kevinp8192's reviews

...and I really can't understand why this film is so maligned. I thought it was sexy, funny, exciting, and audibly and visually stunning. It's not a great movie, but it is a good one. And much better than most of the comments indicate. Maybe I just wasn't expecting much.

Many of the things previously said about it are true: it's silly, very unrealistic, and doesn't always make a lot of sense. But come on! Do we require so much realism that we can't accept a film on its own terms? Isn't that very essence of "suspension of disbelief?" So, yes, she fights a robot while "raiding" a tomb in the beginning. A more than unlikely scenario. But if you need archaeological realism, than you should watch a special on the History or Discovery channel.

Speaking of archaeologists, everyone is making comparisons between Lara Croft and Indiana Jones, but Lara and Indy are only alike in their trade only. Structure wise, the film is much more in line with the James Bond movies. Although it's not a spy flick, it has that same kind of cartoon action scenes, sensual stars and attitudes, exotic locales and over-the-top set pieces, with the addition of a little mysticism and possibly supernatural elements. It's really a lot of fun. I skipped the sequel at the cinema because I hadn't seen the first one, and read all the bad reviews. But now I'm looking forward to catching the DVD.

Regarding the a/v, I watched this DVD (R1 Dolby Digital NTSC) at reference level (system calibrated at 75 db on all channels), and was stunned by the sound activity all around. It's a great sounding and looking disc.

First off, this film is under the wrong category. Although there are action elements, it is indeed a FANTASY. I mean, it's set in a fantasy world, it includes fantasy characters, and has fantasy ideas.

Some of the other user comments for this movie are just stunning. Plot twists not realistic? Logic gaps? Come on! The movie is about 10 year old spies with rocket packs, includes characters made of thumbs, voice command toilets, and has freeze dried Big Mac value meals. Is this the kind of movie where you fault it for lack of realistic elements?

Sometimes I wonder if we as adults have just been spoon fed so much unoriginal, formulaic drivel that when we see something like Spy Kids with true creativity and imagination, it's just too much for the senses and we reject it--we think we're too "mature" for it.

Accept the film on its own terms. It's a great ride--and true cinematic art. It's going to be appreciated for years to come.

LOTR: FOTR is one of the most astonishing films ever made. A technical masterpiece with a blend of outstanding special effects, cinematography, direction, sound, and acting.

But as I sat in the theatre, amazed by what I was watching, I kept on asking myself "Why am I not enjoying this more?" While I was always engaged by the visuals on the screen, I found it so joyless and...dare I say...a tad boring. Admittedly, I haven't read the book. So I thought I should see it again because I surely missed something since people are so fanatical about it. But no. Even after the second viewing, I felt the same way.

From what I understand, the book contains nuances and social commentary, none of which comes through on the screen. What does come through seems more like a video game where the good guys face a set of challenges and puzzles, overcomes them with a big "boss" fight, and then advances on to the next round of fighting.

So do I recommend it? Absolutely. To miss it would be to miss perhaps the greatest visuals ever put on celluloid. But ask yourself honestly when it's over, "was I really entertained? Moved?" And trust your feelings. Because there's really not as much there on the screen as the visuals suggest.

One of the most moving animated films ever produced. More a story about the tragic fall of the loving relationship of two brothers than a retelling of the biblical story. I've read complaints about the story's inaccuracies compared to what's in the Bible, and all I can say is "so what?" From the beginning we're told that artistic licenses were taken with the story. I first saw it two years ago, and after the first viewing, it sent me scrambling for a Bible to read the actual story in Exodus, which I had never read. Whether you're religious or not, this telling of the story has many powerful messages.

I don't mean to make it sound dour or boring. In addition to the dramatic elements, the film is lively, funny, and technically astonishing. The color palette is extraordinary, there is good use (but not overuse) of CGI, and it has a haunting musical score. Voice acting is first rate, and it also should be noted that as far as the songs are concerned, there is NO FILLER--all the songs are noteworthy.

For those interested, this is also a reference quality DVD as far as video is concerned. The clarity of the anamorphic widescreen presentation rivals that of Pixar's DVD's, including Monster's Inc. and A Bug's Life, two of my favorites for judging video quality. The audio includes an excellent 5.1 Dolby Digital track which, although not a Dolby Digital EX or DTS ES track like many newer DVDs, is lush throughout and bone rattling when it's supposed to be. It definitely will show off any HT system.

Don't waste your kids' time with movies about dreams, building relationships with family, overcoming life's obstacles with the help of best friends, or how they can improve themselves through scholarship or sport!

Instead, show your little future corporate CEO or CFO this film and teach them the important values of:

* how fun it is to have valuable toys and possessions, including a go-kart track in the back yard, and your own personal waterslide!

* how money gets people to do anything you want!

* how stealing money's OK, as long as it's from the bad guys!

* a fool and his gold are soon parted (and you don't want to lose your money, do you?)

* be wary of gold digging women!

* you CAN get away with it by lying!

An official selection at the Future Corporate Leaders Film Festival, this movie will be one your kids will always cherish.