wimjim

The Terminator series somehow parodies the Alien series. The first two films were amazing pieces of story telling, at different levels. The first one being dark, and edgy. The second to be more mainstream and action orientated. This accounts to both series and the fact that James Cameron is linked as director between these series, is strange also.

The difference now is that Alien has made up to 4 sequels, and more coming (so I've heard). Terminator stopped at number 2, till now. Both series had two great starters, and Terminator supposedly stopped at 2, it still had potential to carry on. Hollywood being Hollywood, they decided to do another one. As James Cameron directed both, it would be logical to let him carry the helm for the third time, but he declined.

If he declined so would many actors to follow, Linda Hamilton, Edward Furlong, (Though I think they didn't pick him, due to drug offences). Though Arnold Swarzeneggar had to accept for the movie to go ahead, as he was the major star in the last two. Much like Sigourney Weaver in the Alien Series. He had to accept as he hasn't had a hit for a long, long time.

Like the alien movies, the standards set were very high, so the next sequel will be hard to impress. For me the third Alien movie, was different and wasn't bad, but compared to the last two it was poor. This is what I feel about Terminator 3: The Rise of the Machines as well.

The problem with sequels, is that the audience knows the characters now, therefore people make their own judgement on how that character would react. Which may differ to the director.

The story: There is now a new model terminator, a T-X (Kristanna Loken)a more advance terminator than T-1000. Who has been sent back in time out to kill John Connor (Nick Stahl), who is now a lot older from the last outing. T-800 (Arny of course) is also sent back to protect him. Basically the same plot from T2, but there is a difference, T-X is a female and a lot more advanced.

My opinion of Skynet is that it would be illogical for them to make a terminator that is female, pretty and I thought they would explain the reason, but do not. For me Kristanna Loken plays a good killer, but it just seemed that Hollywood realised that the market in movies, are stronger women. Which has already been experienced in T2. It just doesn't work for me, though I'm not trying to be sexist.

I feel John Connor seemed a little weak for someone, who will lead the last human rebellion to victory. Even Claire Danes character was stronger than him.

The overall story destroys the message that was given in T2. Well it is still entertaining, certainly a lot more funnier than the last one. Can't believe it recieved a 12A rating in the UK, so I must insist you don't bring in children to watch this, as there is a certain scene that is quite disturbing.

C-

People like to watch movies, for different reasons. To feel good, to release yourself into another world and take you on a ride, to make you cry, to learn things etc. Certain movies, give you a feeling after the movie that asks oneself, "WHAT JUST HAPPENED???".

Memento is the latter, and what a breath of fresh air this is. This movie is different, that shows you the ending first, then plays a scene before the last scene each step of the way. Plus in the mean time it plays a different set of scenes forward between the scenes going backwards. Though each scene played, uncovers the revelations of whats to come. Confused you should be.

You should really go into this movie without any knowledge of the film whatsoever...... As you should with any film as a matter of fact....

Anyway stop reading this and watch it if you haven't already. If so watch it again. The basic plot is that Lenny suffers from short term memory loss, due to an incident. The last thing that he can remember is the death of his wife, who was killed by someone. Even with his problem, he sets out to find her killer.

Now even from this basis, creates a great story to come, but the magnificent thing about this is, as mentioned before it plays backwards. Nolan directs this with such imagination and scope, that he seems a very promising future. Guy Pearce is immense in this, the only film I saw him in before this, was LA Confidential. Now I'm a fan of his. Supporting cast is also good, with Joe Pantoliano and Carrie Annie-Moss from the Matrix.

I'm not going to say anything more, but it will leave you puzzled at the end and so it should.

A+

Regarded as a classic among Anime communities. One of the first few to gain recognition, with Akira and Fist of the North Star. I remember watching this years ago, it is now that I thought I'll add my opinion. Having just watched the anime, it still awes in animation quality.

The story is based in Feudal Japan, with many ninja clans. There is an epidemic spreading, and rumours of the 8 ninjas from the Shogun of the dark clan have a secret agenda. The government and the locals clans are suspicious, so they start their own investigation. Jubei (our hero) is in the mix of all of this. Who meets up with Kegero, a survivor in the midst of the investigation.

Jubei is the like-able, mysterious, lonesome warrior that really does not want to get involved. The 8 ninjas all have unique abilities, that create great action set pieces. One that can turn himself to stone, the ability to crawl into the shadows, and many other strange powers. Jubei and Kegero have to come against all of these foes and uncover the secret that are behind the Shogun of the Dark.

Plot wise, is just enough to get the story going at a fast pace. To me it's like a mixture of Eastern background, with the premise of a Western action movie. It's really there to set up the action. So don't think of it as a great story, it's about character, situation and action.

Animation is one of the best there is, though with the use of some flashing lights in backgrounds, (when in action shots,) looks a little cheap. It works. There is some nudity, which I felt wasn't really necessary, but could be needed to boost a higher certificate rating. As this is a very violent movie.

The movie does move very fast, and it seems it wants to create a showdown for each of the 8 ninjas in the Shogun of the Dark. At times I felt they could have milked them a bit more, but it stands very well as a 94 minute movie.

Overall it is visually a great piece of art, and has started it's own genre. With many spin offs that does not live up to expectations, like Sword for Truth, for one. It is great melodrama at it's best. A movie that could only be animated, and never be a live action.

A-