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This feature-length version of Tim Burton's Frankenweenie provided plenty of enjoyment of atmospheric chills

tt1142977

Just watched this black-and-white Tim Burton stop-motion animated film with my movie theatre-working friend a few hours ago. Taking inspiration from the old-school horrors of the classic era from the '30s to the '50s-not to mention his own short version of this tale he did in 1984 that I have admittedly yet to watch, I and my friend were thoroughly entertained enough by some humor and many scares that permeated throughout the movie. And once again, Danny Elfman provides another perfect score for a Burton film. And the voices of veterans like Catherine O'Hara, Martin Short, Winona Rider, and Martin Landau as the science teacher who looks like Vincent Price contributed immensely to the whimsically suspenseful atmosphere. If there was one flaw, it was the end when Sparky the dog conveniently woke up instead of staying dead, thereby defeating the purpose of teaching the lesson of how final death is and should be. Still, me and my friend had a good enough time that I highly recommend this version of Frankenweenie.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1142977/reviews-43

ur11228318

title: This feature-length version of Tim Burton's Frankenweenie provided plenty of enjoyment of atmospheric chills review: Just watched this black-and-white Tim Burton stop-motion animated film with my movie theatre-working friend a few hours ago. Taking inspiration from the old-school horrors of the classic era from the '30s to the '50s-not to mention his own short version of this tale he did in 1984 that I have admittedly yet to watch, I and my friend were thoroughly entertained enough by some humor and many scares that permeated throughout the movie. And once again, Danny Elfman provides another perfect score for a Burton film. And the voices of veterans like Catherine O'Hara, Martin Short, Winona Rider, and Martin Landau as the science teacher who looks like Vincent Price contributed immensely to the whimsically suspenseful atmosphere. If there was one flaw, it was the end when Sparky the dog conveniently woke up instead of staying dead, thereby defeating the purpose of teaching the lesson of how final death is and should be. Still, me and my friend had a good enough time that I highly recommend this version of Frankenweenie.

Sweet, nostalgic and chalk full of old monster movie references.

tt1142977

Tim Burton detractors and fans alike seem to agree that his recent offerings have not been up to par with his best, or even his middle works. One criticism is that he is just repeating himself visually, without anything to say or show. This film definitely is a repeat, being a remake of an earlier Burton short, and an homage to monster movies in general, but it's got a great heart, and unlike "Alice in Wonderland", this one is a Burton pet project (no pun intended). As a result, you can just feel that he wanted to make this, and for a black and white movie about death, this is really a lovely tale.Young Victor's dog Sparky is run over by a car one day, leaving poor Victor depressed. After a lesson from his new science teacher Mr. Rzykruski (Martin Landau doing a cross between Vincent Price and Bela Lugosi), Victor realizes he can bring Sparky back from the dead. Soon, other students at the local elementary school bring their pets and various animals back from the dead also, to try and win the upcoming science fair. Things don't go quite as planned, when the animals turn into monstrous creatures and chaos ensues.What drives this movie is it's heart. Victor's love towards Sparky is very apparent, and Sparky is such an innocent little thing, that it's hard not to like him. The characterization for Sparky is perfect, having him easily excitable and sweet, but not obnoxious, as dogs can be. This movie should especially hit home for those who've previously or currently have/had a dog. The scene where Sparky is hit by a car is heart breaking, and the ending (which I won't give away) will also stir a lot of emotions in you. Sparky is such a loyal, caring and innocent dog, where anything that happens to him, you immediately begin to empathize. The visual style is what you'd expect from Mr. Burton. Either characters look emaciated with long bony arms and stretched out faces, or they're morbidly obese with fat sprouting from their back. It works well, and sometimes for comedic effect, like that of Weird Girl's cat Mr. Whiskers, which brings laughs to every scene it's in. Burton rides the line on character designs often between unique and slightly grotesque, but the line is never crossed here. These characters are unique, and they inhabit a visually appealing world. To give the characters life, are the voice actors, all of whom are superb. Especially good are Catherine O'Hara and Martin Short who provide three voices, all of them unique to their characters.If there's something wrong with the picture, it might be that Victor and his family are the least interesting characters here. Victor is a fine lead, because he has these bizarre classmates and his dog to support him, but by himself, he would be a fairly flat character. Perhaps this is to make him and his family more of the typical townsfolk type (some alliteration there), while most of the other major characters are strange looking homages to movie monsters, and have a lot more personality in general. But, if Victor was more bubbly and bouncy, he wouldn't be the kind of quiet introvert that he is here, so it's a double edged sword. This is a small complaint really, and it's not something that will bother most people."Frankenweenie" has the ability to draw on the audience's own personal nostalgia for their own furry lost loved one's, but even those that aren't dog people should feel something here. This is a very sweet film, beneath it's monster movie exterior, and at the heart of the picture is a boy who loves his dog and doesn't want to lose him. Any fans of old monster movies should love the references, and any fan of Burton's past work should find some pleasure in the visual look here. Even Burton detractors may find this one hits pretty close to home for them. My rating: *** 1/2 out of ****. 87 mins. PG for some violence and thematic elements.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1142977/reviews-22

ur4195782

title: Sweet, nostalgic and chalk full of old monster movie references. review: Tim Burton detractors and fans alike seem to agree that his recent offerings have not been up to par with his best, or even his middle works. One criticism is that he is just repeating himself visually, without anything to say or show. This film definitely is a repeat, being a remake of an earlier Burton short, and an homage to monster movies in general, but it's got a great heart, and unlike "Alice in Wonderland", this one is a Burton pet project (no pun intended). As a result, you can just feel that he wanted to make this, and for a black and white movie about death, this is really a lovely tale.Young Victor's dog Sparky is run over by a car one day, leaving poor Victor depressed. After a lesson from his new science teacher Mr. Rzykruski (Martin Landau doing a cross between Vincent Price and Bela Lugosi), Victor realizes he can bring Sparky back from the dead. Soon, other students at the local elementary school bring their pets and various animals back from the dead also, to try and win the upcoming science fair. Things don't go quite as planned, when the animals turn into monstrous creatures and chaos ensues.What drives this movie is it's heart. Victor's love towards Sparky is very apparent, and Sparky is such an innocent little thing, that it's hard not to like him. The characterization for Sparky is perfect, having him easily excitable and sweet, but not obnoxious, as dogs can be. This movie should especially hit home for those who've previously or currently have/had a dog. The scene where Sparky is hit by a car is heart breaking, and the ending (which I won't give away) will also stir a lot of emotions in you. Sparky is such a loyal, caring and innocent dog, where anything that happens to him, you immediately begin to empathize. The visual style is what you'd expect from Mr. Burton. Either characters look emaciated with long bony arms and stretched out faces, or they're morbidly obese with fat sprouting from their back. It works well, and sometimes for comedic effect, like that of Weird Girl's cat Mr. Whiskers, which brings laughs to every scene it's in. Burton rides the line on character designs often between unique and slightly grotesque, but the line is never crossed here. These characters are unique, and they inhabit a visually appealing world. To give the characters life, are the voice actors, all of whom are superb. Especially good are Catherine O'Hara and Martin Short who provide three voices, all of them unique to their characters.If there's something wrong with the picture, it might be that Victor and his family are the least interesting characters here. Victor is a fine lead, because he has these bizarre classmates and his dog to support him, but by himself, he would be a fairly flat character. Perhaps this is to make him and his family more of the typical townsfolk type (some alliteration there), while most of the other major characters are strange looking homages to movie monsters, and have a lot more personality in general. But, if Victor was more bubbly and bouncy, he wouldn't be the kind of quiet introvert that he is here, so it's a double edged sword. This is a small complaint really, and it's not something that will bother most people."Frankenweenie" has the ability to draw on the audience's own personal nostalgia for their own furry lost loved one's, but even those that aren't dog people should feel something here. This is a very sweet film, beneath it's monster movie exterior, and at the heart of the picture is a boy who loves his dog and doesn't want to lose him. Any fans of old monster movies should love the references, and any fan of Burton's past work should find some pleasure in the visual look here. Even Burton detractors may find this one hits pretty close to home for them. My rating: *** 1/2 out of ****. 87 mins. PG for some violence and thematic elements.

Frankenstein's Monsters

tt1142977

I recently wrote a commentary on Kevin Smith's JERSEY GIRL, and there I mentioned Tim Burton. The reason was the well-known (at least for fans of Smith) "conflict" between the mentioned two directors; a "conflict" that began with the insinuation that Burton had stolen something of his PLANET OF THE APES version from Smith's work. Anyway, I'm mentioning this just to bring a quote from Smith about this whole stuff: "Great minds think alike, mother*****!" While I was watching FRANKENWEENIE I recalled a very cool story that deals with two other filmmakers. One American and one British: Quentin Tarantino and Edgar Wright. What do they have to do with Burton and his remake of the short film he made for Disney back in '84? Well, you'll find out in the next paragraph but pretty much all deals with that "great minds think alike" quote. The story is part of the awesome commentary track that Wright and Tarantino did for the HOT FUZZ DVD/Blu-Ray. And it took place while they were watching the final battle of that film, between Simon Pegg and Timothy Dalton; that battle takes place in a model village so yes, Pegg and Dalton look like giants fighting in the middle of a town. Then Tarantino unfolds an idea he had for his KILL BILL; he wanted badly to pay homage to yet another type of Asian movies in KILL BILL: the "Big Giant Tokyo Monster Movies". Quentin wanted to have the Bride and Elle Driver "taking a pill to grow 20 feet high" and "have their big-giant-battle-royal amongst the town and destroying buildings". Freakin' cool, right? However Mr. Tarantino couldn't figure out a way to do it "realistically in that universe, not our universe" – he remarks that, on the contrary, Mr. Wright could. However, is never clear whether Wright intended or not his scene as homage to the Japanese monster movies. What's clear is that Tarantino now can be now jealous of Tim Burton too since in the new FRANKENWEENIE Burton did figure out a realistic way (in that universe) to have not a giant human character but actually a freakin' turtle growing to giant size! Since the '84 short Burton was paying homage to Japanese monster cinema; the short actually opens with Sparky the dog as a Godzilla-sized monster destroying a city. Burton's "realistic" way to have that was having his main character Victor Frankenstein (the kid) as the director of a monster movie, which featured his dog (a precursor of Uggie from THE ARTIST if you will). That opening was improved in this remake – now the homage is simply marvelous, with some shots that perfectly recreate the style of those Japanese flicks. Burton remained faithful to his short film – pretty much everything from the short is here, from that opening to the dead frog. Being an animated project this time, Burton had the chance to create a whole lot more emotion with the dog; the main improvement comes in that element since most of the scenes from the short involving Sparky were done with POV shots. I mean, it's understandable as he was working with a real dog and I'm not judging the short but really just pointing out that Burton make the most of the possibilities that animation offer to create emotion. Needless to say, the stop-motion work is priceless and the sets are extremely beautiful and detailed (as I could personally witness at the "Art of Frankenweenie" exhibition). Then, the original short film was all about the idea (the FRANKENSTEIN story done with a boy and his dog) and the people's reaction to it; the film, now that the idea is well-known for everyone, is all about emotion and, of course, the freakin' giant (Gamera-like) turtle! I had a great time with it and it's definitely Burton's best or better said, his only worth watching one (maybe with the single exception of CORPSE BRIDE) since 2003's BIG FISH. PS: THE WAR OF THE GARGANTUAS (aka SANDA VERSUS GAIDA), directed by Ishiro Honda, is the film Quentin mentions in the HOT FUZZ commentary track. "Gargantuas" is the sequel to the film FRANKENSTEIN CONQUERS THE WORLD (a Japanese monster movie with the FRANKENSTEIN story). Yes, it all makes perfect sense! *Watched it on 12 October, 2012

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1142977/reviews-40

ur14207038

title: Frankenstein's Monsters review: I recently wrote a commentary on Kevin Smith's JERSEY GIRL, and there I mentioned Tim Burton. The reason was the well-known (at least for fans of Smith) "conflict" between the mentioned two directors; a "conflict" that began with the insinuation that Burton had stolen something of his PLANET OF THE APES version from Smith's work. Anyway, I'm mentioning this just to bring a quote from Smith about this whole stuff: "Great minds think alike, mother*****!" While I was watching FRANKENWEENIE I recalled a very cool story that deals with two other filmmakers. One American and one British: Quentin Tarantino and Edgar Wright. What do they have to do with Burton and his remake of the short film he made for Disney back in '84? Well, you'll find out in the next paragraph but pretty much all deals with that "great minds think alike" quote. The story is part of the awesome commentary track that Wright and Tarantino did for the HOT FUZZ DVD/Blu-Ray. And it took place while they were watching the final battle of that film, between Simon Pegg and Timothy Dalton; that battle takes place in a model village so yes, Pegg and Dalton look like giants fighting in the middle of a town. Then Tarantino unfolds an idea he had for his KILL BILL; he wanted badly to pay homage to yet another type of Asian movies in KILL BILL: the "Big Giant Tokyo Monster Movies". Quentin wanted to have the Bride and Elle Driver "taking a pill to grow 20 feet high" and "have their big-giant-battle-royal amongst the town and destroying buildings". Freakin' cool, right? However Mr. Tarantino couldn't figure out a way to do it "realistically in that universe, not our universe" – he remarks that, on the contrary, Mr. Wright could. However, is never clear whether Wright intended or not his scene as homage to the Japanese monster movies. What's clear is that Tarantino now can be now jealous of Tim Burton too since in the new FRANKENWEENIE Burton did figure out a realistic way (in that universe) to have not a giant human character but actually a freakin' turtle growing to giant size! Since the '84 short Burton was paying homage to Japanese monster cinema; the short actually opens with Sparky the dog as a Godzilla-sized monster destroying a city. Burton's "realistic" way to have that was having his main character Victor Frankenstein (the kid) as the director of a monster movie, which featured his dog (a precursor of Uggie from THE ARTIST if you will). That opening was improved in this remake – now the homage is simply marvelous, with some shots that perfectly recreate the style of those Japanese flicks. Burton remained faithful to his short film – pretty much everything from the short is here, from that opening to the dead frog. Being an animated project this time, Burton had the chance to create a whole lot more emotion with the dog; the main improvement comes in that element since most of the scenes from the short involving Sparky were done with POV shots. I mean, it's understandable as he was working with a real dog and I'm not judging the short but really just pointing out that Burton make the most of the possibilities that animation offer to create emotion. Needless to say, the stop-motion work is priceless and the sets are extremely beautiful and detailed (as I could personally witness at the "Art of Frankenweenie" exhibition). Then, the original short film was all about the idea (the FRANKENSTEIN story done with a boy and his dog) and the people's reaction to it; the film, now that the idea is well-known for everyone, is all about emotion and, of course, the freakin' giant (Gamera-like) turtle! I had a great time with it and it's definitely Burton's best or better said, his only worth watching one (maybe with the single exception of CORPSE BRIDE) since 2003's BIG FISH. PS: THE WAR OF THE GARGANTUAS (aka SANDA VERSUS GAIDA), directed by Ishiro Honda, is the film Quentin mentions in the HOT FUZZ commentary track. "Gargantuas" is the sequel to the film FRANKENSTEIN CONQUERS THE WORLD (a Japanese monster movie with the FRANKENSTEIN story). Yes, it all makes perfect sense! *Watched it on 12 October, 2012

a nice strange one

tt1142977

I saw Frankenweenie in an open-air cinema, prepared for that purpose in a city square. That fit well with Frankenweenie, since it references several old movies that were presumably watched in open-air theaters.The movie itself is hard to classify. IMDb's description as Animation/Comedy/Family is only halfway there, since the main protagonist is a dog brought back to life by electricity. And apart from the reborn dog, Frankenweenie would have been a true family movie.But this is what is typical for Tim Burton and what puzzles me the most: Where does his fixation on death and the dead come from? There is nothing bad in that since i guess no one is actually harmed. On the other hand, this leaning toward Gothic fashion and subculture is something you grow out of after a certain age...

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1142977/reviews-149

ur15462771

title: a nice strange one review: I saw Frankenweenie in an open-air cinema, prepared for that purpose in a city square. That fit well with Frankenweenie, since it references several old movies that were presumably watched in open-air theaters.The movie itself is hard to classify. IMDb's description as Animation/Comedy/Family is only halfway there, since the main protagonist is a dog brought back to life by electricity. And apart from the reborn dog, Frankenweenie would have been a true family movie.But this is what is typical for Tim Burton and what puzzles me the most: Where does his fixation on death and the dead come from? There is nothing bad in that since i guess no one is actually harmed. On the other hand, this leaning toward Gothic fashion and subculture is something you grow out of after a certain age...

Burton's horror sketchbooks

tt1142977

Burton is a cartoonist. I don't mean this as a putdown. He is at his best in short sketches, and his main talents flow from that: imaginative as a toymaker and has a knack for comedy, both short-term effects, both a matter of tinkering in the small, but he puts his heart to it.I pass on his big 'storybooks' like Big Fish because layered long-term narrative is another thing altogether. In Burton's case, it is something he stumbled over as the only financially viable format to convey his sketches, so he treats narrative as only the canvas instead of as itself the sculpting matter. Some of his other cartoons fail to reach me pure, because they are still big and polished studio-work and that all but defeats the intention. This is just the right size, an appendix of sorts to Ed Wood. It is a sketch, his first ever, this time reworked into a feature. And naked enough (no Depp, no Hollywood excess) to see the wirings and so appreciate what he loves about his work.As you flip through this sketchbook, you will find the following:The film opens with footage of a young Ed Wood's homemovie shot in his backyard—a giant monster movie, the kind that a kid (who we can presume is Burton) growing up in the 1950's can be expected to admire.A teacher who looks like Vincent Price and inspires him to perfect his 'science', in the film it is supposed to be real science, but is actually viewed in the context of 1930's horror and Shelley before, a kind of cinematic magic.This kicks off the Frankenstein story proper with the dog, which includes additional references to both Bride and Son, Mummy and Invisible Man, and the fiery windmill conclusion of the Karloff original. (also reused in Sleepy Hollows)Eventually, this leads to an actual giant monster movie, where different classmates, essentially using the same 'science' of cinematic magic, bring to life different monsters: one is a Godzilla-type creature (kaiju fans will know it is really Gamera), there are Gremlin- type critters, and a cat-bat creature that I couldn't pinpoint.So, there you have it: 1930's Universal horror, 1950's sci-fi, 1980's pop Hollywood, all of it sketched here that influenced the man's career.Typical for Burton: the story goes nowhere, the ending is Disneyfied like the first time, it is fun in short spurts, and he has nicely sketched the world of his childhood, which is my favorite bit here—a clean and modernistic 1950's suburbia as was advertised to housewives of the time, it is amazing some of the textures and light they managed to capture. Stop-motion trumps cg animation in my mind, physical presence carries energy into the eye—this looks so real, it feels like it is taking place down the street from Ed Wood.Overall, I don't know if releasing this confirms the nagging suspicion that Burton is over and done with as a creative voice and is really scrapping for material, but it is nice to watch, and reminds why he was at one time an interesting guy. What will it take for him to bounce back?

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1142977/reviews-77

ur17699578

title: Burton's horror sketchbooks review: Burton is a cartoonist. I don't mean this as a putdown. He is at his best in short sketches, and his main talents flow from that: imaginative as a toymaker and has a knack for comedy, both short-term effects, both a matter of tinkering in the small, but he puts his heart to it.I pass on his big 'storybooks' like Big Fish because layered long-term narrative is another thing altogether. In Burton's case, it is something he stumbled over as the only financially viable format to convey his sketches, so he treats narrative as only the canvas instead of as itself the sculpting matter. Some of his other cartoons fail to reach me pure, because they are still big and polished studio-work and that all but defeats the intention. This is just the right size, an appendix of sorts to Ed Wood. It is a sketch, his first ever, this time reworked into a feature. And naked enough (no Depp, no Hollywood excess) to see the wirings and so appreciate what he loves about his work.As you flip through this sketchbook, you will find the following:The film opens with footage of a young Ed Wood's homemovie shot in his backyard—a giant monster movie, the kind that a kid (who we can presume is Burton) growing up in the 1950's can be expected to admire.A teacher who looks like Vincent Price and inspires him to perfect his 'science', in the film it is supposed to be real science, but is actually viewed in the context of 1930's horror and Shelley before, a kind of cinematic magic.This kicks off the Frankenstein story proper with the dog, which includes additional references to both Bride and Son, Mummy and Invisible Man, and the fiery windmill conclusion of the Karloff original. (also reused in Sleepy Hollows)Eventually, this leads to an actual giant monster movie, where different classmates, essentially using the same 'science' of cinematic magic, bring to life different monsters: one is a Godzilla-type creature (kaiju fans will know it is really Gamera), there are Gremlin- type critters, and a cat-bat creature that I couldn't pinpoint.So, there you have it: 1930's Universal horror, 1950's sci-fi, 1980's pop Hollywood, all of it sketched here that influenced the man's career.Typical for Burton: the story goes nowhere, the ending is Disneyfied like the first time, it is fun in short spurts, and he has nicely sketched the world of his childhood, which is my favorite bit here—a clean and modernistic 1950's suburbia as was advertised to housewives of the time, it is amazing some of the textures and light they managed to capture. Stop-motion trumps cg animation in my mind, physical presence carries energy into the eye—this looks so real, it feels like it is taking place down the street from Ed Wood.Overall, I don't know if releasing this confirms the nagging suspicion that Burton is over and done with as a creative voice and is really scrapping for material, but it is nice to watch, and reminds why he was at one time an interesting guy. What will it take for him to bounce back?

Monstrously cute, fun, and heart-warming.

tt1142977

Honestly, I'm surprised Tim Burton remade this classic. For those of you who don't know, "Frankenweenie" was a short, black-and-white live-action film Burton made back in 1984, which you can find now as a special feature to his other classic "The Nightmare Before Christmas". It, along with this remake, pays homage to the classic monster movies back then like Frankenstein, Dracula, Wolfman, and even Japanese monster flicks. It' s so nice to see that Tim Burton is keeping the tradition of stop-motion alive with all the overused CGI running amok in Hollywood. So, how does this film hold up. VERY WELL! Plot: Young Victor Frankenstein is a reclusive boy with his only friend being his loyal dog Sparky. Sadly, a horrible accident occurs when the poor dog gets hit by a car. While naturally becoming depressed at first, Victor becomes inspired by an eccentric science teacher of his to bring Sparky back to life using lightning, to which he actually succeeds, though he fears what would happen if the ignorant and frightful adults of the town ever see his resurrected pet. But, that's not the least of his problems. When other students at his school find out about Victor's pet secret, they perform similar experiments of their own with monstrous results. It's up to Victor and Sparky to put an end to the madness.Burton's vision lives on as his character designs remain as bizarre and exaggerated as ever, if not even more so than usual. The characters are, while sometimes creepy (in a good way), most of them are highly enjoyable. Interestingly, Burton keeps the film black-and-white to not only honor the original film he made, but to also keep paying tribute to the classic creature features. Voice acting is great and there are a lot of cute, funny moments, many of which involve Sparky the dog. The other creatures are a load of fun too as they terrorize the townsfolk in a delightful manner. What really drives the stake in this one is how the film makes you feel for Victor and Sparky, often to the point where I was really moved and felt myself emotionally invested. Even if you're not a fan of Tim Burton, you'll find this to be just as heart-warming to you as it is to me.What else can I possibly say about this? This is definitely one of Tim Burton's best films. It has heart, comedy, dark atmosphere, great creature scenes, and a thrilling climax. If you're a fan of Burton's work, enjoy the old monster movies, or just want some family fun, then check this action out.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1142977/reviews-124

ur27881178

title: Monstrously cute, fun, and heart-warming. review: Honestly, I'm surprised Tim Burton remade this classic. For those of you who don't know, "Frankenweenie" was a short, black-and-white live-action film Burton made back in 1984, which you can find now as a special feature to his other classic "The Nightmare Before Christmas". It, along with this remake, pays homage to the classic monster movies back then like Frankenstein, Dracula, Wolfman, and even Japanese monster flicks. It' s so nice to see that Tim Burton is keeping the tradition of stop-motion alive with all the overused CGI running amok in Hollywood. So, how does this film hold up. VERY WELL! Plot: Young Victor Frankenstein is a reclusive boy with his only friend being his loyal dog Sparky. Sadly, a horrible accident occurs when the poor dog gets hit by a car. While naturally becoming depressed at first, Victor becomes inspired by an eccentric science teacher of his to bring Sparky back to life using lightning, to which he actually succeeds, though he fears what would happen if the ignorant and frightful adults of the town ever see his resurrected pet. But, that's not the least of his problems. When other students at his school find out about Victor's pet secret, they perform similar experiments of their own with monstrous results. It's up to Victor and Sparky to put an end to the madness.Burton's vision lives on as his character designs remain as bizarre and exaggerated as ever, if not even more so than usual. The characters are, while sometimes creepy (in a good way), most of them are highly enjoyable. Interestingly, Burton keeps the film black-and-white to not only honor the original film he made, but to also keep paying tribute to the classic creature features. Voice acting is great and there are a lot of cute, funny moments, many of which involve Sparky the dog. The other creatures are a load of fun too as they terrorize the townsfolk in a delightful manner. What really drives the stake in this one is how the film makes you feel for Victor and Sparky, often to the point where I was really moved and felt myself emotionally invested. Even if you're not a fan of Tim Burton, you'll find this to be just as heart-warming to you as it is to me.What else can I possibly say about this? This is definitely one of Tim Burton's best films. It has heart, comedy, dark atmosphere, great creature scenes, and a thrilling climax. If you're a fan of Burton's work, enjoy the old monster movies, or just want some family fun, then check this action out.

Tim Burton's great animation-horror is sure to leave kids smiling and crying at the end

tt1142977

I've seen quite a few animation films of the year, preferring 'ParaNorman' up until now. I finally got a chance to see this movie and I'm glad to say that I did not regret watching this. The first 30 minutes I watched (the first 1/3 of the film) was so well done, clearly illustrating the character Victor and his relationship with Sparky. It was so well done that you actually feel for Victor and understand what life for him is like for him without Sparky. There were numerous things I loved about this film1) I loved how everything was black and white, making it really feel like a classic horror 'Frankenstein' touch to it all.2) I loved most of the characters, including the bullies. I found the character Edga surprisingly good, even though it was him who caused all the conflict! 3) I liked the parents. I'm glad that Tim Burton did not portray them as jerky parents, but as kind and caring parents who feel for their son's life. 4) I also like the part, approximately 25 minutes into the movie, when Victor is dragging Sparky's dead body into the house and his parents are watching the 1958 version of Dracula that starred Sir Christopher Lee. I somehow enjoyed that and it shows that Tim Burton truly respects Sir C. Lee.There were so many other things I liked. I particular liked Elsa Van Helsing and I thought Winoya Ryder did a superb job playing her. Boy, Tim Burton does like to use actors/actresses that have been in his other movies! I found the story, not funny, but emotional. It was extremely well executed and one of the biggest positives about the film was its pacing. The first 30 minutes never felt slow or dragged on, but everything was perfectly paced out.The animations were brilliant and creepy! Nothing less than you will ever expect!Superb- must see!

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1142977/reviews-75

ur28221379

title: Tim Burton's great animation-horror is sure to leave kids smiling and crying at the end review: I've seen quite a few animation films of the year, preferring 'ParaNorman' up until now. I finally got a chance to see this movie and I'm glad to say that I did not regret watching this. The first 30 minutes I watched (the first 1/3 of the film) was so well done, clearly illustrating the character Victor and his relationship with Sparky. It was so well done that you actually feel for Victor and understand what life for him is like for him without Sparky. There were numerous things I loved about this film1) I loved how everything was black and white, making it really feel like a classic horror 'Frankenstein' touch to it all.2) I loved most of the characters, including the bullies. I found the character Edga surprisingly good, even though it was him who caused all the conflict! 3) I liked the parents. I'm glad that Tim Burton did not portray them as jerky parents, but as kind and caring parents who feel for their son's life. 4) I also like the part, approximately 25 minutes into the movie, when Victor is dragging Sparky's dead body into the house and his parents are watching the 1958 version of Dracula that starred Sir Christopher Lee. I somehow enjoyed that and it shows that Tim Burton truly respects Sir C. Lee.There were so many other things I liked. I particular liked Elsa Van Helsing and I thought Winoya Ryder did a superb job playing her. Boy, Tim Burton does like to use actors/actresses that have been in his other movies! I found the story, not funny, but emotional. It was extremely well executed and one of the biggest positives about the film was its pacing. The first 30 minutes never felt slow or dragged on, but everything was perfectly paced out.The animations were brilliant and creepy! Nothing less than you will ever expect!Superb- must see!

Marred by its Burtonishness

tt1142977

When young Victor Frankenstein's dog Sparky is killed by a car, Victor is inspired by science teacher Mr Rzykruski to try to reanimate his pet using lightning.There is a history to this Tim Burton animated movie which I haven't gone into: I am considering it solely on its own merits. It is a black and white movie using puppets (and possibly CGI) to tell a story which is a variation on the original movie Frankenstein story, moving it solidly into an Edward Scissorhands location, and cross-pollinate it with a bay and his dog.It is full of the customary Tim Burton visual flair, and I guess that is my main complaint about it, for two reasons. One, the character design is just plain ugly - none of the characters is visually appealing. And, two (and following on from one), the look of the piece overpowers the content: at times when I should have been touched by what was going on, I was thinking, instead, of how ugly the boy and his dog were, or how carefully they had modelled the lightning sequence of the James Whale movie, or how obviously Mr Rzykruski's appearance had been based on Vincent Price. I think I would have enjoyed the film more had it been made in non-Tim Burton mode.And I respect black and white as a stylistic choice, but I didn't like it here.The 3D was good, but not essential.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1142977/reviews-59

ur7813355

title: Marred by its Burtonishness review: When young Victor Frankenstein's dog Sparky is killed by a car, Victor is inspired by science teacher Mr Rzykruski to try to reanimate his pet using lightning.There is a history to this Tim Burton animated movie which I haven't gone into: I am considering it solely on its own merits. It is a black and white movie using puppets (and possibly CGI) to tell a story which is a variation on the original movie Frankenstein story, moving it solidly into an Edward Scissorhands location, and cross-pollinate it with a bay and his dog.It is full of the customary Tim Burton visual flair, and I guess that is my main complaint about it, for two reasons. One, the character design is just plain ugly - none of the characters is visually appealing. And, two (and following on from one), the look of the piece overpowers the content: at times when I should have been touched by what was going on, I was thinking, instead, of how ugly the boy and his dog were, or how carefully they had modelled the lightning sequence of the James Whale movie, or how obviously Mr Rzykruski's appearance had been based on Vincent Price. I think I would have enjoyed the film more had it been made in non-Tim Burton mode.And I respect black and white as a stylistic choice, but I didn't like it here.The 3D was good, but not essential.

Doggone Ads

tt1142977

There are two things I despise when it comes to advertisements: overkill and the ads themselves.Yes, I know we "need" commercials to fund the "free" stuff we see/use, but they really are a chore to get through and when there are too many, I simply make mental notes to never, ever buy their product.The other marketing ads I hate, and mentioned, is excess. My poppa always said, if the ad's too big, or if they over-advertise something, they have little faith in their product. Okay, I was paraphrasing there, but I 100% agree with him. Movies, these days, like the Star Wars, Harry Potter and even the Twilight series, don't even have to promote so much because they're brand names. Smaller films, or products, should advertise some, but let word-of-mouth take over.Whoa, I digress…In Frankenweenie's case, every single movie – and I AM NOT Exaggerating, from the beginning of 2012 until the film's release in October, I saw a preview for this movie. Sometimes, even one of those stupid, Pre-Show-Countdown segments before the previews in the theatre, had behind-the-scenes clips of Frankenweenie, in addition to the inevitable preview following. It was so much overkill, so much advertising, that I vowed never to see this. Besides, it looked like an animated, though Black & White, remake of the 100x told story of Frankenstein.Seriously, it was too much. With each over-used trailer, I wondered how bad this movie was that they had to show it to me a minimum of 4 times, per month, for 9 months. It's absolutely no wonder that it made such an incredibly low sting at the box office. (To date: $35 million domestically and overall, $66 million, worldwide. To most animated films, these days, that's about 10% or less of the normal gross.)Now, that all said…I did break this vow – but then, I saw it at home, once you get through the first half's retread of the classic story the promos laid out, the movie actually gets better. I did find myself enjoying the "retelling/re-imagination" story Tim Burton presented. Although, I still have yet to figure out why it HAD to be in black and white. Sure, it's because, again, it's an old story, but I don't think it needed to be without color.Young Victor brings his dog back to life after a tragic death scene and attempts to hide his secret and yapping dog. When other kids learn of this undead dog, they want in…for the school science fair. Chaos ensues and it's a fun climax of corrections.Overall, the movie isn't up to par, even on Director/Writer Tim Burton's standards, or other "fun" animated tales. But, if you can make it through the first half – and you should, then you might be pleased with how Burton could turn his all-but boring (re-)introduction around.Side Note: A lot of people have criticized this as not being "safe" for young kids, i.e. too dark. Maybe, I'm desensitized, but I will admit, it's not for too-young children for being somewhat violent.Side Note II: Another example of way in excess, overkill advertising is this stupid horsey show I see billboards for up and down my work commute every morning and evening. There is a grand total of 7-8 billboards advertising some horse boutique ON EACH SIDE OF THE ROAD. I will not name it, because that's just fueling the fire I want extinguished. I mean, come on, I've heard this show is actually supposed to be good, but why do they have to over-advertise it, sometimes, every few feet with the same billboard advertisement? Even if it's good, I will never, ever, EVER see it because they've shoved it down my throat every day, up to 16 times. No need!

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1142977/reviews-101

ur17825945

title: Doggone Ads review: There are two things I despise when it comes to advertisements: overkill and the ads themselves.Yes, I know we "need" commercials to fund the "free" stuff we see/use, but they really are a chore to get through and when there are too many, I simply make mental notes to never, ever buy their product.The other marketing ads I hate, and mentioned, is excess. My poppa always said, if the ad's too big, or if they over-advertise something, they have little faith in their product. Okay, I was paraphrasing there, but I 100% agree with him. Movies, these days, like the Star Wars, Harry Potter and even the Twilight series, don't even have to promote so much because they're brand names. Smaller films, or products, should advertise some, but let word-of-mouth take over.Whoa, I digress…In Frankenweenie's case, every single movie – and I AM NOT Exaggerating, from the beginning of 2012 until the film's release in October, I saw a preview for this movie. Sometimes, even one of those stupid, Pre-Show-Countdown segments before the previews in the theatre, had behind-the-scenes clips of Frankenweenie, in addition to the inevitable preview following. It was so much overkill, so much advertising, that I vowed never to see this. Besides, it looked like an animated, though Black & White, remake of the 100x told story of Frankenstein.Seriously, it was too much. With each over-used trailer, I wondered how bad this movie was that they had to show it to me a minimum of 4 times, per month, for 9 months. It's absolutely no wonder that it made such an incredibly low sting at the box office. (To date: $35 million domestically and overall, $66 million, worldwide. To most animated films, these days, that's about 10% or less of the normal gross.)Now, that all said…I did break this vow – but then, I saw it at home, once you get through the first half's retread of the classic story the promos laid out, the movie actually gets better. I did find myself enjoying the "retelling/re-imagination" story Tim Burton presented. Although, I still have yet to figure out why it HAD to be in black and white. Sure, it's because, again, it's an old story, but I don't think it needed to be without color.Young Victor brings his dog back to life after a tragic death scene and attempts to hide his secret and yapping dog. When other kids learn of this undead dog, they want in…for the school science fair. Chaos ensues and it's a fun climax of corrections.Overall, the movie isn't up to par, even on Director/Writer Tim Burton's standards, or other "fun" animated tales. But, if you can make it through the first half – and you should, then you might be pleased with how Burton could turn his all-but boring (re-)introduction around.Side Note: A lot of people have criticized this as not being "safe" for young kids, i.e. too dark. Maybe, I'm desensitized, but I will admit, it's not for too-young children for being somewhat violent.Side Note II: Another example of way in excess, overkill advertising is this stupid horsey show I see billboards for up and down my work commute every morning and evening. There is a grand total of 7-8 billboards advertising some horse boutique ON EACH SIDE OF THE ROAD. I will not name it, because that's just fueling the fire I want extinguished. I mean, come on, I've heard this show is actually supposed to be good, but why do they have to over-advertise it, sometimes, every few feet with the same billboard advertisement? Even if it's good, I will never, ever, EVER see it because they've shoved it down my throat every day, up to 16 times. No need!

Not for Young Kids At All

tt1142977

I am really NOT a fan of Tim Burton's dark and macabre stop-animated films. I have to admit I did not like his classics like "Corpse Bride" or "A Nightmare Before Christmas." Now, I'm afraid I would have to add "Frankenweenie" to that list."Frankenweenie" is about a boy Victor who just lost his beloved dog Sparky to a heart-breaking car accident. Inspired by his eccentric science teacher, Victor devised a machine to bring dear Sparky back to life. His friends try to copy his experiment set-up to revive other dead creatures with various disastrous effects, wreaking havoc on their town. The film is essentially a homage of sorts for the Frankenstein movies, with side tributes to other monsters seen in similar classic campy horror flicks of old.First off, I believe this movie is not really for kids below 10 years old at all. The subject matter is way too mature, darkly intense and disturbing for their young sensibilities. The imagery of the dead coming back to life can be the subject of nightmares for many kids, especially those events that transpire in the second half of this film. Technically, the stop animation here is a throwback to old style unsophisticated animation, in contrast with the very polished looking stop animation employed in a similar kiddie horror film released also last year, "ParaNorman." And that one had the more family-friendly horror story to boot. I would not have watched "Frankenweenie" if it were not nominated for the Oscar for Best Animated Feature this year. Now that I have seen all five nominees, I would probably give the award to either "ParaNorman" or "Wreck-It Ralph."

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1142977/reviews-102

ur4294858

title: Not for Young Kids At All review: I am really NOT a fan of Tim Burton's dark and macabre stop-animated films. I have to admit I did not like his classics like "Corpse Bride" or "A Nightmare Before Christmas." Now, I'm afraid I would have to add "Frankenweenie" to that list."Frankenweenie" is about a boy Victor who just lost his beloved dog Sparky to a heart-breaking car accident. Inspired by his eccentric science teacher, Victor devised a machine to bring dear Sparky back to life. His friends try to copy his experiment set-up to revive other dead creatures with various disastrous effects, wreaking havoc on their town. The film is essentially a homage of sorts for the Frankenstein movies, with side tributes to other monsters seen in similar classic campy horror flicks of old.First off, I believe this movie is not really for kids below 10 years old at all. The subject matter is way too mature, darkly intense and disturbing for their young sensibilities. The imagery of the dead coming back to life can be the subject of nightmares for many kids, especially those events that transpire in the second half of this film. Technically, the stop animation here is a throwback to old style unsophisticated animation, in contrast with the very polished looking stop animation employed in a similar kiddie horror film released also last year, "ParaNorman." And that one had the more family-friendly horror story to boot. I would not have watched "Frankenweenie" if it were not nominated for the Oscar for Best Animated Feature this year. Now that I have seen all five nominees, I would probably give the award to either "ParaNorman" or "Wreck-It Ralph."

An "Electrifying" Tale Of A Boy and His Dog.... Arf! Arf! Arf!

tt1142977

With its cute, yet, decidedly creepy-looking characters, and all, I thought that Frankenweenie was a pretty darn good "Mad Scientist" story that's sure to be a hit with audiences of all ages.Containing some very nice touches of warped humor, grotesque horror and several arousing moments of pathos (cleverly injected into its weird, but oddly wonderful, little tale), Frankenweenie has proved, once again, that director Tim Burton still has the master's touch when it comes to making stop-motion, animated films that seem to emerge from the very depths of the dark-side.If nothing else, Frankenweenie certainly turned out to be a lovingly-charged homage to a variety of classic horror, monster, and Sci-Fi pictures from those glorious days of yesteryear.All-in-all, Frankenweenie certainly had its share of flaws, but, just the same, I certainly hadn't expected to enjoy this film as much as I did.Appropriately filmed in b&w, thank goodness that it didn't contain any musical numbers.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1142977/reviews-131

ur27361979

title: An "Electrifying" Tale Of A Boy and His Dog.... Arf! Arf! Arf! review: With its cute, yet, decidedly creepy-looking characters, and all, I thought that Frankenweenie was a pretty darn good "Mad Scientist" story that's sure to be a hit with audiences of all ages.Containing some very nice touches of warped humor, grotesque horror and several arousing moments of pathos (cleverly injected into its weird, but oddly wonderful, little tale), Frankenweenie has proved, once again, that director Tim Burton still has the master's touch when it comes to making stop-motion, animated films that seem to emerge from the very depths of the dark-side.If nothing else, Frankenweenie certainly turned out to be a lovingly-charged homage to a variety of classic horror, monster, and Sci-Fi pictures from those glorious days of yesteryear.All-in-all, Frankenweenie certainly had its share of flaws, but, just the same, I certainly hadn't expected to enjoy this film as much as I did.Appropriately filmed in b&w, thank goodness that it didn't contain any musical numbers.

A family-friendly entry-level feature into the world of Tim Burton and an evocative experience for viewers of all ages

tt1142977

The latest animated feature from auteur Tim Burton, the black and white "Frankenweenie" is, on its surface, a classic "boy and his dog" story. A tale of a tail, as it were. Sure, it's been done before -- many times. But eye-popping state of the art stop motion animation, combined with a loving homage to the great movie monsters of the past century, makes this film a unique joy to watch. Add into the mix a message about the importance of science education, a pitch in favor of under-appreciated teachers, and a healthy dose of schmaltz.The story and characters were first developed for a 1984 short, directed by Burton and scripted by Leonard Ripps. This full-length version was co-written by John August and Burton, who directs and produces."Frankenweenie" opens with a "film within a film" as the Frankensteins watch appropriately cheesy home movies of son Victor (the voice of Charlie Tahan) and their devoted dog Sparky. They're viewing Super 8MM film -- the picture is set, roughly, in early 60s suburbia although deliberate anachronisms abound. A tragedy befalls the family and it's up to the boy to use his love of science to make things right.The voice cast showcases talented newcomers and familiar icons. Charlie Tahan, most recently Zac Efron's little brother Sam in the tearjerker "Charlie St. Cloud," turns in an understated and heart-tugging performance as young Victor. Landau's Rzykruski is the audience-pleaser who brings down the house again and again. As the naif Elsa Van Helsing, Winona Ryder is the perfect schoolboy crush with her sweet innocence. Martin Short and Catherine O'Hara excel at several roles, including Victor's well-meaning but (of course) bumbling parents. In a worthy homage to Frankenstein's hunchbacked assistant, Atticus Shaffer (Brick of ABC's "The Middle") steals the show as Victor's classmate Edgar E. Gore.As in many animated features, the characters were modeled after the actors voicing them. While in the recording booth, the performers mimed the action of the puppets, not only to give themselves some context, but also because it enhances the emotional believability of what ends up on screen.If you haven't recently experienced the filmmaking method of puppetry with stop motion animation you'll be amazed at what can be done. Burton's attention to detail is legendary, and fully on display here.Viewers may be familiar with the term "magic hour," typically the first and last hour of sunlight when just the right visual balance is achieved. Animation affords filmmakers certain luxuries. Magic hour can happen 24 hours a day. The interplay of light and shadow in "Frankenweenie" is wondrous.Peter Sorg's cinematography features dramatic crane and dolly shots with a liberal amount of slow pans that effectively mimic a live action production. Co-editors Chris Lebenzon and Mark Solomon get special credit for seamlessly integrating poignant flashbacks and witty dream sequences at the most unexpected moments.Audiences will immediately be aware of composer Danny Elfman's magnificent score. It flows superbly from opening to closing credits and serves as a critical element in advancing the narrative.But the real fun is in spotting the homages...from early-mid 20th Century classics like "Frankenstein" (and his bride), "Dracula" (Martin Landau's depiction of science teacher Mr. Rzykruski is dedicated to Boris Karloff), and "Godzilla," to more recent faves "Gremlins" and...hmm...is that "The Mummy?" "ET?" Well, that's the point. Some see monsters that even Burton swears weren't intended. (I spotted more on my second viewing, truth be told.) Burton's latest foray into animation is truly a delight. It's a highly accessible entry-level feature into the world of a director whose previous work may have been a bit too quirky and mature for families with small children. "Frankenweenie" is an evocative experience for viewers of all ages.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1142977/reviews-21

ur7122911

title: A family-friendly entry-level feature into the world of Tim Burton and an evocative experience for viewers of all ages review: The latest animated feature from auteur Tim Burton, the black and white "Frankenweenie" is, on its surface, a classic "boy and his dog" story. A tale of a tail, as it were. Sure, it's been done before -- many times. But eye-popping state of the art stop motion animation, combined with a loving homage to the great movie monsters of the past century, makes this film a unique joy to watch. Add into the mix a message about the importance of science education, a pitch in favor of under-appreciated teachers, and a healthy dose of schmaltz.The story and characters were first developed for a 1984 short, directed by Burton and scripted by Leonard Ripps. This full-length version was co-written by John August and Burton, who directs and produces."Frankenweenie" opens with a "film within a film" as the Frankensteins watch appropriately cheesy home movies of son Victor (the voice of Charlie Tahan) and their devoted dog Sparky. They're viewing Super 8MM film -- the picture is set, roughly, in early 60s suburbia although deliberate anachronisms abound. A tragedy befalls the family and it's up to the boy to use his love of science to make things right.The voice cast showcases talented newcomers and familiar icons. Charlie Tahan, most recently Zac Efron's little brother Sam in the tearjerker "Charlie St. Cloud," turns in an understated and heart-tugging performance as young Victor. Landau's Rzykruski is the audience-pleaser who brings down the house again and again. As the naif Elsa Van Helsing, Winona Ryder is the perfect schoolboy crush with her sweet innocence. Martin Short and Catherine O'Hara excel at several roles, including Victor's well-meaning but (of course) bumbling parents. In a worthy homage to Frankenstein's hunchbacked assistant, Atticus Shaffer (Brick of ABC's "The Middle") steals the show as Victor's classmate Edgar E. Gore.As in many animated features, the characters were modeled after the actors voicing them. While in the recording booth, the performers mimed the action of the puppets, not only to give themselves some context, but also because it enhances the emotional believability of what ends up on screen.If you haven't recently experienced the filmmaking method of puppetry with stop motion animation you'll be amazed at what can be done. Burton's attention to detail is legendary, and fully on display here.Viewers may be familiar with the term "magic hour," typically the first and last hour of sunlight when just the right visual balance is achieved. Animation affords filmmakers certain luxuries. Magic hour can happen 24 hours a day. The interplay of light and shadow in "Frankenweenie" is wondrous.Peter Sorg's cinematography features dramatic crane and dolly shots with a liberal amount of slow pans that effectively mimic a live action production. Co-editors Chris Lebenzon and Mark Solomon get special credit for seamlessly integrating poignant flashbacks and witty dream sequences at the most unexpected moments.Audiences will immediately be aware of composer Danny Elfman's magnificent score. It flows superbly from opening to closing credits and serves as a critical element in advancing the narrative.But the real fun is in spotting the homages...from early-mid 20th Century classics like "Frankenstein" (and his bride), "Dracula" (Martin Landau's depiction of science teacher Mr. Rzykruski is dedicated to Boris Karloff), and "Godzilla," to more recent faves "Gremlins" and...hmm...is that "The Mummy?" "ET?" Well, that's the point. Some see monsters that even Burton swears weren't intended. (I spotted more on my second viewing, truth be told.) Burton's latest foray into animation is truly a delight. It's a highly accessible entry-level feature into the world of a director whose previous work may have been a bit too quirky and mature for families with small children. "Frankenweenie" is an evocative experience for viewers of all ages.

Another dark entry into animation by the master of dark animation

tt1142977

Another reviewer said it perfectly. Its good but not great and that is the simplicity of it all. Sometimes animation can blow you away and yet I found 2012 to be the year of "okay" animation. This is the second type of animated film I watched that was extremely dark and more for adults than kids or at least older kids. In fact, I was surprised at just how identical to content and idea this was to Paranorman. The big difference for Frankenweenie is that it was helmed by the master of weird pseudo-horror Tim Burton. If you've seen his other animated entries then you'll know exactly what you're in for. The characters are good, in particular Victor and his dog, Sparky. Yes, the dog had a ton of personality and really captivates which bodes well considering he is the heart and soul of the movie. It is a fun take on the whole Frankenstein story but the entire idea of a loner child whose beloved pet is killed, and then brings him back to life is a little dark for the youngsters I think. But for older kids and adults, its fun and simple and doesn't try too hard which sort of leaves it in the "okay" category. The supporting characters (something Paranorman really excelled at) don't jump out at you. They don't have enough personality despite a really terrific cast.Charlie Tahan leads the voices well as young Victor. He has a ton of emotion in his voice and really makes you believe in his character. He gives the best performance of the entire vocal cast (impressive given the experts in this cast who get higher billing than he does.) The rest of the cast is made up of some incredible comedians and actors including the amazing Martin Short, Catherine O'Hara, Martin Landau, and Winona Ryder. I just really think they underused someone like Martin Short who can be so funny and versatile with his voices. You barely notice him and as Victor's father he is downright bland.When you combine talent like Burton with legends like Short and O'Hara I think you just expect more. The film is cute at times and I think even for a Burton film the dark angle will really take you aback but its still a decent movie to watch. The problem is nowadays the bar for animation is set so high by Pixar and like-minded studios that animation has to consistently be better than okay. I said the same thing for Brave which was a Pixar film but far from their previous outstanding classics. Frankenweenie is worth seeing but it won't blow you away and be cautious about the really young kids watching it because I'm afraid it will scare them and open a can of worms for parents everywhere when it comes to pets and death. 7/10

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1142977/reviews-89

ur1697212

title: Another dark entry into animation by the master of dark animation review: Another reviewer said it perfectly. Its good but not great and that is the simplicity of it all. Sometimes animation can blow you away and yet I found 2012 to be the year of "okay" animation. This is the second type of animated film I watched that was extremely dark and more for adults than kids or at least older kids. In fact, I was surprised at just how identical to content and idea this was to Paranorman. The big difference for Frankenweenie is that it was helmed by the master of weird pseudo-horror Tim Burton. If you've seen his other animated entries then you'll know exactly what you're in for. The characters are good, in particular Victor and his dog, Sparky. Yes, the dog had a ton of personality and really captivates which bodes well considering he is the heart and soul of the movie. It is a fun take on the whole Frankenstein story but the entire idea of a loner child whose beloved pet is killed, and then brings him back to life is a little dark for the youngsters I think. But for older kids and adults, its fun and simple and doesn't try too hard which sort of leaves it in the "okay" category. The supporting characters (something Paranorman really excelled at) don't jump out at you. They don't have enough personality despite a really terrific cast.Charlie Tahan leads the voices well as young Victor. He has a ton of emotion in his voice and really makes you believe in his character. He gives the best performance of the entire vocal cast (impressive given the experts in this cast who get higher billing than he does.) The rest of the cast is made up of some incredible comedians and actors including the amazing Martin Short, Catherine O'Hara, Martin Landau, and Winona Ryder. I just really think they underused someone like Martin Short who can be so funny and versatile with his voices. You barely notice him and as Victor's father he is downright bland.When you combine talent like Burton with legends like Short and O'Hara I think you just expect more. The film is cute at times and I think even for a Burton film the dark angle will really take you aback but its still a decent movie to watch. The problem is nowadays the bar for animation is set so high by Pixar and like-minded studios that animation has to consistently be better than okay. I said the same thing for Brave which was a Pixar film but far from their previous outstanding classics. Frankenweenie is worth seeing but it won't blow you away and be cautious about the really young kids watching it because I'm afraid it will scare them and open a can of worms for parents everywhere when it comes to pets and death. 7/10

Tim Burton At His Best!

tt1142977

2012 is the year of animated horror films and this film, Frankenweenie might just be the best of the bunch. Tim Burton is at his best and is most effective here and this film gives off Corpse Bride and Edward Scissorhands vibes and that's a good thing. Filmed in stop-motion animation, this is a story that is creepy and borderline scary, but also funny and sometimes emotional.Burton's film is a story that digs deep. It's about a boy and his dog but there are some underlying themes prevalent such as friendship and tight, life-long bonds. Victor loses his dog, Sparky to an unfortunate accident, so Victor decides to reanimate his dog's corpse and things may not be the same afterwards.This film doesn't have many recognizable names here, but there are several Burton regulars here such as Catherine O'Hara, Martin Short, Martin Landau, and Winona Ryder. They all do a good job here.Overall, Frankenweenie is an excellent film and a good spoof of horror classics. I like the use of black and white because it adds to the film and almost make it seem fifty years old. This is a creepy but sometimes funny film. A great animated film for adults, but perhaps a bit too scary for kids. I rate this film 9/10.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1142977/reviews-152

ur17646017

title: Tim Burton At His Best! review: 2012 is the year of animated horror films and this film, Frankenweenie might just be the best of the bunch. Tim Burton is at his best and is most effective here and this film gives off Corpse Bride and Edward Scissorhands vibes and that's a good thing. Filmed in stop-motion animation, this is a story that is creepy and borderline scary, but also funny and sometimes emotional.Burton's film is a story that digs deep. It's about a boy and his dog but there are some underlying themes prevalent such as friendship and tight, life-long bonds. Victor loses his dog, Sparky to an unfortunate accident, so Victor decides to reanimate his dog's corpse and things may not be the same afterwards.This film doesn't have many recognizable names here, but there are several Burton regulars here such as Catherine O'Hara, Martin Short, Martin Landau, and Winona Ryder. They all do a good job here.Overall, Frankenweenie is an excellent film and a good spoof of horror classics. I like the use of black and white because it adds to the film and almost make it seem fifty years old. This is a creepy but sometimes funny film. A great animated film for adults, but perhaps a bit too scary for kids. I rate this film 9/10.

Stylish But Padded, This is an Homage That's Lost its Way

tt1142977

Tim Burton goes back to the well in this remake of his quirky, ill-fated 1984 short film. Although its visual approach is quite different, trading kitschy live action for super-stylized stop motion, the first two acts are virtually unchanged. And while that dedication to the core concept surely deserves some praise, it also feels a bit thin for a ninety-minute feature. When it's not tossing out pocketfuls of sugary homage or good-natured parody, the plot seems startlingly content to just hang around and gaze back at the audience, right up until the climax arrives to slam on the gas and give us all a bad case of whiplash. A star-studded cast of underachieving voice actors doesn't help matters, either - Winona Ryder is particularly dry and soulless as the quiet, mumbling girl next door, and we never see quite enough of Catherine O'Hara or Martin Short. The animation work is top-notch, though, serving as a nice reminder that not everything needs to be computer generated to succeed in modern Hollywood.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1142977/reviews-126

ur26266323

title: Stylish But Padded, This is an Homage That's Lost its Way review: Tim Burton goes back to the well in this remake of his quirky, ill-fated 1984 short film. Although its visual approach is quite different, trading kitschy live action for super-stylized stop motion, the first two acts are virtually unchanged. And while that dedication to the core concept surely deserves some praise, it also feels a bit thin for a ninety-minute feature. When it's not tossing out pocketfuls of sugary homage or good-natured parody, the plot seems startlingly content to just hang around and gaze back at the audience, right up until the climax arrives to slam on the gas and give us all a bad case of whiplash. A star-studded cast of underachieving voice actors doesn't help matters, either - Winona Ryder is particularly dry and soulless as the quiet, mumbling girl next door, and we never see quite enough of Catherine O'Hara or Martin Short. The animation work is top-notch, though, serving as a nice reminder that not everything needs to be computer generated to succeed in modern Hollywood.

Tim Burton's best since "Big Fish"

tt1142977

Personally, I really like Tim Burton; I think he's a great filmmaker; he has made some great movies (Edward Scissorhands and Big Fish) and he also has done some not-so-great movies (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Alice in Wonderland and his most recent, Dark Shadows).I haven't seen the original short film back in 1984; so, when I saw the first trailer for Frankenweenie back in March, I was really excited for Burton to bring back the Gothic tone that made his other movies great achievements. Not only that, however, this movie is also in black and white, which is rather unusual, but different than other animated movies. Sometimes, different can be good. That's what I sort of like in some movies.I went into Frankenweenie with high expectations, and came out satisfied. I think Frankenweenie is not only one of the best animated films of the year, but it's Tim Burton's best film since Big Fish.STORY: Frankenweenie tells the story of Victor Frankenstein (voiced by Charlie Tahan), a boy who has a passion for filmmaking and science, has lost his beloved dog, Sparky. One day, at school, he learns about electricity, and he comes up with a bright idea to make a science experiment to bring Sparky back to life. When Sparky comes back to life, people are so surprised about this experiment, and all this causes mayhem around the town.MY THOUGHTS: The voice casting in this is great. Winona Ryder, Catherine O'Hara, Martin Short, and Charlie Tahan do great jobs. But, I think Martin Landau stole the show as the science teacher; I think I can describe him as the "Vincent Price of science teachers." The animation in this is fantastic; not only the movie looked gorgeous in black and white; it set the Gothic tone extremely well. I just love how strange the movie looked, and I think Tim Burton did a fantastic job with this movie. The story to this is well-written. It had really good themes involving love, loss and science; the climax is very entertaining and exciting.IN CONCLUSION: Frankenweenie is an enjoyable animated film, and Tim Burton's best since Big Fish.8/10

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1142977/reviews-9

ur32288254

title: Tim Burton's best since "Big Fish" review: Personally, I really like Tim Burton; I think he's a great filmmaker; he has made some great movies (Edward Scissorhands and Big Fish) and he also has done some not-so-great movies (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Alice in Wonderland and his most recent, Dark Shadows).I haven't seen the original short film back in 1984; so, when I saw the first trailer for Frankenweenie back in March, I was really excited for Burton to bring back the Gothic tone that made his other movies great achievements. Not only that, however, this movie is also in black and white, which is rather unusual, but different than other animated movies. Sometimes, different can be good. That's what I sort of like in some movies.I went into Frankenweenie with high expectations, and came out satisfied. I think Frankenweenie is not only one of the best animated films of the year, but it's Tim Burton's best film since Big Fish.STORY: Frankenweenie tells the story of Victor Frankenstein (voiced by Charlie Tahan), a boy who has a passion for filmmaking and science, has lost his beloved dog, Sparky. One day, at school, he learns about electricity, and he comes up with a bright idea to make a science experiment to bring Sparky back to life. When Sparky comes back to life, people are so surprised about this experiment, and all this causes mayhem around the town.MY THOUGHTS: The voice casting in this is great. Winona Ryder, Catherine O'Hara, Martin Short, and Charlie Tahan do great jobs. But, I think Martin Landau stole the show as the science teacher; I think I can describe him as the "Vincent Price of science teachers." The animation in this is fantastic; not only the movie looked gorgeous in black and white; it set the Gothic tone extremely well. I just love how strange the movie looked, and I think Tim Burton did a fantastic job with this movie. The story to this is well-written. It had really good themes involving love, loss and science; the climax is very entertaining and exciting.IN CONCLUSION: Frankenweenie is an enjoyable animated film, and Tim Burton's best since Big Fish.8/10

It's decent but nothing all that spectacular or groundbreaking

tt1142977

This movie has Tim Burton style written all over it and I guess that is what drives this movie. Without him trying to be overly self-indulgent or anything like that. "ParaNorman" which is another stop-motion movie that came out on the same year as this one with the Halloween style going for it as well. And both have protagonist and premise that are slightly similar to each other. Both has to do with a boy that doesn't fit well with others and is different, one can talk with the dead while the other is a science wiz. And they both has weird characters following him around and they both need to stop a huge disaster from harming the town. In a suburban style neighborhood. Although the editing in this is better I think I liked "ParaNorman" slightly better. Despite it relying on sexual jokes for humor adults can catch onto. Which this one doesn't have. The thing is even if this movie is visually entertaining to some degree with it's old school monster flick style in stop-motion and all. It just lack development and doesn't have that much depth going for it so the climax and everything else seems a bit too quick. And before the climax this movie seems to move along slowly without much innovative development although the movie is only about an hour and a half. Overall this is a decent Tim Burton style stop-motion movie that is worth a watch. Nothing all that groundbreaking or spectacular like "The Nightmare Before Christmas".7.4/10

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1142977/reviews-78

ur22171966

title: It's decent but nothing all that spectacular or groundbreaking review: This movie has Tim Burton style written all over it and I guess that is what drives this movie. Without him trying to be overly self-indulgent or anything like that. "ParaNorman" which is another stop-motion movie that came out on the same year as this one with the Halloween style going for it as well. And both have protagonist and premise that are slightly similar to each other. Both has to do with a boy that doesn't fit well with others and is different, one can talk with the dead while the other is a science wiz. And they both has weird characters following him around and they both need to stop a huge disaster from harming the town. In a suburban style neighborhood. Although the editing in this is better I think I liked "ParaNorman" slightly better. Despite it relying on sexual jokes for humor adults can catch onto. Which this one doesn't have. The thing is even if this movie is visually entertaining to some degree with it's old school monster flick style in stop-motion and all. It just lack development and doesn't have that much depth going for it so the climax and everything else seems a bit too quick. And before the climax this movie seems to move along slowly without much innovative development although the movie is only about an hour and a half. Overall this is a decent Tim Burton style stop-motion movie that is worth a watch. Nothing all that groundbreaking or spectacular like "The Nightmare Before Christmas".7.4/10

Funny, horrible and sentimental

tt1142977

This animation movie combines these 3 features in an adequate proportion. A young boy who loves making amateur films in which his beloved dog Sparky is the main character sees it killed by a car on the road. He plunges into a deep sorrow for this loss and becomes obsessed with the idea of resuscitating Sparky. He learns at school that electricity can put life back into a dead animal's muscles and uses a thunder lightning to put successfully Sparky back to life after a few complicated actions. But the problem is that some of his fellow schoolmates take possession of this secret of him and adapt it to their dead pets which begets a big confusion in town and that is where a bit of horror and drama comes in without making the movie lose its funny and sentimental nature. This black and white version is properly adequate to the general atmosphere of the movie and the fact that the human characters are physically depicted in grotesque and even ugly figures very far from the usual beautiful characters we use to see in this kind of movies makes this animation movie very original in its kind not troubling us at all because faces and bodies are symbolically very meaningful after all. An agreeable movie to be seen.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1142977/reviews-129

ur1046460

title: Funny, horrible and sentimental review: This animation movie combines these 3 features in an adequate proportion. A young boy who loves making amateur films in which his beloved dog Sparky is the main character sees it killed by a car on the road. He plunges into a deep sorrow for this loss and becomes obsessed with the idea of resuscitating Sparky. He learns at school that electricity can put life back into a dead animal's muscles and uses a thunder lightning to put successfully Sparky back to life after a few complicated actions. But the problem is that some of his fellow schoolmates take possession of this secret of him and adapt it to their dead pets which begets a big confusion in town and that is where a bit of horror and drama comes in without making the movie lose its funny and sentimental nature. This black and white version is properly adequate to the general atmosphere of the movie and the fact that the human characters are physically depicted in grotesque and even ugly figures very far from the usual beautiful characters we use to see in this kind of movies makes this animation movie very original in its kind not troubling us at all because faces and bodies are symbolically very meaningful after all. An agreeable movie to be seen.

Burton's sweet horror film valentine is spooky fun for the whole family

tt1142977

FRANKENWEENIE (2012) *** (VOICES OF: Charlie Tahan, Catherine O'Hara, Martin Short, Martin Landau, Atticus Shaffer, Robert Capron, Conchata Ferrell, James Hiroyuki Liao, Tom Kenny) Tim Burton remakes his live-action short into an animated feature valentine to his beloved Universal monsters with young Victor Frankenstein (Tahan) resurrecting his recently deceased pet pooch Sparky and causing a ruckus in the midst of his middle-class neighborhood. Fantastically beautiful black and white cinematography by Peter Sorg and a lively score by long-time collaborator Danny Elfman keeps things in the spirit of the mood of the genre with equally keen stop-motion-animation ala Rankin-Bass. Spooky fun for the entire family.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1142977/reviews-38

ur0937743

title: Burton's sweet horror film valentine is spooky fun for the whole family review: FRANKENWEENIE (2012) *** (VOICES OF: Charlie Tahan, Catherine O'Hara, Martin Short, Martin Landau, Atticus Shaffer, Robert Capron, Conchata Ferrell, James Hiroyuki Liao, Tom Kenny) Tim Burton remakes his live-action short into an animated feature valentine to his beloved Universal monsters with young Victor Frankenstein (Tahan) resurrecting his recently deceased pet pooch Sparky and causing a ruckus in the midst of his middle-class neighborhood. Fantastically beautiful black and white cinematography by Peter Sorg and a lively score by long-time collaborator Danny Elfman keeps things in the spirit of the mood of the genre with equally keen stop-motion-animation ala Rankin-Bass. Spooky fun for the entire family.

A Little Of This, A Little Of That....And A LOT of Fun!

tt1142977

Frankenweenie was a pleasant surprise: a very entertaining film that was fun for a number of reasons. The story featured drama, comedy, suspense, action and even a little romance.....it had everything. Plus, it had a terrific black-and-white palette. The stop-motion animated movie looks gorgeous.Anyone who is familiar with the original Frankenstein film and Bride of Frankenstein had to get laughs out of the references to those 1930s classics. I know I did, laughing out loud several times. There also were touches in here of other pretty famous movies such as Godzilla, Gremlins, Gremlins 2, The Mummy and probably a couple of others that don't immediately come to mind.All of that is involved in this story about a young "Victor Frankenstein," whose beloved dog "Sparky" is killed and then brought back to life by the young kid scientist (who went on to bigger things, as you know.) In this story, it's fairly mild until a bunch of weird schoolmates want to cash in on Victor's secret for re-animation. Then it gets tense/dark......probably a little too much for young viewers, so parents beware. However, for teens and up - particularly adult film buffs - this is a fun flick, start-to-finish.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1142977/reviews-140

ur4445210

title: A Little Of This, A Little Of That....And A LOT of Fun! review: Frankenweenie was a pleasant surprise: a very entertaining film that was fun for a number of reasons. The story featured drama, comedy, suspense, action and even a little romance.....it had everything. Plus, it had a terrific black-and-white palette. The stop-motion animated movie looks gorgeous.Anyone who is familiar with the original Frankenstein film and Bride of Frankenstein had to get laughs out of the references to those 1930s classics. I know I did, laughing out loud several times. There also were touches in here of other pretty famous movies such as Godzilla, Gremlins, Gremlins 2, The Mummy and probably a couple of others that don't immediately come to mind.All of that is involved in this story about a young "Victor Frankenstein," whose beloved dog "Sparky" is killed and then brought back to life by the young kid scientist (who went on to bigger things, as you know.) In this story, it's fairly mild until a bunch of weird schoolmates want to cash in on Victor's secret for re-animation. Then it gets tense/dark......probably a little too much for young viewers, so parents beware. However, for teens and up - particularly adult film buffs - this is a fun flick, start-to-finish.

Suburban America goes loony!

tt1142977

Some years ago I saw Tim Burton's short film "Frankenweenie", about a suburban boy named Victor Frankenstein who reanimates his dead dog and turns his neighborhood upside down when the pooch escapes his control. Naturally it intrigued me when I learned that Burton was doing a feature-length version. Well, the feature-length "Frankenweenie" is even better than the original! This stop motion movie is mostly an homage to the classic horror flicks (does the name Elsa Van Helsing ring a bell?), but also takes the time to poke fun at the oh-so squeaky clean world of 1960s suburbia (at least everything has that look). The setting is the fictional town of New Holland, which is preparing for a Dutch festival. Everything seems really wholesome, but Victor's little project ends up unleashing a litany of wackiness unseen in our era.I should identify that this is not a movie for little children. There ARE some mildly scary scenes, and the weird look of some of the characters might unnerve tykes. But the good thing is that film buffs will like all the references. The science teacher looks like Vincent Price (whom Burton cast as the narrator in "Vincent" and the scientist in "Edward Scissorhands"). Victor's friend Edgar (hmm, now who was named Edgar?) looks like Peter Lorre. One of the other students has a hairdo like Boris Karloff's most famous role. It's just a really fun movie. I don't know if it's Tim Burton's best, but it shows him at his best. Above all, "Frankenweenie" shows that animation does NOT need to be all cutesy; after all, it's just another type of filmmaking. I'd call this the perfect Halloween movie (excluding full-fledged horror movies, obviously).In conclusion, you really AIN'T nothing but a hound dog!

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1142977/reviews-17

ur4888011

title: Suburban America goes loony! review: Some years ago I saw Tim Burton's short film "Frankenweenie", about a suburban boy named Victor Frankenstein who reanimates his dead dog and turns his neighborhood upside down when the pooch escapes his control. Naturally it intrigued me when I learned that Burton was doing a feature-length version. Well, the feature-length "Frankenweenie" is even better than the original! This stop motion movie is mostly an homage to the classic horror flicks (does the name Elsa Van Helsing ring a bell?), but also takes the time to poke fun at the oh-so squeaky clean world of 1960s suburbia (at least everything has that look). The setting is the fictional town of New Holland, which is preparing for a Dutch festival. Everything seems really wholesome, but Victor's little project ends up unleashing a litany of wackiness unseen in our era.I should identify that this is not a movie for little children. There ARE some mildly scary scenes, and the weird look of some of the characters might unnerve tykes. But the good thing is that film buffs will like all the references. The science teacher looks like Vincent Price (whom Burton cast as the narrator in "Vincent" and the scientist in "Edward Scissorhands"). Victor's friend Edgar (hmm, now who was named Edgar?) looks like Peter Lorre. One of the other students has a hairdo like Boris Karloff's most famous role. It's just a really fun movie. I don't know if it's Tim Burton's best, but it shows him at his best. Above all, "Frankenweenie" shows that animation does NOT need to be all cutesy; after all, it's just another type of filmmaking. I'd call this the perfect Halloween movie (excluding full-fledged horror movies, obviously).In conclusion, you really AIN'T nothing but a hound dog!

A Nutshell Review: Frankenweenie

tt1142977

Director Tim Burton returns to his visceral dark roots with Frankenweenie, a animated film that features all the dark, brooding themes he is famous for, in what would seem like an opportunity for the story teller to deal with all his favourite, classical horror elements all in one fall swoop. With Disney's backing, Burton crafts a somewhat charming little film inspired primarily by Frankenstein, dealing with the artificial creation of life and how this whacks nature out of balance, although one can almost feel that his direction probably got superseded in the final moments to toe the line, given that mass market merchandising, or the lack thereof, is probably the compromise reached.Face it, the characters here aren't really plush toy material, even though they are grotesquely beautiful to look at, with physical flaws that seem perfect. As usual, like the animated films that feature his involvement, the characters here aren't designed to be anatomically correct with their longer than usual limbs. Being in black, white and grey, it provides that old school look and hopefully elevated this film to that nostalgic status of old, ringing with the air of familiarity for elements that you've probably experienced especially if you're a classic horror movie fan.As the story would have already been suggested by its trailer, it centers around a boy, Vincent Frankenstein (Charlie Tahan) whose dog Sparky had passed away, only for Vincent, a smart boy with scientist potential, emulating his namesake to resurrect his pet dog, and succeeding. He tries to keep this undead version of Sparky under wraps, only for the antics of the dog to be discovered, and from there, having his peers, who are all vying for best science project, trying to emulate what he had done, with vastly different results.Here's when you can see what had inspired Burton, or had been his favourites, as the story took on homage paying moments especially when the story went on its own little spree to have loads of fun. Tributes got paid to the likes of a Godzilla-wannabe, critters, and characters that were amongst the same level of recognition as Frankenstein, in addition to a whole slew of name dropping. Even the science teacher Mr Rzykruski (Martin Landau), looked very much and unmistakably like Burton's tip of the hat to one of his heroes, Vincent Price, who is straight talking, and providing a stinging criticism against those who are closed minded, and superstitious, clinging on to values of the old without the guts for exploration and scientific adventure. Those who follow blindly, or copying without full understanding, are also put under the spotlight, and it's little wonder how the chief reverse engineer happens to be Asian.But it's not all formula, facts and numbers. Frankenweenie, like most of Burton's films, no matter how dark they may look and feel, contains plenty of heart. While the hinted at love story between Vincent and Elsa (Winona Ryder) was almost non-existent, being but neighbours who communicate through a hole in the picket fence, it is the bond between boy and dog, and the extent one will go for the other, that moved, even if, like Frankenstein's tale, the whole world goes after them, being some bastardized by product of nature. But outside of these two characters, the support cast was woefully one-noted, and largely wallpaper.While this film marks the umpteenth time that Burton has had Danny Elfman score his film, it is with a heavy heart, as a fan of their partnership, to listen to moments that seem lifted from their Batman score, and being repeated so obviously during the film's finale that you'd wonder if Elfman had finally run out of steam with the lack of inspiration in coming up with new tunes that dance around similar themes. I guess one can only recycle to a certain degree, before being dangerously left exposed.I had enjoyed the quirky tales and characters that Tim Burton had the knack to conjure in his mind, but Frankenweenie, despite being nice to look at with moments that will touch your heart, as a whole still felt as an unfulfilled potential. One can only hope Burton's next effort will be as inspirational as his earlier ones.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1142977/reviews-69

ur0317399

title: A Nutshell Review: Frankenweenie review: Director Tim Burton returns to his visceral dark roots with Frankenweenie, a animated film that features all the dark, brooding themes he is famous for, in what would seem like an opportunity for the story teller to deal with all his favourite, classical horror elements all in one fall swoop. With Disney's backing, Burton crafts a somewhat charming little film inspired primarily by Frankenstein, dealing with the artificial creation of life and how this whacks nature out of balance, although one can almost feel that his direction probably got superseded in the final moments to toe the line, given that mass market merchandising, or the lack thereof, is probably the compromise reached.Face it, the characters here aren't really plush toy material, even though they are grotesquely beautiful to look at, with physical flaws that seem perfect. As usual, like the animated films that feature his involvement, the characters here aren't designed to be anatomically correct with their longer than usual limbs. Being in black, white and grey, it provides that old school look and hopefully elevated this film to that nostalgic status of old, ringing with the air of familiarity for elements that you've probably experienced especially if you're a classic horror movie fan.As the story would have already been suggested by its trailer, it centers around a boy, Vincent Frankenstein (Charlie Tahan) whose dog Sparky had passed away, only for Vincent, a smart boy with scientist potential, emulating his namesake to resurrect his pet dog, and succeeding. He tries to keep this undead version of Sparky under wraps, only for the antics of the dog to be discovered, and from there, having his peers, who are all vying for best science project, trying to emulate what he had done, with vastly different results.Here's when you can see what had inspired Burton, or had been his favourites, as the story took on homage paying moments especially when the story went on its own little spree to have loads of fun. Tributes got paid to the likes of a Godzilla-wannabe, critters, and characters that were amongst the same level of recognition as Frankenstein, in addition to a whole slew of name dropping. Even the science teacher Mr Rzykruski (Martin Landau), looked very much and unmistakably like Burton's tip of the hat to one of his heroes, Vincent Price, who is straight talking, and providing a stinging criticism against those who are closed minded, and superstitious, clinging on to values of the old without the guts for exploration and scientific adventure. Those who follow blindly, or copying without full understanding, are also put under the spotlight, and it's little wonder how the chief reverse engineer happens to be Asian.But it's not all formula, facts and numbers. Frankenweenie, like most of Burton's films, no matter how dark they may look and feel, contains plenty of heart. While the hinted at love story between Vincent and Elsa (Winona Ryder) was almost non-existent, being but neighbours who communicate through a hole in the picket fence, it is the bond between boy and dog, and the extent one will go for the other, that moved, even if, like Frankenstein's tale, the whole world goes after them, being some bastardized by product of nature. But outside of these two characters, the support cast was woefully one-noted, and largely wallpaper.While this film marks the umpteenth time that Burton has had Danny Elfman score his film, it is with a heavy heart, as a fan of their partnership, to listen to moments that seem lifted from their Batman score, and being repeated so obviously during the film's finale that you'd wonder if Elfman had finally run out of steam with the lack of inspiration in coming up with new tunes that dance around similar themes. I guess one can only recycle to a certain degree, before being dangerously left exposed.I had enjoyed the quirky tales and characters that Tim Burton had the knack to conjure in his mind, but Frankenweenie, despite being nice to look at with moments that will touch your heart, as a whole still felt as an unfulfilled potential. One can only hope Burton's next effort will be as inspirational as his earlier ones.

Worst movie of 2006

tt0405508

I just don't know why this movie is a hit and got so many awards it was so boring and simply impossible to watch. I rented it and I started to dislike it after 5 minutes of viewing time but still I was watching it to save the money I spent. It was complete nonsense first a white girl appeared in India and met Aamir Khan who was drinking with his friends on top of a bridge and placed a bet that who ever falls of first into the water is a loser, then he started dancing stupidly with the girl by shaking his waist then his head. After that I couldn't take it anymore and I asked my dad that "can I eject the DVD now?" and he replied "I'm glad you asked". My dad is really keen in films like Lagaan & Swades and he couldn't even watch it and I wanted to save myself rather than my money. The film is made by the same crappy director who also made the weird Aks and it takes a genius to make a movie this bad. Thank goodness that Rang de basanti did not get a Bafta award.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0405508/reviews-276

ur10583368

title: Worst movie of 2006 review: I just don't know why this movie is a hit and got so many awards it was so boring and simply impossible to watch. I rented it and I started to dislike it after 5 minutes of viewing time but still I was watching it to save the money I spent. It was complete nonsense first a white girl appeared in India and met Aamir Khan who was drinking with his friends on top of a bridge and placed a bet that who ever falls of first into the water is a loser, then he started dancing stupidly with the girl by shaking his waist then his head. After that I couldn't take it anymore and I asked my dad that "can I eject the DVD now?" and he replied "I'm glad you asked". My dad is really keen in films like Lagaan & Swades and he couldn't even watch it and I wanted to save myself rather than my money. The film is made by the same crappy director who also made the weird Aks and it takes a genius to make a movie this bad. Thank goodness that Rang de basanti did not get a Bafta award.

Definitely one of the best movies ever made.

tt0405508

When I first watched Rang De Basanti, it started out as a fair film, telling the story of a group of friends making a film about freedom fighter Bhagat Singh and his friends. As it progressed on i realized, well Aamir has done better than Mangal Panday. Then after the intermission, i said, "hmmmm...good film" and i don't say that easily. But when the film ended i thought "Finally symbolism has returned to Indian cinema, and Aamir has regained his status as a superstar." Aamir Khan easily outclasses himself and all the other performances in 2006 and breathtakingly acts very naturally. This performance is unlike any of his previous ones and certainly the best performance by an actor of his age. I'd even say that he outclasses Mr. Bachan in Black and Paa. For this two reasons are present. No.1 both of the roles by Amitabh in Black and Paa were overplayed and both films were copies from two very good Hollywood flicks. The rest of the cast is also very well put together and each and everyone pulls off a decent performance. The soundtrack of the film is perfect for its mood and this is coming from someone who does not, under any circumstances acknowledge A.R Rahman as the Mozart of India. I'd recommend this film to anyone who has taste for good cinema and who loves films with a message, because at the end the message in the film is what makes it memorable. Hats off to Rakesh Omprakash Mehra, Aamir Khan and A.R. Rahman and a memorable thank you to the supporting cast that made this film the best of 2006 (in my opinion).

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0405508/reviews-295

ur17514930

title: Definitely one of the best movies ever made. review: When I first watched Rang De Basanti, it started out as a fair film, telling the story of a group of friends making a film about freedom fighter Bhagat Singh and his friends. As it progressed on i realized, well Aamir has done better than Mangal Panday. Then after the intermission, i said, "hmmmm...good film" and i don't say that easily. But when the film ended i thought "Finally symbolism has returned to Indian cinema, and Aamir has regained his status as a superstar." Aamir Khan easily outclasses himself and all the other performances in 2006 and breathtakingly acts very naturally. This performance is unlike any of his previous ones and certainly the best performance by an actor of his age. I'd even say that he outclasses Mr. Bachan in Black and Paa. For this two reasons are present. No.1 both of the roles by Amitabh in Black and Paa were overplayed and both films were copies from two very good Hollywood flicks. The rest of the cast is also very well put together and each and everyone pulls off a decent performance. The soundtrack of the film is perfect for its mood and this is coming from someone who does not, under any circumstances acknowledge A.R Rahman as the Mozart of India. I'd recommend this film to anyone who has taste for good cinema and who loves films with a message, because at the end the message in the film is what makes it memorable. Hats off to Rakesh Omprakash Mehra, Aamir Khan and A.R. Rahman and a memorable thank you to the supporting cast that made this film the best of 2006 (in my opinion).

True revolution...

tt0405508

"Rang De Basanti" is a drama movie in which we watch an English filmmaker who casts a group of students in order to to produce o documentary / drama about India's revolution against British in the 1920s. Everything change when she meets DJ, who is a guy who graduated five years ago but he is still in the University because he does not have many expectations about the outside world.I liked this movie because of the plot which I found very good. The direction which made by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra was also very good. About the interpretations of this movie I have to mention for one more time the great interpretation of Aamir Khan who played as Daljeet 'DJ' / Chandrashekhar Azad. Another equally good interpretation made by Alice Patten who played as Sue.Finally I have to say that "Rang De Basanti" is a really good movie and is really worth seeing because it shows us how many things can change in the life of a person when he learns to think and see things different. Everything is possible and everything can change, we just have to watch things from a different angle.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0405508/reviews-334

ur33907744

title: True revolution... review: "Rang De Basanti" is a drama movie in which we watch an English filmmaker who casts a group of students in order to to produce o documentary / drama about India's revolution against British in the 1920s. Everything change when she meets DJ, who is a guy who graduated five years ago but he is still in the University because he does not have many expectations about the outside world.I liked this movie because of the plot which I found very good. The direction which made by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra was also very good. About the interpretations of this movie I have to mention for one more time the great interpretation of Aamir Khan who played as Daljeet 'DJ' / Chandrashekhar Azad. Another equally good interpretation made by Alice Patten who played as Sue.Finally I have to say that "Rang De Basanti" is a really good movie and is really worth seeing because it shows us how many things can change in the life of a person when he learns to think and see things different. Everything is possible and everything can change, we just have to watch things from a different angle.

One of the finest movie of this generation. It's not a movie, it's a movement.

tt0405508

One of the finest movie of this generation. It's not a movie, it's a movement.We were 13-14 friends who went to see this in Shiva theatre (dilsukhnagar, hyderabad) on Jan 26th 2006. It was Kranthi, Rutwik, Venkat, Raghuveer, Manthan, Anirudh, Dinackar, Satish among those whom I can recollect. Now, the film began rolling, Kranthi who was next to me said, what movie have we come to, there is Bhagat Singh reading his diary and it was a sepia shot. Before, this I got the CD and was is love with the music of the film, I thought it would be youthful, dreamy and completely joyful. The title too seemed be inapt when I just heard the music. Then the film began on its course and as the watch fell and titles began to roll, we got a glimpse of what we were about to witness in the titles itself. I must say, till this date I have liked no other titles as this one and the background music by A R Rahman, he put al his genius into it. We were all happy then itself. We got into characters, there was Aslam, DJ, Karan, Sukhi Ram, Laxman Pandey and Ajay and also Sue (Su Kar Mere Mann Ko) all the right chords were touched in casting and we also had the legendray Waheeda Rehman play Ajay's mother and other good actors in the roles of mothers and fathers. The story was about Su coming to India to make a film on our lost and forgotten freedom fighters. Chandrashekhar Azad, Bhagat Singh and others. It was paced as if we are told the whole revoultionary story in the most enaging way possible. Indeed, that is the only way we relate to this, there is a need for freedom in one way, at least the Gandhian way is not working now so let's try the Bhagat Singh way. We may die but yet we shall die happily. If there is any film that has made me believe in myself more and to fight for what I believe is right, then this is the film. What DJ stood for what he believed in though he could not believe it in the first place. Laxman is a symbol of the uncorrupt youth who are being dragged into partisan politics and being corrupted. Karan is the cool dude who worries about rich gear and not about this country much. Aslam is the poet who has a big heart and a brave vision. I loved them all and thanks to the writer director Rakesh Mehra for bringing them on all alive, not just as friends but as the freedom fighters whom I wish not to forget. Revolution is what I strived for since I saw this, and most of it is exhibited in the office job where I am a warrior of nothing but honesty and truth. I love them both (truth and honesty) and this film did show that to me. Getting back to the movie, so by the time we were at interval. None of us moved no one grabbed a drink or popcorn, we were in love with what we saying but were thinking and talking where this is going to lead. Raghu said "Cinematography super" Rutwik said "I like Karan" the film began post interval and all were glued again. When a tragedy struck and when Lukka Chuppi played, I was having tears and just could not imagine that such a beautiful song was written for such great tragedy. A mother has lost her son and Lukka Chuppi is what it is, hide and seek. I feel numbness in my fingers even as I type this now, then we got Khoon Chala, now the time has come to overpower all our politicians, and these guys just tried to do that at the end and what a tragedy has struck them. They became martyrs. The movie ended, we were struck to our seats, Venkat said, now let's leave. We started walking slowly and got onto our bikes and went to Raghuveer's home. From the time we left the theatre till we reached his home and sit in his room, there was silence, I don't' know why and we were all silent I am sure. Raghu said "You need something" and our silence broke. This is how vividly I can imagine the whole experience of Jan 26th 006. I just can't forget that. This movie did lot many things to us on that day at least I am sure and I believe most of us still have this feeling at the back of their mind. I just am so thankful for the makers, the actors and very crew man of this wonderful movie. I can't even rate this, but a 5/5 for what it did. Even 6 years later all is very fresh and am still hopeful of doing something. This was the first DVD I bought for myself and am happy that I did. I just can't let go of this movie. It may not the best in cinematic terms maybe as I have heard a mixed opinion down the years, but the screenplay is just awesome and so the background score and cinematography. The songs, the emotion, the poetry. Go watch all of it and I am sure, most of you will love it again.I am sorry if this became more of an autobiography than a movie review, but just wanted to share it.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0405508/reviews-327

ur17029428

title: One of the finest movie of this generation. It's not a movie, it's a movement. review: One of the finest movie of this generation. It's not a movie, it's a movement.We were 13-14 friends who went to see this in Shiva theatre (dilsukhnagar, hyderabad) on Jan 26th 2006. It was Kranthi, Rutwik, Venkat, Raghuveer, Manthan, Anirudh, Dinackar, Satish among those whom I can recollect. Now, the film began rolling, Kranthi who was next to me said, what movie have we come to, there is Bhagat Singh reading his diary and it was a sepia shot. Before, this I got the CD and was is love with the music of the film, I thought it would be youthful, dreamy and completely joyful. The title too seemed be inapt when I just heard the music. Then the film began on its course and as the watch fell and titles began to roll, we got a glimpse of what we were about to witness in the titles itself. I must say, till this date I have liked no other titles as this one and the background music by A R Rahman, he put al his genius into it. We were all happy then itself. We got into characters, there was Aslam, DJ, Karan, Sukhi Ram, Laxman Pandey and Ajay and also Sue (Su Kar Mere Mann Ko) all the right chords were touched in casting and we also had the legendray Waheeda Rehman play Ajay's mother and other good actors in the roles of mothers and fathers. The story was about Su coming to India to make a film on our lost and forgotten freedom fighters. Chandrashekhar Azad, Bhagat Singh and others. It was paced as if we are told the whole revoultionary story in the most enaging way possible. Indeed, that is the only way we relate to this, there is a need for freedom in one way, at least the Gandhian way is not working now so let's try the Bhagat Singh way. We may die but yet we shall die happily. If there is any film that has made me believe in myself more and to fight for what I believe is right, then this is the film. What DJ stood for what he believed in though he could not believe it in the first place. Laxman is a symbol of the uncorrupt youth who are being dragged into partisan politics and being corrupted. Karan is the cool dude who worries about rich gear and not about this country much. Aslam is the poet who has a big heart and a brave vision. I loved them all and thanks to the writer director Rakesh Mehra for bringing them on all alive, not just as friends but as the freedom fighters whom I wish not to forget. Revolution is what I strived for since I saw this, and most of it is exhibited in the office job where I am a warrior of nothing but honesty and truth. I love them both (truth and honesty) and this film did show that to me. Getting back to the movie, so by the time we were at interval. None of us moved no one grabbed a drink or popcorn, we were in love with what we saying but were thinking and talking where this is going to lead. Raghu said "Cinematography super" Rutwik said "I like Karan" the film began post interval and all were glued again. When a tragedy struck and when Lukka Chuppi played, I was having tears and just could not imagine that such a beautiful song was written for such great tragedy. A mother has lost her son and Lukka Chuppi is what it is, hide and seek. I feel numbness in my fingers even as I type this now, then we got Khoon Chala, now the time has come to overpower all our politicians, and these guys just tried to do that at the end and what a tragedy has struck them. They became martyrs. The movie ended, we were struck to our seats, Venkat said, now let's leave. We started walking slowly and got onto our bikes and went to Raghuveer's home. From the time we left the theatre till we reached his home and sit in his room, there was silence, I don't' know why and we were all silent I am sure. Raghu said "You need something" and our silence broke. This is how vividly I can imagine the whole experience of Jan 26th 006. I just can't forget that. This movie did lot many things to us on that day at least I am sure and I believe most of us still have this feeling at the back of their mind. I just am so thankful for the makers, the actors and very crew man of this wonderful movie. I can't even rate this, but a 5/5 for what it did. Even 6 years later all is very fresh and am still hopeful of doing something. This was the first DVD I bought for myself and am happy that I did. I just can't let go of this movie. It may not the best in cinematic terms maybe as I have heard a mixed opinion down the years, but the screenplay is just awesome and so the background score and cinematography. The songs, the emotion, the poetry. Go watch all of it and I am sure, most of you will love it again.I am sorry if this became more of an autobiography than a movie review, but just wanted to share it.

Bollywood's finest in recent times....truly world class....

tt0405508

The name Rang De Basanti maybe misleading. After Lagaan and Mangal Pandey,my expectations from the movie skyrocketed.And it was fully satisfied. Each and every actor has played his part wonderfully.Aamir as DJ is simply fantastic. Atul Kulkarni, in his role of a Hindu fanatic deserves a special mention. The movie shows that love and hate is an acquired emotion and can be changed by changing our perspective.Others Aamir,Siddarth,Sharman Joshi,Kunal Kapoor shared excellent chemistry between them. So did Soha Ali Khan and Madhavan as the love birds. This movie is a break-away from traditional Bollywood movies. There is no song and dance sequence,no separate actor for providing humour,no songs shot in foreign locations.The humour is not forced and is synchronised well with the situation. AR Rehaman's music is one of the movie's biggest highlights. Whether its a party number (Lose Control) or a soul stirring (Luka chhuppi and Khoon Chala) or a romantic one (Tu bin bataaye), its excellent.Bollywood's finest creation in recent years and Aamir lives upto being one of the best in Bollywood.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0405508/reviews-279

ur11795814

title: Bollywood's finest in recent times....truly world class.... review: The name Rang De Basanti maybe misleading. After Lagaan and Mangal Pandey,my expectations from the movie skyrocketed.And it was fully satisfied. Each and every actor has played his part wonderfully.Aamir as DJ is simply fantastic. Atul Kulkarni, in his role of a Hindu fanatic deserves a special mention. The movie shows that love and hate is an acquired emotion and can be changed by changing our perspective.Others Aamir,Siddarth,Sharman Joshi,Kunal Kapoor shared excellent chemistry between them. So did Soha Ali Khan and Madhavan as the love birds. This movie is a break-away from traditional Bollywood movies. There is no song and dance sequence,no separate actor for providing humour,no songs shot in foreign locations.The humour is not forced and is synchronised well with the situation. AR Rehaman's music is one of the movie's biggest highlights. Whether its a party number (Lose Control) or a soul stirring (Luka chhuppi and Khoon Chala) or a romantic one (Tu bin bataaye), its excellent.Bollywood's finest creation in recent years and Aamir lives upto being one of the best in Bollywood.

A great movie but a very disappointing end.

tt0405508

I really went in this movie with great apprehensions, i expected another one of Aamir Khans egoistical and narcissist movies where the only thing he cares for is himself and everything else be damned. Also a lot of people really loved this movie and I'm not a big fan of others choice for movies, especially the way people are so obsessed with dramas (hell i had a guy tell me this is a film and not a movie whats the difference dumbass!!).Well....this movie is a drama and it is another egoistical attempt by Aamir to make his version of bhagat singh and make it work where others failed. Yes he does play a 27 year(max) old when there are 1 billion people who know he is over 40, but despite that this movie is great in the first half.One of the reasons i didn't give this movie a higher rating is that I'm one of those crazy patriotic Indians who believes that India was and is the best country in the world etc etc. and i know i liked this movie much more because of its high dose of patriotism. Also i know this movie may have been meant to target the urban Indian audience who all know English but i don't understand the obsession of using only English titles and credits ill always minus one rating for that only.That brings us to the worst part of the movie. The end . It was highly stupid predictable and quite irritating and although it couldn't succeed in ruining a damn good movie it tried really hard.Other than these things the movie is lovely the acting especially from the junior actors is great even the foreigner is not that bad. Special mention should go to The guy from style he is really turning out to be quite a lovable actor.Go watch this film!!! Jai Hind.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0405508/reviews-160

ur5189647

title: A great movie but a very disappointing end. review: I really went in this movie with great apprehensions, i expected another one of Aamir Khans egoistical and narcissist movies where the only thing he cares for is himself and everything else be damned. Also a lot of people really loved this movie and I'm not a big fan of others choice for movies, especially the way people are so obsessed with dramas (hell i had a guy tell me this is a film and not a movie whats the difference dumbass!!).Well....this movie is a drama and it is another egoistical attempt by Aamir to make his version of bhagat singh and make it work where others failed. Yes he does play a 27 year(max) old when there are 1 billion people who know he is over 40, but despite that this movie is great in the first half.One of the reasons i didn't give this movie a higher rating is that I'm one of those crazy patriotic Indians who believes that India was and is the best country in the world etc etc. and i know i liked this movie much more because of its high dose of patriotism. Also i know this movie may have been meant to target the urban Indian audience who all know English but i don't understand the obsession of using only English titles and credits ill always minus one rating for that only.That brings us to the worst part of the movie. The end . It was highly stupid predictable and quite irritating and although it couldn't succeed in ruining a damn good movie it tried really hard.Other than these things the movie is lovely the acting especially from the junior actors is great even the foreigner is not that bad. Special mention should go to The guy from style he is really turning out to be quite a lovable actor.Go watch this film!!! Jai Hind.

Horribly Overrated

tt0405508

A young woman from England (Alice Patten) comes to India to make a documentary about her grandfather's diary which was written in the 1920s about the Indian Independence with five young men.I probably missed something, because this film has had a tremendous influence and incredible positive criticism, whereas I saw a bunch of poor acting (particularly from Patten) and some over-the-top Bollywood singing and dancing. Some of the music was good, but overall this just seemed too cheesy to be taken seriously.I would watch the film again to try and understand it better, but that may never happen. It is just so long and difficult to appreciate.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0405508/reviews-330

ur1234929

title: Horribly Overrated review: A young woman from England (Alice Patten) comes to India to make a documentary about her grandfather's diary which was written in the 1920s about the Indian Independence with five young men.I probably missed something, because this film has had a tremendous influence and incredible positive criticism, whereas I saw a bunch of poor acting (particularly from Patten) and some over-the-top Bollywood singing and dancing. Some of the music was good, but overall this just seemed too cheesy to be taken seriously.I would watch the film again to try and understand it better, but that may never happen. It is just so long and difficult to appreciate.

Really, a great movie!!!

tt0405508

Undoubtedly a great movie. It is not just a movie but it is an awakening call for all the Indians. The movie presents a very important issue in such an intriguing manner that the audience is stunned. It has an exceptionally good storyline. Movie has also been executed wonderfully. All the performances are really above the mark. Of course! it has been over dramatized at places or in the end (like killing of Defense Minister & above all all the people getting killed at the end) but still it really strikes the audience. Rakeysh Mehra has done a commendable job in making a movie like this. Its really not just a movie, its a revolution. I wish, it surely gets an Oscar for India!!!

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0405508/reviews-251

ur12459428

title: Really, a great movie!!! review: Undoubtedly a great movie. It is not just a movie but it is an awakening call for all the Indians. The movie presents a very important issue in such an intriguing manner that the audience is stunned. It has an exceptionally good storyline. Movie has also been executed wonderfully. All the performances are really above the mark. Of course! it has been over dramatized at places or in the end (like killing of Defense Minister & above all all the people getting killed at the end) but still it really strikes the audience. Rakeysh Mehra has done a commendable job in making a movie like this. Its really not just a movie, its a revolution. I wish, it surely gets an Oscar for India!!!

Awesome awakening of a new generation

tt0405508

Fabulous movie.The only word i could say after my first view of it.But with more seeings this one gets even better.Rang De Basanti has everything,from great performances to some terrific direction with some very good evergreen songs plus you have the star himself leading from the front Aamir Khan.I ain't surprised by his choice of movies.He is a class apart.You expect such performances from him & he always peaks.Lets talk of the performances first.Fantastic performances all the way.From Aamir Khan to Kunal Kapoor to Atul Kulkarni to Soha Ali Khan to Siddharth to Sharman Joshi.Everyone simply deliver with much grace.Waheeda Rehman,the legendary actress performs again a stunning role & gives her best.Alice Patten as Sue was sensational.Everything was just so perfect.The direction was flawless.Beautiful contrast scenes of the present & that of the old freedom fighting days are brought together.Rehman music stands apart.Song like Khalbali add spice & fun for the youth generation whereas song like Khoon Chala displays their anger & will for justice.The songs Luka Chupi & Tu Bin Bataye also are some class songs in the movie.The voice of Lata Mangeshkar in Luka Chupi song is just a honor in itself.Terrific plot with great vision from the director makes this a must watch for everyone.The movie adds fire to your heart & the youth of India begin to awake just to take that first step towards freedom.A rare awakening of a generation & until people keep on seeing this movie,Rang De Basanti will always stand a class apart from the rest.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0405508/reviews-299

ur18407045

title: Awesome awakening of a new generation review: Fabulous movie.The only word i could say after my first view of it.But with more seeings this one gets even better.Rang De Basanti has everything,from great performances to some terrific direction with some very good evergreen songs plus you have the star himself leading from the front Aamir Khan.I ain't surprised by his choice of movies.He is a class apart.You expect such performances from him & he always peaks.Lets talk of the performances first.Fantastic performances all the way.From Aamir Khan to Kunal Kapoor to Atul Kulkarni to Soha Ali Khan to Siddharth to Sharman Joshi.Everyone simply deliver with much grace.Waheeda Rehman,the legendary actress performs again a stunning role & gives her best.Alice Patten as Sue was sensational.Everything was just so perfect.The direction was flawless.Beautiful contrast scenes of the present & that of the old freedom fighting days are brought together.Rehman music stands apart.Song like Khalbali add spice & fun for the youth generation whereas song like Khoon Chala displays their anger & will for justice.The songs Luka Chupi & Tu Bin Bataye also are some class songs in the movie.The voice of Lata Mangeshkar in Luka Chupi song is just a honor in itself.Terrific plot with great vision from the director makes this a must watch for everyone.The movie adds fire to your heart & the youth of India begin to awake just to take that first step towards freedom.A rare awakening of a generation & until people keep on seeing this movie,Rang De Basanti will always stand a class apart from the rest.

Incredible!

tt0405508

I started out not liking this film but by the end, I was in tears, I was inspired and most importantly, my life was different from they way it was before I saw the film, which I think was the director's ultimate goal. I learned two things from this movie and the first one is that things will always be the same if we all just sit down and do nothing about it, and the second thing is that we, the people who live in this day and age are a disgrace to our freedom fighters of the past. I don't just mean this for India, but for everywhere in the world where the fight for freedom has been a price selflessly paid by people just like you and I. Rang De Basanti is the story of seven friends, one of whom is a British national who comes to India to shoot a documentary based on the accounts of her grandfather who was a first hand witness to the Legend of Bhagat Singh and his friends. When she reaches India, she is shocked by the way the youth of today seems to have little or no understanding of their very recent past and how Westernised they had all become. She meets six friends, five boys and one girl of which she quickly becomes their 7th. She recruits them to star in her documentary and with this, she unites them all and makes them become aware of what is going on in their surroundings. But maybe her inspiration goes a little too far and by the end of the film, you just have to wonder if she blames herself for what happens and if so how she would live with herself. The element I liked the most about the film, was how in the end, this British girl's life is forever changed as she finds herself the 21st century updated version of the troubled person her grandfather was on those very pages she was inspired by, and those very pages that would haunt her forever.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0405508/reviews-188

ur6739749

title: Incredible! review: I started out not liking this film but by the end, I was in tears, I was inspired and most importantly, my life was different from they way it was before I saw the film, which I think was the director's ultimate goal. I learned two things from this movie and the first one is that things will always be the same if we all just sit down and do nothing about it, and the second thing is that we, the people who live in this day and age are a disgrace to our freedom fighters of the past. I don't just mean this for India, but for everywhere in the world where the fight for freedom has been a price selflessly paid by people just like you and I. Rang De Basanti is the story of seven friends, one of whom is a British national who comes to India to shoot a documentary based on the accounts of her grandfather who was a first hand witness to the Legend of Bhagat Singh and his friends. When she reaches India, she is shocked by the way the youth of today seems to have little or no understanding of their very recent past and how Westernised they had all become. She meets six friends, five boys and one girl of which she quickly becomes their 7th. She recruits them to star in her documentary and with this, she unites them all and makes them become aware of what is going on in their surroundings. But maybe her inspiration goes a little too far and by the end of the film, you just have to wonder if she blames herself for what happens and if so how she would live with herself. The element I liked the most about the film, was how in the end, this British girl's life is forever changed as she finds herself the 21st century updated version of the troubled person her grandfather was on those very pages she was inspired by, and those very pages that would haunt her forever.

From Hunger.

tt0419946

At first I thought it might be a live-action movie, then I realized it was all a very realistically done cartoon.It's just plan terrible. It includes nothing you haven't seen a dozen or more times before. John Cena is a tall muscle man, all splanchnocranium and bulging biceps. He's taut but not graceful. It reminds me of an observation an anthropologist, Alice Brues, made of the gorilla: "He can kill anything he can catch but he can't catch anything." He and the other characters do a fairly decent job of acting, considering that they are nothing more than computer-generated images and their speech is digitally fabricated.The direction is worse. It belong back in the 1960s when seeing action filmed in slow motion was a novelty instead of a hoary cliché. Among the things you've seen before is the pursuit at high speed, several exploding fireballs, a room peppered with bullets, one bad guy shooting another because there may be the hint of betrayal, the good guy tied up and beaten, and -- well, everything. There is wit in some of the lines. It's as if the writers were dying to break out of this action flick straightjacket and write the comedy that the movie really is.The award for best performance and best lines goes to -- envelope, please -- Robert Patrick as the smooth, butyraceous leader of the greasy pack. He's always carefully dressed and polite. Oh, he knows his way around.The plot: the gang kidnaps Cena's wife. He pursues them and gets her back. That's more than the plot deserves.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0419946/reviews-306

ur0819382

title: From Hunger. review: At first I thought it might be a live-action movie, then I realized it was all a very realistically done cartoon.It's just plan terrible. It includes nothing you haven't seen a dozen or more times before. John Cena is a tall muscle man, all splanchnocranium and bulging biceps. He's taut but not graceful. It reminds me of an observation an anthropologist, Alice Brues, made of the gorilla: "He can kill anything he can catch but he can't catch anything." He and the other characters do a fairly decent job of acting, considering that they are nothing more than computer-generated images and their speech is digitally fabricated.The direction is worse. It belong back in the 1960s when seeing action filmed in slow motion was a novelty instead of a hoary cliché. Among the things you've seen before is the pursuit at high speed, several exploding fireballs, a room peppered with bullets, one bad guy shooting another because there may be the hint of betrayal, the good guy tied up and beaten, and -- well, everything. There is wit in some of the lines. It's as if the writers were dying to break out of this action flick straightjacket and write the comedy that the movie really is.The award for best performance and best lines goes to -- envelope, please -- Robert Patrick as the smooth, butyraceous leader of the greasy pack. He's always carefully dressed and polite. Oh, he knows his way around.The plot: the gang kidnaps Cena's wife. He pursues them and gets her back. That's more than the plot deserves.

stick to wrestleing john

tt0419946

i like john cena. AS A WRESTLER. i should of saw this coming. a great star like this would defidently do movies. this movie was horrible. it was boring, and very predictable. what i don't like is that john cenas character (john wow big stretch) had so many chances to end this stupid so called action thrill ride to find his wife and bring her to safety. but a former marine cant find a couple of thugs that captured his wife. also john cena had about 15 minutes of dialogue. i guess the writers thought the image of john cena would scare you. it doesn't. they should of put dwayne johnson (former wrestler) as john cenas character. at least dwayne can act and has experience with action movies. go see 12 rounds at least john attempts to do better and is better than he was in the marine. john must of gone to acting school during the 3 years after the marine. go see a movie with dwayne johnson not john cena

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0419946/reviews-286

ur21956527

title: stick to wrestleing john review: i like john cena. AS A WRESTLER. i should of saw this coming. a great star like this would defidently do movies. this movie was horrible. it was boring, and very predictable. what i don't like is that john cenas character (john wow big stretch) had so many chances to end this stupid so called action thrill ride to find his wife and bring her to safety. but a former marine cant find a couple of thugs that captured his wife. also john cena had about 15 minutes of dialogue. i guess the writers thought the image of john cena would scare you. it doesn't. they should of put dwayne johnson (former wrestler) as john cenas character. at least dwayne can act and has experience with action movies. go see 12 rounds at least john attempts to do better and is better than he was in the marine. john must of gone to acting school during the 3 years after the marine. go see a movie with dwayne johnson not john cena

Never had more fun at a terrible movie(spoilers)

tt0419946

I have never had more fun watching such a bad movie before. My friends and I are big wrestling fans, so we had to see this film. We knew it would be bad, so we waited til it went to the cheap theater to see it. We spent two dollars to see it, and I think it was well worth it. No more than 5 minutes into the movie we erupted into laughter. John Cena is a decent wrestler, but a terrible actor. His sad attempts at showing any kind of emotion, even being mad(which, being a wrestler, you would think he might have down) were hilarious! After being discharged, Cena gets a job as a security guard at a hotel. His partner could be the worst actor ever. Next in line are the bad guys. They rob a jewelry store then blow up a car in the middle of a huge city, and draw pretty much no attention. They then kidnap Cenas girlfriend at a gas station and blow it up. They literally blow off all the metal from Cenas car, then he wrecks into a lake. He clearly does this huge dive out of the car into the water. They know he is a marine at this point, but assume he will just drown and let him go.They are ruthless enough to kill a bunch of their own gang for nothing, but keep Cenas girlfriend alive as a hostage, though there is no logical reason to do so while trekking through swampland. Later on, Cena waits on one of the bad guys to come out of a cabin they are staying in, kills him, then about 15 minutes later one of the bad guys comes to check on the first on, and Cena kills him. And no one thinks anything is suspicious. I think Robert Patrick is a great actor, but he must have been paid a lot of movie to do this thing. He even acts goofy the whole time,like he knows the movie stinks.In one scene, he tells his partner over the phone that he is cut out of a deal, gets a beep, asks the guy to hold, and the guys response is yeah,sure. They even play looney tunes music in this movie.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0419946/reviews-93

ur12387627

title: Never had more fun at a terrible movie(spoilers) review: I have never had more fun watching such a bad movie before. My friends and I are big wrestling fans, so we had to see this film. We knew it would be bad, so we waited til it went to the cheap theater to see it. We spent two dollars to see it, and I think it was well worth it. No more than 5 minutes into the movie we erupted into laughter. John Cena is a decent wrestler, but a terrible actor. His sad attempts at showing any kind of emotion, even being mad(which, being a wrestler, you would think he might have down) were hilarious! After being discharged, Cena gets a job as a security guard at a hotel. His partner could be the worst actor ever. Next in line are the bad guys. They rob a jewelry store then blow up a car in the middle of a huge city, and draw pretty much no attention. They then kidnap Cenas girlfriend at a gas station and blow it up. They literally blow off all the metal from Cenas car, then he wrecks into a lake. He clearly does this huge dive out of the car into the water. They know he is a marine at this point, but assume he will just drown and let him go.They are ruthless enough to kill a bunch of their own gang for nothing, but keep Cenas girlfriend alive as a hostage, though there is no logical reason to do so while trekking through swampland. Later on, Cena waits on one of the bad guys to come out of a cabin they are staying in, kills him, then about 15 minutes later one of the bad guys comes to check on the first on, and Cena kills him. And no one thinks anything is suspicious. I think Robert Patrick is a great actor, but he must have been paid a lot of movie to do this thing. He even acts goofy the whole time,like he knows the movie stinks.In one scene, he tells his partner over the phone that he is cut out of a deal, gets a beep, asks the guy to hold, and the guys response is yeah,sure. They even play looney tunes music in this movie.

Its a mindless action movie with a wrestler

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I'm a Cena fan since he first arrived in the WWE and here he breaks into Hollywood with an action movie, many people have dismissed this as stupid and unoriginal. Its an action movie....Cena is a marine who takes his girlfriend on a vacation, only for it to be interrupted by a group of armed robbers, they kidnap his girl and in turn leave him for dead. So the marine does what only he can. He pursues them to kill....Cena tries hard to play another character yet it may seem to some people he is only playing himself...the other actors are bad...but the action is all that matters. Cena brings his in ring skills like Dwayne Johnson and puts them to use in fight scenes...Its all bare knuckle action which really pays off..An average action movie, but I hope Cena will improve as he goes on.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0419946/reviews-244

ur8131454

title: Its a mindless action movie with a wrestler review: I'm a Cena fan since he first arrived in the WWE and here he breaks into Hollywood with an action movie, many people have dismissed this as stupid and unoriginal. Its an action movie....Cena is a marine who takes his girlfriend on a vacation, only for it to be interrupted by a group of armed robbers, they kidnap his girl and in turn leave him for dead. So the marine does what only he can. He pursues them to kill....Cena tries hard to play another character yet it may seem to some people he is only playing himself...the other actors are bad...but the action is all that matters. Cena brings his in ring skills like Dwayne Johnson and puts them to use in fight scenes...Its all bare knuckle action which really pays off..An average action movie, but I hope Cena will improve as he goes on.

I Loved It

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Months prior to seeing this movie, I was watching it be knocked by so many people on this site. I knew that it couldn't be all that bad, so when it came out on DVD, I rented it. I loved it and calling it awesome would be an understatement. There was a few flaws (bloopers, tires getting shot but stayed inflated) and the acting was actually pretty good. People don't expect that wrestlers would be good actors in movies, but thats what wrestlers are...They're actors! Wrestling is Sports Entertainment! This had A lot of explosions and gun battles, quite a bit of killing and some intense fighting scenes. The film makers did an excellent job and so did John Cena. Robert Patrick and the other actors do not go un-noticed. I applaud this film.Go buy this, I did the day after I rented it. You will enjoy it. 9/10

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0419946/reviews-127

ur13694365

title: I Loved It review: Months prior to seeing this movie, I was watching it be knocked by so many people on this site. I knew that it couldn't be all that bad, so when it came out on DVD, I rented it. I loved it and calling it awesome would be an understatement. There was a few flaws (bloopers, tires getting shot but stayed inflated) and the acting was actually pretty good. People don't expect that wrestlers would be good actors in movies, but thats what wrestlers are...They're actors! Wrestling is Sports Entertainment! This had A lot of explosions and gun battles, quite a bit of killing and some intense fighting scenes. The film makers did an excellent job and so did John Cena. Robert Patrick and the other actors do not go un-noticed. I applaud this film.Go buy this, I did the day after I rented it. You will enjoy it. 9/10

Blatantly stolen from other places

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Cena looks so much like Randy Orton in most of his close-ups that it may as well have been him in the film.I find it hard to believe a former Marine trained in all the things Triton lists has a hard time to get a job. Basically this film is a rip-off from Rambo, Commando and a few other movies.There is nothing original about the film and the plot is pretty non-existent. We start with a jewelery heist that's an obvious inside job which is proved as soon as they get inside the diamond room.The fact that they kill their inside man and take out a police car underlines their intentions and ruthlessness. Triton would have been killed in the Gas Station explosion and has also stolen a police car.He catches up with them far too quickly and there aren't enough 1-1 fights between Triton and the gang members.His girlfriend would have drowned in the 2 minutes she was under water and even if she hadn't after that long under water she'd be brain dead anyway. the fact that when she "splutters", she doesn't spit out any water is a brilliant goof but not as big as the one where Triton, the highly trained Elite Marine doesn't know how to do basic CPR.This is awful and anyone could have been the star, did Robert Patrick really need the money that badly? Even with the awful "Terminator" joke?Avoid at all costs.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0419946/reviews-161

ur0727639

title: Blatantly stolen from other places review: Cena looks so much like Randy Orton in most of his close-ups that it may as well have been him in the film.I find it hard to believe a former Marine trained in all the things Triton lists has a hard time to get a job. Basically this film is a rip-off from Rambo, Commando and a few other movies.There is nothing original about the film and the plot is pretty non-existent. We start with a jewelery heist that's an obvious inside job which is proved as soon as they get inside the diamond room.The fact that they kill their inside man and take out a police car underlines their intentions and ruthlessness. Triton would have been killed in the Gas Station explosion and has also stolen a police car.He catches up with them far too quickly and there aren't enough 1-1 fights between Triton and the gang members.His girlfriend would have drowned in the 2 minutes she was under water and even if she hadn't after that long under water she'd be brain dead anyway. the fact that when she "splutters", she doesn't spit out any water is a brilliant goof but not as big as the one where Triton, the highly trained Elite Marine doesn't know how to do basic CPR.This is awful and anyone could have been the star, did Robert Patrick really need the money that badly? Even with the awful "Terminator" joke?Avoid at all costs.

New-Age Rambo of the 21st Century

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Now there may be some who say this is another punch, kick and romance film, but John Cena looks, acts and moves like if he was nothing but a Marine - when you place the fact of what kind of character he tends to play in WWE's "Raw" or "Smackdown" then you see another kind of person, same abilities but different applications...When with "Semper Fi" (Marines' motto) he broke regulations to save comrades from Al Qaeda operatives in not waiting for reinforcements, yet despite their being alive due to him, he was given a choice - an honorable discharge or a court-martial... Even his superior officer did not want him let go and arranged for the decommission with full honours! The way he dispatched the terrorists, was a bit queasy yet astounding, stepping on a neck 'til it snaps; shooting through a corpse while using it as a shield; beating a man with a burning plank of wood - it is amazing, if you have the DVD? Choose "unrated" to get the full effects! Now sent back home, Cena's life as a security guard went astray due to a stalking ex-boyfriend fighting with a secretary (this psycho's daddy was a rich-man, so guess who gets to shift scott-free?), so starts The Marine's trip into South Carolina as a means of pleasing his wife, who wants him to relax...Enter Robert (Terminator 2, X-Files) Patrick and a trigger-happy bunch of jewel-thieves to rip off a shipment of diamonds just arrived, they do a getaway along the same route Cena travels and end up at the same gas station he is at - their first mistake! Then they take his jeep as a new getaway vehicle and his wife as hostage - their second and last mistakes! When they blow up the gas station and think he's dead, shoot the police car he borrowed to pursue the gang - one of them asks "My God, what is he? The Terminator?" and Robert Patrick just glares into the mirror of the SUV as the comment is made, a classic! It is not enough to say he took a lash with a sledge hammer or swam underwater far, any fit person may attempt those things but it is a Marine who can, will and must do them in reality - no offense to Cena but as fit as he is, I doubt he can do half of what a Marine can really do! One psycho in the gathering of crooks was quite humorous if stereotyped, Morgan - a black bazooka-launcher who hates camping - and he had a serious aversion to rock-candy... But his predilection for a fancy car and his assurance that "Brothers don't camp" and then he proceeds to contradict himself and give a "delivery" about his encounter with a counsellor when he was 13, hilarious! Abigail Bianca plays the bad-girl who in the end meets a swift demise as she is pelted out of a Mack truck straight into an oncoming bus! Yeesh, not for the squeamish! But in the end, Robert Patrick came close to reprising his T-1000 role, as he seeks revenge on Cena, who in not missing a beat, issues a "chain" reaction and he goes back to resuscitating his wife.In all, if you want an intellectual yarn, look for some version of "Pride & Prejudice", but if you want action galore - then this DVD is for you, it has extra features; Cena on WWE, Cena in Australia and other stuff like commentaries, if you're into that...http://bajanreporter.blogspot.com/

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0419946/reviews-134

ur3387906

title: New-Age Rambo of the 21st Century review: Now there may be some who say this is another punch, kick and romance film, but John Cena looks, acts and moves like if he was nothing but a Marine - when you place the fact of what kind of character he tends to play in WWE's "Raw" or "Smackdown" then you see another kind of person, same abilities but different applications...When with "Semper Fi" (Marines' motto) he broke regulations to save comrades from Al Qaeda operatives in not waiting for reinforcements, yet despite their being alive due to him, he was given a choice - an honorable discharge or a court-martial... Even his superior officer did not want him let go and arranged for the decommission with full honours! The way he dispatched the terrorists, was a bit queasy yet astounding, stepping on a neck 'til it snaps; shooting through a corpse while using it as a shield; beating a man with a burning plank of wood - it is amazing, if you have the DVD? Choose "unrated" to get the full effects! Now sent back home, Cena's life as a security guard went astray due to a stalking ex-boyfriend fighting with a secretary (this psycho's daddy was a rich-man, so guess who gets to shift scott-free?), so starts The Marine's trip into South Carolina as a means of pleasing his wife, who wants him to relax...Enter Robert (Terminator 2, X-Files) Patrick and a trigger-happy bunch of jewel-thieves to rip off a shipment of diamonds just arrived, they do a getaway along the same route Cena travels and end up at the same gas station he is at - their first mistake! Then they take his jeep as a new getaway vehicle and his wife as hostage - their second and last mistakes! When they blow up the gas station and think he's dead, shoot the police car he borrowed to pursue the gang - one of them asks "My God, what is he? The Terminator?" and Robert Patrick just glares into the mirror of the SUV as the comment is made, a classic! It is not enough to say he took a lash with a sledge hammer or swam underwater far, any fit person may attempt those things but it is a Marine who can, will and must do them in reality - no offense to Cena but as fit as he is, I doubt he can do half of what a Marine can really do! One psycho in the gathering of crooks was quite humorous if stereotyped, Morgan - a black bazooka-launcher who hates camping - and he had a serious aversion to rock-candy... But his predilection for a fancy car and his assurance that "Brothers don't camp" and then he proceeds to contradict himself and give a "delivery" about his encounter with a counsellor when he was 13, hilarious! Abigail Bianca plays the bad-girl who in the end meets a swift demise as she is pelted out of a Mack truck straight into an oncoming bus! Yeesh, not for the squeamish! But in the end, Robert Patrick came close to reprising his T-1000 role, as he seeks revenge on Cena, who in not missing a beat, issues a "chain" reaction and he goes back to resuscitating his wife.In all, if you want an intellectual yarn, look for some version of "Pride & Prejudice", but if you want action galore - then this DVD is for you, it has extra features; Cena on WWE, Cena in Australia and other stuff like commentaries, if you're into that...http://bajanreporter.blogspot.com/

John Cena's MARINE revives cheesy old action flicks without a whole lot of fun.

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My Take: Vile and violent, there's really not much fun in this cheesy and ridiculous actioner. For the record, I have nothing against brainless summer action fare. Take it from this guy who loved AIR FORCE ONE to recommend a little THE ROCK, MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE or INDEPENDENCE DAY. There's also the brand of summer action pictures like FIRST BLOOD and COMMANDO, and that's the 80's action genre, consist of slam-bang violence and cheesy dramatic side emotions. In watching films like this, I only look at the slam-bang violence and leave the dramatic blah to itself. But it's all too much in wrestler John Cena's THE MARINE, which not only embraces the cheesiness of an 80's action thriller, but basically is cheesy itself. With its nauseating action, implausible stunts, banal acting, terrible script and a total lack of a real point, THE MARINE is a bloated but utterly joyless hunk of overcooked cheese that isn't at all fun as it might (and should) have been. Somewhere out there, Seagal and Van Damme have a hope for a career pursuit.Cena plays discharged marine John Triton (following the legacy of John-named action heroes) who goes on his own (as always) as a one-man army when his wife (Kelly Carlson) is kidnapped by thugs led by sly baddie Rome (Robert Patrick) when they stop over for gas during a road trip. What follows is basically everything the likes of COMMANDO are made of. Violence, chases and more violence, THE MARINE tries to outdo the rest the way other films do it: More! The violence is taken to the extremes (though still manages to keep the PG-13 writing) to the point of implausible. That would have been no problem at all if the film were a lot of fun. Alas, it really isn't. The stunts, while fast and explosive, is never really exhilarating or exciting. Moments that should put me on the edge-of-my-seat were more formulaic than exciting.Most of all, besides the lame action, is its lack of a more reliable action hero. Even with his best attempts, Cena just has yet to make a move as an actor to be able to be a more believable action hero. While he's surely flair when it comes to doing his stunts, he's extremely weak an actor to be appropriate for the film's "dramatic" sequences, which weren't supposed to be there in the first place. The villain is much better than the hero, but it seems that Robert Patrick was yet to get over the mechanical personality of his T-1000 character in TERMINATOR 2: JUDGMENT DAY. He's baddie is a little bit to dry. And don't get me started on the supporting players! If what you've come to expect from THE MARINE is mindless action, and nothing more stands in your way, then here's a reason to see the film. If you want to be blown out of your seat, resist to believe even the film's poster. This is not that film.Rating: *1/2 out of 5.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0419946/reviews-246

ur14080241

title: John Cena's MARINE revives cheesy old action flicks without a whole lot of fun. review: My Take: Vile and violent, there's really not much fun in this cheesy and ridiculous actioner. For the record, I have nothing against brainless summer action fare. Take it from this guy who loved AIR FORCE ONE to recommend a little THE ROCK, MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE or INDEPENDENCE DAY. There's also the brand of summer action pictures like FIRST BLOOD and COMMANDO, and that's the 80's action genre, consist of slam-bang violence and cheesy dramatic side emotions. In watching films like this, I only look at the slam-bang violence and leave the dramatic blah to itself. But it's all too much in wrestler John Cena's THE MARINE, which not only embraces the cheesiness of an 80's action thriller, but basically is cheesy itself. With its nauseating action, implausible stunts, banal acting, terrible script and a total lack of a real point, THE MARINE is a bloated but utterly joyless hunk of overcooked cheese that isn't at all fun as it might (and should) have been. Somewhere out there, Seagal and Van Damme have a hope for a career pursuit.Cena plays discharged marine John Triton (following the legacy of John-named action heroes) who goes on his own (as always) as a one-man army when his wife (Kelly Carlson) is kidnapped by thugs led by sly baddie Rome (Robert Patrick) when they stop over for gas during a road trip. What follows is basically everything the likes of COMMANDO are made of. Violence, chases and more violence, THE MARINE tries to outdo the rest the way other films do it: More! The violence is taken to the extremes (though still manages to keep the PG-13 writing) to the point of implausible. That would have been no problem at all if the film were a lot of fun. Alas, it really isn't. The stunts, while fast and explosive, is never really exhilarating or exciting. Moments that should put me on the edge-of-my-seat were more formulaic than exciting.Most of all, besides the lame action, is its lack of a more reliable action hero. Even with his best attempts, Cena just has yet to make a move as an actor to be able to be a more believable action hero. While he's surely flair when it comes to doing his stunts, he's extremely weak an actor to be appropriate for the film's "dramatic" sequences, which weren't supposed to be there in the first place. The villain is much better than the hero, but it seems that Robert Patrick was yet to get over the mechanical personality of his T-1000 character in TERMINATOR 2: JUDGMENT DAY. He's baddie is a little bit to dry. And don't get me started on the supporting players! If what you've come to expect from THE MARINE is mindless action, and nothing more stands in your way, then here's a reason to see the film. If you want to be blown out of your seat, resist to believe even the film's poster. This is not that film.Rating: *1/2 out of 5.

So dumb it earns itself an 8/10 on the "So Bad it's Good Scale"

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"WWE productions" might have been a dead giveaway, but "The Marine" is a brainless, loud action flick padded with stuff blowing up. The plot concerns an ex-marine named John (John Cena) who has been discharged for disobeying orders. John has trouble readjusting to normal life, seeing as he's got an unspoken urge to kill or blow something up every 24 hours. When a group of jewel thieves, headed by Rome (Robert Patrick) steal John's van and take his wife Kate (Kelly Clarkson) hostage they will soon find out that they messed with the wrong man. John just happened to bring along his deadliest weapon: himself! (That's a line from the back of the DVD cover but it's so ridiculous I had to include it).You can enjoy "The Marine" as an action movie because to be frank, it's so over-the-top and ridiculous it becomes kind of fun. The characters are absurd and badly written, the action is so insane it would make some action stars from the 80's blush and the acting is pretty lackluster. When it comes to our hero, he's pretty much just a block of wood that walks around showing off his awesome marine skills and killing bad guys. Aside from the fact that he doesn't like to be messed with, loves his wife and that serving in the army meant everything to him, you don't know anything about the guy. With a central character like this you'd expect to be bored out of your skull, but that's when the villains come in.The bad guys are made to be over-the-top slimy and it's glorious. Rome is the leader of the group and the guy's a complete lunatic. He's the kind of person that will kill his own minions on a whim, feels no remorse about murdering innocent civilians and to be extra evil, will betray anyone if need be. He employs the nuttiest minions on his heist. We've got the sexy female girlfriend who's just as ruthless as he is. She's in the movie for some cheap titillation and to have a cat fight with Kelly Clarkson (inexplicably, no nudity in this Unrated film). The rest are just generic mooks with a big target on their chests that are begging for our hero to kill them. The one exception is Morgan (Anthony Ray Parker), the mad dog who screws up every single mission because he just loves killing people and blowing stuff up.What works with the movie, sometimes unintentionally are the action sequences. There are some pretty cool sequences where John murders the forces of evil one by one by blowing them up, choking them, shooting them or even throwing them at moving vehicles. This movie also helps you stay invested by having a massive explosion every 15 minutes or so. Yeah that means our hero is constantly jumping out of windows and narrowly evading huge fireballs, but he also takes a sledgehammer to the ribcage without wincing too much so just assume he's some sort of Terminator at this point. As a "So Bad it's good movie" you can make plenty of jokes at the actors' expense, poking fun at the plot and such. What prevents it from pure "bad" gold is the horrendous comedy. Most of it revolves around Morgan and his stupid dueling banjo moments and references to "Deliverance", but there was one joke I have to bring to your attention. The setup is that John is chasing the bad guys in what is clearly not a police car because it's some kind of sports car painted black and white with signal lights at the top and it is being hit by hundreds of rounds of ammo. The car's roof gets ripped clean off and to protect himself, John picks up a bullet-proof vest and holds it up in the air as a shield. The villains are just as baffled as the audience. That makes no sense; you can't do that! One of the criminals yells "What is this guy?! The Terminator?" Then the camera zooms in on Robert Patrick and he gives the camera a look like "Yes you're right... that was me in 1991". It's a bad joke that left me with many questions. So in this Marine universe, there's a movie called "Terminator" and from the characters' delivery of that line, it sounds like it's the same movie with Arnold Schwarzenegger that we know. Does that mean that in this universe there's a sequel where the T-1000 is played by a guy who just happens to look incredibly similar to Roman? Do people go up to him and ask for his autograph all the time because they confuse the two? Could it be that in this universe, actor Robert Patrick turned out to be some kind of sociopath and after that movie moved on to a life of crime and changed his name? I know it's just a stupid joke, but this plot is so bland and predictable that it pulled me right out of the experience.Even for a movie starring a pro-wrestler, there's no reason for writing this poor. It's a bad movie but it does redeem itself a bit. Kelly Clarkson is actually pretty good in her role, Robert Patrick has either lost his mind completely or is having fun playing a bad guy, the special effects are good and the action is so out-there that you've never seen anything like the more elaborate action sequences. For those moments, it's fun. For the comedy, lead and story, it's dumb. Here's what you've got to do. Get yourself a bunch of friends, pop this movie into your DVD player and just laugh at the action. Bring some popcorn to throw at the screen when anyone says a bad joke. If you do that, it's a pretty solid "So Bad it's good" action movie. (Unrated version on DVD, May 30, 2014)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0419946/reviews-305

ur55782634

title: So dumb it earns itself an 8/10 on the "So Bad it's Good Scale" review: "WWE productions" might have been a dead giveaway, but "The Marine" is a brainless, loud action flick padded with stuff blowing up. The plot concerns an ex-marine named John (John Cena) who has been discharged for disobeying orders. John has trouble readjusting to normal life, seeing as he's got an unspoken urge to kill or blow something up every 24 hours. When a group of jewel thieves, headed by Rome (Robert Patrick) steal John's van and take his wife Kate (Kelly Clarkson) hostage they will soon find out that they messed with the wrong man. John just happened to bring along his deadliest weapon: himself! (That's a line from the back of the DVD cover but it's so ridiculous I had to include it).You can enjoy "The Marine" as an action movie because to be frank, it's so over-the-top and ridiculous it becomes kind of fun. The characters are absurd and badly written, the action is so insane it would make some action stars from the 80's blush and the acting is pretty lackluster. When it comes to our hero, he's pretty much just a block of wood that walks around showing off his awesome marine skills and killing bad guys. Aside from the fact that he doesn't like to be messed with, loves his wife and that serving in the army meant everything to him, you don't know anything about the guy. With a central character like this you'd expect to be bored out of your skull, but that's when the villains come in.The bad guys are made to be over-the-top slimy and it's glorious. Rome is the leader of the group and the guy's a complete lunatic. He's the kind of person that will kill his own minions on a whim, feels no remorse about murdering innocent civilians and to be extra evil, will betray anyone if need be. He employs the nuttiest minions on his heist. We've got the sexy female girlfriend who's just as ruthless as he is. She's in the movie for some cheap titillation and to have a cat fight with Kelly Clarkson (inexplicably, no nudity in this Unrated film). The rest are just generic mooks with a big target on their chests that are begging for our hero to kill them. The one exception is Morgan (Anthony Ray Parker), the mad dog who screws up every single mission because he just loves killing people and blowing stuff up.What works with the movie, sometimes unintentionally are the action sequences. There are some pretty cool sequences where John murders the forces of evil one by one by blowing them up, choking them, shooting them or even throwing them at moving vehicles. This movie also helps you stay invested by having a massive explosion every 15 minutes or so. Yeah that means our hero is constantly jumping out of windows and narrowly evading huge fireballs, but he also takes a sledgehammer to the ribcage without wincing too much so just assume he's some sort of Terminator at this point. As a "So Bad it's good movie" you can make plenty of jokes at the actors' expense, poking fun at the plot and such. What prevents it from pure "bad" gold is the horrendous comedy. Most of it revolves around Morgan and his stupid dueling banjo moments and references to "Deliverance", but there was one joke I have to bring to your attention. The setup is that John is chasing the bad guys in what is clearly not a police car because it's some kind of sports car painted black and white with signal lights at the top and it is being hit by hundreds of rounds of ammo. The car's roof gets ripped clean off and to protect himself, John picks up a bullet-proof vest and holds it up in the air as a shield. The villains are just as baffled as the audience. That makes no sense; you can't do that! One of the criminals yells "What is this guy?! The Terminator?" Then the camera zooms in on Robert Patrick and he gives the camera a look like "Yes you're right... that was me in 1991". It's a bad joke that left me with many questions. So in this Marine universe, there's a movie called "Terminator" and from the characters' delivery of that line, it sounds like it's the same movie with Arnold Schwarzenegger that we know. Does that mean that in this universe there's a sequel where the T-1000 is played by a guy who just happens to look incredibly similar to Roman? Do people go up to him and ask for his autograph all the time because they confuse the two? Could it be that in this universe, actor Robert Patrick turned out to be some kind of sociopath and after that movie moved on to a life of crime and changed his name? I know it's just a stupid joke, but this plot is so bland and predictable that it pulled me right out of the experience.Even for a movie starring a pro-wrestler, there's no reason for writing this poor. It's a bad movie but it does redeem itself a bit. Kelly Clarkson is actually pretty good in her role, Robert Patrick has either lost his mind completely or is having fun playing a bad guy, the special effects are good and the action is so out-there that you've never seen anything like the more elaborate action sequences. For those moments, it's fun. For the comedy, lead and story, it's dumb. Here's what you've got to do. Get yourself a bunch of friends, pop this movie into your DVD player and just laugh at the action. Bring some popcorn to throw at the screen when anyone says a bad joke. If you do that, it's a pretty solid "So Bad it's good" action movie. (Unrated version on DVD, May 30, 2014)

Not what I expected...

tt0419946

The Marine is a movie I wanted to like and wanted to fully enjoy as an all-out action movie, but the end result was just meh... John Cena make his cinematic debut as a discharged Marine who after a botched mission in Iraq, ends up unemployed and tries seeking a job. John Triton(Cena) and Kate(Kelly Carlson) decide to take a relaxing vacation only to cross paths with a group of diamond robbers at a local gas station who murder two police officers, knock Triton cold and kidnap his wife...after all that you'd think you get some nice b-movie action goodness but to be honest I don't know how this sounded good on paper, that is... The movie starts off well with Triton kicking butt at an Al-Qaeda compound as they prepare for one of their snuff films using kidnapped soldiers and sometime after the kidnapping it just falls apart, one minute it's a serious action movie about a soldier rescuing his wife and the next it turns into a heist comedy with said villains stopping along the way with some one-liners or just random banter which is supposed to be funny, for most of that part, the movie is unclear as what it's really about as said comical scenes with the villains are only briefly cut off by our hero who is either seen running through the woods, or just stopping to look around for some trail(or getting ambushed by some creepy skinhead drug dealers who mistake our hero for a cop which just felt like pointless filler, even for a movie that lasts only 80 minutes), whatever the reason, so for some time, Triton gets very few lines and little screen time(I can understand Kane in See No Evil, because he was the villain, Cena's the hero here), but for the most part his character is consistent. Rome(Robert Patrick) and his henchmen are either very evil or just plain goofy and switch back and forth that easily. Thankfully, the action doesn't disappoint, with Triton laying the smackdown on terrorists at the start of the film, which is pretty action-packed and neat, to kicking out an annoying freeloader and his henchmen in his brief stint as a security guard to dispatching Rome's henchmen one by one to finally butting heads with this villain, also add a lot of silly explosions and it's almost porn for an 80's action movie fan. But honestly, I was expecting something much better, acting to some degree is to blame, the villains, including Robert Patrick go from evil to goofy making him a very inconsistent villain and so is his henchmen who for a brief moments become the main characters in the movie, however, I don't know what's the point in action movie for the audience to be forced to learn that Morgan was molested in summer camp. Wrestlers are notorious for their bad acting, but John Cena manages to shine even if he doesn't really have much lines, John Cena right now could be compared to a young Arnold Schwarzennegger(doesn't necessarily mean it's good, but in a «good» bad kind of way) and kinda acts that way. I think he deserved a better movie to make his debut.The Marine is worth a rental at best...

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0419946/reviews-194

ur5611897

title: Not what I expected... review: The Marine is a movie I wanted to like and wanted to fully enjoy as an all-out action movie, but the end result was just meh... John Cena make his cinematic debut as a discharged Marine who after a botched mission in Iraq, ends up unemployed and tries seeking a job. John Triton(Cena) and Kate(Kelly Carlson) decide to take a relaxing vacation only to cross paths with a group of diamond robbers at a local gas station who murder two police officers, knock Triton cold and kidnap his wife...after all that you'd think you get some nice b-movie action goodness but to be honest I don't know how this sounded good on paper, that is... The movie starts off well with Triton kicking butt at an Al-Qaeda compound as they prepare for one of their snuff films using kidnapped soldiers and sometime after the kidnapping it just falls apart, one minute it's a serious action movie about a soldier rescuing his wife and the next it turns into a heist comedy with said villains stopping along the way with some one-liners or just random banter which is supposed to be funny, for most of that part, the movie is unclear as what it's really about as said comical scenes with the villains are only briefly cut off by our hero who is either seen running through the woods, or just stopping to look around for some trail(or getting ambushed by some creepy skinhead drug dealers who mistake our hero for a cop which just felt like pointless filler, even for a movie that lasts only 80 minutes), whatever the reason, so for some time, Triton gets very few lines and little screen time(I can understand Kane in See No Evil, because he was the villain, Cena's the hero here), but for the most part his character is consistent. Rome(Robert Patrick) and his henchmen are either very evil or just plain goofy and switch back and forth that easily. Thankfully, the action doesn't disappoint, with Triton laying the smackdown on terrorists at the start of the film, which is pretty action-packed and neat, to kicking out an annoying freeloader and his henchmen in his brief stint as a security guard to dispatching Rome's henchmen one by one to finally butting heads with this villain, also add a lot of silly explosions and it's almost porn for an 80's action movie fan. But honestly, I was expecting something much better, acting to some degree is to blame, the villains, including Robert Patrick go from evil to goofy making him a very inconsistent villain and so is his henchmen who for a brief moments become the main characters in the movie, however, I don't know what's the point in action movie for the audience to be forced to learn that Morgan was molested in summer camp. Wrestlers are notorious for their bad acting, but John Cena manages to shine even if he doesn't really have much lines, John Cena right now could be compared to a young Arnold Schwarzennegger(doesn't necessarily mean it's good, but in a «good» bad kind of way) and kinda acts that way. I think he deserved a better movie to make his debut.The Marine is worth a rental at best...

I feel I am 'one' with this film

tt0419946

That road at the beginning of the movie sure needed a lot of work. 3 Construction sites? Especially since the road was in the middle of nowhere. They sure must pay their taxes.this movie was the best movie I have seen drunk in a long time. As drunk as I was, during the first 5 minutes after the credits, I foresaw what I was about to endure for the next hour and something. I somehow saw the plot, the dialog, the kind of explosions, the bad guys, the bad guy 'leader', the "action" all woven like a carpet, all laid out in front of me. It was quite an epiphany. I felt 'one' with the movie, like I had somehow bonded with it. It was my chi.I respect the director. The director obviously didn't want to push the envelope with anything cerebral. He just wanted to do the same thing that has been out for the past generation with better equipment and special effects. Nothing else.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0419946/reviews-206

ur3074091

title: I feel I am 'one' with this film review: That road at the beginning of the movie sure needed a lot of work. 3 Construction sites? Especially since the road was in the middle of nowhere. They sure must pay their taxes.this movie was the best movie I have seen drunk in a long time. As drunk as I was, during the first 5 minutes after the credits, I foresaw what I was about to endure for the next hour and something. I somehow saw the plot, the dialog, the kind of explosions, the bad guys, the bad guy 'leader', the "action" all woven like a carpet, all laid out in front of me. It was quite an epiphany. I felt 'one' with the movie, like I had somehow bonded with it. It was my chi.I respect the director. The director obviously didn't want to push the envelope with anything cerebral. He just wanted to do the same thing that has been out for the past generation with better equipment and special effects. Nothing else.

This movie is meant to be a good time, nothing else.

tt0419946

Okay John Cena is not what call a great actor, but I do admire him for trying to give a somewhat descent performance in this movie, and not play the character has one dimensional, has most of these action heroes would be. Now Robert Patrick seems to be having the most fun out of all of them, as the main bad guy. Former Marine John Triton(John Cena) is having trouble adjusting to civilian life, so he and his beautiful wife Kate(Kelly Carlson) decide to take a trip, but when stop at a gas station, they come across a group of thieves led by Rome(Robert Patrick). When it ends in a shootout with some cops. They escape with Kate as a hostage. John must use his marine training to save her, but will he before it's too late. Robert Patrick steals the movie, playing the bad guy in a sadistic but humorous way. It also had great action as well. Like I said this movie is meant to be a good time, nothing else.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0419946/reviews-68

ur4593705

title: This movie is meant to be a good time, nothing else. review: Okay John Cena is not what call a great actor, but I do admire him for trying to give a somewhat descent performance in this movie, and not play the character has one dimensional, has most of these action heroes would be. Now Robert Patrick seems to be having the most fun out of all of them, as the main bad guy. Former Marine John Triton(John Cena) is having trouble adjusting to civilian life, so he and his beautiful wife Kate(Kelly Carlson) decide to take a trip, but when stop at a gas station, they come across a group of thieves led by Rome(Robert Patrick). When it ends in a shootout with some cops. They escape with Kate as a hostage. John must use his marine training to save her, but will he before it's too late. Robert Patrick steals the movie, playing the bad guy in a sadistic but humorous way. It also had great action as well. Like I said this movie is meant to be a good time, nothing else.

Not the best, but not bad

tt0419946

The common opinion of this movie is "too many explosions - crap". While I agree it had a lot of explosions, and a clichéd plot, it was still an enjoyable experience. John Cena came off well as the discharged marine in distress. Robert Patrick played the nut-ball (and yet funny) bad guy QUITE well. I really didn't like Kelly Carlson for the first half of the movie, but she played the "Oh god I'm screwed" female quite well. A few scenes were a bit...unlikely...but possible. Also explosion related. People complain a bit about the bad guys arguing. They're bad guys. They're NOT best friends. Why would they get along great? Also, for the record. I am a 20 year old male John Cena fan...they do exist..Yet after reading these reviews I was skeptical of the movie. I bought the autographed copy because my wife is a Cenaholic. Watched it...and plan on watching it again... tomorrow.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0419946/reviews-151

ur5096400

title: Not the best, but not bad review: The common opinion of this movie is "too many explosions - crap". While I agree it had a lot of explosions, and a clichéd plot, it was still an enjoyable experience. John Cena came off well as the discharged marine in distress. Robert Patrick played the nut-ball (and yet funny) bad guy QUITE well. I really didn't like Kelly Carlson for the first half of the movie, but she played the "Oh god I'm screwed" female quite well. A few scenes were a bit...unlikely...but possible. Also explosion related. People complain a bit about the bad guys arguing. They're bad guys. They're NOT best friends. Why would they get along great? Also, for the record. I am a 20 year old male John Cena fan...they do exist..Yet after reading these reviews I was skeptical of the movie. I bought the autographed copy because my wife is a Cenaholic. Watched it...and plan on watching it again... tomorrow.

Hard Corps

tt0419946

Upon first viewing I hated this film. All of its cookie cutter characters, lame plot, and some outrageously unbelievable action scenes - such as the hero getting hit in the face with a fire extinguisher full force and then only feeling dizzy for a few seconds. Yet, after catching it on cable a while later there is something appealing that "The Marine" has to offer. The plot is still lame and the action just as ridiculous, but the style of the movie is what fans of 80s flicks (a la "Commando" which is just as ridiculous as this movie) crave to see.Today's action movies seem to be shot with ever increasingly spectacular sets and stunt pieces yet then they seem carelessly edited as quickly as possible. Do action film directors finish shooting a movie then load up on Red Bull and espressos right before taking it to the edit suite? It sure seems like it. Even good action movies that come out today, like The Bourne Ultimatum, are sometimes too relentless for their own good. The show loud blurry images of what we can only sometimes assume are fights and explosions. "The Marine" is a bad movie, but it is a good bad movie (bear with me, please) in that it captures the action in a very engaging way - SLOW MOTION! For instance, roughly 35 minutes in a gas station goes up in a flames and the many shots of this event show debris being propelled into the air, flames rising and there is a certain grace and eloquence to the sequence that virtually all action movies today lack. Later in the film a punctured propane tank explodes and tears up a house and again - many shots show the mushrooming flames and scattering debris making the explosion - what's the word? - sexy? enjoyable? Maybe both, but words don't matter here. Also it is not all about slow motion, there are many different shot speeds used here, and it the whole lot of them together that makes the action scenes fun."The Marine" is nothing more than an action guilty pleasure for guys who like movies (or pro-military propaganda, but hey, so is Top Gun and that's a classic) but it has something going for it that most of today's action films don't. Let's hope that next time they mix this under-used action style with a good story the way they used to do. --- 5/10BsCDb Classification: 13+ -- violence

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0419946/reviews-254

ur2214855

title: Hard Corps review: Upon first viewing I hated this film. All of its cookie cutter characters, lame plot, and some outrageously unbelievable action scenes - such as the hero getting hit in the face with a fire extinguisher full force and then only feeling dizzy for a few seconds. Yet, after catching it on cable a while later there is something appealing that "The Marine" has to offer. The plot is still lame and the action just as ridiculous, but the style of the movie is what fans of 80s flicks (a la "Commando" which is just as ridiculous as this movie) crave to see.Today's action movies seem to be shot with ever increasingly spectacular sets and stunt pieces yet then they seem carelessly edited as quickly as possible. Do action film directors finish shooting a movie then load up on Red Bull and espressos right before taking it to the edit suite? It sure seems like it. Even good action movies that come out today, like The Bourne Ultimatum, are sometimes too relentless for their own good. The show loud blurry images of what we can only sometimes assume are fights and explosions. "The Marine" is a bad movie, but it is a good bad movie (bear with me, please) in that it captures the action in a very engaging way - SLOW MOTION! For instance, roughly 35 minutes in a gas station goes up in a flames and the many shots of this event show debris being propelled into the air, flames rising and there is a certain grace and eloquence to the sequence that virtually all action movies today lack. Later in the film a punctured propane tank explodes and tears up a house and again - many shots show the mushrooming flames and scattering debris making the explosion - what's the word? - sexy? enjoyable? Maybe both, but words don't matter here. Also it is not all about slow motion, there are many different shot speeds used here, and it the whole lot of them together that makes the action scenes fun."The Marine" is nothing more than an action guilty pleasure for guys who like movies (or pro-military propaganda, but hey, so is Top Gun and that's a classic) but it has something going for it that most of today's action films don't. Let's hope that next time they mix this under-used action style with a good story the way they used to do. --- 5/10BsCDb Classification: 13+ -- violence

Cena is the next Schwarzenegger!

tt0419946

This movie is pretty good. OK, so the acting ain't great but what action movie is noted for its spectacular acting? None. So don't beat yourself up about some cheesy dialogue. We used to love Arnie's cheesy dialogue in the 80's so what's the difference these days? John Cena is no Al Pacino but doesn't try to be... What he is though, like Arnie, is a bodybuilder-like bad-ass who just will not quit despite being shot at and blown up in every scene he's involved in! He will not stop until he has rescued his wife from evil kidnappers. Does this sound familiar? Of course it does because its written like every Arnie or Stallone action movie we loved in the 80's! This is a modern day version of 1985's Commando! The bad guys are led by the awesome Robert Patrick (another link to Arnie), and try to escape across the country with Cena's insanely hot wife (played by Kelly Carlson). This is just simply great cheesy fun, an old school popcorn movie that doesn't take itself too seriously and has explosions and action galore. Really enjoyable.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0419946/reviews-250

ur19864146

title: Cena is the next Schwarzenegger! review: This movie is pretty good. OK, so the acting ain't great but what action movie is noted for its spectacular acting? None. So don't beat yourself up about some cheesy dialogue. We used to love Arnie's cheesy dialogue in the 80's so what's the difference these days? John Cena is no Al Pacino but doesn't try to be... What he is though, like Arnie, is a bodybuilder-like bad-ass who just will not quit despite being shot at and blown up in every scene he's involved in! He will not stop until he has rescued his wife from evil kidnappers. Does this sound familiar? Of course it does because its written like every Arnie or Stallone action movie we loved in the 80's! This is a modern day version of 1985's Commando! The bad guys are led by the awesome Robert Patrick (another link to Arnie), and try to escape across the country with Cena's insanely hot wife (played by Kelly Carlson). This is just simply great cheesy fun, an old school popcorn movie that doesn't take itself too seriously and has explosions and action galore. Really enjoyable.

A fair actioner with too many problems

tt0419946

I am a huge professional wrestling fan, and usually have a mild interest in seeing a movie featuring somebody in wrestling, depending on the type of movie it is. I have seen many movies where wrestling stars have been in minor, supporting roles to major roles. I wanted to see this one when it was in theaters, but something stopped me when the reviews began coming in, and the WWE spin doctors kept touting its fair success (debuting at #3 in the US) when the movie's star, John Cena was in the ring.The WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) heavily promoted "The Marine" as the movie was about to be released by their then new motion picture division, WWE Films (recently renamed WWE Studios). They gave us behind-the-scenes segments on all their TV programming. Then, when the movie came out, the movie's star would come to the ring wearing a military-style cap, and would salute as he entered the arena. To explain his absence while filming the movie, the WWE explained that Cena was attacked by another WWE star at a club after one of the shows.What this movie re-enforces is that Vince McMahon, the chairman of the WWE and co-producer of this film, should stick to professional wrestling (which he renamed "sports-entertainment" in the 1990's). He has tried branching out into other forms of entertainment with things like the World Bodybuilding Federation and the NBC-backed XFL professional football league, and they failed.However, despite getting bad reviews and peaking at #3 at the US Box Office, a sequel is reportedly in the works."John Triton" (Cena) loved being a US Marine. After a big mistake in Iraq during a mission to save some fellow soldiers, he is dishonorably discharged. Now, he's back home, living with his beautiful wife, "Kate" (Kelly Carlson) and working as security in a high-rise in an unnamed city (Queensland, Australia in reality) until he loses that job when a TV crew films an incident resulting him throwing a jilted lover of one of the building's employees out of the building -- through a window.Some time later, the "Tritons" are on a road trip and stop for gas. What they don't know is that a group of diamond thieves are also in the gas station/convenience store, who robbed a bank the other day. When one of the thieves kills a cop who stopped for gas, they jump into the "Triton's" car and take "Kate" with them.Now, the former "Marine" goes after those who took his wife.The first thing you notice in this movie is that the actors are given uneven dialogue. Throughout the entire movie, the cast has some weakly written dialogue that sometimes makes you wonder if the person who wrote it knew what they were doing. There was just way too much bad lines in this movie if you ask me.Despite the bad lines, there is some pretty good performances in this film. One that certainly stands out is that of Cena, who makes his acting debut in this film. I found him very comfortable delivering his lines and he had some pretty good chemistry with just about everybody he was on screen with. I liked the chemistry between him and Carlson, and wish that they had more scenes together to develop their on-screen relationship more before the kidnapping. I also liked lead villain, "Rome" (Robert Patrick), but his character wasn't well written like the rest of the cast of characters In fact this movie has poor character development all around. We get that the villains are, until a certain point in the movie, working for somebody who contacts them via cell phone. But, we never get their or their employer's motive as to why they want the diamonds. You also get "John's" co-worker who was barely used as comedic relief.Even the hand-to-hand fight scenes were not done well. In one scene, "John" gets smashed over the head with something that would have knocked out any other action star to allow the villains to get away for the time being, but he just shrugs it off. In another scene, and I have seen this in other movies featuring professional wrestlers who are involved in a movie fight, he takes out an opponent with a move used in wrestling.Visually, this movie is pretty bland. They barely use the scenery, except for establishing shots. We also get basic day and night shots with no flash.The action is also poorly handled in this movie. I found the action sequences too short to be interesting. Yes, we get some fair gun play, with little to no blood, and one really impressive explosion in the film. I just found these sequences poorly edited together and not interesting.The people behind the movie obviously didn't do their homework while this movie was still in development. For example, look at the hat "John" wears when he is given his discharge orders. It's a US Army hat. A Marine would not be issued another military branch's clothing. Also, the chopper that is seen in the opening scene is the wrong kind for that particular mission. You get other mistakes through the entire movie, and I could go on, but I have a limited space.I can't recommend this as an addition to your DVD collection unless you are a fan of wrestling or a fan of Cena in the wrestling world. As a rental, I can only recommend this if your first eight picks are unavailable. Don't put this high on your Must See List. In fact, check this one out on HBO when there really is nothing else on.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0419946/reviews-245

ur19653444

title: A fair actioner with too many problems review: I am a huge professional wrestling fan, and usually have a mild interest in seeing a movie featuring somebody in wrestling, depending on the type of movie it is. I have seen many movies where wrestling stars have been in minor, supporting roles to major roles. I wanted to see this one when it was in theaters, but something stopped me when the reviews began coming in, and the WWE spin doctors kept touting its fair success (debuting at #3 in the US) when the movie's star, John Cena was in the ring.The WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) heavily promoted "The Marine" as the movie was about to be released by their then new motion picture division, WWE Films (recently renamed WWE Studios). They gave us behind-the-scenes segments on all their TV programming. Then, when the movie came out, the movie's star would come to the ring wearing a military-style cap, and would salute as he entered the arena. To explain his absence while filming the movie, the WWE explained that Cena was attacked by another WWE star at a club after one of the shows.What this movie re-enforces is that Vince McMahon, the chairman of the WWE and co-producer of this film, should stick to professional wrestling (which he renamed "sports-entertainment" in the 1990's). He has tried branching out into other forms of entertainment with things like the World Bodybuilding Federation and the NBC-backed XFL professional football league, and they failed.However, despite getting bad reviews and peaking at #3 at the US Box Office, a sequel is reportedly in the works."John Triton" (Cena) loved being a US Marine. After a big mistake in Iraq during a mission to save some fellow soldiers, he is dishonorably discharged. Now, he's back home, living with his beautiful wife, "Kate" (Kelly Carlson) and working as security in a high-rise in an unnamed city (Queensland, Australia in reality) until he loses that job when a TV crew films an incident resulting him throwing a jilted lover of one of the building's employees out of the building -- through a window.Some time later, the "Tritons" are on a road trip and stop for gas. What they don't know is that a group of diamond thieves are also in the gas station/convenience store, who robbed a bank the other day. When one of the thieves kills a cop who stopped for gas, they jump into the "Triton's" car and take "Kate" with them.Now, the former "Marine" goes after those who took his wife.The first thing you notice in this movie is that the actors are given uneven dialogue. Throughout the entire movie, the cast has some weakly written dialogue that sometimes makes you wonder if the person who wrote it knew what they were doing. There was just way too much bad lines in this movie if you ask me.Despite the bad lines, there is some pretty good performances in this film. One that certainly stands out is that of Cena, who makes his acting debut in this film. I found him very comfortable delivering his lines and he had some pretty good chemistry with just about everybody he was on screen with. I liked the chemistry between him and Carlson, and wish that they had more scenes together to develop their on-screen relationship more before the kidnapping. I also liked lead villain, "Rome" (Robert Patrick), but his character wasn't well written like the rest of the cast of characters In fact this movie has poor character development all around. We get that the villains are, until a certain point in the movie, working for somebody who contacts them via cell phone. But, we never get their or their employer's motive as to why they want the diamonds. You also get "John's" co-worker who was barely used as comedic relief.Even the hand-to-hand fight scenes were not done well. In one scene, "John" gets smashed over the head with something that would have knocked out any other action star to allow the villains to get away for the time being, but he just shrugs it off. In another scene, and I have seen this in other movies featuring professional wrestlers who are involved in a movie fight, he takes out an opponent with a move used in wrestling.Visually, this movie is pretty bland. They barely use the scenery, except for establishing shots. We also get basic day and night shots with no flash.The action is also poorly handled in this movie. I found the action sequences too short to be interesting. Yes, we get some fair gun play, with little to no blood, and one really impressive explosion in the film. I just found these sequences poorly edited together and not interesting.The people behind the movie obviously didn't do their homework while this movie was still in development. For example, look at the hat "John" wears when he is given his discharge orders. It's a US Army hat. A Marine would not be issued another military branch's clothing. Also, the chopper that is seen in the opening scene is the wrong kind for that particular mission. You get other mistakes through the entire movie, and I could go on, but I have a limited space.I can't recommend this as an addition to your DVD collection unless you are a fan of wrestling or a fan of Cena in the wrestling world. As a rental, I can only recommend this if your first eight picks are unavailable. Don't put this high on your Must See List. In fact, check this one out on HBO when there really is nothing else on.

Lots of noise but little in the way of anything substantial.

tt0419946

I must say i enjoyed moments of this film.I knew it would be daft as it stars John Cena of WWE fame and lets face it,the WEE doesn't have a habit of churning out Oscar winning actors now does it!?Having said that,i left my brain out and enjoyed the stunts and action for what they were.This film is crude,noisy and unbelievably clichéd.One of its saving graces is Robert Patrick as the bad guy,he clearly enjoys his part and we even get a nice little nod to his T-1000 character in the Terminator films.In summary,a generic action film that is as dumb as they come but keeps the pace up throughout the duration.Id have normally given it a 5 out of 10 but I'm feeling charitable so i'll give it a 6/10 (for action fans only though)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0419946/reviews-238

ur9150302

title: Lots of noise but little in the way of anything substantial. review: I must say i enjoyed moments of this film.I knew it would be daft as it stars John Cena of WWE fame and lets face it,the WEE doesn't have a habit of churning out Oscar winning actors now does it!?Having said that,i left my brain out and enjoyed the stunts and action for what they were.This film is crude,noisy and unbelievably clichéd.One of its saving graces is Robert Patrick as the bad guy,he clearly enjoys his part and we even get a nice little nod to his T-1000 character in the Terminator films.In summary,a generic action film that is as dumb as they come but keeps the pace up throughout the duration.Id have normally given it a 5 out of 10 but I'm feeling charitable so i'll give it a 6/10 (for action fans only though)

Worthless WWE Entertainment

tt0419946

If you are looking for a movie that is disappointing on all fronts - be it story, photography, character, sequences, etc. then go and watch the Marine. The movie convinces us beyond doubt that WWE should stick to what is good at - sports entertainment. My sincere request to WWE is to keep its wrestlers in the ring where they are good rather than throw them on stage. Of course, I don't mean to say that those wrestlers cannot act but I do mean it when I say that WWE cannot make movies and should stick to what is good at. The Marine is one of the worst movies I have ever come across. And needless to say, I had expected that to happen since it was WWE which had come up with the movie in the first place. The movie is a plot borrowed from Commando. In that movie, Arnold's daughter is kidnapped and in this movie, John Cena's wife is kidnapped. While there is something to look at in Commando since Arnold is indeed believable as a soldier, there is nothing interesting happening in The Marine. John Cena fails to convince us that he is a marine and the movie overall fails to convince us why it was ever made.The bombs and guns are nothing intelligent nor realistic. The punches are worst. I agree that when the train is coming towards you, if you are moving towards the train, then the train appears to move faster towards you. Maybe this is what the photographer had in mind when he moved the camera around randomly never allowing us to see a single punch land where it was meant to land. Yes, the punches start and they never end. We never get to see one complete punch start and land at its place demonstrating some realism. Instead we get to see the end result of the target fall down. None of the fight sequences or other action sequences are well done. There is not one scene in the movie, not one dialog that can leave a lasting impact on you. None! When I watch an action movie, I set my mind in a mode wherein I stop analyzing for plot loop holes and look for action since that is what the movie is about. But in spite of doing this, I could not find anything enjoyable in the movie and it was in fact one of those movies that made me feel that I had wasted my time by even trying to watch the movie once.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0419946/reviews-252

ur14029890

title: Worthless WWE Entertainment review: If you are looking for a movie that is disappointing on all fronts - be it story, photography, character, sequences, etc. then go and watch the Marine. The movie convinces us beyond doubt that WWE should stick to what is good at - sports entertainment. My sincere request to WWE is to keep its wrestlers in the ring where they are good rather than throw them on stage. Of course, I don't mean to say that those wrestlers cannot act but I do mean it when I say that WWE cannot make movies and should stick to what is good at. The Marine is one of the worst movies I have ever come across. And needless to say, I had expected that to happen since it was WWE which had come up with the movie in the first place. The movie is a plot borrowed from Commando. In that movie, Arnold's daughter is kidnapped and in this movie, John Cena's wife is kidnapped. While there is something to look at in Commando since Arnold is indeed believable as a soldier, there is nothing interesting happening in The Marine. John Cena fails to convince us that he is a marine and the movie overall fails to convince us why it was ever made.The bombs and guns are nothing intelligent nor realistic. The punches are worst. I agree that when the train is coming towards you, if you are moving towards the train, then the train appears to move faster towards you. Maybe this is what the photographer had in mind when he moved the camera around randomly never allowing us to see a single punch land where it was meant to land. Yes, the punches start and they never end. We never get to see one complete punch start and land at its place demonstrating some realism. Instead we get to see the end result of the target fall down. None of the fight sequences or other action sequences are well done. There is not one scene in the movie, not one dialog that can leave a lasting impact on you. None! When I watch an action movie, I set my mind in a mode wherein I stop analyzing for plot loop holes and look for action since that is what the movie is about. But in spite of doing this, I could not find anything enjoyable in the movie and it was in fact one of those movies that made me feel that I had wasted my time by even trying to watch the movie once.

mindless,excessive explosions,cliché ridden, JUST what I expected

tt0419946

The only thing new in the film is the star JOHN CENA,a SUPERSTAR wrestler from the WWE,His acting is as good as Hulk Hogan,or any other wrestler who has made movies.Here he plays an ex-marine,who goes after the psychotic kidnappers of his pretty blond wife.. How many times have we seen this type of film,The only thing different here, is that there is a chase scene in swampy tidal basin area,& there is a hungry alligator who has taken one of the dead kidnappers for dinner.The locations are supposed to be South Carolina, BUT it was filmed in southern Australia,Brisbane area to be exact.The screenplay is by the numbers & full of clichés.SPOILERS AHEADThere were also at least 3 huge & I mean huge explosions, where our hero & others come out with hardly a scratch, In one of the chase scenes the auto our hero is in is basically torn apart by bullets, except him & the tires remain intact.How many films have we seen like that in over the years.Robert Patrick in the head villain, a real nasty psycho, The wise screenwriter uses a line from one of the TERMINATOR films that Patrick co-starred in. (What original writing & thinking) (LOL). All the bad guys die one by one, with a showdown & another huge explosion at the end.I will not tell you how he rescues his pretty wife.There are 2 other ladies (both villains) scantily clad as usual.Even though I am mentioning many faults, the movie is fast moving,There is very little foul language, only a mild romance scene,no nudity, I did not expect much & saw what I expected.Ratings: ** (out of 4) 60 points (out of 100) IMDb 5 (out of 10)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0419946/reviews-181

ur0495697

title: mindless,excessive explosions,cliché ridden, JUST what I expected review: The only thing new in the film is the star JOHN CENA,a SUPERSTAR wrestler from the WWE,His acting is as good as Hulk Hogan,or any other wrestler who has made movies.Here he plays an ex-marine,who goes after the psychotic kidnappers of his pretty blond wife.. How many times have we seen this type of film,The only thing different here, is that there is a chase scene in swampy tidal basin area,& there is a hungry alligator who has taken one of the dead kidnappers for dinner.The locations are supposed to be South Carolina, BUT it was filmed in southern Australia,Brisbane area to be exact.The screenplay is by the numbers & full of clichés.SPOILERS AHEADThere were also at least 3 huge & I mean huge explosions, where our hero & others come out with hardly a scratch, In one of the chase scenes the auto our hero is in is basically torn apart by bullets, except him & the tires remain intact.How many films have we seen like that in over the years.Robert Patrick in the head villain, a real nasty psycho, The wise screenwriter uses a line from one of the TERMINATOR films that Patrick co-starred in. (What original writing & thinking) (LOL). All the bad guys die one by one, with a showdown & another huge explosion at the end.I will not tell you how he rescues his pretty wife.There are 2 other ladies (both villains) scantily clad as usual.Even though I am mentioning many faults, the movie is fast moving,There is very little foul language, only a mild romance scene,no nudity, I did not expect much & saw what I expected.Ratings: ** (out of 4) 60 points (out of 100) IMDb 5 (out of 10)

Lots and lots of booms

tt0419946

A perfect dumb action movie for the Fourth of July weekend, because it features a heroic military guy and a whole lot of explosions. It's not too bad if you like that kind of movie. John Cena, a WWE wrestler, stars as the titular Marine. The film opens in Tikrit, where he rescues a bunch of his friends who are being held by terrorists. The scene plays hilariously just like the opening of The Naked Gun. I half expected Cena to yell at the terrorists as he left their base, "Don't let me catch any of you guys in America!" After that, Cena returns home to South Carolina and his hot wife (Kelly Carlson). He has a hard time settling down in his new life, where very few things explode and the best you can do is smash someone through a window or something. Luckily, he runs into bad guy Robert Patrick at the gas station, whose gang kidnaps his wife to use as a hostage. Finally, explosions return to his life. It's really hard to think of a 90 minute movie with more or bigger explosions. Cena is kind of a dull guy, but he certainly can beat the hell out of people when it's called for. Patrick is the best thing about the movie. The wacky, über-evil villain is a staple of action movies, but this one is particularly entertaining.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0419946/reviews-242

ur0391152

title: Lots and lots of booms review: A perfect dumb action movie for the Fourth of July weekend, because it features a heroic military guy and a whole lot of explosions. It's not too bad if you like that kind of movie. John Cena, a WWE wrestler, stars as the titular Marine. The film opens in Tikrit, where he rescues a bunch of his friends who are being held by terrorists. The scene plays hilariously just like the opening of The Naked Gun. I half expected Cena to yell at the terrorists as he left their base, "Don't let me catch any of you guys in America!" After that, Cena returns home to South Carolina and his hot wife (Kelly Carlson). He has a hard time settling down in his new life, where very few things explode and the best you can do is smash someone through a window or something. Luckily, he runs into bad guy Robert Patrick at the gas station, whose gang kidnaps his wife to use as a hostage. Finally, explosions return to his life. It's really hard to think of a 90 minute movie with more or bigger explosions. Cena is kind of a dull guy, but he certainly can beat the hell out of people when it's called for. Patrick is the best thing about the movie. The wacky, über-evil villain is a staple of action movies, but this one is particularly entertaining.

Just horrible!!

tt0419946

"The Marine" is one of the worst movies I have ever had the misfortune to watch! John Cena, don't give up your day job! He cannot act for toffee! They don't even allow us a glimpse of his famous body...only being shirtless in one scene. Robert Patrick, normally a good actor...what were you thinking??? Kelly Carlson, from TV's Nip/Tuck, puts in a bland performance and oh, my goodness...Anthony Ray Parker??? Who the heck said he could act???? He's absolutely terrible!!! The worst actor I have ever seen. He completely ruins the movie...if it's ruinable, that is. The script is cheesy, with the most terrible lines and the attempt at humour is embarrassingly bad. The explosions are magnificent though. There are fifteen, I counted! I also cannot imagine why they thought people would be fooled by Australia doubling as South Carolina. There are Blue Gum trees and crocodiles in the same scene, for goodness sake! Pathetic. Don't waste your money.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0419946/reviews-189

ur0961751

title: Just horrible!! review: "The Marine" is one of the worst movies I have ever had the misfortune to watch! John Cena, don't give up your day job! He cannot act for toffee! They don't even allow us a glimpse of his famous body...only being shirtless in one scene. Robert Patrick, normally a good actor...what were you thinking??? Kelly Carlson, from TV's Nip/Tuck, puts in a bland performance and oh, my goodness...Anthony Ray Parker??? Who the heck said he could act???? He's absolutely terrible!!! The worst actor I have ever seen. He completely ruins the movie...if it's ruinable, that is. The script is cheesy, with the most terrible lines and the attempt at humour is embarrassingly bad. The explosions are magnificent though. There are fifteen, I counted! I also cannot imagine why they thought people would be fooled by Australia doubling as South Carolina. There are Blue Gum trees and crocodiles in the same scene, for goodness sake! Pathetic. Don't waste your money.

Battle Experience-The Marine ****

tt0419946

This is definitely a fast-paced action thriller where a marine,despite the fact that he saved his fellow marines, disobeyed orders and is discharged from the corps.Returning home, he is soon fired from his security job for using shall we say excessive force.The best was yet to come. While on a trip with his wife, they fall into the hands of a jewelry robbing gang, who takes the wife hostage. There is all sorts of mayhem with great special effects. Wait until you see who the leader of the pack is. It should come as something as a surprise, but in films, there are really no surprises.The gang is lead by a sadistic leader who blows away his own people at a whim.This essentially becomes a cat and mouse chase with our marine and the sadistic guy having more than 9 lives in surviving all the carnage.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0419946/reviews-295

ur2542703

title: Battle Experience-The Marine **** review: This is definitely a fast-paced action thriller where a marine,despite the fact that he saved his fellow marines, disobeyed orders and is discharged from the corps.Returning home, he is soon fired from his security job for using shall we say excessive force.The best was yet to come. While on a trip with his wife, they fall into the hands of a jewelry robbing gang, who takes the wife hostage. There is all sorts of mayhem with great special effects. Wait until you see who the leader of the pack is. It should come as something as a surprise, but in films, there are really no surprises.The gang is lead by a sadistic leader who blows away his own people at a whim.This essentially becomes a cat and mouse chase with our marine and the sadistic guy having more than 9 lives in surviving all the carnage.

decent road trip comedy

tt0368578

this is a fairly funny road trip movie,with Ice Cube.his character hates kids,but agrees to take the two kids of the woman he's in love with,from Oregon to Vancouver in order to impress her.the kids have scared off every man who wants to date their mom thus far,and attempt to do the same with Cube's character.to say these two kids are holy terrors is an understatement.they really put the poor guy through the ringer.there are some laughs,but not as many as i had expected.everything's predictable,so we know how things will end.there are a few mild swear words here,but other than that,nothing that should be objectionable.there is also some rude humour.though i mostly liked the movie,and Ice Cube is good in this kind of role,i though the movie lagged a bit at times.for me, Are We There Yet is a 6/10

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0368578/reviews-147

ur11423174

title: decent road trip comedy review: this is a fairly funny road trip movie,with Ice Cube.his character hates kids,but agrees to take the two kids of the woman he's in love with,from Oregon to Vancouver in order to impress her.the kids have scared off every man who wants to date their mom thus far,and attempt to do the same with Cube's character.to say these two kids are holy terrors is an understatement.they really put the poor guy through the ringer.there are some laughs,but not as many as i had expected.everything's predictable,so we know how things will end.there are a few mild swear words here,but other than that,nothing that should be objectionable.there is also some rude humour.though i mostly liked the movie,and Ice Cube is good in this kind of role,i though the movie lagged a bit at times.for me, Are We There Yet is a 6/10

I wonder if Ice Cube ever stopped and thought, "Why am I doing this?"

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Pack in every imaginable cliché stereotype of a cold-hearted man who becomes good even tough he's in a situation he hates, every clean- cut family joke, every black person joke imaginable, and a whole lot of other worthless crap, and you'll wind up with "Are We There Yet?" Ice Cube should have stayed in rapping and avoided the whole acting career. In fact, the world would be a better place without his lousy acting and this film that speaks a new type of degrading style and awfulness. The fledgling romance between Nick (ice Cube) and Suzanne, a divorced mother of two, is threatened by a particularly harrowing New Year's Eve. When Suzanne's work keeps her in Vancouver for the holiday, Nick offers to bring her kids to the city from Portland. The kids, who have never liked any of the men their mom has dated, are determined to turn the trip into a nightmare for Nick. Every frustrating fight, messy disaster, and failure of comedy are bundled up in this 95 minute disaster of film. Not one second is fun, enthusiastic, or special at all. How this film got signed by a studios shocks me.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0368578/reviews-172

ur51180408

title: I wonder if Ice Cube ever stopped and thought, "Why am I doing this?" review: Pack in every imaginable cliché stereotype of a cold-hearted man who becomes good even tough he's in a situation he hates, every clean- cut family joke, every black person joke imaginable, and a whole lot of other worthless crap, and you'll wind up with "Are We There Yet?" Ice Cube should have stayed in rapping and avoided the whole acting career. In fact, the world would be a better place without his lousy acting and this film that speaks a new type of degrading style and awfulness. The fledgling romance between Nick (ice Cube) and Suzanne, a divorced mother of two, is threatened by a particularly harrowing New Year's Eve. When Suzanne's work keeps her in Vancouver for the holiday, Nick offers to bring her kids to the city from Portland. The kids, who have never liked any of the men their mom has dated, are determined to turn the trip into a nightmare for Nick. Every frustrating fight, messy disaster, and failure of comedy are bundled up in this 95 minute disaster of film. Not one second is fun, enthusiastic, or special at all. How this film got signed by a studios shocks me.

Is It Over Yet? F+

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All through out I found this film annoying. I can say without a word of regret that I hate these family movies where bratty kids bug the hell out of a step dad or whatever their relationship may be. We have seen it done a thousand times, if not more.All throughout I found the film annoying. Kids tearing up expensive stuff isn't all that funny and these two kid's acting was terrible!! Then there was the over doing of its 'blackness'. Hip hop plays constantly, there are chains, Escalades, token white guy, single mom, eh, the list goes on with a very narrow-minded view on black people. It was just plain stupid. A deer fighting Ice Cube, yeah, you would think the director would have just made him pull out a shotgun and bust a 1-8-7 on the damn thing.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0368578/reviews-159

ur20916867

title: Is It Over Yet? F+ review: All through out I found this film annoying. I can say without a word of regret that I hate these family movies where bratty kids bug the hell out of a step dad or whatever their relationship may be. We have seen it done a thousand times, if not more.All throughout I found the film annoying. Kids tearing up expensive stuff isn't all that funny and these two kid's acting was terrible!! Then there was the over doing of its 'blackness'. Hip hop plays constantly, there are chains, Escalades, token white guy, single mom, eh, the list goes on with a very narrow-minded view on black people. It was just plain stupid. A deer fighting Ice Cube, yeah, you would think the director would have just made him pull out a shotgun and bust a 1-8-7 on the damn thing.

I Hated This Movie

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Ice Cube is no children movie actor. I think that he should start doing like the Friday movies again. Are We There Yet is a comedy with no real laughs in it. It doesn't compare as a road movie like Tommy Boy was. Tomnmy Boy was a much better road movie to watch. That movie at least had laughs. This movie was terrible from start to finish. This movie came out January 2005 and it had Christmas in it. What did that mean at all? Christmas was over by that time. Christmas is over thought now once again. Are We There Yet was definitely no good. Believe me Tommy Boy is better than this for a road movie. Don't get me wrong though. Are We There Yet had a cute storyline, but terrible acting.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0368578/reviews-106

ur8248521

title: I Hated This Movie review: Ice Cube is no children movie actor. I think that he should start doing like the Friday movies again. Are We There Yet is a comedy with no real laughs in it. It doesn't compare as a road movie like Tommy Boy was. Tomnmy Boy was a much better road movie to watch. That movie at least had laughs. This movie was terrible from start to finish. This movie came out January 2005 and it had Christmas in it. What did that mean at all? Christmas was over by that time. Christmas is over thought now once again. Are We There Yet was definitely no good. Believe me Tommy Boy is better than this for a road movie. Don't get me wrong though. Are We There Yet had a cute storyline, but terrible acting.

Evidently Ice Cube wanted to buy himself a new boat so he starred in this movie...

tt0368578

There are some people who would say that a grown man has no business watching a family-aimed comedy like "Are We There Yet?". They would claim that obviously I would hate it and find it not only unfunny, but bland and profoundly stupid because it was never meant for me. They're probably right, I had no business watching this film, but I did. I can now affirm to you that unless you're under 10-years old or a parent who's been forced to watch so many of these dumb family comedies that your brain has degenerated into a gelatin-like lump of gray mush there's no way you can find this Ice Cube film anything but irritating and nerve wracking. The plot concerns Mr. Cube as Nick. He falls for a single mom named Suzanne (Nia Long, of "Big Momma's House", which I'm sad to say is likely to find itself playing on my television in the near future) and things seem to go well, except she insists on sticking him in the friend zone. When Suzanne's no-good ex-husband has left her without a sitter to watch her mischievous (leaning towards demonic) children Lindsey (Aleisha Allen) and Kevin (Philip Daniel Bolden), Nick sees an opportunity. He'll impress her, get out of the friend zone and into her pants/relationship zone by taking the kids to the New Year's Eve festivities she is putting together in Vancouver. Just run with the plot, it's an excuse to get scary Ice Cube in a car with two annoying kids.If you're an adult watching this film, then I'm afraid that you're wasting your time because there isn't a thing for you here. The humor is completely juvenile, with Nick getting hit in the crotch, beaten up by a deer, being forced to stop for potty breaks and generally tormented by the children over and over. No pop culture references, no innuendos, not even some moments of romance for the adults here, just pratfalls, a semblance of slapstick humor and more pratfalls. As a grown-up, you will absolutely hate the meddling children of this movie because they're plain evil. They steal Nick's car, the get him beaten up multiple times, destroy his property, force him in embarrassing situations over and over, all because they are convinced that their father will get back together with their mom. As an adult you will know that there's not a chance this will ever happen because although he would never admit it, the dad left because of the kids. It's not explicitly said, but come on. They are seen shooting arrows at potential suitors, setting up Home Alone-style traps and generally being pests so do you think that behavior just magically appeared once daddy left? You also won't sympathize for Nick, who is the dumbest adult in the whole film. If the kids fool him once, fine, he didn't know what to expect. Twice? Alright, well even a broken clock is right twice a day... so that means something right? If they proceed to destroy your car, trick you and/or get you attacked a third, fourth, fifth and sixth time, then it's your fault and ask yourself what reduced you to the state where a couple of pint-sized devils can outsmart you time and time again. I really came to resent Nick because he was just so dumb. I realize that if he had had any hint of intelligence there would be no movie. He would have realized that no woman that has repeatedly affirmed that she doesn't want to get into a relationship with you is worth getting this badly treated for.Even from the point of a view of a film, this isn't particularly well put together. The acting from the children is particularly poor and it never feels like anyone was doing this film for any reason other than getting a quick check. The humor is the kind of stuff you've seen a hundred times in every other family-children live action comedy so it isn't creative or imaginative in the least. There isn't even a nice message at the end or anything. The conclusion of the film plays out exactly as you will predict it will as soon as Nick and the kids get into the car. It's predictable and it isn't funny either, not the least bit when Tracy Morgan as a badly CGI'ed talking Bobble Head interjects the plot with some "snappy" witticisms.I know this film wasn't made for me, but there's nothing here for anyone really. No one is stretching their acting abilities; no one is breaking new forms of artistry or taking any chances. From an audience's point of view, no one is seeing anything new, learning anything or getting something they couldn't out of an episode of any given live action show on YTV like "Mr. Young" or "I-Carly". Yeah kids will laugh, but kids will laugh at any funny-looking guy getting hit in the face by something unexpected. Give your children some credit and try finding something of substance and intelligence, like a good movie, or a book, or a dinosaur-shaped maze in the Saturday-morning newspaper instead of showing them "Are we There Yet". (On DVD, July 6, 2014)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0368578/reviews-170

ur55782634

title: Evidently Ice Cube wanted to buy himself a new boat so he starred in this movie... review: There are some people who would say that a grown man has no business watching a family-aimed comedy like "Are We There Yet?". They would claim that obviously I would hate it and find it not only unfunny, but bland and profoundly stupid because it was never meant for me. They're probably right, I had no business watching this film, but I did. I can now affirm to you that unless you're under 10-years old or a parent who's been forced to watch so many of these dumb family comedies that your brain has degenerated into a gelatin-like lump of gray mush there's no way you can find this Ice Cube film anything but irritating and nerve wracking. The plot concerns Mr. Cube as Nick. He falls for a single mom named Suzanne (Nia Long, of "Big Momma's House", which I'm sad to say is likely to find itself playing on my television in the near future) and things seem to go well, except she insists on sticking him in the friend zone. When Suzanne's no-good ex-husband has left her without a sitter to watch her mischievous (leaning towards demonic) children Lindsey (Aleisha Allen) and Kevin (Philip Daniel Bolden), Nick sees an opportunity. He'll impress her, get out of the friend zone and into her pants/relationship zone by taking the kids to the New Year's Eve festivities she is putting together in Vancouver. Just run with the plot, it's an excuse to get scary Ice Cube in a car with two annoying kids.If you're an adult watching this film, then I'm afraid that you're wasting your time because there isn't a thing for you here. The humor is completely juvenile, with Nick getting hit in the crotch, beaten up by a deer, being forced to stop for potty breaks and generally tormented by the children over and over. No pop culture references, no innuendos, not even some moments of romance for the adults here, just pratfalls, a semblance of slapstick humor and more pratfalls. As a grown-up, you will absolutely hate the meddling children of this movie because they're plain evil. They steal Nick's car, the get him beaten up multiple times, destroy his property, force him in embarrassing situations over and over, all because they are convinced that their father will get back together with their mom. As an adult you will know that there's not a chance this will ever happen because although he would never admit it, the dad left because of the kids. It's not explicitly said, but come on. They are seen shooting arrows at potential suitors, setting up Home Alone-style traps and generally being pests so do you think that behavior just magically appeared once daddy left? You also won't sympathize for Nick, who is the dumbest adult in the whole film. If the kids fool him once, fine, he didn't know what to expect. Twice? Alright, well even a broken clock is right twice a day... so that means something right? If they proceed to destroy your car, trick you and/or get you attacked a third, fourth, fifth and sixth time, then it's your fault and ask yourself what reduced you to the state where a couple of pint-sized devils can outsmart you time and time again. I really came to resent Nick because he was just so dumb. I realize that if he had had any hint of intelligence there would be no movie. He would have realized that no woman that has repeatedly affirmed that she doesn't want to get into a relationship with you is worth getting this badly treated for.Even from the point of a view of a film, this isn't particularly well put together. The acting from the children is particularly poor and it never feels like anyone was doing this film for any reason other than getting a quick check. The humor is the kind of stuff you've seen a hundred times in every other family-children live action comedy so it isn't creative or imaginative in the least. There isn't even a nice message at the end or anything. The conclusion of the film plays out exactly as you will predict it will as soon as Nick and the kids get into the car. It's predictable and it isn't funny either, not the least bit when Tracy Morgan as a badly CGI'ed talking Bobble Head interjects the plot with some "snappy" witticisms.I know this film wasn't made for me, but there's nothing here for anyone really. No one is stretching their acting abilities; no one is breaking new forms of artistry or taking any chances. From an audience's point of view, no one is seeing anything new, learning anything or getting something they couldn't out of an episode of any given live action show on YTV like "Mr. Young" or "I-Carly". Yeah kids will laugh, but kids will laugh at any funny-looking guy getting hit in the face by something unexpected. Give your children some credit and try finding something of substance and intelligence, like a good movie, or a book, or a dinosaur-shaped maze in the Saturday-morning newspaper instead of showing them "Are we There Yet". (On DVD, July 6, 2014)

Ice Cube should get out of showbiz

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I wanted to watch this movie for two reasons: 1.) There are very few family comedy movies starring African-Americans 2.) I wanted to see Ice Cube in a different type of role to see if he could pull it off.Well, as for item number one, it was not quite what I'd hoped, and as for number two... Ice Cube is a lousy actor (and I knew that too). I don't know what made me think that THIS particular movie would make me overcome my disdain for bratty little kids AND Ice Cube's overwhelming lack of talent. I so desperately wanted to like this movie too. I was searching for a point to laugh or at least chuckle, and I just couldn't find it. I mean this movie really was just that unfunny.In the end it was watchable, just barely, because it wasn't offensive. Other than that, Ice Cube needs to get out of the acting business, and I'll wait for the next African-American starred family comedy and hope that it is better.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0368578/reviews-130

ur3670492

title: Ice Cube should get out of showbiz review: I wanted to watch this movie for two reasons: 1.) There are very few family comedy movies starring African-Americans 2.) I wanted to see Ice Cube in a different type of role to see if he could pull it off.Well, as for item number one, it was not quite what I'd hoped, and as for number two... Ice Cube is a lousy actor (and I knew that too). I don't know what made me think that THIS particular movie would make me overcome my disdain for bratty little kids AND Ice Cube's overwhelming lack of talent. I so desperately wanted to like this movie too. I was searching for a point to laugh or at least chuckle, and I just couldn't find it. I mean this movie really was just that unfunny.In the end it was watchable, just barely, because it wasn't offensive. Other than that, Ice Cube needs to get out of the acting business, and I'll wait for the next African-American starred family comedy and hope that it is better.

It is Ice Cube at his funniest..

tt0368578

It is always nice to see a thug rapper like Ice Cube to show his sensitive side. And he pretty much does in this warmhearted comedy. This is one of a few movies where he does not use the F word. Because he has kids of his own, and I believe he made this movie because, so he could watch it with them. The movie takes place the last week of Christmas. And carefree bachelor Nick Persons(Ice Cube) seems to have it all, a new van, manager of a sports memorabilia store. But he has one fault he hates kids. The site of any kids coming in his direction, makes him feel like growling. Until he meets divorcée Suzanne(Nia Long) with two kids. There friendship continues to grow. Then Suzanne has to go to a New Years Eve party. Nick offers to take her kids to the party. But the kids really don't like him, and they are gonna make the trip as bumpy has they can. This was funnier then Christmas With The Kranks. It was something for the whole family.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0368578/reviews-26

ur4593705

title: It is Ice Cube at his funniest.. review: It is always nice to see a thug rapper like Ice Cube to show his sensitive side. And he pretty much does in this warmhearted comedy. This is one of a few movies where he does not use the F word. Because he has kids of his own, and I believe he made this movie because, so he could watch it with them. The movie takes place the last week of Christmas. And carefree bachelor Nick Persons(Ice Cube) seems to have it all, a new van, manager of a sports memorabilia store. But he has one fault he hates kids. The site of any kids coming in his direction, makes him feel like growling. Until he meets divorcée Suzanne(Nia Long) with two kids. There friendship continues to grow. Then Suzanne has to go to a New Years Eve party. Nick offers to take her kids to the party. But the kids really don't like him, and they are gonna make the trip as bumpy has they can. This was funnier then Christmas With The Kranks. It was something for the whole family.

Ice Cubed

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Sometimes I am glad Ice Cube got involved in movie projects. However there are times, like the sequel, where I wish he stayed on the streets. But this one - left me somewhere in the middle. And that is a problem.Some of the moments in this film were great. I loved all the stuff that kept happening to his prized Lincoln Navigator. Just the image of him driving it was classic funny. But then the spoiled brat kids and the dumb talking bobblehead were just unentertaining.I was completely unsatisfied, but I can't go anywhere else. Not Cube's best work by far, but it could have been a lot worse. "C+"

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0368578/reviews-146

ur18271419

title: Ice Cubed review: Sometimes I am glad Ice Cube got involved in movie projects. However there are times, like the sequel, where I wish he stayed on the streets. But this one - left me somewhere in the middle. And that is a problem.Some of the moments in this film were great. I loved all the stuff that kept happening to his prized Lincoln Navigator. Just the image of him driving it was classic funny. But then the spoiled brat kids and the dumb talking bobblehead were just unentertaining.I was completely unsatisfied, but I can't go anywhere else. Not Cube's best work by far, but it could have been a lot worse. "C+"

Not as awful as I thought it would be, but still pretty bad!

tt0368578

Nick Persons (Ice Cube) is a loveless bachelor who's looking for the right woman. When he finally finds her, it's love at first sight - but then he finds out she's a single mom with two kids at home.In order to prove to her that he can be a good father, Nick agrees to drive them cross-country on a road trip - without their mother. However, the kids take an immediate disliking to Nick and plan to sabotage the entire trip.This movie's success surprised me when it first came out, because it competed against the remake of "Assault on Precinct 13" - and came out on top at the box office. I never expected a family film to beat a remake of a classic action film starring big(ger) names like Laurence Fishburne, Ethan Hawke, John Leguizamo and Gabriel Byrne. Nevertheless this Ice Cube "comedy" (which looked suspiciously like the new-age version of National Lampoon's "Vacation") triumphed. The problem is, even as a kid's movie it's not very good.For starters the acting is pretty bad and most of the gags are lame, way too over-the-top, and simply quite unfunny. A lot of the stuff just doesn't work - like Cube's fight with the rabid deer. Or the bit where the kids lock themselves inside his Pimp Mobile and drive around the parking lot of a gas station with Ice Cube on the hood of the vehicle.When I grew up you got your butt beat for even showing disrespect towards adults. The kids in this film are evil little demons who get away with destroying a mega-expensive car and implying that Ice Cube has abducted them against their will to a passing motorist. If I had been Nick Persons in this film, I would have beat them senseless. (Just joking. But honestly, you feel like doing something to them throughout the movie.) Most unfortunate of all, the talented and extremely hilarious Tracy Morgan (of "Saturday Night Live" fame) is wasted as the voice of a...dashboard bobble doll?! The ending is really typical of this sort of film - a relationship develops amidst the chaos, blah blah blah, and Everyone Lives Happily Ever After.This isn't as awful as I expected (it's not on par with "Son of the Mask" anyway) but it's still a pretty bad film that is insulting on quite a few levels - and at the same time it's so outrageous and twisted and uneasy that I don't even think children would get much fun out of it. I watched it with two children and neither of them liked it.My advice? Stick with the "Vacation" movies (and if you have a family, view the edited TV versions if you don't like the swearing and sexual innuendo/nudity). "Are We There Yet?" comes across as a pale imitator, a semi-remake that isn't nearly as funny, original, heartwarming or realistic. Part of the fun of the "Vacation" movies is that the events bore similarities to your own travel experiences-gone-awry as a child - "Are We There Yet?" is so far-fetched it's not even enjoyable.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0368578/reviews-90

ur1173088

title: Not as awful as I thought it would be, but still pretty bad! review: Nick Persons (Ice Cube) is a loveless bachelor who's looking for the right woman. When he finally finds her, it's love at first sight - but then he finds out she's a single mom with two kids at home.In order to prove to her that he can be a good father, Nick agrees to drive them cross-country on a road trip - without their mother. However, the kids take an immediate disliking to Nick and plan to sabotage the entire trip.This movie's success surprised me when it first came out, because it competed against the remake of "Assault on Precinct 13" - and came out on top at the box office. I never expected a family film to beat a remake of a classic action film starring big(ger) names like Laurence Fishburne, Ethan Hawke, John Leguizamo and Gabriel Byrne. Nevertheless this Ice Cube "comedy" (which looked suspiciously like the new-age version of National Lampoon's "Vacation") triumphed. The problem is, even as a kid's movie it's not very good.For starters the acting is pretty bad and most of the gags are lame, way too over-the-top, and simply quite unfunny. A lot of the stuff just doesn't work - like Cube's fight with the rabid deer. Or the bit where the kids lock themselves inside his Pimp Mobile and drive around the parking lot of a gas station with Ice Cube on the hood of the vehicle.When I grew up you got your butt beat for even showing disrespect towards adults. The kids in this film are evil little demons who get away with destroying a mega-expensive car and implying that Ice Cube has abducted them against their will to a passing motorist. If I had been Nick Persons in this film, I would have beat them senseless. (Just joking. But honestly, you feel like doing something to them throughout the movie.) Most unfortunate of all, the talented and extremely hilarious Tracy Morgan (of "Saturday Night Live" fame) is wasted as the voice of a...dashboard bobble doll?! The ending is really typical of this sort of film - a relationship develops amidst the chaos, blah blah blah, and Everyone Lives Happily Ever After.This isn't as awful as I expected (it's not on par with "Son of the Mask" anyway) but it's still a pretty bad film that is insulting on quite a few levels - and at the same time it's so outrageous and twisted and uneasy that I don't even think children would get much fun out of it. I watched it with two children and neither of them liked it.My advice? Stick with the "Vacation" movies (and if you have a family, view the edited TV versions if you don't like the swearing and sexual innuendo/nudity). "Are We There Yet?" comes across as a pale imitator, a semi-remake that isn't nearly as funny, original, heartwarming or realistic. Part of the fun of the "Vacation" movies is that the events bore similarities to your own travel experiences-gone-awry as a child - "Are We There Yet?" is so far-fetched it's not even enjoyable.

Could be worse, but still isn't up to much

tt0368578

(38%) A borderline acceptable family comedy that follows a small business owner "ice cube", a man who must deal drugs or something on the side because he never wears the same clothes twice, and his big ugly car is covered in more jewellery than than Mr T, but because this is a kids film that aspect of his life is never looked into. And I can only guess that he samples some of his product as he hallucinates quite badly from time to time with a nodding toy bursting into life, but yet again, we never see him shoot up. The plot is tried and tested, "Planes, trains and automobiles" type of thing, and everything goes along at a decent pace, just don't expect any of cube's explicit raps on the soundtrack, or to laugh too much, and this might just pass the time better than expected.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0368578/reviews-168

ur54757473

title: Could be worse, but still isn't up to much review: (38%) A borderline acceptable family comedy that follows a small business owner "ice cube", a man who must deal drugs or something on the side because he never wears the same clothes twice, and his big ugly car is covered in more jewellery than than Mr T, but because this is a kids film that aspect of his life is never looked into. And I can only guess that he samples some of his product as he hallucinates quite badly from time to time with a nodding toy bursting into life, but yet again, we never see him shoot up. The plot is tried and tested, "Planes, trains and automobiles" type of thing, and everything goes along at a decent pace, just don't expect any of cube's explicit raps on the soundtrack, or to laugh too much, and this might just pass the time better than expected.

Awful

tt0368578

With all the posturing herein, I'm surprised it got finished. This is pretty pathetic, and if it is indicative of what modern American families are coming to, it is also tragic.The story has been done many times, and there is not a single element about this work that is new, fresh, or creative. This was nothing more than a compilation of about ten other movies. The lead character exhibits every negative trait known to man, and even found a few new ones.I would suppose this is supposed to be endearingly amusing, but even in the end, it is just plain sad. Honestly, I found nothing whatsoever entertaining about this work. This is one of those rare films, which make me want my 2 hours back.It rates a 3.7/10 due to some decent performances by the kids, from...the Fiend :.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0368578/reviews-139

ur2626332

title: Awful review: With all the posturing herein, I'm surprised it got finished. This is pretty pathetic, and if it is indicative of what modern American families are coming to, it is also tragic.The story has been done many times, and there is not a single element about this work that is new, fresh, or creative. This was nothing more than a compilation of about ten other movies. The lead character exhibits every negative trait known to man, and even found a few new ones.I would suppose this is supposed to be endearingly amusing, but even in the end, it is just plain sad. Honestly, I found nothing whatsoever entertaining about this work. This is one of those rare films, which make me want my 2 hours back.It rates a 3.7/10 due to some decent performances by the kids, from...the Fiend :.

Gooey, effective and tense science fiction film exploring themes of identity and the impact of video games on us and our world.

tt0120907

Would it be too cheeky to reply, if asked what your favourite film based on a video game is, to answer with David Cronenberg's 1999 film eXistenZ? Probably. In fact given the context of the question it could be considered to be just plain wrong. But the film is interesting in this sense, and rather rooted within the world of video gaming in its statements and explorations; this is more of a film about video games or about a specific fictional video game, an all but self reflective piece that at times doubles up as an adaptation of itself and its own video game it contains within this fictitious universe. eXistenZ explores the nature of what video games mean to those that play them, the film exploring the essence of escape they bring to those that play them. At one point, a character is in desperate trouble and running for their life whilst holed up in a motel: their answer to unwind from this terrifying premise? Why, play video games of course. If the film struggled to garner much of a crowd on release then it'll have been because The Matrix was occupying people with its action sequences, tauter drama and similar ideas of alternate realities and identities further still within as a simultaneous deconstruction of its own reality played out; I liked The Matrix more, but this is not to say eXistenZ is in any way grossly inferior.The film opens with a large gathering of people at a church somewhere in America, at an unspecified point in the future. Glamorous video gaming expert Allegra (Leigh) has pioneered a new type of gaming which lends its name to the film's title; a game slightly set away from your more bog-standard 7ft arcade machine or household based console entertainment system, and one that allows physical movement and interaction in and around a fully functional universe of buildings; towns; vehicles and persons whom are both other gamers and artificial intelligence. The gathering at the church is symbolic of how the fans of this franchise and the rather attractive for a video gaming pioneer Allegra connect: they worship the item; the film situating the drooling audience in the pews watching on as those that sit at the front of the building, as if issuing a sermon, around which the alter is more commonly placed, are observed. Amongst these minions is casual onlooking security guard Ted (Law), virginal to the gaming community he is witnessing getting all excited and later brought into proceedings much more when an attempt on Allegra's life transpires. What follows is a taut and engaging thriller-come-detective story revolving around why it is what happened, happened; with Ted and Allegra at the core of it. There are those that, it would seem, reject the gaming world and the gamers that exist within it. But the film is not a petty dehumanising or demonisation of these people who are quite clearly looking 'in' on a community alien to them. The world of eXistenZ sees a relatively realistic and familiar, if low key, world given to us but with the simplest of everyday objects such as telephones; firearms and games controllers given a gross overhaul in appearance. Here, they resemble something you might dig out of the sewer; as if someone has gone to painstaking length to craft, for a big budget science fiction film, what all walks of life may resemble on a distant alien planet right down to the slugs and bugs that occupy the undergrowth of said planet. Most everyday objects in eXistenZ resemble the bugs and grubs of the undergrowth. In providing us with Ted, eXistenZ invites us to see the world of the film through unspoilt and ill-attributed eyes to the universe the film unfolds within. A point is made that Ted has avoided Allegra's video games, something you need a surgical procedure of sorts done to you if you are to join in; at one point, having had the procedure and able to indulge in eXistenZ's world because duty has called for him to do so, going so far as to quote that "everything here's so dirty, absurd and grotesque" perfectly capturing our own reaction to what's going on around everyone. But Cronenberg's ability in being able to tie in the absurd; the grotesque and the ugly into his film and linger on them without a sense that the film is coming across as exploitative is a skill that's prominent in most of his films. This inclusion in eXistenZ might be the man veering off down a tangent that sees him commentating on how easy, indeed needless, it is for gross and absurd content to worm its way into a video game which is built around a certain grounded sense of realism, and are lingered on. Ted's very gradual realisation that he is indeed someone and something else in the alternate reality as he adopts a different persona is effortlessly blended into the film as the chase thriller shenanigans Allegra's strand additionally spawns; his study broadly hinted at earlier on in a petrol station attendant's verbal confirmation that in reality he's a nobody pump puller but within the world of the game, he's "God". I like to think eXistenZ's plunge into spy territory and tales of double agents, Russian mobsters plus corrupt trout breeding centres as characters with important sounding roles come and go without making much on an impact is the point: it's complicated, convoluted and a stark alternate reality they inhabit in which everything's a little bit rubbish. As is, in an original film running on one man's vision, the only way to advance proceedings is to state dull and expositional dialogue to robotic drones doing what their told. Regardless, eXistenZ is an interesting, exciting and smart science fiction; the kind that runs on a nourishing amount of substance in tandem with its room for varying ideas, the likes of which ought to be embraced.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120907/reviews-502

ur0855231

title: Gooey, effective and tense science fiction film exploring themes of identity and the impact of video games on us and our world. review: Would it be too cheeky to reply, if asked what your favourite film based on a video game is, to answer with David Cronenberg's 1999 film eXistenZ? Probably. In fact given the context of the question it could be considered to be just plain wrong. But the film is interesting in this sense, and rather rooted within the world of video gaming in its statements and explorations; this is more of a film about video games or about a specific fictional video game, an all but self reflective piece that at times doubles up as an adaptation of itself and its own video game it contains within this fictitious universe. eXistenZ explores the nature of what video games mean to those that play them, the film exploring the essence of escape they bring to those that play them. At one point, a character is in desperate trouble and running for their life whilst holed up in a motel: their answer to unwind from this terrifying premise? Why, play video games of course. If the film struggled to garner much of a crowd on release then it'll have been because The Matrix was occupying people with its action sequences, tauter drama and similar ideas of alternate realities and identities further still within as a simultaneous deconstruction of its own reality played out; I liked The Matrix more, but this is not to say eXistenZ is in any way grossly inferior.The film opens with a large gathering of people at a church somewhere in America, at an unspecified point in the future. Glamorous video gaming expert Allegra (Leigh) has pioneered a new type of gaming which lends its name to the film's title; a game slightly set away from your more bog-standard 7ft arcade machine or household based console entertainment system, and one that allows physical movement and interaction in and around a fully functional universe of buildings; towns; vehicles and persons whom are both other gamers and artificial intelligence. The gathering at the church is symbolic of how the fans of this franchise and the rather attractive for a video gaming pioneer Allegra connect: they worship the item; the film situating the drooling audience in the pews watching on as those that sit at the front of the building, as if issuing a sermon, around which the alter is more commonly placed, are observed. Amongst these minions is casual onlooking security guard Ted (Law), virginal to the gaming community he is witnessing getting all excited and later brought into proceedings much more when an attempt on Allegra's life transpires. What follows is a taut and engaging thriller-come-detective story revolving around why it is what happened, happened; with Ted and Allegra at the core of it. There are those that, it would seem, reject the gaming world and the gamers that exist within it. But the film is not a petty dehumanising or demonisation of these people who are quite clearly looking 'in' on a community alien to them. The world of eXistenZ sees a relatively realistic and familiar, if low key, world given to us but with the simplest of everyday objects such as telephones; firearms and games controllers given a gross overhaul in appearance. Here, they resemble something you might dig out of the sewer; as if someone has gone to painstaking length to craft, for a big budget science fiction film, what all walks of life may resemble on a distant alien planet right down to the slugs and bugs that occupy the undergrowth of said planet. Most everyday objects in eXistenZ resemble the bugs and grubs of the undergrowth. In providing us with Ted, eXistenZ invites us to see the world of the film through unspoilt and ill-attributed eyes to the universe the film unfolds within. A point is made that Ted has avoided Allegra's video games, something you need a surgical procedure of sorts done to you if you are to join in; at one point, having had the procedure and able to indulge in eXistenZ's world because duty has called for him to do so, going so far as to quote that "everything here's so dirty, absurd and grotesque" perfectly capturing our own reaction to what's going on around everyone. But Cronenberg's ability in being able to tie in the absurd; the grotesque and the ugly into his film and linger on them without a sense that the film is coming across as exploitative is a skill that's prominent in most of his films. This inclusion in eXistenZ might be the man veering off down a tangent that sees him commentating on how easy, indeed needless, it is for gross and absurd content to worm its way into a video game which is built around a certain grounded sense of realism, and are lingered on. Ted's very gradual realisation that he is indeed someone and something else in the alternate reality as he adopts a different persona is effortlessly blended into the film as the chase thriller shenanigans Allegra's strand additionally spawns; his study broadly hinted at earlier on in a petrol station attendant's verbal confirmation that in reality he's a nobody pump puller but within the world of the game, he's "God". I like to think eXistenZ's plunge into spy territory and tales of double agents, Russian mobsters plus corrupt trout breeding centres as characters with important sounding roles come and go without making much on an impact is the point: it's complicated, convoluted and a stark alternate reality they inhabit in which everything's a little bit rubbish. As is, in an original film running on one man's vision, the only way to advance proceedings is to state dull and expositional dialogue to robotic drones doing what their told. Regardless, eXistenZ is an interesting, exciting and smart science fiction; the kind that runs on a nourishing amount of substance in tandem with its room for varying ideas, the likes of which ought to be embraced.

eXistenz is a surreal masterpiece from David Cronenberg.

tt0120907

A game designer on the run from assassins must play her latest virtual reality creation with a marketing trainee to determine if the game has been damaged. Allegra Geller, the leading game designer in the world, is testing her new virtual reality game, eXistenZ with a focus group. As they begin, she is attacked by a fanatic assassin employing a bizarre organic gun. She flees with a young marketing trainee, Ted Pikul, who is suddenly assigned as her bodyguard. Unfortunately, her pod, an organic gaming device that contains the only copy of the eXistenZ game program, is damaged. To inspect it, she talks Ted into accepting a gameport in his own body so he can play the game with her. The events leading up to this, and the resulting game lead the pair on a strange adventure where reality and their actions are impossible to determine from either their own or the game's perspective. Roger Ebert wrote: "eXistenZ'' is likely to appeal especially to computer game players, since it's familiar with that world and speculates on its future development. Allegra explains to Ted such phenomena as "genuine game urges''-- "something your game character was born to do.'' She regards her programming handiwork with musings like, "I've devoted five of my most passionate years to this strange little creature.'' At one point she's alarmed to discover, "I'm locked outside my own $38 million game!'' And without the password, it looks like neither she nor anyone else can get back inside. What? You mean she didn't back up her disc?" eXistenz is a surreal masterpiece from David Cronenberg.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120907/reviews-549

ur26897720

title: eXistenz is a surreal masterpiece from David Cronenberg. review: A game designer on the run from assassins must play her latest virtual reality creation with a marketing trainee to determine if the game has been damaged. Allegra Geller, the leading game designer in the world, is testing her new virtual reality game, eXistenZ with a focus group. As they begin, she is attacked by a fanatic assassin employing a bizarre organic gun. She flees with a young marketing trainee, Ted Pikul, who is suddenly assigned as her bodyguard. Unfortunately, her pod, an organic gaming device that contains the only copy of the eXistenZ game program, is damaged. To inspect it, she talks Ted into accepting a gameport in his own body so he can play the game with her. The events leading up to this, and the resulting game lead the pair on a strange adventure where reality and their actions are impossible to determine from either their own or the game's perspective. Roger Ebert wrote: "eXistenZ'' is likely to appeal especially to computer game players, since it's familiar with that world and speculates on its future development. Allegra explains to Ted such phenomena as "genuine game urges''-- "something your game character was born to do.'' She regards her programming handiwork with musings like, "I've devoted five of my most passionate years to this strange little creature.'' At one point she's alarmed to discover, "I'm locked outside my own $38 million game!'' And without the password, it looks like neither she nor anyone else can get back inside. What? You mean she didn't back up her disc?" eXistenz is a surreal masterpiece from David Cronenberg.

Virtual reality or absence of reality?

tt0120907

An interesting science-fiction idea from writer-director David Cronenberg, working (perhaps a bit too exhaustively) to create a scenario which is built upon an abstract foundation, and then layering it with various states of virtual reality until the viewer doesn't know where he stands anymore. Jennifer Jason Leigh plays a hotshot game designer in the not-too-distant future whose organic game pods can be shared by any number of players, putting everyone involved in a combined state of suspended reality; Jude Law is a mild-mannered marketing trainee who becomes Leigh's companion in a violent adventure wherein assassins and bounty hunters want the lady dead. It is almost impossible to judge the film on any merit except its technical qualities, seeing as we in the audience never know what's real and what isn't. In this instance, Cronenberg goes too far in the splatter department, giving less attention to vital story detail in an attempt (one presumes) to create a slimy, squirting shocker (with a fetish for bodily penetration). Leigh and Law are an acceptable combination (and Leigh has never been sexier), but the movie's low-keyed tone is so stultified that some viewers may end up in their own dream state--unintentionally. ** from ****

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120907/reviews-513

ur0989035

title: Virtual reality or absence of reality? review: An interesting science-fiction idea from writer-director David Cronenberg, working (perhaps a bit too exhaustively) to create a scenario which is built upon an abstract foundation, and then layering it with various states of virtual reality until the viewer doesn't know where he stands anymore. Jennifer Jason Leigh plays a hotshot game designer in the not-too-distant future whose organic game pods can be shared by any number of players, putting everyone involved in a combined state of suspended reality; Jude Law is a mild-mannered marketing trainee who becomes Leigh's companion in a violent adventure wherein assassins and bounty hunters want the lady dead. It is almost impossible to judge the film on any merit except its technical qualities, seeing as we in the audience never know what's real and what isn't. In this instance, Cronenberg goes too far in the splatter department, giving less attention to vital story detail in an attempt (one presumes) to create a slimy, squirting shocker (with a fetish for bodily penetration). Leigh and Law are an acceptable combination (and Leigh has never been sexier), but the movie's low-keyed tone is so stultified that some viewers may end up in their own dream state--unintentionally. ** from ****

Standard existentialist sci-fi fare

tt0120907

Not an exceptional effort from Cronenberg, who is actually a director capable of much better movies than this one. The stars are not the problem; I was actually very amused by Dafoe's performance as a regular guy doing a damn good job ACTING like a psycho killer in the context of the film's virtual reality game. However, the plot does not hold as many twists as it seems to want to have, and as far as I could tell there's nothing here to make us like any of the main characters or to care what happens to them. The existentialist sci-fi ideas it recycles can only be recycled once per generation (a la "The Matrix"), so "eXistenZ" strikes out here as well. Cronenberg would be better off mining some new ideas, rather than hanging around his stomping ground.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120907/reviews-394

ur0178741

title: Standard existentialist sci-fi fare review: Not an exceptional effort from Cronenberg, who is actually a director capable of much better movies than this one. The stars are not the problem; I was actually very amused by Dafoe's performance as a regular guy doing a damn good job ACTING like a psycho killer in the context of the film's virtual reality game. However, the plot does not hold as many twists as it seems to want to have, and as far as I could tell there's nothing here to make us like any of the main characters or to care what happens to them. The existentialist sci-fi ideas it recycles can only be recycled once per generation (a la "The Matrix"), so "eXistenZ" strikes out here as well. Cronenberg would be better off mining some new ideas, rather than hanging around his stomping ground.

The reality of the flesh

tt0120907

eXistenZ is another in the line of movies that question the entire nature of existence. Like the Martrix, Dark City, and News from the Good Lord, this movie asks us the question of what is real. Reality isn't something that we believe is around us and thus things only exists because we believe that they exist, rather reality is a construct by some external force that we are immersed in.eXistenZ is a computer game and it is accessed though a meta-flesh game pod (more on the nature of the flesh later). When one has entered the game, the users entire reality changes to that of the game. To the user, the game in fact seems to be more real than reality itself. Thus through this comes the plot: a group of radicals, known as the realists, are attempting to destroy the games and their creator Allegra Gellar.As with similar movies, I cannot go too deep into it as it will destroy the twists and the plots, but what I will explore here is the nature of reality, the malubility of flesh, and then point out a few interesting things.Basically reality in this film seems to be the place you inhabit when you are not inhabiting the game. The whole idea of reality seems to become warped and twisted as one descends into and out of the gaming environment, with Gellar bodyguard, Ted Pikul, not knowing the difference between reality and fantasy upon exiting the game. His comment is "this no longer seems real to me." I guess the thing that we are seeing here is the whole idea of immersing ourselves into a fantasy world taken to the extreme.At this time, we have movies, novels, computer and roleplaying games in which we immerse ourselves into to escape from our reality. This movie takes this further where we enter into a completely different reality to escape our reality. But is there a limit on how far we can go before we loose track of our reality? Some people who descend into the realities that we create now have difficulty escaping from them, especially when the reality in which we live just doesn't seem to be all that pleasant. So why not escape into a reality where we are kings and lords and can squash those who upset us? But, there is a time when we should leave and face our realities. If some people cannot differentiate fantasy from reality now, what happens when the technology reaches a level where we can completely escape? I guess that is where we come to eXistenZ.Now there is the idea of the flesh. The flesh is a common element in horror type movies. This is because our flesh defines who we are and to violate one's flesh is the greatest violation that one can perform. When we look at somebody we look at their flesh, and that is how we define who they are. Thus when our flesh ceases to be our defining quality then that is when problems arise. This occurs when somebody betrays us, because the person that we thought we knew is not actually that person anymore.In this movie all of the technology is created from flesh. As such there is a some sort of sickening feeling as we watch these constructs, knowing that they form a part of the human body. The bioport, the hole through which the gamepod is attached, upsets Ted Pikul because he sees it placement as a violation of his body. The further we go into the movie, the more disturbing scenes we see, including the factory where the gamepods are made. Yet by the end we seem to be able to handle it much better. Finally, a few things that I should point out. First of all, notice how sensual Allegra Gellar is towards Ted Pikul. Remember that he is a complete stranger, but she throws a lot of signals towards him. Secondly note the dog.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120907/reviews-525

ur27175177

title: The reality of the flesh review: eXistenZ is another in the line of movies that question the entire nature of existence. Like the Martrix, Dark City, and News from the Good Lord, this movie asks us the question of what is real. Reality isn't something that we believe is around us and thus things only exists because we believe that they exist, rather reality is a construct by some external force that we are immersed in.eXistenZ is a computer game and it is accessed though a meta-flesh game pod (more on the nature of the flesh later). When one has entered the game, the users entire reality changes to that of the game. To the user, the game in fact seems to be more real than reality itself. Thus through this comes the plot: a group of radicals, known as the realists, are attempting to destroy the games and their creator Allegra Gellar.As with similar movies, I cannot go too deep into it as it will destroy the twists and the plots, but what I will explore here is the nature of reality, the malubility of flesh, and then point out a few interesting things.Basically reality in this film seems to be the place you inhabit when you are not inhabiting the game. The whole idea of reality seems to become warped and twisted as one descends into and out of the gaming environment, with Gellar bodyguard, Ted Pikul, not knowing the difference between reality and fantasy upon exiting the game. His comment is "this no longer seems real to me." I guess the thing that we are seeing here is the whole idea of immersing ourselves into a fantasy world taken to the extreme.At this time, we have movies, novels, computer and roleplaying games in which we immerse ourselves into to escape from our reality. This movie takes this further where we enter into a completely different reality to escape our reality. But is there a limit on how far we can go before we loose track of our reality? Some people who descend into the realities that we create now have difficulty escaping from them, especially when the reality in which we live just doesn't seem to be all that pleasant. So why not escape into a reality where we are kings and lords and can squash those who upset us? But, there is a time when we should leave and face our realities. If some people cannot differentiate fantasy from reality now, what happens when the technology reaches a level where we can completely escape? I guess that is where we come to eXistenZ.Now there is the idea of the flesh. The flesh is a common element in horror type movies. This is because our flesh defines who we are and to violate one's flesh is the greatest violation that one can perform. When we look at somebody we look at their flesh, and that is how we define who they are. Thus when our flesh ceases to be our defining quality then that is when problems arise. This occurs when somebody betrays us, because the person that we thought we knew is not actually that person anymore.In this movie all of the technology is created from flesh. As such there is a some sort of sickening feeling as we watch these constructs, knowing that they form a part of the human body. The bioport, the hole through which the gamepod is attached, upsets Ted Pikul because he sees it placement as a violation of his body. The further we go into the movie, the more disturbing scenes we see, including the factory where the gamepods are made. Yet by the end we seem to be able to handle it much better. Finally, a few things that I should point out. First of all, notice how sensual Allegra Gellar is towards Ted Pikul. Remember that he is a complete stranger, but she throws a lot of signals towards him. Secondly note the dog.

Invasion of the bio-Pod People: Meta-muddle...

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At some point in his career, David Cronenberg apparently thought he'd become David Lynch: he began to make muddled movies that lacked both the flair and imagination of his earlier films. EXISTENZ was the last time he attempted to venture back into the dark territory where he had done his very best work and he came up short. EXISTENZ oozes across the screen at a painfully slow pace, crippled by two of the BLANDEST leads he's ever employed, who are themselves hampered by a lackluster screenplay that offers little (with the possible exception of the "bio-ports," which will, in all likelihood, shortly become a reality). Weird for the sake of being weird, EXISTENZ is as bad as the worst of David Lynch.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120907/reviews-544

ur1530907

title: Invasion of the bio-Pod People: Meta-muddle... review: At some point in his career, David Cronenberg apparently thought he'd become David Lynch: he began to make muddled movies that lacked both the flair and imagination of his earlier films. EXISTENZ was the last time he attempted to venture back into the dark territory where he had done his very best work and he came up short. EXISTENZ oozes across the screen at a painfully slow pace, crippled by two of the BLANDEST leads he's ever employed, who are themselves hampered by a lackluster screenplay that offers little (with the possible exception of the "bio-ports," which will, in all likelihood, shortly become a reality). Weird for the sake of being weird, EXISTENZ is as bad as the worst of David Lynch.

One of the most entertaining films from Cronenberg.

tt0120907

In the near future, there is a new game called eXistenZ. The game depicts a society which game designers are worshiped as superstars. The game players can organically enter inside the game. At the center of this story is Allegia Geller (Jennifer Jason Leigh) who created the game and it been having problems with people playing because it blurs boundaries between fear, desires, reality and escapism.When she forced to flee after a failed assassination attempt, Allegra teams with a mysterious security guard Ted Pikel (Jude Law). Allegta is seducing Ted into playing the game. Once they do, both are into a phantasmagoria world where existence ends and eXistenZ begins.Written & Directed by David Cronenberg (Crash, The Dead Zone, Spider) made a entertaining Sci-Fi Thriller that gets sillier by the minute but it works thanks to a superb cast like the two leads and also Ian Holm, Don McKeller, Callum Keith Rennie, Sarah Polley, Robert A. Silverman, Kris Lemeche, Christopher Eccleston & Willem Dafoe. This Big Budget Canadian/British Production was a Box Office Disappointment by the wake of the release of The Matrix. Which The Matrix has a familiar story to eXistenZ to some degree.DVD has an sharp anamorphic Widescreen (1.78:1) transfer and an strong-Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. The DVD has three separate commentary tracks by filmmakers-David Cronenberg, Cinematographer:Peter Suschitzky (Dead Ringers) and Visual/Digital Effects Supervisor:Jim Issac (Jason X). DVD has an hour documentary by the Production Designer:Carol Spier and the Original Theatrical Trailer. eXistenZ is a underrated film, while The Matrix is a popular pop culture phenomenon. This film has less logic that most of Cronenberg films but it is fun to watch. (****/*****).

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120907/reviews-438

ur5115203

title: One of the most entertaining films from Cronenberg. review: In the near future, there is a new game called eXistenZ. The game depicts a society which game designers are worshiped as superstars. The game players can organically enter inside the game. At the center of this story is Allegia Geller (Jennifer Jason Leigh) who created the game and it been having problems with people playing because it blurs boundaries between fear, desires, reality and escapism.When she forced to flee after a failed assassination attempt, Allegra teams with a mysterious security guard Ted Pikel (Jude Law). Allegta is seducing Ted into playing the game. Once they do, both are into a phantasmagoria world where existence ends and eXistenZ begins.Written & Directed by David Cronenberg (Crash, The Dead Zone, Spider) made a entertaining Sci-Fi Thriller that gets sillier by the minute but it works thanks to a superb cast like the two leads and also Ian Holm, Don McKeller, Callum Keith Rennie, Sarah Polley, Robert A. Silverman, Kris Lemeche, Christopher Eccleston & Willem Dafoe. This Big Budget Canadian/British Production was a Box Office Disappointment by the wake of the release of The Matrix. Which The Matrix has a familiar story to eXistenZ to some degree.DVD has an sharp anamorphic Widescreen (1.78:1) transfer and an strong-Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. The DVD has three separate commentary tracks by filmmakers-David Cronenberg, Cinematographer:Peter Suschitzky (Dead Ringers) and Visual/Digital Effects Supervisor:Jim Issac (Jason X). DVD has an hour documentary by the Production Designer:Carol Spier and the Original Theatrical Trailer. eXistenZ is a underrated film, while The Matrix is a popular pop culture phenomenon. This film has less logic that most of Cronenberg films but it is fun to watch. (****/*****).

Great film, but not for everyone

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I have enjoyed a lot of David Croneberg's films, especially with his fascinating vision of technology and the body as one. I'm not a fan, but some of his movies are interesting. He splurged on it in "Videodrome" (interesting, but OK), and then brought it up (although not as graphically) in "Crash". "Crash", unfortunately, did not translate well to celluloid--you need to read the book to get a feel for the Croneberg theme rather than see it.So what does all of this have to do with "eXistenZ"? Briefly, a software designer builds a new game and uses a biomechanical, almost living, device that hooks up in people's backs (via an "umbilical cord") and puts them in a type of virtual reality. Unfortunately, some people want to kill her. The rest you have to see--it cannot be explained without giving too much away. What I enjoyed in this movie was not only the plot (which is interesting, with a cool ending, by the way), but a lot of the visual effects in it. OK, they aren't the Matrix or Phantom Menace, but they will test your sense of nausea! As for the plot, I think what Croneberg suggests is that people are getting too dependent on technology to live their lives; they are using it to create a new life, and this is not far from the truth.You will either like it or hate it. I feel those who enjoyed Croneberg's previous works (especially "The Naked Lunch", "Videodrome", "Scanners", and "The Brood") will definitely enjoy this film. As for the rest, I recommend it just for the experience--you may either praise or curse me, but you will agree that there are not too many films like these. One of the most underrated films of 1999.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120907/reviews-208

ur0746867

title: Great film, but not for everyone review: I have enjoyed a lot of David Croneberg's films, especially with his fascinating vision of technology and the body as one. I'm not a fan, but some of his movies are interesting. He splurged on it in "Videodrome" (interesting, but OK), and then brought it up (although not as graphically) in "Crash". "Crash", unfortunately, did not translate well to celluloid--you need to read the book to get a feel for the Croneberg theme rather than see it.So what does all of this have to do with "eXistenZ"? Briefly, a software designer builds a new game and uses a biomechanical, almost living, device that hooks up in people's backs (via an "umbilical cord") and puts them in a type of virtual reality. Unfortunately, some people want to kill her. The rest you have to see--it cannot be explained without giving too much away. What I enjoyed in this movie was not only the plot (which is interesting, with a cool ending, by the way), but a lot of the visual effects in it. OK, they aren't the Matrix or Phantom Menace, but they will test your sense of nausea! As for the plot, I think what Croneberg suggests is that people are getting too dependent on technology to live their lives; they are using it to create a new life, and this is not far from the truth.You will either like it or hate it. I feel those who enjoyed Croneberg's previous works (especially "The Naked Lunch", "Videodrome", "Scanners", and "The Brood") will definitely enjoy this film. As for the rest, I recommend it just for the experience--you may either praise or curse me, but you will agree that there are not too many films like these. One of the most underrated films of 1999.

Weird As Usual For Cronenberg

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David Cronenberg loves to make kinky movies, and "eXistenZ" appears about as kinky as the Canadian born helmer gets. This quirky thriller concerns a virtual reality game and the woman who designed it. The surreal action occurs in the near future, but everything looks contemporary until you get to the video game that our heroine has created and the way that it is played. Allegra (Jennifer Jason Leigh of "Single White Female") is the world's greatest game designer. She is developing her latest game that her company named Antenna Research has spent $38 million on. The theme of illusion versus reality plays a major part in this thriller."eXistenZ" unfolds in a small, backwoods, folksy church where a crowd has gathered to take part in the first test. The Seminar Leader (Christopher Eccleston of "Jude") welcomes the spectators to the seminar and appreciates their willingness to participate in testing the game. Although he supervises these seminars, the Seminar Leader explains that Allegra will lead them through the first test. Afterward, the Seminar Leader selects twelve people to serve as testers. A public relations trainee, Ted Pikul (Jude Law of "Side Effects"), sits by the door to screen spectators so nobody enters the premises with a recording device. After the group has assembled and ported in the system, Allegra addresses them. "Now, I'll warn you, it's going to be a wild ride, but don't panic. No matter what happens." Before everything is over with in "eXistenZ," you may panic. Allegra's words basically sum up everything that is going to follow when she tells her testers. "Existenz' is not just a game," she informs them. "It's an entirely new game system. And it involves a whole lot of new toys." Indeed, it does involve 'new toys.' Instead of electronic game consoles, they are using organic, fleshy-looking game pods. The pods themselves resemble human body parts squished together like a trio of nipples attached to an umbilical cord that is inserted in each tester's back in a bio-port at the basic of the spine. The game ports appear to squirm when they are in use. The players are zoned out as they use these game ports. Noel Dichter (Kris Lemche of "Final Destination 3") was the last person to enter, and he attempts to kill Allegra with an exotic organic gun. Actually, Noel's gun is made of flesh & blood body parts, and the bullets are teeth. The assassin has concealed his weapon in game pod. Noel hits Allegra in the right shoulder, but the tooth doesn't kill her. Noel shoots the Seminar Leader and kills him. Allegra's bodyguards Merle (Sarah Polley of "Spice") and shoot Noel to ribbons. Meantime, the Seminar Leader exhorts Ted to get Allegra off the premises because somebody at Antenna is trying to sabotage the new game. While everybody else is fleeing from the church, Ted helps up and takes her to a vehicle outside. Indeed, this imaginative thriller keeps you off balance throughout its tantalizing 97 minutes. You never really know what is going to happen. Cronenberg wrote and directed this R-rated release with several twists and turns.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120907/reviews-533

ur2079400

title: Weird As Usual For Cronenberg review: David Cronenberg loves to make kinky movies, and "eXistenZ" appears about as kinky as the Canadian born helmer gets. This quirky thriller concerns a virtual reality game and the woman who designed it. The surreal action occurs in the near future, but everything looks contemporary until you get to the video game that our heroine has created and the way that it is played. Allegra (Jennifer Jason Leigh of "Single White Female") is the world's greatest game designer. She is developing her latest game that her company named Antenna Research has spent $38 million on. The theme of illusion versus reality plays a major part in this thriller."eXistenZ" unfolds in a small, backwoods, folksy church where a crowd has gathered to take part in the first test. The Seminar Leader (Christopher Eccleston of "Jude") welcomes the spectators to the seminar and appreciates their willingness to participate in testing the game. Although he supervises these seminars, the Seminar Leader explains that Allegra will lead them through the first test. Afterward, the Seminar Leader selects twelve people to serve as testers. A public relations trainee, Ted Pikul (Jude Law of "Side Effects"), sits by the door to screen spectators so nobody enters the premises with a recording device. After the group has assembled and ported in the system, Allegra addresses them. "Now, I'll warn you, it's going to be a wild ride, but don't panic. No matter what happens." Before everything is over with in "eXistenZ," you may panic. Allegra's words basically sum up everything that is going to follow when she tells her testers. "Existenz' is not just a game," she informs them. "It's an entirely new game system. And it involves a whole lot of new toys." Indeed, it does involve 'new toys.' Instead of electronic game consoles, they are using organic, fleshy-looking game pods. The pods themselves resemble human body parts squished together like a trio of nipples attached to an umbilical cord that is inserted in each tester's back in a bio-port at the basic of the spine. The game ports appear to squirm when they are in use. The players are zoned out as they use these game ports. Noel Dichter (Kris Lemche of "Final Destination 3") was the last person to enter, and he attempts to kill Allegra with an exotic organic gun. Actually, Noel's gun is made of flesh & blood body parts, and the bullets are teeth. The assassin has concealed his weapon in game pod. Noel hits Allegra in the right shoulder, but the tooth doesn't kill her. Noel shoots the Seminar Leader and kills him. Allegra's bodyguards Merle (Sarah Polley of "Spice") and shoot Noel to ribbons. Meantime, the Seminar Leader exhorts Ted to get Allegra off the premises because somebody at Antenna is trying to sabotage the new game. While everybody else is fleeing from the church, Ted helps up and takes her to a vehicle outside. Indeed, this imaginative thriller keeps you off balance throughout its tantalizing 97 minutes. You never really know what is going to happen. Cronenberg wrote and directed this R-rated release with several twists and turns.

WARNING: DO NOT WATCH WHILE EATING. DO NOT EVEN WATCH IF YOU HAVE EATEN IN THE LAST SIX TO EIGHT HOURS. IN FACT, TAKE SOME TUMS IN ADVANCE.

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ExistenZ is an exercise in bad taste combined with a reasonable budget, which was acquired despite an almost total absence of any sort of interesting story. Actually, before I go that far I should say that the story is, in fact, fairly complex and operates on several levels, but it is executed so badly and downright grotesquely that the story is often completely irrelevant, as though each scene is trying to outdo the last in distracting the viewer from what the whole movie is about in the first place.Jennifer Jason Leigh plays the part of Allegra Geller, a star video game programmer who is just about to come out with the most technologically advanced video game ever created. Evidently, the game is able to tap into players' minds so that they actually LIVE the video game in virtual reality. Needless to say, that fine line between reality and virtual reality becomes more and more blurred until all sorts of crazy havoc ensues. The danger of the game is first hinted at in an early scene where Allegra is conducting a closed-door demonstration of her new game and some nutcase attacks her with an alarmingly ORGANIC weapon (for lack of the NEED for a better word, as it turns out), which initially seems like some crazed weirdo raised by video games but, after a moment's thought, is probably more likely someone who has had contact with the game. Sort of like Vincent Grey in the Sixth Sense.At any rate, I would say that the movie takes it's first precipitous plunge when we see the video game controllers which, like the weapon that nutcase used to try to kill Allegra, are not only disturbingly organic to the point that they are more like creatures than controllers, but they are operated through the use of equally disturbing fondling motions, as though the players compete with each other by trying to pleasure their controller better than their opponents. And don't even get me started on the bio-ports. Very few times have I ever seen such things in a movie, although it's not necessarily new from director David Cronenburg, who has a history of putting weird sexual things in his movies (see Crash, which he directed just before taking on eXistenZ). In my personal opinion, a lot of things in eXistenZ were unappealing simply because they were not necessarily offensive, but simply distasteful in a pretty literal sense. Consider, for example, the scene where our heroes, Allegra and Ted Pikul (another great performance from Jude Law) are eating in a suspicious restaurant, and Pikul gradually discovers that the hideous piece of meat that he is eating can be assembled into a greasy gun much like the one used to attack Allegra near the beginning of the movie. Maybe I was just completely put off by that scene because I was eating barbecued chicken while I was watching it. I was absolutely horrified, I almost had to turn the movie off. Interestingly enough, the video game plot is complex and simplistic at the same time. It reveals either a deep understanding of Allegra, the main character, or an excessively weak script, or both. Maybe the former was a lucky byproduct of the latter. While inside the game (which gradually becomes increasingly difficult to determine), they follow a rather childish path, following cues that sound like something a little kid would make up while writing a story for a homework assignment. A creepy country gas station attendant named Gas tells them to look for a Chinese restaurant in the forest, and order the special, while turning down such immensely appetizing dishes as mutants and reptiles. But then, of course, we have scenes like the one where Ted performs cunnilingus on Allegra's bio-port. I think it's safe to say such things don't turn up in many homework assignments. Clearly, the movie's message is mostly about the dangers of extensive video gaming and the addictive nature of the way they detach us from reality. Movies do the same thing, but good movies cause you to use your mind, to think about things (much like good video games, and both are unfortunately rare). So this is not a new idea, but where the movie really suffers, aside from a lot of its stomach-turning imagery, is in the fact that it is lost in the wake of the massively superior Wachowski brothers film The Matrix, released the same month. Big movies have a tendency to arrive in pairs, and one always seems to be hugely superior to the other. Independence Day and The Arrival, Armageddon and Deep Impact (the latter being the vastly superior, obviously), Antz and A Bug's Life, Volcano and Dante's Peak, etc. There was a big difference in likability between Antz and A Bug's Life rather than in quality, but in this case, while it has been hailed by many critics and fans alike, I found eXistenZ to push the envelope of bad taste past the breaking point and into the realm of weirdness with its often revolting mixture of ham-handed, graphic sexual imagery and what Roger Ebert described as showing `characters eating things that surgeons handle with gloves on.'

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120907/reviews-415

ur0562732

title: WARNING: DO NOT WATCH WHILE EATING. DO NOT EVEN WATCH IF YOU HAVE EATEN IN THE LAST SIX TO EIGHT HOURS. IN FACT, TAKE SOME TUMS IN ADVANCE. review: ExistenZ is an exercise in bad taste combined with a reasonable budget, which was acquired despite an almost total absence of any sort of interesting story. Actually, before I go that far I should say that the story is, in fact, fairly complex and operates on several levels, but it is executed so badly and downright grotesquely that the story is often completely irrelevant, as though each scene is trying to outdo the last in distracting the viewer from what the whole movie is about in the first place.Jennifer Jason Leigh plays the part of Allegra Geller, a star video game programmer who is just about to come out with the most technologically advanced video game ever created. Evidently, the game is able to tap into players' minds so that they actually LIVE the video game in virtual reality. Needless to say, that fine line between reality and virtual reality becomes more and more blurred until all sorts of crazy havoc ensues. The danger of the game is first hinted at in an early scene where Allegra is conducting a closed-door demonstration of her new game and some nutcase attacks her with an alarmingly ORGANIC weapon (for lack of the NEED for a better word, as it turns out), which initially seems like some crazed weirdo raised by video games but, after a moment's thought, is probably more likely someone who has had contact with the game. Sort of like Vincent Grey in the Sixth Sense.At any rate, I would say that the movie takes it's first precipitous plunge when we see the video game controllers which, like the weapon that nutcase used to try to kill Allegra, are not only disturbingly organic to the point that they are more like creatures than controllers, but they are operated through the use of equally disturbing fondling motions, as though the players compete with each other by trying to pleasure their controller better than their opponents. And don't even get me started on the bio-ports. Very few times have I ever seen such things in a movie, although it's not necessarily new from director David Cronenburg, who has a history of putting weird sexual things in his movies (see Crash, which he directed just before taking on eXistenZ). In my personal opinion, a lot of things in eXistenZ were unappealing simply because they were not necessarily offensive, but simply distasteful in a pretty literal sense. Consider, for example, the scene where our heroes, Allegra and Ted Pikul (another great performance from Jude Law) are eating in a suspicious restaurant, and Pikul gradually discovers that the hideous piece of meat that he is eating can be assembled into a greasy gun much like the one used to attack Allegra near the beginning of the movie. Maybe I was just completely put off by that scene because I was eating barbecued chicken while I was watching it. I was absolutely horrified, I almost had to turn the movie off. Interestingly enough, the video game plot is complex and simplistic at the same time. It reveals either a deep understanding of Allegra, the main character, or an excessively weak script, or both. Maybe the former was a lucky byproduct of the latter. While inside the game (which gradually becomes increasingly difficult to determine), they follow a rather childish path, following cues that sound like something a little kid would make up while writing a story for a homework assignment. A creepy country gas station attendant named Gas tells them to look for a Chinese restaurant in the forest, and order the special, while turning down such immensely appetizing dishes as mutants and reptiles. But then, of course, we have scenes like the one where Ted performs cunnilingus on Allegra's bio-port. I think it's safe to say such things don't turn up in many homework assignments. Clearly, the movie's message is mostly about the dangers of extensive video gaming and the addictive nature of the way they detach us from reality. Movies do the same thing, but good movies cause you to use your mind, to think about things (much like good video games, and both are unfortunately rare). So this is not a new idea, but where the movie really suffers, aside from a lot of its stomach-turning imagery, is in the fact that it is lost in the wake of the massively superior Wachowski brothers film The Matrix, released the same month. Big movies have a tendency to arrive in pairs, and one always seems to be hugely superior to the other. Independence Day and The Arrival, Armageddon and Deep Impact (the latter being the vastly superior, obviously), Antz and A Bug's Life, Volcano and Dante's Peak, etc. There was a big difference in likability between Antz and A Bug's Life rather than in quality, but in this case, while it has been hailed by many critics and fans alike, I found eXistenZ to push the envelope of bad taste past the breaking point and into the realm of weirdness with its often revolting mixture of ham-handed, graphic sexual imagery and what Roger Ebert described as showing `characters eating things that surgeons handle with gloves on.'

Really, not that great

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The problem was the whole thing was set up for this twist ending that wasn't much a twist at all. We discover the whole thing was really a game, and then we are surprised when the two main protagonists are actually anti-gaming fanatics? Some of the characterizations are fun, but not really. Willem DaFoe was okay as the gas station guy who promotes illegal transplants, but overall, most of the characters were boring and uninteresting, so you didn't care if they were computer generated or dull gamers playing computer generated characters...Not really worthy your time or mine.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120907/reviews-506

ur5348015

title: Really, not that great review: The problem was the whole thing was set up for this twist ending that wasn't much a twist at all. We discover the whole thing was really a game, and then we are surprised when the two main protagonists are actually anti-gaming fanatics? Some of the characterizations are fun, but not really. Willem DaFoe was okay as the gas station guy who promotes illegal transplants, but overall, most of the characters were boring and uninteresting, so you didn't care if they were computer generated or dull gamers playing computer generated characters...Not really worthy your time or mine.

"eXistenZ" - Do you want to play?

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In "eXistenZ," we're told, the title refers to a revolutionary video-gaming system that looks like a fleshy, latex combination between a Sony Playstation and someone's kidney. eXistenZ is unlike any video game before it: the device is powered by the player's body, hooked into their lower spine through a bio-port with an "umbryocord" attached to them (which looks just like it sounds), and the player finds himself/herself in a virtual reality world where their actions seem to modify the programming of the console itself.The game's reclusive developer, Allegra Geller (Jennifer Jason Leigh), is on hand at a testing seminar at a church (a church!) when she and the Seminar Leader (Christopher Eccleston) are attacked by a would-be assassin and she barely escapes with her life with the help of corporate techie and P.R. nerd Ted Pikul (Jude Law). In order to get to the bottom of events, they must actually play the game, and beat it."eXistenZ" was directed by the fine, Canadian-bred film auteur David Cronenberg and as you would expect, there's a lot more going on in this "existence" than you think. But first things first: I have to say that if it weren't for its gross-out, reality-bending effects, Cronenberg would be registered somewhere by the MPAA as Public Enemy #1. For this latest effort, which bears a few shades of his previous mass-media indictment "Videodrome" (1983), Cronenberg dissects reality, virtual reality, and the corporate video-gaming universe.Allegra has spent the last five years of her life developing eXistenZ, its internal programming happening to be composed of the parts of mutant amphibians (which are also made out to be a nutritional delicacy in some quarters). She hugs the device as if it were her baby, and for some reason we're not led to believe that she's faking it when she treats as if it were so. eXistenZ was made to test the boundaries of human perceptions of reality and this it seems, she was successful at doing, since as the film progresses, it becomes harder and harder to decipher if they are playing the game or not.This is what Cronenberg specializes in with this picture, and getting great mileage out of the confusion of the protagonists as they nor we are aware of our surroundings anymore. After the first bizarre sequence of the picture, Allegra and Ted retreat to the relative safety of the countryside, where the bio-port-phobic Ted has one installed by nut-so mechanic Gas (Willem Dafoe) at the Country Gas Station and the two uncover a confusing plot about pro-reality rebels trying to assassinate the pro-virtual reality Allegra. And with help of supporting oddball regulars such as Ian Holm and Don McKellar aligned with them, they seek to beat eXistenZ and the rebels out to get them.It was released a few months after "The Matrix" in 1999, a similar film about the redefinition of reality and those caught in a battle to destroy it. But while that great, milestone action film is more interested in popcorn effects rather than deep philosophy and questions about reality, "eXistenZ" goes the extra mile by making sure we are never sure of our perceptions of the picture as a whole. Is the film, "eXistenZ," some warped fantasy game, made by an insane genius? Are assassins really on the trail of an innocent programmer? Do "flesh & bone" guns that fire human teeth really exist (and which can otherwise very easily get past any metal detector)?It's questions like these that make "eXistenZ" such a fascinating film from a storyteller who knows his stuff. But you know you're in trouble when video games start to spill into your waking hours and consume every aspect of your natural life and making YOU wreak havoc. Mr. Thompson, where are you?8/10

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120907/reviews-445

ur0892646

title: "eXistenZ" - Do you want to play? review: In "eXistenZ," we're told, the title refers to a revolutionary video-gaming system that looks like a fleshy, latex combination between a Sony Playstation and someone's kidney. eXistenZ is unlike any video game before it: the device is powered by the player's body, hooked into their lower spine through a bio-port with an "umbryocord" attached to them (which looks just like it sounds), and the player finds himself/herself in a virtual reality world where their actions seem to modify the programming of the console itself.The game's reclusive developer, Allegra Geller (Jennifer Jason Leigh), is on hand at a testing seminar at a church (a church!) when she and the Seminar Leader (Christopher Eccleston) are attacked by a would-be assassin and she barely escapes with her life with the help of corporate techie and P.R. nerd Ted Pikul (Jude Law). In order to get to the bottom of events, they must actually play the game, and beat it."eXistenZ" was directed by the fine, Canadian-bred film auteur David Cronenberg and as you would expect, there's a lot more going on in this "existence" than you think. But first things first: I have to say that if it weren't for its gross-out, reality-bending effects, Cronenberg would be registered somewhere by the MPAA as Public Enemy #1. For this latest effort, which bears a few shades of his previous mass-media indictment "Videodrome" (1983), Cronenberg dissects reality, virtual reality, and the corporate video-gaming universe.Allegra has spent the last five years of her life developing eXistenZ, its internal programming happening to be composed of the parts of mutant amphibians (which are also made out to be a nutritional delicacy in some quarters). She hugs the device as if it were her baby, and for some reason we're not led to believe that she's faking it when she treats as if it were so. eXistenZ was made to test the boundaries of human perceptions of reality and this it seems, she was successful at doing, since as the film progresses, it becomes harder and harder to decipher if they are playing the game or not.This is what Cronenberg specializes in with this picture, and getting great mileage out of the confusion of the protagonists as they nor we are aware of our surroundings anymore. After the first bizarre sequence of the picture, Allegra and Ted retreat to the relative safety of the countryside, where the bio-port-phobic Ted has one installed by nut-so mechanic Gas (Willem Dafoe) at the Country Gas Station and the two uncover a confusing plot about pro-reality rebels trying to assassinate the pro-virtual reality Allegra. And with help of supporting oddball regulars such as Ian Holm and Don McKellar aligned with them, they seek to beat eXistenZ and the rebels out to get them.It was released a few months after "The Matrix" in 1999, a similar film about the redefinition of reality and those caught in a battle to destroy it. But while that great, milestone action film is more interested in popcorn effects rather than deep philosophy and questions about reality, "eXistenZ" goes the extra mile by making sure we are never sure of our perceptions of the picture as a whole. Is the film, "eXistenZ," some warped fantasy game, made by an insane genius? Are assassins really on the trail of an innocent programmer? Do "flesh & bone" guns that fire human teeth really exist (and which can otherwise very easily get past any metal detector)?It's questions like these that make "eXistenZ" such a fascinating film from a storyteller who knows his stuff. But you know you're in trouble when video games start to spill into your waking hours and consume every aspect of your natural life and making YOU wreak havoc. Mr. Thompson, where are you?8/10

a nice SF flick

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If you've never heard of the movie Nirvana (1997) this would have been a great movie. Otherwise, you'll know that there are motifs that are plainly copied from that one.I might be too harsh with this thought, since eXistenZ is good in it's own right, yet it is about gaming and virtual reality, which Nirvana tackled a couple of years before.And if we stretch the arguments a bit, we might see that there are similar ideas floating around in the industry. eXistenZ came out in the year in which Matrix changed the SF genre and movie going in general. They were both into virtual reality, although the budget of the latter movie allowed more extravaganza.Jude Law offer ahis standard performance, leaving you wondering how much of that is an act and how much his personality coming through. Jennifer Jason Leigh managed to depict an interesting character with limited means...

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120907/reviews-541

ur15462771

title: a nice SF flick review: If you've never heard of the movie Nirvana (1997) this would have been a great movie. Otherwise, you'll know that there are motifs that are plainly copied from that one.I might be too harsh with this thought, since eXistenZ is good in it's own right, yet it is about gaming and virtual reality, which Nirvana tackled a couple of years before.And if we stretch the arguments a bit, we might see that there are similar ideas floating around in the industry. eXistenZ came out in the year in which Matrix changed the SF genre and movie going in general. They were both into virtual reality, although the budget of the latter movie allowed more extravaganza.Jude Law offer ahis standard performance, leaving you wondering how much of that is an act and how much his personality coming through. Jennifer Jason Leigh managed to depict an interesting character with limited means...

more weird organic stuff from Cronenberg

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Antenna Research is testing a new game system eXistenZ created by great game designer Allegra Geller (Jennifer Jason Leigh). An assassin shoots her with an undetectable organic gun. She is injured and marketing trainee Ted Pikul (Jude Law) takes her away from the danger. Her pod contains the only copy of eXistenZ and she has to test it. Ted is forced to get a bio-port installed by underground installer Gas (Willem Dafoe). However he turns out to be out for the contract on her life. It's a long road where reality is questionable and the world is full of danger.It's a lot of ooey gooey organic effects and perverse sexuality. I'm not sure if Cronenberg is actually making a point but it seems to be warning a merging and confusion between reality and game. It's a lot of weird stuff going on. It's not scary or even disgusting. It's just oddly fascinating.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120907/reviews-552

ur2898520

title: more weird organic stuff from Cronenberg review: Antenna Research is testing a new game system eXistenZ created by great game designer Allegra Geller (Jennifer Jason Leigh). An assassin shoots her with an undetectable organic gun. She is injured and marketing trainee Ted Pikul (Jude Law) takes her away from the danger. Her pod contains the only copy of eXistenZ and she has to test it. Ted is forced to get a bio-port installed by underground installer Gas (Willem Dafoe). However he turns out to be out for the contract on her life. It's a long road where reality is questionable and the world is full of danger.It's a lot of ooey gooey organic effects and perverse sexuality. I'm not sure if Cronenberg is actually making a point but it seems to be warning a merging and confusion between reality and game. It's a lot of weird stuff going on. It's not scary or even disgusting. It's just oddly fascinating.

I would hate to be the guy that had to market this film.

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eXistenZ Here is a tough sell "Ladies and gentlemen I present to you this evening a film that takes place in the near future about virtual reality and computer games only there will be no computers, monitors or any kind of traditional technology as you have come to know it. The virtual reality machines are made of mutated amphibian parts that plug into your spine via umbilical like cords....oh and there are fish guns that shoot teeth. Thank you and enjoy the movie" I would hate to be the guy that had to market this film. Add to all that the fact that the film presents to the audience via afore mentioned ersatz world....exadurated accents, violence, dialog...and just situations in general. You get the film equivalent of one huge horse pill to swallow. You know what...I frickin' loved every minute of it too. All movies have those afore mentioned exadurated elements to one extent or another...what eXistenZ does is call attention to them and make you question why is this level of "real" with in the context of a ficitnalized narrative more or less acceptable than the other. It also doesn't hurth that its a beautiful film, its not often a film is so good looking that it almost distracting. This is certainly one of those...its just pitch perfect combination of perfect shot composition, lighting.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120907/reviews-491

ur2745165

title: I would hate to be the guy that had to market this film. review: eXistenZ Here is a tough sell "Ladies and gentlemen I present to you this evening a film that takes place in the near future about virtual reality and computer games only there will be no computers, monitors or any kind of traditional technology as you have come to know it. The virtual reality machines are made of mutated amphibian parts that plug into your spine via umbilical like cords....oh and there are fish guns that shoot teeth. Thank you and enjoy the movie" I would hate to be the guy that had to market this film. Add to all that the fact that the film presents to the audience via afore mentioned ersatz world....exadurated accents, violence, dialog...and just situations in general. You get the film equivalent of one huge horse pill to swallow. You know what...I frickin' loved every minute of it too. All movies have those afore mentioned exadurated elements to one extent or another...what eXistenZ does is call attention to them and make you question why is this level of "real" with in the context of a ficitnalized narrative more or less acceptable than the other. It also doesn't hurth that its a beautiful film, its not often a film is so good looking that it almost distracting. This is certainly one of those...its just pitch perfect combination of perfect shot composition, lighting.

A taste that's worth to acquire

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David Cronenberg has always been a great director when it comes to ideas and has been even better when it comes to putting those ideas on screen. Like any great artist, you see his/her work and you can tell who it is. This film is Cronenberg through and through; from first scene to last. The idea of alternate realities in cyberspace was pretty seen by all people in 1999 with "The Matrix" which is a great movie, but Cronenberg's smaller scale, but no less fascinating film, tackles the same subject, albeit in a slightly different (read: very different) way.Cronenberg devotees (like me) will instantly see all the visceral and fleshed out metaphors (pardon the pun) that have permeated his work since "Shivers." With "eXistenZ" the idea of portraying the entry way to cyber-reality with a device that looks not like a bit of electronic equipment, but a working bodily organ that it connected right into the nervous system, the line between what real and what's "real" gets frighteningly thin. The interesting thing with Cronenberg that he invariably prefers clever shots and set pieces over obvious (if impressive) CGI like in "The Matrix." The effects are not quite as grueling as in Cronenberg's previous film "Videodrome," but for an effects heavy movie they work great with virtually no hint of excess. On the other hand, those not familiar with Cronenberg's style might find him a bit odd and like other non-mainstream directors he is very much an acquired taste for his visuals. However, as communicator of ideas he is in top form here and that ultimately makes this film work. --- 8/10Rated R for violence and gore. Ages 13+

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120907/reviews-485

ur2214855

title: A taste that's worth to acquire review: David Cronenberg has always been a great director when it comes to ideas and has been even better when it comes to putting those ideas on screen. Like any great artist, you see his/her work and you can tell who it is. This film is Cronenberg through and through; from first scene to last. The idea of alternate realities in cyberspace was pretty seen by all people in 1999 with "The Matrix" which is a great movie, but Cronenberg's smaller scale, but no less fascinating film, tackles the same subject, albeit in a slightly different (read: very different) way.Cronenberg devotees (like me) will instantly see all the visceral and fleshed out metaphors (pardon the pun) that have permeated his work since "Shivers." With "eXistenZ" the idea of portraying the entry way to cyber-reality with a device that looks not like a bit of electronic equipment, but a working bodily organ that it connected right into the nervous system, the line between what real and what's "real" gets frighteningly thin. The interesting thing with Cronenberg that he invariably prefers clever shots and set pieces over obvious (if impressive) CGI like in "The Matrix." The effects are not quite as grueling as in Cronenberg's previous film "Videodrome," but for an effects heavy movie they work great with virtually no hint of excess. On the other hand, those not familiar with Cronenberg's style might find him a bit odd and like other non-mainstream directors he is very much an acquired taste for his visuals. However, as communicator of ideas he is in top form here and that ultimately makes this film work. --- 8/10Rated R for violence and gore. Ages 13+

So Deeply Inherent And Invertedly Emotional That One Cannot Truly Do It Justice Without Talking About It As If One Were Writing Prose

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eXistenZ is a crescendo in Cronenberg's style. His films are always emotional, but not in the sense of a tear-jerker or a melodrama. His emotion comes from a vivid portrayal of the more sensual, sensitive, mood-oriented perspective of life, perhaps like life in a dream. eXistenZ explores two people entering a virtual reality game and feeling it like one would a dream if one could remember every nuance of a dream like one can with conscious life. But mysteriously, every scene feels warmly insulated, like there is no such thing as life outside of a particular interior setting or like the characters in the scene are the only ones in the world as far as we are concerned. Cronenberg thrives on extreme sensitivity, and eXistenZ is a perfectly tailored fit for a filmmaker like him.The film avoids every dull cliché of the technological thriller, as even the mechanisms and objects involving playing the game, even guns, are all somehow living. They are made of flesh, they pulsate. The music by Howard Shore, as you can expect from any Cronenberg film, is intensely moving, the personification of moving under dark water. You see, the way I'm describing my thoughts on this film are the only way I can think of to truly communicate what I mean. The film's effect is so deeply inherent and invertedly emotional that one cannot truly do it justice without talking about it as if one were writing prose.Jude Law and Jennifer Jason Leigh are wonderful as the two lead characters, mustering every ounce of duplicity they're capable of to successfully portray the affected archs of their characters in the story. Also, Jennifer Jason Leigh is so incredibly sexy in this film that one almost needs a mandatory towel to wipe away the sweat.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120907/reviews-477

ur8625456

title: So Deeply Inherent And Invertedly Emotional That One Cannot Truly Do It Justice Without Talking About It As If One Were Writing Prose review: eXistenZ is a crescendo in Cronenberg's style. His films are always emotional, but not in the sense of a tear-jerker or a melodrama. His emotion comes from a vivid portrayal of the more sensual, sensitive, mood-oriented perspective of life, perhaps like life in a dream. eXistenZ explores two people entering a virtual reality game and feeling it like one would a dream if one could remember every nuance of a dream like one can with conscious life. But mysteriously, every scene feels warmly insulated, like there is no such thing as life outside of a particular interior setting or like the characters in the scene are the only ones in the world as far as we are concerned. Cronenberg thrives on extreme sensitivity, and eXistenZ is a perfectly tailored fit for a filmmaker like him.The film avoids every dull cliché of the technological thriller, as even the mechanisms and objects involving playing the game, even guns, are all somehow living. They are made of flesh, they pulsate. The music by Howard Shore, as you can expect from any Cronenberg film, is intensely moving, the personification of moving under dark water. You see, the way I'm describing my thoughts on this film are the only way I can think of to truly communicate what I mean. The film's effect is so deeply inherent and invertedly emotional that one cannot truly do it justice without talking about it as if one were writing prose.Jude Law and Jennifer Jason Leigh are wonderful as the two lead characters, mustering every ounce of duplicity they're capable of to successfully portray the affected archs of their characters in the story. Also, Jennifer Jason Leigh is so incredibly sexy in this film that one almost needs a mandatory towel to wipe away the sweat.

Disgusting…Daring…Prescient Black Comedy

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Director/Writer David Cronenberg isn't a Sick Man, He just Enjoys Pondering Things that Make Him Sick. Facing His Fears One would Guess. Once Again, in this Cautionary Tale He Confronts with Full Force and Fanciful Froth, His Scary Aversion to the Body and its Disgusting, Dripping Fluids, Orifices and Outlandish, Organic Displays of Blood and Guts.He Wraps this in Butcher Paper, a Philosophical Outpouring of the Dangers of Escapism versus Reality and the Umbilical Cord that Connects with the Fragility of the Flesh. It is a Black Comedy that is Intelligent and Sophomoric, Artsy and Trashy.It is a Thinking Man's, Pulpy, Sci-Fi that Attempts to Illustrate, through Modern Toy/Machinery the Species Infatuation with Other Realities, like Games and Movies, and the Possible Dangerous Obsession that may very well be the Beginning of the End to Life as We Know It, or at Least Perceive it.With its Gleeful Slimy Imagery of Mutant Amphibians being Dissected and Displayed with Lingering Affection, and Multiple Shots of a Bio-Port that Resembles a Place where the Sun don't Shine, this may be a Tough Watch for the Mainstream, but has been Embraced by Nerds, Misfits, Geeks, Cult Movie Fans, and Misanthropes Everywhere as an In Your Face Masterpiece.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120907/reviews-540

ur33374263

title: Disgusting…Daring…Prescient Black Comedy review: Director/Writer David Cronenberg isn't a Sick Man, He just Enjoys Pondering Things that Make Him Sick. Facing His Fears One would Guess. Once Again, in this Cautionary Tale He Confronts with Full Force and Fanciful Froth, His Scary Aversion to the Body and its Disgusting, Dripping Fluids, Orifices and Outlandish, Organic Displays of Blood and Guts.He Wraps this in Butcher Paper, a Philosophical Outpouring of the Dangers of Escapism versus Reality and the Umbilical Cord that Connects with the Fragility of the Flesh. It is a Black Comedy that is Intelligent and Sophomoric, Artsy and Trashy.It is a Thinking Man's, Pulpy, Sci-Fi that Attempts to Illustrate, through Modern Toy/Machinery the Species Infatuation with Other Realities, like Games and Movies, and the Possible Dangerous Obsession that may very well be the Beginning of the End to Life as We Know It, or at Least Perceive it.With its Gleeful Slimy Imagery of Mutant Amphibians being Dissected and Displayed with Lingering Affection, and Multiple Shots of a Bio-Port that Resembles a Place where the Sun don't Shine, this may be a Tough Watch for the Mainstream, but has been Embraced by Nerds, Misfits, Geeks, Cult Movie Fans, and Misanthropes Everywhere as an In Your Face Masterpiece.

Seems like almost everything used to be something else, yes?

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After the unexpected attack of game designer Allegra Geller at a demo of her most recent game, she and her bodyguard(who doesn't know anything about the video-game world) flee, not knowing who they can trust. They don't know if the game itself, eXistenZ, has been harmed, so they have to play it to find out(there's only one copy at this point). Once they do, we find it to be affected by the individual players, and to be a close simulation of life. This explores the themes of illusion vs. reality(with clear inspiration from Philip K. Dick; R.I.P., you brilliant man... if you haven't read anything by him and what I just described sounds appealing to you, pick up a book of his immediately) and mechanical vs. organic(the game-pods are like living beings, and there is a clear sexual allusion with them penetrating your skin, being wired into your spine for you to play). Existentialism is an important part of this, and the fear of not being able to distinguish between fake and real, of losing touch(that takes precedence in this to the game rules seeming like ones from any game we know). We see a world where activities are all experienced through computers. This is layered and smartly written; it actually holds up to scrutiny, and provides food for thought without being obvious about it. The plot has several twists and turns, and you do have to pay attention... which really isn't difficult, because it's very engaging. This is creepy and, at times, bizarre and grotesque. It's also pretty funny when it wants to be. The acting is good, sometimes great. Characters are memorable and credible, if not all likable. The FX vary a bit; there are magnificent ones, but CGI tends to be underwhelming, if passable. They aren't the focus, though. The dialog is fitting(in other words, intentionally "forced" here and there). There is a lot of bloody violence and disturbing content, a little perverse stuff and occasional strong language in this. The DVD comes with three(!) interesting commentary tracks(director/writer, DOP, and Special Effects supervisor, respectively), a 53-minute featurette(The Invisible Art of Carol Spier, which I will review on its own page here on the site) and the US theatrical trailer. I recommend this to anyone that finds the concept compelling, and any fan of Cronenberg. 8/10

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120907/reviews-504

ur2093818

title: Seems like almost everything used to be something else, yes? review: After the unexpected attack of game designer Allegra Geller at a demo of her most recent game, she and her bodyguard(who doesn't know anything about the video-game world) flee, not knowing who they can trust. They don't know if the game itself, eXistenZ, has been harmed, so they have to play it to find out(there's only one copy at this point). Once they do, we find it to be affected by the individual players, and to be a close simulation of life. This explores the themes of illusion vs. reality(with clear inspiration from Philip K. Dick; R.I.P., you brilliant man... if you haven't read anything by him and what I just described sounds appealing to you, pick up a book of his immediately) and mechanical vs. organic(the game-pods are like living beings, and there is a clear sexual allusion with them penetrating your skin, being wired into your spine for you to play). Existentialism is an important part of this, and the fear of not being able to distinguish between fake and real, of losing touch(that takes precedence in this to the game rules seeming like ones from any game we know). We see a world where activities are all experienced through computers. This is layered and smartly written; it actually holds up to scrutiny, and provides food for thought without being obvious about it. The plot has several twists and turns, and you do have to pay attention... which really isn't difficult, because it's very engaging. This is creepy and, at times, bizarre and grotesque. It's also pretty funny when it wants to be. The acting is good, sometimes great. Characters are memorable and credible, if not all likable. The FX vary a bit; there are magnificent ones, but CGI tends to be underwhelming, if passable. They aren't the focus, though. The dialog is fitting(in other words, intentionally "forced" here and there). There is a lot of bloody violence and disturbing content, a little perverse stuff and occasional strong language in this. The DVD comes with three(!) interesting commentary tracks(director/writer, DOP, and Special Effects supervisor, respectively), a 53-minute featurette(The Invisible Art of Carol Spier, which I will review on its own page here on the site) and the US theatrical trailer. I recommend this to anyone that finds the concept compelling, and any fan of Cronenberg. 8/10

No award for a great performance

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"Treasure of the Sierra Madre" has one distinction that sets it apart form all other movies for all time. It is the only film to date for which a father and son each won Academy Awards. It's a distinction that isn't likely to happen ever again. There have been other father and son Oscar winners the same year, but not for the same single movie.The father was veteran actor Walter Huston who played the old prospector, Howard. He won the Oscar for best supporting actor. The son was John Huston. He won double Oscars for the film, for best director and best writing of a screenplay. The film also was nominated for best picture in a field of very excellent movies. "Hamlet" won the best picture award that year, with Laurence Olivier taking the best actor Oscar for his memorable performance in that film. A somewhat unusual aspect of the Academy Awards that year is that all five of the movies nominated for best picture were dramatic tragedies or mysteries. But only three of five best actor nominees were from this field – the other two being from a comedy and a musical, respectively. While all the performances in the best actor field were very good, the competition there was not as rigid as was that for best picture. So, the absence of one nominee for best actor is very curious. Many critics I have read think that Humphrey Bogart's role of Fred Dobbs is the best performance ever given or filmed showing the degradation of a character. His gradual transformation occurs in small, subtle doses. Bogart's acting is so good, that we just get hints of the deterioration of his character until near the end. We see a man who has gone from a regular Joe looking for work and scraping jobs together to survive, to a madman made paranoid by greed. The absence of a best actor nomination for Bogart in 1948 stands out as a miscue for Hollywood. What politics might have been at play in Tinseltown that year? Were the Hollywood elite snubbing Bogie for some reason? Were there one or two sentimental choices that edged Bogie out? What was going on at that time that would result in the obvious omission of a nomination for one of the truly great acting performances ever put on film? We may never know – at least I haven't read any reviews that shed light on books or other sources of information about this. One thing is likely though. Bogart's performance in "Treasure of the Sierra Madre" will continue to be studied, held up and emulated in acting schools and training classes for decades to come. That this movie tops all other films for 1948 in viewer ratings and polls says a lot. It's also on most lists of the top films of all time. That's testimony to a truly great film, with two truly great performances.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0040897/reviews-193

ur17816293

title: No award for a great performance review: "Treasure of the Sierra Madre" has one distinction that sets it apart form all other movies for all time. It is the only film to date for which a father and son each won Academy Awards. It's a distinction that isn't likely to happen ever again. There have been other father and son Oscar winners the same year, but not for the same single movie.The father was veteran actor Walter Huston who played the old prospector, Howard. He won the Oscar for best supporting actor. The son was John Huston. He won double Oscars for the film, for best director and best writing of a screenplay. The film also was nominated for best picture in a field of very excellent movies. "Hamlet" won the best picture award that year, with Laurence Olivier taking the best actor Oscar for his memorable performance in that film. A somewhat unusual aspect of the Academy Awards that year is that all five of the movies nominated for best picture were dramatic tragedies or mysteries. But only three of five best actor nominees were from this field – the other two being from a comedy and a musical, respectively. While all the performances in the best actor field were very good, the competition there was not as rigid as was that for best picture. So, the absence of one nominee for best actor is very curious. Many critics I have read think that Humphrey Bogart's role of Fred Dobbs is the best performance ever given or filmed showing the degradation of a character. His gradual transformation occurs in small, subtle doses. Bogart's acting is so good, that we just get hints of the deterioration of his character until near the end. We see a man who has gone from a regular Joe looking for work and scraping jobs together to survive, to a madman made paranoid by greed. The absence of a best actor nomination for Bogart in 1948 stands out as a miscue for Hollywood. What politics might have been at play in Tinseltown that year? Were the Hollywood elite snubbing Bogie for some reason? Were there one or two sentimental choices that edged Bogie out? What was going on at that time that would result in the obvious omission of a nomination for one of the truly great acting performances ever put on film? We may never know – at least I haven't read any reviews that shed light on books or other sources of information about this. One thing is likely though. Bogart's performance in "Treasure of the Sierra Madre" will continue to be studied, held up and emulated in acting schools and training classes for decades to come. That this movie tops all other films for 1948 in viewer ratings and polls says a lot. It's also on most lists of the top films of all time. That's testimony to a truly great film, with two truly great performances.

Gold Fever and Greedy Fools

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In 1925 Tampico, a destitute American, stiffed by his ne'er-do-well employer, wins a small lottery and teams up with an honest co-worker and a wily prospector to pan for gold in the Sierra Madre mountains. Writer-director John Huston, faithfully adapting B. Traven's novel, opens the film with a wry flourish, which peaks with a justified fist-fight in the local bar; the second and third acts are less satisfying, with the arc of Humphrey Bogart's Fred C. Dobbs character oddly (and improbably) turning from humble protagonist to mad-dog killer (without any preparation from the filmmaker). The melodramatic or sympathetic turns of the plot don't match up with the initial 30 minutes, which have a sarcastic or mocking tone, although the film is forceful throughout, well-produced and immensely watchable. Not a commercial success in 1948, "Sierra Madre" now holds a reputation as a classic, mostly due to Walter Huston's juicy, Oscar-winning supporting performance as the razor-sharp old coot. John Huston, father of Walter, also won statues for both his direction and screenplay. *** from ****

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0040897/reviews-176

ur0989035

title: Gold Fever and Greedy Fools review: In 1925 Tampico, a destitute American, stiffed by his ne'er-do-well employer, wins a small lottery and teams up with an honest co-worker and a wily prospector to pan for gold in the Sierra Madre mountains. Writer-director John Huston, faithfully adapting B. Traven's novel, opens the film with a wry flourish, which peaks with a justified fist-fight in the local bar; the second and third acts are less satisfying, with the arc of Humphrey Bogart's Fred C. Dobbs character oddly (and improbably) turning from humble protagonist to mad-dog killer (without any preparation from the filmmaker). The melodramatic or sympathetic turns of the plot don't match up with the initial 30 minutes, which have a sarcastic or mocking tone, although the film is forceful throughout, well-produced and immensely watchable. Not a commercial success in 1948, "Sierra Madre" now holds a reputation as a classic, mostly due to Walter Huston's juicy, Oscar-winning supporting performance as the razor-sharp old coot. John Huston, father of Walter, also won statues for both his direction and screenplay. *** from ****

Extraordinary and marvelously performed film about a grizzled hustler decides to join with other prospectors to find gold

tt0040897

Magnificent rendition of B. Traven's story of ambition and human nature at its worst and dealing with an unlikely trio of ambitious prospectors . As Fred Dobbs (Humphrey Bogart) and Bob Curtin (Tim Holt) , two Americans searching for work in Mexico, convince an old prospector (Walter Huston) to help them mine for gold in the Sierra Madre Mountains . Through a lot of troubles they eventually succeed in finding gold, but greedy outlaws (Alfonso Bedoya) , and most especially craziness lead to disaster . As they sold their souls for the treasure of the Sierra Madre . It's an intelligent semi-western that scrutinizes the greed and paranoia that afflicts a misfit group , including their enormous difficulties and breathtaking taking on between protagonists and the Mexican enemies that stalk to them . The film blends thrills , emotion , intrigue , high body-count and it's fast moving and exciting ; being filmed in Mexico, though Warners' studio head Jack L. Warner had the unit return to Hollywood when the budget started to exceed $3 million . Thought-provoking screenplay by the same Huston , concerning about greed and ambition that threaten to turn their success into disaster . Director John Huston had read the book by B. Traven in 1936 and had always thought the material would make a great movie . Based on a 19th-century ballad by a German poet , Traven's book reminded Huston of his own adventures in the Mexican cavalry . When Huston became a director at Warner Bros. , the smashing success of his initial effort, The Maltese Falcon (1941), gave him the clout to ask to write and direct the project, for which Warner Bros had previously secured the movie rights . Although by many to be director John Huston's finest film , this is a tale of fear , greed and murder , as three partners fall out over the gold they have clawed out of the inhospitable and bandit-ridden deserts and mountains . It also has probably the most brutal gold bar fight ever put on film along with "The Ruthless Four" . Overrated by some reviewers , but very interesting and attractive to watch . It above all things mostly also remains a real characters movie, in which the three main roles are the essentials . Their dynamic together is also great and is what mostly keeps this movie going . They are three totally different characters, which is the foremost reason why they work out so great together on film . Bogart is superbly believable and gives a nice portrait of an increasingly unhinged prospector , Walter Huston is very good as a cunning veteran and Tim Holt is also pretty well . John Huston has a cameo as an American tourist , this scene was directed by Humphrey Bogart, who took malicious pleasure on his director by making him perform the scene over and over again. And the little boy who sells Bogart the portion of the winning lottery ticket is Robert Blake . The bum seated near Walter Huston in the first scene in the Oso Negro flophouse is Jack Holt, father of Tim Holt . Walter Huston, father of director John Huston, won the Academy Award for best supporting actor , John won for best direction . This was the first father/son win . The musician Max Steiner composes a vibrant soundtrack and well conducted ; including a catching leitmotif and considered to be one of the best . Atmospheric scenario with barren outdoors , dirty landscapes under sunny exteriors and a glimmer sun and fine sets with striking cinematography by Ted McCord , this was one of the first American films to be made almost entirely on location outside the USA . Also shown in computer-colored version . The picture was shot on location in Tampico, Mexico ; just as John Huston was starting to shoot scenes in, the production was shut down inexplicably by the local government ; it turns out that a local newspaper printed a false story that accused the filmmakers of making a production that was unflattering to Mexico . Fortunately, two of Huston's associates, Diego Rivera and Miguel Covarrubias, went to bat for the director with the President of Mexico , then the libelous accusations were dropped . The motion picture was stunningly realized by John Huston and the film took 5-1/2 months to shoot and was 29 days over schedule ; Robert Rossen submitted at least nine drafts of rewrites on the screenplay when John Huston was away during the war . Rating : Above average . Well worth watching , essential and indispensable seeing . In 2007: The American Film Institute ranked this as the #38 Greatest Movie of All Time.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0040897/reviews-217

ur3270789

title: Extraordinary and marvelously performed film about a grizzled hustler decides to join with other prospectors to find gold review: Magnificent rendition of B. Traven's story of ambition and human nature at its worst and dealing with an unlikely trio of ambitious prospectors . As Fred Dobbs (Humphrey Bogart) and Bob Curtin (Tim Holt) , two Americans searching for work in Mexico, convince an old prospector (Walter Huston) to help them mine for gold in the Sierra Madre Mountains . Through a lot of troubles they eventually succeed in finding gold, but greedy outlaws (Alfonso Bedoya) , and most especially craziness lead to disaster . As they sold their souls for the treasure of the Sierra Madre . It's an intelligent semi-western that scrutinizes the greed and paranoia that afflicts a misfit group , including their enormous difficulties and breathtaking taking on between protagonists and the Mexican enemies that stalk to them . The film blends thrills , emotion , intrigue , high body-count and it's fast moving and exciting ; being filmed in Mexico, though Warners' studio head Jack L. Warner had the unit return to Hollywood when the budget started to exceed $3 million . Thought-provoking screenplay by the same Huston , concerning about greed and ambition that threaten to turn their success into disaster . Director John Huston had read the book by B. Traven in 1936 and had always thought the material would make a great movie . Based on a 19th-century ballad by a German poet , Traven's book reminded Huston of his own adventures in the Mexican cavalry . When Huston became a director at Warner Bros. , the smashing success of his initial effort, The Maltese Falcon (1941), gave him the clout to ask to write and direct the project, for which Warner Bros had previously secured the movie rights . Although by many to be director John Huston's finest film , this is a tale of fear , greed and murder , as three partners fall out over the gold they have clawed out of the inhospitable and bandit-ridden deserts and mountains . It also has probably the most brutal gold bar fight ever put on film along with "The Ruthless Four" . Overrated by some reviewers , but very interesting and attractive to watch . It above all things mostly also remains a real characters movie, in which the three main roles are the essentials . Their dynamic together is also great and is what mostly keeps this movie going . They are three totally different characters, which is the foremost reason why they work out so great together on film . Bogart is superbly believable and gives a nice portrait of an increasingly unhinged prospector , Walter Huston is very good as a cunning veteran and Tim Holt is also pretty well . John Huston has a cameo as an American tourist , this scene was directed by Humphrey Bogart, who took malicious pleasure on his director by making him perform the scene over and over again. And the little boy who sells Bogart the portion of the winning lottery ticket is Robert Blake . The bum seated near Walter Huston in the first scene in the Oso Negro flophouse is Jack Holt, father of Tim Holt . Walter Huston, father of director John Huston, won the Academy Award for best supporting actor , John won for best direction . This was the first father/son win . The musician Max Steiner composes a vibrant soundtrack and well conducted ; including a catching leitmotif and considered to be one of the best . Atmospheric scenario with barren outdoors , dirty landscapes under sunny exteriors and a glimmer sun and fine sets with striking cinematography by Ted McCord , this was one of the first American films to be made almost entirely on location outside the USA . Also shown in computer-colored version . The picture was shot on location in Tampico, Mexico ; just as John Huston was starting to shoot scenes in, the production was shut down inexplicably by the local government ; it turns out that a local newspaper printed a false story that accused the filmmakers of making a production that was unflattering to Mexico . Fortunately, two of Huston's associates, Diego Rivera and Miguel Covarrubias, went to bat for the director with the President of Mexico , then the libelous accusations were dropped . The motion picture was stunningly realized by John Huston and the film took 5-1/2 months to shoot and was 29 days over schedule ; Robert Rossen submitted at least nine drafts of rewrites on the screenplay when John Huston was away during the war . Rating : Above average . Well worth watching , essential and indispensable seeing . In 2007: The American Film Institute ranked this as the #38 Greatest Movie of All Time.

Walter Huston

tt0040897

This is a great movie. Compelling story, wonderful acting, interesting characters, great screenplay. The movie is a somewhat stagy, but that is offset by one of the best performances ever in a Hollywood movie, namely that of Walter Huston. Mr. Huston is truly the star of this movie. He is without a doubt the actor who transforms this movie from just another two-guys-down-on-their-luck-Western into a cinematic work of art. Tim Holt and Humphrey Bogart also give excellent performances, but this is Walter Huston's movie. This movie does for Walter Huston what The Westerner does for Walter Brennan. Whether deliberately intended or not, in both movies the topped billed actor is out-shined and out-acted by the other actor who's not the main star. In this movie Humphrey Bogart is the topped-billed star, but it is Walter Huston who really stars. And let's not forget Alfonso Bedoya as the bandit. Then again, in this movie who ARE the real bandits?

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0040897/reviews-125

ur6458242

title: Walter Huston review: This is a great movie. Compelling story, wonderful acting, interesting characters, great screenplay. The movie is a somewhat stagy, but that is offset by one of the best performances ever in a Hollywood movie, namely that of Walter Huston. Mr. Huston is truly the star of this movie. He is without a doubt the actor who transforms this movie from just another two-guys-down-on-their-luck-Western into a cinematic work of art. Tim Holt and Humphrey Bogart also give excellent performances, but this is Walter Huston's movie. This movie does for Walter Huston what The Westerner does for Walter Brennan. Whether deliberately intended or not, in both movies the topped billed actor is out-shined and out-acted by the other actor who's not the main star. In this movie Humphrey Bogart is the topped-billed star, but it is Walter Huston who really stars. And let's not forget Alfonso Bedoya as the bandit. Then again, in this movie who ARE the real bandits?

There's Treasure Everywhere

tt0040897

Never forget the golden rule - he who has the gold makes the rules.Bogart and Holt are down on their luck, trapped in a post-revolution Mexican hellhole, much like the protagonists from the Wages of Fear. Dumb enough to be suckered out of their honest pay by an unscrupulous oilman their trust in their fellow man begins to gradually fragment. They hook up with old-timey prospector Walter Huston (the director's dad and Sean Connery prototype) and head into the hills to find their fortune. Neither of the young men are cut-out for the effort and have no clue what they are doing while slowly learning from and distrusting their mentor.The real, and perhaps only, cancer in their group is Bogart's Dobbs. His lust for wealth and desperate personality crumbles under the weight of mistrust and the anxiety of outside forces stealing their loot.It's possible to find many morality lessons in John Huston's most famous film, but the main point is to be happy with what you have and if fortune comes your way then so be it, pursuing it aggressively may not lead to a happy ending. There's a lot of tension in the heavy, sweltering Mexican air, and no one feels it more than Bogart, who's performance as a man going to pieces under pressure is one of his best.Not exactly Sunday afternoon viewing, keep it for a Saturday night, watch with the lights off and immerse yourself in the near perfect black and white photography.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0040897/reviews-214

ur0102816

title: There's Treasure Everywhere review: Never forget the golden rule - he who has the gold makes the rules.Bogart and Holt are down on their luck, trapped in a post-revolution Mexican hellhole, much like the protagonists from the Wages of Fear. Dumb enough to be suckered out of their honest pay by an unscrupulous oilman their trust in their fellow man begins to gradually fragment. They hook up with old-timey prospector Walter Huston (the director's dad and Sean Connery prototype) and head into the hills to find their fortune. Neither of the young men are cut-out for the effort and have no clue what they are doing while slowly learning from and distrusting their mentor.The real, and perhaps only, cancer in their group is Bogart's Dobbs. His lust for wealth and desperate personality crumbles under the weight of mistrust and the anxiety of outside forces stealing their loot.It's possible to find many morality lessons in John Huston's most famous film, but the main point is to be happy with what you have and if fortune comes your way then so be it, pursuing it aggressively may not lead to a happy ending. There's a lot of tension in the heavy, sweltering Mexican air, and no one feels it more than Bogart, who's performance as a man going to pieces under pressure is one of his best.Not exactly Sunday afternoon viewing, keep it for a Saturday night, watch with the lights off and immerse yourself in the near perfect black and white photography.

Treasure! Temptation! Treachery!

tt0040897

John Huston's "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre" is regarded as one of the finest adventure films ever to come out of Hollywood. In it, three down on their luck Americans in Tampico, Mexico set out with plans of making their fortune in gold. However, with riches within their grasp greed threatens to undo all of their hard work.Humphrey Bogart is the star of the film and he delivers one of the best performances of his career. Apparently the Academy didn't see things that way, though, since he went unnominated at Oscar time. Walter Huston, on the other hand, won an Oscar for his memorable supporting role. Rounding out the three is Tim Holt, the least interesting of the bunch but not bad, per se. The rest of the cast is acceptable but nothing to write home about.John Huston received Oscars for both his screenplay and his direction. The recognition for directing was certainly warranted but the film is supposedly quite faithful to the novel, so perhaps B. Traven deserves most of the credit for the story. Nevertheless, it is a good yarn. Besides Huston's direction, the film's cinematography (mostly on location) and score (by Max Steiner) are also above average.While I feel that "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre" is a good movie I would hesitate to heap the kind of praise on it that it usually gets. Granted, I vaguely knew how it was going to end so it was kind of spoiled for me but, still, the story didn't impress as much as I would have expected (given the film's reputation). All in all, though, the film is certainly worth watching and I fully intend to revisit it sometime down the road.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0040897/reviews-166

ur17822437

title: Treasure! Temptation! Treachery! review: John Huston's "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre" is regarded as one of the finest adventure films ever to come out of Hollywood. In it, three down on their luck Americans in Tampico, Mexico set out with plans of making their fortune in gold. However, with riches within their grasp greed threatens to undo all of their hard work.Humphrey Bogart is the star of the film and he delivers one of the best performances of his career. Apparently the Academy didn't see things that way, though, since he went unnominated at Oscar time. Walter Huston, on the other hand, won an Oscar for his memorable supporting role. Rounding out the three is Tim Holt, the least interesting of the bunch but not bad, per se. The rest of the cast is acceptable but nothing to write home about.John Huston received Oscars for both his screenplay and his direction. The recognition for directing was certainly warranted but the film is supposedly quite faithful to the novel, so perhaps B. Traven deserves most of the credit for the story. Nevertheless, it is a good yarn. Besides Huston's direction, the film's cinematography (mostly on location) and score (by Max Steiner) are also above average.While I feel that "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre" is a good movie I would hesitate to heap the kind of praise on it that it usually gets. Granted, I vaguely knew how it was going to end so it was kind of spoiled for me but, still, the story didn't impress as much as I would have expected (given the film's reputation). All in all, though, the film is certainly worth watching and I fully intend to revisit it sometime down the road.

Classic tale of greed is cinema gold.

tt0040897

John Huston gets career performances out of his three lead actors as well as himself as a director with this classic tale about greed that has lost none of its glitter sixty years after it was made. Two down on their luck Americans form an uneasy alliance along with a prospector in a search for gold in Mexico. Struggling with a forbidding terrain they endure backbreaking work, sandstorms and predatory creatures before striking it rich. Their problems have just begun. Bandits roam the area while distrust of each other roams their minds. As the prospectors Humphrey Bogart, Tim Holt and Walter Huston ooze their roles. Bogart's cynical Fred C. Dobbs quick dissent into paranoia is a fascinating watch that might have dominated were it not for Walter Huston's equally magnificent turn as the grizzled prospector/ philosopher. Huston may act absurd (existential?) but his musings and logic keep things from unraveling at the camp site sooner as Dobbs moves closer to the dark side. Holt as Curtin the third prospector has the less flashy character but he ably holds the middle ground together struggling with his principles amid an atmosphere of distrust and greed. Director Huston delivers scene after scene of well paced action and suspense with barroom brawls, menacing banditos, things that go bump in the night and tight close ups that perfectly register the desperation of the trio. Huston refuses to let any of his protagonists off easy and this is brutally conveyed when they all agree to eliminate a diplomatic claim jumper. As decent and deranged cock their pistols Huston coldly informs his audience that everything has its price. The Treasure of the Sierra Madre is a violent, grimy parable, relentless in its telling as it masterfully peels away the underpinnings of social discourse through paranoia and madness brought about by man's uncontrollable lust for self enrichment. It is a dusty, brutal microcosm of humanity as a whole as well as a cautionary tale with roots that stretch from Pizzarro's genocidal pursuit of gold in the Americas to Madoff's plundering of accounts from a New York penthouse today. Treasure is a treasure.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0040897/reviews-153

ur13178622

title: Classic tale of greed is cinema gold. review: John Huston gets career performances out of his three lead actors as well as himself as a director with this classic tale about greed that has lost none of its glitter sixty years after it was made. Two down on their luck Americans form an uneasy alliance along with a prospector in a search for gold in Mexico. Struggling with a forbidding terrain they endure backbreaking work, sandstorms and predatory creatures before striking it rich. Their problems have just begun. Bandits roam the area while distrust of each other roams their minds. As the prospectors Humphrey Bogart, Tim Holt and Walter Huston ooze their roles. Bogart's cynical Fred C. Dobbs quick dissent into paranoia is a fascinating watch that might have dominated were it not for Walter Huston's equally magnificent turn as the grizzled prospector/ philosopher. Huston may act absurd (existential?) but his musings and logic keep things from unraveling at the camp site sooner as Dobbs moves closer to the dark side. Holt as Curtin the third prospector has the less flashy character but he ably holds the middle ground together struggling with his principles amid an atmosphere of distrust and greed. Director Huston delivers scene after scene of well paced action and suspense with barroom brawls, menacing banditos, things that go bump in the night and tight close ups that perfectly register the desperation of the trio. Huston refuses to let any of his protagonists off easy and this is brutally conveyed when they all agree to eliminate a diplomatic claim jumper. As decent and deranged cock their pistols Huston coldly informs his audience that everything has its price. The Treasure of the Sierra Madre is a violent, grimy parable, relentless in its telling as it masterfully peels away the underpinnings of social discourse through paranoia and madness brought about by man's uncontrollable lust for self enrichment. It is a dusty, brutal microcosm of humanity as a whole as well as a cautionary tale with roots that stretch from Pizzarro's genocidal pursuit of gold in the Americas to Madoff's plundering of accounts from a New York penthouse today. Treasure is a treasure.

a treasure well worth unearthing

tt0040897

action.excitement.adventure,drama.add great acting to the mix and you can't go wrong with this rousing tale.but it's much deeper than that.themes of greed and jealousy,morality(the human condition)are explored here.Humphrey Bogart is in fine form here as he meets up with another guy in the same boat.they end up palling around together and meet a crusty old codger,and eventually the three of them decide to try their luck at striking it rich through prospecting for gold together.what follows is the aforementioned action,excitement,adventure and drama,(and great acting)in no particular order.in my opinion,this is one treasure that is well worth digging up.for me,The Treasure of the Sierra Madre is an 8/10

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0040897/reviews-162

ur11423174

title: a treasure well worth unearthing review: action.excitement.adventure,drama.add great acting to the mix and you can't go wrong with this rousing tale.but it's much deeper than that.themes of greed and jealousy,morality(the human condition)are explored here.Humphrey Bogart is in fine form here as he meets up with another guy in the same boat.they end up palling around together and meet a crusty old codger,and eventually the three of them decide to try their luck at striking it rich through prospecting for gold together.what follows is the aforementioned action,excitement,adventure and drama,(and great acting)in no particular order.in my opinion,this is one treasure that is well worth digging up.for me,The Treasure of the Sierra Madre is an 8/10

Still vivid, compact, colorful, and intense, with some acting to, uh, die for.

tt0040897

The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)This is a weirdly contemporary film. I mean, it's certainly set in the past, and it's made in the heyday of Hollywood genius top to bottom which is long gone. But because it's about this old time and about raw black and white issues (often), the film and the filming are really appropriate. The whole thing just fits, and beautifully.And I mean beautiful. As rugged as it all is--the landscape as well as the beards, all very real--the movie is lyrically filmed. The story is told with visual clarity. And the script, speaking of story, is sophisticated and believable. In all, under the direction of legend John Huston, this is a spot on terrific movie.Of course, there are two actors who are just amazing in their roles (and a third, Tim Holt, who is just fine, if not stellar). I mean of course Walter Huston, who nearly steals the show in every scene. He's a character, but not a caricature. His wisdom--real wisdom, based on smart observation over decades of experience--is sterling. Great stuff, well put. And of course he's the father of the director, which is a fun, and slightly Freudian twist. He gives one of the great performances of the decade.Humphrey Bogart is not far behind, actually. If you like him in Maltese Falcon or Casablanca, you'll be surprised at first by the scruffy, raw character played here. But it's clear-headed, brilliantly delivered Bogart all the way, and a joy to watch him really act. See it for him, too.Then there is the story itself, which is as important now as ever. That is, what matters in life? And what is the price to pay to get it? It's all rather bold and emotional even though it's delivered by some rough guys out of money prospecting in the wilderness of Mexico.Are there downsides here? I suppose. You certainly can wonder about the way the Mexicans--good ones and banditos both--are portrayed. I think it's not bad, tinged with clichés, of course, but in Spanish without translation or stilted half-English, so it's the real thing. And no subtitles. Nicely done for an early Hollywood affair. Huston, the son, the director, if you don't know, is famous for doing things raw and right and slightly off the charts. He is making a commercial film, to be sure, but it has many small aspects that are just not pandering to anyone. This makes it work.I'm sure to some this is a masterpiece. I'm giving that some thought. See it.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0040897/reviews-201

ur20961309

title: Still vivid, compact, colorful, and intense, with some acting to, uh, die for. review: The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)This is a weirdly contemporary film. I mean, it's certainly set in the past, and it's made in the heyday of Hollywood genius top to bottom which is long gone. But because it's about this old time and about raw black and white issues (often), the film and the filming are really appropriate. The whole thing just fits, and beautifully.And I mean beautiful. As rugged as it all is--the landscape as well as the beards, all very real--the movie is lyrically filmed. The story is told with visual clarity. And the script, speaking of story, is sophisticated and believable. In all, under the direction of legend John Huston, this is a spot on terrific movie.Of course, there are two actors who are just amazing in their roles (and a third, Tim Holt, who is just fine, if not stellar). I mean of course Walter Huston, who nearly steals the show in every scene. He's a character, but not a caricature. His wisdom--real wisdom, based on smart observation over decades of experience--is sterling. Great stuff, well put. And of course he's the father of the director, which is a fun, and slightly Freudian twist. He gives one of the great performances of the decade.Humphrey Bogart is not far behind, actually. If you like him in Maltese Falcon or Casablanca, you'll be surprised at first by the scruffy, raw character played here. But it's clear-headed, brilliantly delivered Bogart all the way, and a joy to watch him really act. See it for him, too.Then there is the story itself, which is as important now as ever. That is, what matters in life? And what is the price to pay to get it? It's all rather bold and emotional even though it's delivered by some rough guys out of money prospecting in the wilderness of Mexico.Are there downsides here? I suppose. You certainly can wonder about the way the Mexicans--good ones and banditos both--are portrayed. I think it's not bad, tinged with clichés, of course, but in Spanish without translation or stilted half-English, so it's the real thing. And no subtitles. Nicely done for an early Hollywood affair. Huston, the son, the director, if you don't know, is famous for doing things raw and right and slightly off the charts. He is making a commercial film, to be sure, but it has many small aspects that are just not pandering to anyone. This makes it work.I'm sure to some this is a masterpiece. I'm giving that some thought. See it.

The seeds of mistrust are sown

tt0040897

IMDb Top 250: 71Wow. After seeing The Maltese Falcon, an earlier Huston film, I was a little nervous going into this one because I hated The Maltese Falcon. I was in for a surprise: The Treasure of the Sierra Madre is fantastic.Two Americans in Mexico work with an aged prospector to find gold in the 20's. That's the short. They fight the elements, bandits, other Americans and even each other to try and make their fortune. This is a plot-focused film, a true adventure. But it steps beyond that: it becomes a character analysis, with themes of greed, betrayal, and suspicion: all in the desert of Mexico. It starts strong, ends strong, and is a bull the whole way through.Like Sunset Blvd., a film from 1950, 'Treasure' is made during the transition period between 'old' and 'new' cinema. There are more cuts and the film feels more dynamic. The film is extraordinarily well made, and is visually fantastic being filmed on location in Mexico, a first. The imposing musical score is also great.I think this is the best Humphrey Bogart film; both in his performance and the overall film. My view of him was turned upside down in this film. The Rick Blaine/ Philip Marlowe character is gone, replaced by a bearded, rugged, unclean bum who asks for money from tourists, and has a really, really creepy laugh. Dobbs. His development is incredible, showing his doubts and delusions without making us have to infer anything. The other two in the treasure hunting trio hold their own next to Dobbsy. Howard (Walter Huston) is an eccentric old-timer, and we are never quite sure what his agenda is, or if he even has one. Curtin (Tim Holt) is the straight man of the three, but is just as grey as them. Together there are three great performances of three great characters in a great scenario. Although I have to say the head bandit is a tad too comical.The plot makes for a great film, treasure hunters in Mexico. There's great dialogue, scenery, fights (fistfights still from the old film era though), and suspense. This western noir has a great pace. There's a lot of character foreshadowing, and then it wraps up with a quietly brilliant ending, though it might not be so astounding today.The Treasure of the Sierra Madre was much better than I could have expected- it's a strong, constantly engaging film. The plot is solid and well told, with developed ideas and characters. And a very, very memorable Humphrey Bogart. 8.9/10

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0040897/reviews-186

ur26443691

title: The seeds of mistrust are sown review: IMDb Top 250: 71Wow. After seeing The Maltese Falcon, an earlier Huston film, I was a little nervous going into this one because I hated The Maltese Falcon. I was in for a surprise: The Treasure of the Sierra Madre is fantastic.Two Americans in Mexico work with an aged prospector to find gold in the 20's. That's the short. They fight the elements, bandits, other Americans and even each other to try and make their fortune. This is a plot-focused film, a true adventure. But it steps beyond that: it becomes a character analysis, with themes of greed, betrayal, and suspicion: all in the desert of Mexico. It starts strong, ends strong, and is a bull the whole way through.Like Sunset Blvd., a film from 1950, 'Treasure' is made during the transition period between 'old' and 'new' cinema. There are more cuts and the film feels more dynamic. The film is extraordinarily well made, and is visually fantastic being filmed on location in Mexico, a first. The imposing musical score is also great.I think this is the best Humphrey Bogart film; both in his performance and the overall film. My view of him was turned upside down in this film. The Rick Blaine/ Philip Marlowe character is gone, replaced by a bearded, rugged, unclean bum who asks for money from tourists, and has a really, really creepy laugh. Dobbs. His development is incredible, showing his doubts and delusions without making us have to infer anything. The other two in the treasure hunting trio hold their own next to Dobbsy. Howard (Walter Huston) is an eccentric old-timer, and we are never quite sure what his agenda is, or if he even has one. Curtin (Tim Holt) is the straight man of the three, but is just as grey as them. Together there are three great performances of three great characters in a great scenario. Although I have to say the head bandit is a tad too comical.The plot makes for a great film, treasure hunters in Mexico. There's great dialogue, scenery, fights (fistfights still from the old film era though), and suspense. This western noir has a great pace. There's a lot of character foreshadowing, and then it wraps up with a quietly brilliant ending, though it might not be so astounding today.The Treasure of the Sierra Madre was much better than I could have expected- it's a strong, constantly engaging film. The plot is solid and well told, with developed ideas and characters. And a very, very memorable Humphrey Bogart. 8.9/10

"I know what gold does to men's souls."

tt0040897

John Huston's 1948 classic 'The Treasure of the Sierra Madre' is one of the most fascinating, thrilling and, above all, entertaining adventure films ever made. Huston teamed up with legendary Hollywood star Humphrey Bogart on six occasions, but never with more success than here, though one could certainly make a case for 'The Maltese Falcon (1941)' or 'The African Queen (1951).' The story concerns two young Americans in Mexico (Bogart and Tim Holt) who team up with wizened old gold-digger Howard (Walter Huston, the director's father) to strike it rich in the remote Sierra Madre Mountains. They do, indeed, strike it rich, but human greed leads the group to gradually turn against each other, inevitably leaving them with nothing.Though Bogart began his career playing the sleazy villain, he truly made his name as a cinematic hero, a proud and decent gentleman who we could cheer for. 'The Treasure of the Sierra Madre' marks an anomaly in Bogart's later work, as we witness the promise of more gold tear apart Fred C. Dobbs' steadfast morals, ultimately sealing his own demise. His transformation is truly unsettling to watch, as Dobbs breaks down into a paranoid, mumbling wreck of a man. After attempting to murder one of his comrades, he tries desperately to justify his actions to himself: "Conscience. What a thing. If you believe you got a conscience it'll pester you to death. But if you don't believe you got one, what could it do t'ya?"Regardless of how brilliant Bogart was, it's been argued that he was upstaged by Walter Huston as the tough and experienced old goldminer who's seen it all before. Huston Sr. won an Academy Award for his troubles, and, with his son winning both for Best Director and Best Screenplay, it was the only time in Oscar history that both father and son had won awards in the same year. Tim Holt, whose film appearances were generally limited to cowboy westerns, is also very good as Bob Curtin, the comrade whose loyalties are never swayed by the temptations of the gold. Also notable is Bruce Bennett as James Cody, a lone American who happens upon the site of the gold digging, and requests to be included in the venture.The film's screenplay, penned by John Huston, is loyally based on mysterious author B. Traven's 1927 novel of the same name. The film preserves much of the original story's dialogue, most notably by including the well-known (and often misquoted) "stinking badges" line, though the exact wording has been changed slightly. Whilst most film-goers erroneously exclaim "we don't need no stinking badges!," the precise wording in the film goes as follows: "Badges!? We ain't got no badges. We don't need no badges! I don't have to show you any stinking badges!" The line itself is spoken by Mexican actor Alfonso Bedoya, who plays Gold Hat, a Mexican bandit leader.With 'The treasure of the Sierra Madre,' great writing, directing and acting wonderfully combine to create one of the most memorable cinematic experiences of the twentieth century. Filmed largely on location in Mexico – almost unheard of at the time – the film has an authentic sense of adventure about it, ensuring that Huston's masterpiece will be remembered for many years to come.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0040897/reviews-124

ur10334028

title: "I know what gold does to men's souls." review: John Huston's 1948 classic 'The Treasure of the Sierra Madre' is one of the most fascinating, thrilling and, above all, entertaining adventure films ever made. Huston teamed up with legendary Hollywood star Humphrey Bogart on six occasions, but never with more success than here, though one could certainly make a case for 'The Maltese Falcon (1941)' or 'The African Queen (1951).' The story concerns two young Americans in Mexico (Bogart and Tim Holt) who team up with wizened old gold-digger Howard (Walter Huston, the director's father) to strike it rich in the remote Sierra Madre Mountains. They do, indeed, strike it rich, but human greed leads the group to gradually turn against each other, inevitably leaving them with nothing.Though Bogart began his career playing the sleazy villain, he truly made his name as a cinematic hero, a proud and decent gentleman who we could cheer for. 'The Treasure of the Sierra Madre' marks an anomaly in Bogart's later work, as we witness the promise of more gold tear apart Fred C. Dobbs' steadfast morals, ultimately sealing his own demise. His transformation is truly unsettling to watch, as Dobbs breaks down into a paranoid, mumbling wreck of a man. After attempting to murder one of his comrades, he tries desperately to justify his actions to himself: "Conscience. What a thing. If you believe you got a conscience it'll pester you to death. But if you don't believe you got one, what could it do t'ya?"Regardless of how brilliant Bogart was, it's been argued that he was upstaged by Walter Huston as the tough and experienced old goldminer who's seen it all before. Huston Sr. won an Academy Award for his troubles, and, with his son winning both for Best Director and Best Screenplay, it was the only time in Oscar history that both father and son had won awards in the same year. Tim Holt, whose film appearances were generally limited to cowboy westerns, is also very good as Bob Curtin, the comrade whose loyalties are never swayed by the temptations of the gold. Also notable is Bruce Bennett as James Cody, a lone American who happens upon the site of the gold digging, and requests to be included in the venture.The film's screenplay, penned by John Huston, is loyally based on mysterious author B. Traven's 1927 novel of the same name. The film preserves much of the original story's dialogue, most notably by including the well-known (and often misquoted) "stinking badges" line, though the exact wording has been changed slightly. Whilst most film-goers erroneously exclaim "we don't need no stinking badges!," the precise wording in the film goes as follows: "Badges!? We ain't got no badges. We don't need no badges! I don't have to show you any stinking badges!" The line itself is spoken by Mexican actor Alfonso Bedoya, who plays Gold Hat, a Mexican bandit leader.With 'The treasure of the Sierra Madre,' great writing, directing and acting wonderfully combine to create one of the most memorable cinematic experiences of the twentieth century. Filmed largely on location in Mexico – almost unheard of at the time – the film has an authentic sense of adventure about it, ensuring that Huston's masterpiece will be remembered for many years to come.

The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948) ***

tt0040897

Okay, I've finally watched THE TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE, and I found it to be one of those tough films to comment on, perhaps due to its very excellent reputation. I found Bogart to be very good in the movie, and I also enjoyed Walter Huston's performance and could see how he earned his award. The earlier scenes of the movie - before the men ventured out on their search for gold - actually impressed me more than the main parts of the film did. The classic moments where Dobbs is asking John Huston for a hand out again and again; bitching at the pesty little kid (Robert Blake!); beating the hell out of his "boss" when he tries to pull a fast one. These were my favorite scenes.Once the trio of buddies is out in the heat, prospecting for their gold, I have to say that while the tension and acting was very good, I just guess I had a hard time both accepting and believing that Bogart could actually go THAT nuts, and wind up turning against his friends like that. Paranoia and greed is one thing, but it just didn't sit right with me for this character of Dobbs - especially after we'd seen what a fair guy he is back when he only took his share of the salary instead of grabbing the whole wad of bills from his beaten "employer" (then again, I'm sure the turnabout was supposed to be the idea). It just didn't ring true for me that he could do what he did to his pal. I understand that it was the desert heat getting the best of him, and especially the gold working its ugly spell as the "root of all evil," but it just hit me as improbable and excessive that things would or could go to THAT much of an extreme. Dobbs became a man possessed, and the effect was often more farcial than it was intense.I think director John Huston turned in a fine piece of cinematic work, and for technicality and acting (more than content) I did like this film enough to give it *** out of ****. I thought Bogart gave a very good performance, albeit one that I didn't really want to see happen to his character and one which I had a hard time swallowing actually could. I wouldn't be against seeing it again and re-evaluating it further, somewhere down the line.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0040897/reviews-79

ur3441650

title: The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948) *** review: Okay, I've finally watched THE TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE, and I found it to be one of those tough films to comment on, perhaps due to its very excellent reputation. I found Bogart to be very good in the movie, and I also enjoyed Walter Huston's performance and could see how he earned his award. The earlier scenes of the movie - before the men ventured out on their search for gold - actually impressed me more than the main parts of the film did. The classic moments where Dobbs is asking John Huston for a hand out again and again; bitching at the pesty little kid (Robert Blake!); beating the hell out of his "boss" when he tries to pull a fast one. These were my favorite scenes.Once the trio of buddies is out in the heat, prospecting for their gold, I have to say that while the tension and acting was very good, I just guess I had a hard time both accepting and believing that Bogart could actually go THAT nuts, and wind up turning against his friends like that. Paranoia and greed is one thing, but it just didn't sit right with me for this character of Dobbs - especially after we'd seen what a fair guy he is back when he only took his share of the salary instead of grabbing the whole wad of bills from his beaten "employer" (then again, I'm sure the turnabout was supposed to be the idea). It just didn't ring true for me that he could do what he did to his pal. I understand that it was the desert heat getting the best of him, and especially the gold working its ugly spell as the "root of all evil," but it just hit me as improbable and excessive that things would or could go to THAT much of an extreme. Dobbs became a man possessed, and the effect was often more farcial than it was intense.I think director John Huston turned in a fine piece of cinematic work, and for technicality and acting (more than content) I did like this film enough to give it *** out of ****. I thought Bogart gave a very good performance, albeit one that I didn't really want to see happen to his character and one which I had a hard time swallowing actually could. I wouldn't be against seeing it again and re-evaluating it further, somewhere down the line.

Make Sure You Find John Huston's 'Treasure' Trove!

tt0040897

John Huston's The Treasure of the Sierra Madre tells the tale of two small-time drifters – the short-tempered, glutton for pleasure Fred C. Dobbs (Humphrey Bogart) and the easygoing Bob Curtin (Tim Holt). Both have been cheated out of hard-earned wages by a fraudulent employer, and when they corner him in a bar, they beat him so savagely that it seems pointless to hang around town. When they take lodging in a 50-centavo common room-style hotel, the seasoned, wisecracking Howard (Walter Huston) talks about treasure in the mountains as a way to make a sizable profit. The three down-and-out gold prospectors, hitherto slumming in Tampico, venture into the eponymous mountain range and strike the mother lode. But soon, trouble starts brewing as Dobbs finds his altruistic view of wealth transformed, grows avaricious and becomes completely conquered by his murderous suspicions towards the other two men, till everything they've worked for and accumulated is jeopardized.The simple tale of the Freudian triangle (that ultimately endures 10 months of hardship at the hands of mother nature and, to varying extents, each other) in the Mexican desert seems lifted straight out of archetypal myths, with the tragic Dobbs functioning as the moral lynch-pin - ultimately unlikable but achingly human in his weaknesses. Huston's crackerjack screenplay is a study in karmic justice; tragic in its portrayal of the inevitable crumbling of one's conscience in the face of fortune. Shot largely on location, the film posits its characters against the unforgiving immensity of their surroundings (sun-blasted high chaparral landscape, usually desolate, except for the three central characters), rendering their efforts almost pathetically sublime. Decades since its release, the performances by the three leads continue to exert a raw moral power. Bogart goes full-tilt in a bold, unapologetic turn as the unhinged Dobbs. He exhibits a brilliant level of nuance as he changes from a bum down on his luck to a man filled with paranoia and lust for money. Holt makes a sturdy counterweight to Dobbs' excesses. But it is Huston Sr. who holds his own as the wise old buzzard, flanking Bogart's bravura paranoia. He may have a bit of a wacky side, but that facade belies a capable and wise core. He infuses his character with such energy and charisma that he forces everyone into the background whenever he's on screen.The Treasure of Sierra Madre is a clever study of the essential existential hopelessness and loneliness of the avaricious man. Partly realistic, partly poetic, fully moral, this deservingly canonized behemoth is one of the relatively few films that transcend the medium to become a mandatory viewing experience for anyone that identifies themselves as a human being, period.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0040897/reviews-230

ur19892172

title: Make Sure You Find John Huston's 'Treasure' Trove! review: John Huston's The Treasure of the Sierra Madre tells the tale of two small-time drifters – the short-tempered, glutton for pleasure Fred C. Dobbs (Humphrey Bogart) and the easygoing Bob Curtin (Tim Holt). Both have been cheated out of hard-earned wages by a fraudulent employer, and when they corner him in a bar, they beat him so savagely that it seems pointless to hang around town. When they take lodging in a 50-centavo common room-style hotel, the seasoned, wisecracking Howard (Walter Huston) talks about treasure in the mountains as a way to make a sizable profit. The three down-and-out gold prospectors, hitherto slumming in Tampico, venture into the eponymous mountain range and strike the mother lode. But soon, trouble starts brewing as Dobbs finds his altruistic view of wealth transformed, grows avaricious and becomes completely conquered by his murderous suspicions towards the other two men, till everything they've worked for and accumulated is jeopardized.The simple tale of the Freudian triangle (that ultimately endures 10 months of hardship at the hands of mother nature and, to varying extents, each other) in the Mexican desert seems lifted straight out of archetypal myths, with the tragic Dobbs functioning as the moral lynch-pin - ultimately unlikable but achingly human in his weaknesses. Huston's crackerjack screenplay is a study in karmic justice; tragic in its portrayal of the inevitable crumbling of one's conscience in the face of fortune. Shot largely on location, the film posits its characters against the unforgiving immensity of their surroundings (sun-blasted high chaparral landscape, usually desolate, except for the three central characters), rendering their efforts almost pathetically sublime. Decades since its release, the performances by the three leads continue to exert a raw moral power. Bogart goes full-tilt in a bold, unapologetic turn as the unhinged Dobbs. He exhibits a brilliant level of nuance as he changes from a bum down on his luck to a man filled with paranoia and lust for money. Holt makes a sturdy counterweight to Dobbs' excesses. But it is Huston Sr. who holds his own as the wise old buzzard, flanking Bogart's bravura paranoia. He may have a bit of a wacky side, but that facade belies a capable and wise core. He infuses his character with such energy and charisma that he forces everyone into the background whenever he's on screen.The Treasure of Sierra Madre is a clever study of the essential existential hopelessness and loneliness of the avaricious man. Partly realistic, partly poetic, fully moral, this deservingly canonized behemoth is one of the relatively few films that transcend the medium to become a mandatory viewing experience for anyone that identifies themselves as a human being, period.

Τhe treasure of life.

tt0040897

Τhe theme of this film is about a treasure in the Sierra Madre Mountains. It's a classic movie with action and adventure. The direction of this movie for the time that it was filmed (1948) is very good and that's why John Huston won the academy award of Best Director.I also liked the performances of Humphrey Bogart (Dobbs) as one of the American who searches for work in Mexico but can not find so he is going to find the treasure in the Sierra Madre Mountains, and the performance of Tim Holt (Curtin) as one of the partners of Humphrey Bogart.In this movie you will see how the reactions of a person changes when money are the most important thing of the people and you will understand how the situation changes because of them.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0040897/reviews-203

ur33907744

title: Τhe treasure of life. review: Τhe theme of this film is about a treasure in the Sierra Madre Mountains. It's a classic movie with action and adventure. The direction of this movie for the time that it was filmed (1948) is very good and that's why John Huston won the academy award of Best Director.I also liked the performances of Humphrey Bogart (Dobbs) as one of the American who searches for work in Mexico but can not find so he is going to find the treasure in the Sierra Madre Mountains, and the performance of Tim Holt (Curtin) as one of the partners of Humphrey Bogart.In this movie you will see how the reactions of a person changes when money are the most important thing of the people and you will understand how the situation changes because of them.

They's gold in them thar skills...

tt0040897

I ventured earlier that Humphrey Bogart's finest performance was as Sam Spade in THE MALTESE FALCON; after revisiting THE TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE, I stand corrected. THIS is arguably Bogart's best performance. (And will remain so until I stumble across another Bogart classic and come scuttling back to correct myself yet again...) As Sam Spade, Bogart was a fairly ruthless "good guy." As Fred C. Dobbs, he's an outright bastard. Not at first, of course, but, once he's been f---ed over, he doesn't seem to have a whole lot of trouble crossing over to The Dark Side. Although it's not quite curtains for Curtin, Dobbs's attempted murder of him makes Dobbs an unsavory character whose final fate he had coming. Outstanding tale of greed, with three topnotch performances and some brilliant direction.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0040897/reviews-223

ur1530907

title: They's gold in them thar skills... review: I ventured earlier that Humphrey Bogart's finest performance was as Sam Spade in THE MALTESE FALCON; after revisiting THE TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE, I stand corrected. THIS is arguably Bogart's best performance. (And will remain so until I stumble across another Bogart classic and come scuttling back to correct myself yet again...) As Sam Spade, Bogart was a fairly ruthless "good guy." As Fred C. Dobbs, he's an outright bastard. Not at first, of course, but, once he's been f---ed over, he doesn't seem to have a whole lot of trouble crossing over to The Dark Side. Although it's not quite curtains for Curtin, Dobbs's attempted murder of him makes Dobbs an unsavory character whose final fate he had coming. Outstanding tale of greed, with three topnotch performances and some brilliant direction.

Expansive adventure epic; a pinnacle of cinematic potential

tt0040897

There is a popular story circulating of Paul Thomas Anderson, director of 2007's viscerally wrenching There Will Be Blood screening The Treasure of the Sierra Madre for his cast and crew every single day of the production in order to convey the scope and power of the film he was aiming to achieve. If anything speaks to the genuinely abiding quality of John Huston's 1948 masterpiece, not coincidentally a similar parable of the absolute corruption of greed, it is that Anderson's film, now regarded as a contemporary classic and one of the most powerful films in several decades, showed a level of devotion to the point of almost eerie reverence towards Huston's film, only hoping to in part live up to its near peerless quality and craftsmanship. Such praise did not prove an overstatement either, as The Treasure of the Sierra Madre proves a picture as expansive and full of riches as the mountain which forms the setting for its narrative centerpiece, a pinnacle of cinematic potential which overwhelmingly succeeds on every possible front. On the surface a sprawling adventure epic (and one would be hard pressed to find a film more sprawling or epic than this), the film simultaneously serves as a devastating moral play on the absolute corrupting force of avarice, and the steady reduction of the three protagonists to a near animalistic state in pursuit of lifelong wealth is a truly sickening spectacle. Director Huston's daring (and expensive) decision to shoot the film on location for the first time since the war proved a crucially effective decision, as the film pulsates with the devastating realism of the arid, hostile land, caking its protagonists in grime, sweat and filth to mirror their own moral decay. Yet there is breadth to the film beyond a simple moral play, as Huston's powerhouse direction extracts every possible emotional nuance from the film, from its despairing portrait of an impoverished shantytown, to a harshly realistic barfight to an unnervingly tense mountaintop shootout. Yet there is a positive underbelly to be delved into amidst the grim overtones: Bogart's deadpan one-liners reflecting on his destitute state prove among his best, and the intoxicating joy felt by the three prospectors striking gold for the first time is impossible to resist basking in, while the painfully bittersweet, morally ambiguous ending packs enough of a genuinely flooring punch to leave the viewer in stunned reflection for days afterwards. Max Steiner's ominously soaring musical score seals the flawless deal, adding dramatic punch and devastating emotional resonance to the unanimously impressive final product. And yet, for all of its laudable features, the film could be viewed solely for its acting and still be venerated as a masterpiece. While he may have found his call to fame portraying conflicted, cynical romantics, the subversion of Humphrey Bogart's more wholesome image into a jaded, corrupted prospector stripped of every successive layer of human decency proved legendary, as Bogart delves into levels of alarmingly stark realism and animalistic energy that he could only hope to echo afterwards. Walter Huston (director John's father, in an Oscar winning performance) is similarly fantastic, his gleefully eccentric performance of a brightly cantankerous old prospector breathing real light into the film and setting the bar for decades of stereotypical imitations to follow. If there were any risk in characterisation it would be in the potentially overzealous morality of Tim Holt's good hearted prospector, but Holt overcomes such fears with solid, festering charisma and enough inherent darkness to keep his character a genuine person rather than an idealised heroic archetype. The interplay and chemistry between the three men is truly an experience for the ages, equally effective while comically bantering and joking to breathlessly squaring off against each other for their lives, barely resisting the temptation of murder for personal profit. Few would dispute making a claim for The Treasure of the Sierra Madre as one of the most powerful films ever made, every component from the rock solid directing, raw devastating sets to fierce intensity of acting cementing it as an all time classic, just as exhilarating, harrowing and engrossing now as it must have been come its release in 1948. -10/10

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0040897/reviews-144

ur3728510

title: Expansive adventure epic; a pinnacle of cinematic potential review: There is a popular story circulating of Paul Thomas Anderson, director of 2007's viscerally wrenching There Will Be Blood screening The Treasure of the Sierra Madre for his cast and crew every single day of the production in order to convey the scope and power of the film he was aiming to achieve. If anything speaks to the genuinely abiding quality of John Huston's 1948 masterpiece, not coincidentally a similar parable of the absolute corruption of greed, it is that Anderson's film, now regarded as a contemporary classic and one of the most powerful films in several decades, showed a level of devotion to the point of almost eerie reverence towards Huston's film, only hoping to in part live up to its near peerless quality and craftsmanship. Such praise did not prove an overstatement either, as The Treasure of the Sierra Madre proves a picture as expansive and full of riches as the mountain which forms the setting for its narrative centerpiece, a pinnacle of cinematic potential which overwhelmingly succeeds on every possible front. On the surface a sprawling adventure epic (and one would be hard pressed to find a film more sprawling or epic than this), the film simultaneously serves as a devastating moral play on the absolute corrupting force of avarice, and the steady reduction of the three protagonists to a near animalistic state in pursuit of lifelong wealth is a truly sickening spectacle. Director Huston's daring (and expensive) decision to shoot the film on location for the first time since the war proved a crucially effective decision, as the film pulsates with the devastating realism of the arid, hostile land, caking its protagonists in grime, sweat and filth to mirror their own moral decay. Yet there is breadth to the film beyond a simple moral play, as Huston's powerhouse direction extracts every possible emotional nuance from the film, from its despairing portrait of an impoverished shantytown, to a harshly realistic barfight to an unnervingly tense mountaintop shootout. Yet there is a positive underbelly to be delved into amidst the grim overtones: Bogart's deadpan one-liners reflecting on his destitute state prove among his best, and the intoxicating joy felt by the three prospectors striking gold for the first time is impossible to resist basking in, while the painfully bittersweet, morally ambiguous ending packs enough of a genuinely flooring punch to leave the viewer in stunned reflection for days afterwards. Max Steiner's ominously soaring musical score seals the flawless deal, adding dramatic punch and devastating emotional resonance to the unanimously impressive final product. And yet, for all of its laudable features, the film could be viewed solely for its acting and still be venerated as a masterpiece. While he may have found his call to fame portraying conflicted, cynical romantics, the subversion of Humphrey Bogart's more wholesome image into a jaded, corrupted prospector stripped of every successive layer of human decency proved legendary, as Bogart delves into levels of alarmingly stark realism and animalistic energy that he could only hope to echo afterwards. Walter Huston (director John's father, in an Oscar winning performance) is similarly fantastic, his gleefully eccentric performance of a brightly cantankerous old prospector breathing real light into the film and setting the bar for decades of stereotypical imitations to follow. If there were any risk in characterisation it would be in the potentially overzealous morality of Tim Holt's good hearted prospector, but Holt overcomes such fears with solid, festering charisma and enough inherent darkness to keep his character a genuine person rather than an idealised heroic archetype. The interplay and chemistry between the three men is truly an experience for the ages, equally effective while comically bantering and joking to breathlessly squaring off against each other for their lives, barely resisting the temptation of murder for personal profit. Few would dispute making a claim for The Treasure of the Sierra Madre as one of the most powerful films ever made, every component from the rock solid directing, raw devastating sets to fierce intensity of acting cementing it as an all time classic, just as exhilarating, harrowing and engrossing now as it must have been come its release in 1948. -10/10