The first film in the Von Trier trilogy “Dogville” was a self-righteous parable about evil poor people, the demonizing of impoverished Americans from a man who has never been in America. This is a man displaying his ignorance in “Dogville,” a man who proudly admitted “I’ve never been in America, but this is my perception”. Apparently, this “artist” never thought to research poor people before spitting at us, and he never thought that there are many poor people all over the world. Regardless, I was understandably skeptical about the second film “Manderlay,” but surprisingly, it’s a much better film. I despised this, but I also liked it. It’s not one of those so bad it’s good films, but it’s a film that makes you cringe, and look away embarrassed, but still you end up finding its pleasing in many ways.
The Land of College Prophets (2005)
I had fun, yes, I had fun. It has its flaws, and it’s far from a perfect film, but in the end, “Land of the College Prophets” is a fun B action horror that really does bear an original concept. It’s an interesting mixture of many ideas and concepts; a little bit of “Fight Club”, a little bit of “Mortal Kombat”, and a little bit of “In the Mouth of Madness”, it’s without a doubt an odd amalgam of many concepts intertwined in to one fun action flick about the end of the world caused by two considerably self absorbed individuals. I wasn’t sure what to make of this film in the end, because I really wasn’t sure what in the hell it was that I’d just seen, but I liked it.
Good Night, and Good Luck. (2005)
Edward R. Murrow: You cannot defend freedom abroad by deserting it at home.
I was saddened after watching “Good Night and Good Luck”. Not because it’s the focus of someone who spoke out against what he didn’t believe in, but because it’s the mark of what reporting used to be, and how excellent it was to watch a real reporter go against what he perceived as wrong and un-American. Sure, you can tell me that perhaps Edward R. Murrow wasn’t as valiant as he appeared, but I won’t buy it. Not because of this film, but mainly because he stood up for what he believed in and nearly sacrificed his colleagues jobs and his own reputation in the process.
The Diary (2004)
“The Diary” plays out a lot like a story from “Creepshow”. It’s short, to the point, but also very creepy, and much like “Evil Dead” there’s your monsters, hapless victims, and a cabin in the middle of the woods. “The Diary” is a very creepy and taut zombie horror film with two narratives about one plot element that takes a toll on our characters with the same inevitabilities. Being a hardcore horror fan since before I could walk, I love to see what indie filmmakers can offer, and “The Diary” is an offering for any horror fan to see. It’s recommended.
Man of the House (2005)
Maybe it’s because I expected junk, but I didn’t hate “Man of the House.” Sure, it’s typical, and routine, and bubbly, and that should equal a bad review, but I didn’t have a miserable time. I admittedly had fun, because “Man of the House” in spite of its many faults, was a fun movie. It’s like a carnival ride, fun and then forgotten. And it helps that the film has some really sexy girls in it. Five. You can make the argument that I liked this because of the girls, and you’d be partially right, but I also had fun thanks to Tommy Lee Jones, who lends the film a really welcome comedic bent.
House of the Dead 2: Dead Aim (2005)
So, you’re likely asking, why in the name of tap-dancing Jesus would anyone even think about creating a sequel to one of the worst movies ever made. Well–your guess is really as good as mine. Make an assortment of guesses. Because I have no flipping clue. Anyway, literally about fifteen minutes in to my notes, I’m watching, and hoping, and then I see the zombies whom have green teeth, and bad white skin. Their teeth is neon green by the way, and their skin makes them look like mimes. And then I put one star without a doubt next to the title. Sometimes I’ll end up changing it, but usually the grade I give a film stays permanent and I didn’t have to worry about changing it during the course of this wretched sequel. It’s a bad movie. Really bad. Not Uwe Boll bad, that I can attest to, but it’s bad. And there’s still no fucking house.
Underworld: Evolution (2006)
In spite of its many, many failings and flaws, I liked “Underworld”. It’s no masterpiece, it’s not even that good, yet it’s still a pretty fun movie that’s mindless without being dumb. I like to describe it as “Matrix” meets horror, meets Abercrombie and Fitch. Sadly, the lore presented in the (now) “Underworld” franchise is still skewed and poor, but it sure is pretty fun. “Underworld: Evolution” is, I’m ashamed to admit, a step up from the previous installment. And it’s much edgier than the first film with more blood, and gore, and some very sexually suggestive material.