fearless_green

I just saw Wheel of Time yesterday at its premiere in Toronto, where Herzog was present. As usual, Herzog creates a compelling film: a portrait of a traditional Bhuddist initiation ceremony. Specifically, we are shown the pilgrimmage of hundreds of thousands of people to India and one year later, to a similar ceremony in Austria. On a purely documentary level, this winning film is a fascinating piece, giving insight into this ancient ceremony (including the pilgrimmage itself), as well as showing us the painstaking construction of a large "mandala" made out of colored sand, with a "wheel of time" intricately designed in its center. The interviews with the Dalai Lama were interesting and even humorous. On an artistic level, it is also a winner, as Herzog mixes stylistic poses and environmental landscapes within the structure of the documentary. Of course, Herzog's critics call this self-indulgence, but I strongly disagree. Herzog operates on a subconcious level in most of his films, including his narrative features, and actually succeeds where other "artsy" filmmakers fail miserably. Herzog has produced yet another fascinating masterpiece.

I have to disagree strongly with the previous critique. The film, The Ring, was definitely not silly and was actually the most adult horror film I have seen in years. Forget the teen slasher films that keep pouring out of the studios, like this year's Fear.com. Check this one out. If it doesn't become as popular as Blair Witch Project, than there is something wrong with the audiences (although to compare this one to Blair Witch is blasphemous, given how bad the Blair Witch Project was). The film does, however, copy a great deal from the great 1980s horror film, The Changeling, starring George C. Scott. In fact, I am greatly surprised that it hasn't been labeled a remake!! I can't believe the film, or the original book, ripped off the Changeling in such a blatant way! However, this aside, the film is not just horrifying, it's psychologically scarring. It has learned a lot from The Shining, another film which has had a great influence on this one. Either way, after you watch "The Changeling," check this film out for a seriously damaging thrill.

Young Sherlock Holmes is an underrated masterpiece of imagination. The film is almost impossible to find now, even though it was produced by Spielberg, directed by Barry Levinson, and written by Chris Columbus! The film should be on DVD, but instead it is nearly non-existent. The special effects are still amazing, and much more convincing then most of the cartoonish CGI effects used today. It was actually the first film to use a three dimensional computer effect in film, courtesy of Industrial Light & Magic, and was given an academy award for it. Columbus later copied his own film and basically remade it as Harry Potter, which undeservedly took all the credit for creativity. This film is highly recommended if you can find a copy. Be sure to wait until after the credits are finished, for the surprise ending, which is jaw dropping! The characters are rich with personality and the story is imaginative to the max. Don't be fooled by the lack of "stars" in the cast. The film surpases most blockbusters with no difficulty. There should have been a sequel, and it should definitely be released widescreen on DVD.