krb206

I have been a fan of South Park since its debut on Comedy Central but was hesitant about its move to the big screen and did not see this film in theatres. My mistake. This was a terrific movie for fans of the television series (non-fans run fast in the opposite direction). Unlike other 30 minute shows that are wheezing at the end of 100 minutes, South Park remained fresh and innovative throughout. Though a bit more musical than I expected, it was just far enough over the top to give us a taste of how warped Parker and Stone really are.

Jumped on this bandwagon a bit late and just saw this movie last week. Frankly, I wished I missed the bandwagon. I was disappointed with this picture though I admit my judgment may be clouded due to my expectation level having been set so high by the press/reviews. I felt this adaptation moved a bit slowly, and never effectively delved into the psyche of Tom Ripley such that we truly understood his motives. Though the acting was exceptional, I found the dialogue a bit stilted and the plot to transitory, stuck at a surface level unwilling to test the depths of depravity in the character of Ripley.

Just rented this one again over the weekend and it reminded me how much fun a movie can be. Sure the violence is excessive but you are really cheering for Banderos as the avenging Mariachi and no one can tell me their heart didn't skip a beat when those two 9mm guns pop out of his sleeves in the early barroom battle. Special effects are minimal, but like the "zip-gun" scene just described, they are innovative and timed perfectly. The movie is really carried by the strength of the brooding Banderos who mirrors an early Clint Eastwood as the quiet outsider championing some lost cause against seemingly insurmountable odds. Hey, how much more entertainment can you get for $1.50 two night rental?