film. I imagine the scenario for the development of “The Purge” was something similar to “The Player.” A writer comes in pitching a great concept but with absolutely no story to offer the studio. So instead they just tacked on a half assed home remake of “Assault on Precinct 13” with a sanctimonious commentary on free will, and patriotism.
A Shot in the Dark (1964)
There aren’t many comedies that can reduce me to tears like “A Shot in the Dark” does. It’s one of those rare incredible comedies where every element from the story to the characters is so pitch perfect, it’s astounding. Character Clouseau even breaks the fourth wall at one point, destroying the momentum of the final confrontations. But he gets away with it so slyly, because Peter Sellers’ timing, matched with his physical comedy is flawless and genius. Even if you’ve never seen a Pink Panther movie, getting acquainted with Jacques Clouseau is a breeze because Sellers and director Blake Edwards establish him with subtle idiosyncrasies and almost no dialogue.
The Final Terror (1983) [Blu-Ray/DVD]
If anything you have to admire “The Final Terror” for being a slasher survival film that eschews the horny annoying teenagers. In exchange, we have younger adults that also happen to be forest rangers. And yes, they’re horny, too. But you take the good with the bad. Teamed together for some kind of task in the wilderness, they happen to mistakenly trespass in the backyard of a vicious hunter. Said hunter is part Jason Voorhees, and part Yautja sans the science fiction.
Bring It On (2000)
You wouldn’t think a movie about cheerleaders and a rivalry between teams would be any good, but “Bring It On” manages to be lightning in a bottle that has yet to be topped by its terrible sequels. Not that cheerleading isn’t interesting, but “Bring It On” is such an entertaining and funny sports film, it sets the standard for movies about cheerleaders that has yet to be equaled or rivaled in quality. Director Peyton Reed’s film is a mix of comedy, drama, and light commentary on race and class warfare.