The Matrix Trilogy

The matrix trilogy is one of the greatest works of science fiction to date. It's production has greatly evolved the realm of special effects in film, which get exponentially better through Revolutions. A cautionary tale to our generation about the power and potential that can be achieved through AI. A real revolutionary concept for the mind. You will question your reality. If you are unfamiliar with The Matrix, I highly suggest you upgrade your brain by watching this trilogy. Temet nosce ;)

The Matrix: 8/10

The Matrix Reloaded: 8/10

The Matrix Revolutions: 9/10

Trilogy: 9/10

VERDICT: THIS IS A MUST WATCH TRILOGY!

The Matrix
The Matrix Reloaded
The Matrix Revolutions

El Topo (1970)

Alejandro Jodorowsky provides an all you can consume buffet of imagery for your emotional palette. The music encompasses the imagery perfectly. This seems like some sort of strange prequel to The Holy Mountain, which I think now will make a lot more sense. Language, though lightly used, seems to be unnecessary in these strange works of humanly universal art. Jodorowsky's tales are very confusing in parts, but regardless, he is truly an original master of cinema.

6.8/10

VERDICT: ADD ALL JODOROWSKY FILMS TO YOUR COLLECTION!

Spring Breakers (2012)

Harmony Korine films are like the secret show in the backroom that I have to pay to see even though I know it will be a waste of time. If the screenplay and plot were humans they would be diseased with muscular dystrophy, weak and slow moving; which is the trend in most Harmony Korine films. There is quite a bit of repeated dialogue to fill the silence of the over used montage scenes which are there to try and accommodate for the poor screenplay. This movie WAS directed beautifully, some great visually appealing shots, and no I don't just mean all the ass and titties. I enjoyed the dark neon vibrant scenes. I'd love to see Harmony direct a movie with a brilliant plot and screenplay for a change... But I will still watch every movie he makes.. It's a curse. The best thing I watched on this Blu-ray is the VICE special featurette on the ATL Twins. I had never heard of them before this, but they seem like a couple cool dudes.

4/10

VERDICT: SKIP IT

Cannibal Holocaust (1980)

[SPOILER! SPOILER! SPOILER! SPOILER!]

[EXPLICIT CONTENT!]

[THE MOST BANNED FILM IN THE WORLD!]

This is one of the most controversial films ever made, and rightfully so. A very disturbing, yet very well put together 'mockumentary'. So well in fact that I am still unsure whether parts of the footage were acted or not. There is obvious animal murder; a very gruesome scene of a turtle being slain. And the scene where a female is skewered on a post also looked real, which is freaky. The only thing that convinced me that the penis being cut off and death of the film crew was staged is the fact that the actors are apparently still alive. The cast had to sign a contract saying they would disappear for a year after shooting to add to the films controversy, which was quickly remedied when the director, Ruggero Deodato, was arrested for murder weeks after its showing. Despite all the gruesome explicit scenes, the story and moral of this film are great. A unique contrast of city life to that of the jungle life. Complete with an original, enjoyable sound composition by Riz Ortolani.

CLICK HERE FOR OFFICIAL VERIFICATION OF WHAT WAS REAL AND FAKE

7/10

VERDICT: WATCH IF YOU CAN STOMACH IT

An Evening with P. Oswalt [AKA Patton Oswalt: Werewolves and Lollipops] (2007)

"I'm gonna fill your hoo haw with goof juice!"

This feels more like a film starring only Patton Oswalt, than a stand up comedy special. The small club atmosphere provided by the 40 Watt Club, which accurately describes the lighting, makes it seem so much more organic than a large venue. The creative intro devised by Patton Oswalt and Henry Owings also add to the unique feel of this stand up special, making it appear to be in Pattons private performance chamber. If you've never heard Patton Oswalt before you are in for a real treat. This was my first exposure to this comedic being and certainly not my last. I found this for rent on Netflix, however this video was an accompaniment of his CD.

9/10

VERDICT: GO BUY HIS CD/DVD!

Hell Ride (2008)

Larry Bishops writing/directing felt like the pyrite version of Quentin Tarantino's golden style. The elements were all there, gore, seemingly badass characters with just as seemingly badass character intros, and the sixty\seventies sounding oldschool soundtrack (Because we all know Tarantino is all about the old school...). However, the elements were... lacking (other than the soundtrack). The weak plot may be the culprit. It felt like it was trying to be bigger and better than it actually is. There were some sexy scenes worth noting, but all in all, nothing too exciting in this picture.

5/10

VERDICT: SKIP IT

Harold & Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay (2008)

The good thing about comedies is you can get away with almost anything, as long as it's funny. Take off your logical glasses of reality and look through the unrealistic ludicrous scenarios and just laugh. It does have some dumb childish jokes as filler, but overall I found myself laughing throughout most of the film. The soundtrack is good too, almost every song is about sex and or marijuana which are the roots of this movie.

6.5/10

VERDICT: WORTH A WATCH!

Pee-Wee's Big Adventure (1985)

A zany tribute to James Bond. Pee-Wee Herman is a super-genius-man-child and a loner; a rebel. This is a very fun, quirky film; exploding with original comedy for humans of most ages, about Pee-Wee Herman on a search for his stolen bike. There is a verbal sort of magic rooted throughout the film. Danny Elfman orchestrates a perfectly choreographed medley of tunes to whirl you through the scenes. A true marriage of styles between Tim Burton, Danny, and Paul Reubens. Also, this is the only movie I have seen where a dog argues with a human on the phone.

VERDICT: WATCH IT IF YOU HAVEN'T AS AN ADULT. AND IF YOU'RE NOT AN ADULT, WATCH IT ANYWAY :)

8/10

Citizen Kane (1941)

[MILD SPOILERS]

What is your greatest desire? What is your purpose? These are just some of the elements of your being that Citizen Kane sets its scopes on before leaving you with the ever fleeting, 'What if?'. A powerful original soundtrack guides you  through the life of one of the wealthiest men on Earth who acquires everything he has ever wanted (or so it seems). The cinematography is exceptional for the time period. Orson Welles utilizes some very unique camera shots. Some sets were quite beautiful, there were lots of cool doors. The star door was my favorite.. Orson was a true visionary to be able to Write/Produce/Direct and star in his own vision. I feel this movie has more to be soaked up out of it by my brain in a future dunk.

7.5/10

VERDICT: ADD IT TO YOUR QUEUE!

Mister Lonely (2007)

"You can live forever! And you too! And you! And you! And you!" That's one of my favorite scenes (embedded below ;). A Michael Jackson impersonator meets a Marilyn Monroe impersonator and she invites him to come live on an impersonator commune. This must be Harmony Korines least disgusting film (That I've seen). A beautiful tale about finding who you are... or rather, who you are not. Uplifting at times, and strange... and sad. No doubt an enjoyable watch with a soundtrack to soothe a lonely soul.

7/10

VERDICT: WORTH A WATCH!

The Place Beyond The Pines (2013)

[SPOILER! SPOILER! SPOILER! SPOILER! DO NOT READ IF YOU PLAN TO WATCH!]

This adrenaline infused film starts with a very cool opening scene without a single cut, ending in the motorcycle ball of death. I wish the director would have kept up with this style, but I didn't notice anything else worth mentioning on the direction side, though I will check out Derek Cianfrance's other films. I went into this feature without reading anything except, "stunt motorcyclist robs banks" and the 2h20m runtime, so I was shocked when Gosling died early in. I like how Derek Cianfrance showed the aftermath that one death can have, he took the movie in a direction that caught me completely off guard. The characters are all realistic and believable. This was a great cast for Gosling, he pulls off the 'man of few words' character nicely. I think he almost broke character while doing his high pitched  'get on the fuckin floor' voice in one of the scenes. During the first bank robbery I thought my heart was going to pound it's way through my rib cage, but it doesn't stop there. This film triggers a lot of emotion while telling a very unique story.

VERDICT: WATCH IT ON THE BIG SCREEN!

7.75/10

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

"Right now we are alive and in this moment I swear we are infinite."
I liked this movie, but with mixed feelings. There is a common symptom films set in high school (Chronicle, for example) suffer from that leaves them feeling so... unbelievable, for lack of a better word. Maybe it's the cliches or the overdeveloped characters with flaws that shouldn't be there. Regardless, the story is good and the characters were fun. I found it funny how Charlie gets high and suddenly 'wakes up'. A really likeable (likable?) group of actors. I haven't read the book, but it's cool to see an author make a movie about his own novel.

6.75/10

VERDICT: WORTH A WATCH!

Fantastic Planet [La planète sauvage (original title)](1973)

A glimpse at a fantastic planet in a distant dimension of the Universe where Draags are the dominant specie. They are very intelligent creatures who thrive for out-of-body meditative experiences. They keep Ohms, human like creatures, as pets. But when the intelligence of the Ohms rises and disrupts balance of the Draag way of life turmoil ensues. Will they find peace or will one specie become eliminated? Renè Laloux's portrayal of this truly wonder filled world is so believable. Overflowing with creativity. I love the attention given to the fine details, from a curious Draag wondering why an Ohm baby cries to the saggy boobs on the old wOhman(see what I did there?). Also worth mentioning is the soundtrack. Originally produced by Alain Goraguer, it sets a very meditative, chill, groovy vibe. Turns out this guy also composed a shit load of music for pornos in the 70's and 80's, figures. I absolutely loved everything about this feature.

10/10

VERDICT: DEFINITELY ADD THIS TO YOUR COLLECTION!

500 Days Of Summer (2009)

So I've been unsure whether or not I wanted to include sub par movies in this blog, but after seeing that this is ranked 7.8 and in the top 500 at IMDB I had to write my thoughts. When Regina Spektor's 'Us' came on as the introduction song I immediately had higher hopes for what I initially had thought would be an ok flick. The film uses an interesting way of telling the story by jumping back and forth to random events throughout a 500 day long relationship of our two main characters. I had some laughs in the first thirty or forty minutes; the Disney shout out was hilarious. About two thirds in I realized how bored I had become. The characters were just off. It's easy to see that Summer and Tom are not right for each other, I get that this is the point of the story, but who really wants to watch that? This movie is just like any bad relationship, fun in the beginning, then drags to a boring end.

5/10

VERDICT: WATCH IF YOU DARE!

Chasing Amy (1997)

Kevin Smith delivers with his intelligently witty characters and regular group of actors again in this awesome love story. This film is overflowing with emotion. He really encompasses the time, given I was only 9, I feel this is an accurate portrayal of 1997. I love the technique of interlocked and intertwining stories and characters which Mr. Smith utilizes. There is a reference to Clerks, one of his earlier films. This has turned out to be more of a Kevin Smith review than Chasing Amy, but fuck it. If you've seen one of his films then you know what you can expect! If you haven't, do yourself a favor and appreciate some hilariously intelligent dialogue.

10/10

VERDICT: ADD IT TO YOUR COLLECTION!

Hurlyburly (1998)

"We are all just background in each others lives; cardboard cutouts." This movie not only gets caught up in the semantics, it evolves a symbiotic relationship with them. You are taken on a drug filled journey through the minds of some perfectly cast and exceptionally acted hedonists in this dark dramedy. Eddie, a man trying to find love in his detail absorbing life. Mickey, whom is carefree and lives in the moment. And Phil, who is looking for advice and insight into his own life. This movie is definitely worth a re-watch.

8/10

VERDICT: ADD IT TO YOU COLLECTION/QUEUE!

Wanderlust (2012)

"Do you live here?"

"I live where ever I am."

Two married business folk lose their jobs in New York and move back to Atlanta. They come across an 'intentional society'(hippy commune) on their way and suddenly see life in a new light... This film is packed full of honest truths about our current society and will make you want to just live simply and free; off of the land. It was a pretty funny film overall with some predictable plot twists. Thoroughly enjoyed!!

6.5/10

VERDICT: ADD IT TO YOUR QUEUE!

The Holy Mountain [Restored DVD](1973)

"Each stone has a soul, formed by the work of millions of years.." This is by far one of the strangest creations I have ever watched. A kebab of bizarre and beautiful scenes. I was in a state of utter confusion for the first thirty minutes, which never really faded away until the very end of the film. Jodorowsky relies on the power of imagery to portray a very psychedelic tale. From life, to egotistical self, awareness and destruction of self, awareness of everything outside of self, unity, and rebirth. Splattered with nudity and animal cruelty, this must be one of PETA's most hated films.

5/10

VERDICT: WAAaaaAAaaAaAATCHHHHHHH!

Django Unchained! (2012)

[SPOILER! SPOILER! SPOILER! SPOILER!]

"The D is silent, hillbilly..." Tarantino pulled off the mash up of past eras mixed with a contemporary style quite wonderfully. A perfect blend of advanced terminology/slang and personalities for the time. Dialogue heavy with gruesome action timed at the write points can sum up Tarantino's steeze of writing/directing and this one does not stray away from that. Some of the blaxploitation was shocking to see/hear, but Tarantino sprinkled just enough comedy to get away with it. DiCaprio(Calvin Candie) even makes a jab at the audience about how much racism they've used. Seeing Jonah Hill was interesting. It seemed to me like he wrote the entire scene with the bag heads arguing about their eye holes. Christoph Waltz(Dr. King Schultz) delivers another awesome performance. This movie earns its two hour and forty five minute time slot. Tarantino 'sticks to his guns'. Just when you think it's over, Dr. King jests, "sorry I couldn't resist." And the blood baths ensue. I look forward to the blu-ray release.

8/10