existenz-6

I first saw "Song of the South" when Disney released it in theatres in 1986. I was 9 at the time and loved it.

Since then, with the movie available on videotape or DVD, I've always wondered whether the movie contained horrible content that went over my head as a kid.

Well now it is 2011, I downloaded the movie on torrent (since Disney won't make it available legally), and I screened it with a few friends. Like many other reviewers here, I was shocked by how harmless and sweet this movie actually is. If you've seen Treasure Island or Mary Poppins, you know the general tone of this movie. Uncle Remus is an awesome character, dignified and creative, and the animated sequences with Brer Rabbit, Brer Fox and Brer Bear are as laugh-out-loud funny as any Loony Tunes cartoon.

Yes, the movie presents a dated and saccharine view of life on plantation for African-Americans. Some of the dialects used are stereotypical, though nothing worse than you'll find in a Martin Lawrence or Tyler Perry movie. But while the movie convey common stereotypes of the 1940s, there is nothing racist or mean-spirited here.

Disney obviously shouldn't release this as if there is nothing controversial about it. Feel free to install a title card at the beginning explaining that the movie is from the 1940s and contains stereotypes that will appear dated now. But damn, release this movie! It really is a classic tale of imagination and friendship.

Wow, I just caught this movie through Netflix. My God this is an awesome horror film. Put it right up there with Wolf Creek, Hostel, Saw -- actually put it above those movies! This is obviously indebted to Texas Chainsaw Massacre, but it is so stylish and so gory that it stands on its own. Actress Karina Testa turns in the best scream queen performance since Jamie Lee Curtis in Halloween. Unbelievable intensity. All young actresses should study that performance if they want to work in horror.

Check out this movie. Definitely a surprisingly good time, especially the last hour.

I wasn't expecting much from this film, but I ended up loving it quite a bit. It's a great kid's adventure, lots of mystery and action, good character development, and plenty of cool settings.

Bill Murray and Tim Robbins do a fine job in their roles, but they are mostly supporting cast. It's the two kids who are the real heart of the story. I also love how the filmmakers created an entirely plausible distant future where beauty still thrived despite crumbling infrastructure. Above all, this is a movie about hope for the future.

If you are looking for a good adventure similar to THE GOONIES, check this out. Great for kids, and great for folks of all ages who enjoy light adventure.