JakeStevens

Member since 9/25/2007, last signed in awhile ago.

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The Informant

Another Winner From Soderbergh ...
By JakeStevens in JakeStevens Blog
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"There's been a small resurgence as of late in 70's-style filmmaking thanks to directors such as Steven Soderbergh and Tony Gilroy; films where greater rewards are reaped through slow, deliberate pacing and emphasis is placed on character development and thickening plots; and I couldn't be more happy about this fact. "The Informant!" is one such film, where Matt Damon's "Mark Whitacre" character finds himself getting buried under lie upon lie...or are they? The slightly ambiguous tone of the film keeps you guessing until the end, and that, of course, is a huge nod to the fine acting from all parties concerned. If you like your cinema with that 70's vibe, this will definitely be up your alley - not for the Michael Bay-ADD crowd, to be sure. " [More]

Rain Man

An 80's Film With Heart, Starri ...
By JakeStevens in JakeStevens Blog
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"I must admit to never having been a Tom Cruise fan. His early years (and indeed, some latter year material) branded him in my mind as the cocksure, egocentric embodiment of the 80's (with films like 'Top Gun', 'Risky Business', 'Cocktail', hell, even 'A Few Good Men'). But taking a closer look at his filmography, I realized I have enjoyed far more of his work than I loathed. Not only that, he's worked with some of the best directors in the business (Ridley Scott, Martin Scorsese, & Stanley Kubrick to name a few) and, as evidenced here, some of the best actors & actresses in the business. Dustin Hoffman reigns in yet another fascinating performance as Cruise's autistic-savant older brother, Raymond Babbitt. The depth he brings to this character is only matched by Leonardo DiCaprio in 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape' in 1993 & Sean Penn in 'I Am Sam' some 14 years later. Often times, you forget you are watching an actor 'perform' & believe you are witnessing a character ... " [More]

Opal Dream

'Lars And The Real Girl' For Th ...
By JakeStevens in JakeStevens Blog
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"This is definitely a film that will polarize its audience. On the one hand, it's a pleasant (albeit non-germane) 'family' film that never rises above its indie roots. On the other hand, it's too cloying for your average viewer. It's all very similar to the superior 'Lars And The Real Girl', and even though this technically came out first, I'd recommend that film over this one any day. The acting is relaxed and believable, with the unfortunate exception of Sapphire Boyce's 'Kellyanne', who comes off as a tad wooden and her character more than a bit manipulative, which would be forgivable were it not for Christian Byer's deft portrayal of 'Ashmol'. Direction, cinematography and screenwriting are all pedestrian at best, and with a title like 'Opal Dream', you might imagine a more colorful palette, but the dusty grey Australian outback proves to be more difficult to film than its source novella would suggest. Recommended for families who find themselves weary of Hollywood's by-the-n ... " [More]

Imaginary Heroes

"Running With Scissors" Done... ...
By JakeStevens in JakeStevens Blog
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"Apparently a film not made for everyone, I tend to like films like these suburban-dramedies (others like it are "Running With Scissors", "American Beauty", "Ordinary People"). Apart from the too-wrapped-up-for-my-tastes ending, I thoroughly enjoyed this film, also. The script, mostly berated by the majority of film critics, is dryly funny and starkly melencholy in turns. I agree that many of the crucial "twists" or "reveals" come a tad too late in the film (arguably the most crucial in the last two minutes!). The acting is top-notch all around, and the cast makes the occassionally melodramtic script (almost) work. Sigourney Weaver is the stand out here, and her turn as the smarting matriarch of the family ought to have been noticed by the AMPAS (especially considering 2004's nominees). The verdict: A decent effort by a first time director worth at least one watch. " [More]

Interview

Great Acting, Crisp Direction
By JakeStevens in JakeStevens Blog
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"I picked this up because I've been a fan of Steve Buscemi's since his "Reservoir Dogs" days, and particularly, his directorial debut, "Trees Lounge". This film being his fourth directorial effort, I could not pass it up, and I'm glad I didn't - this is the work of someone who has made a living acting in some of the best independent and/or quirky films (or even roles) of the last 15+ years. And considering there are basically only two people in the entire film, it's important to have them be engaging and interesting to watch. Buscemi and Miller have a surprising amount of chemistry throughout the film, and considering the action is limited to a series of cuts between two people having a conversation in one room, the direction is kept brisk and fresh by some clever blocking and a documentary-type feel. My only gripe is the somewhat unbelievable way these two characters get into this situation (the car wreck and Miller's character's sudden need to help someone she officially hated a m ... " [More]

An American in Paris

They Don't Make 'Em Like They U ...
By JakeStevens in JakeStevens Blog
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"I've never really been one for musicals or extended dance sequences, and it seems this film is almost completely just about that, with some scant plot thrown in to connect all of the numbers together. I'd be hard pressed (more like tortured) to say this was deserving of its 1952 Best Picture Oscar, especially when you consider it was contending with "A Place In The Sun", "A Streetcar Named Desire" and the not-even-nominated-for-Best-Pi cture "The African Queen" (perhaps my favorite mentioned thus far). True, the cinematography is breath-taking, the obvious sets are lavish, and the song and dance sequences captivating...if you're into that sort of thing. As a whole, though, does that constitute it being the best picture of that year? I would say no. No way. I bought this because not only did it win Best Picture, it also found its way onto AFI's 100 Best Films of All Time list, and I would MOST DEFINITELY say that "Singin' In The Rain" is the superior picture, and much more deserving ... " [More]

The Mummy an' the Armadillo

Zzzz...Wha? Huh? OH! Review Time!
By JakeStevens in JakeStevens Blog
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"A snoozer through and through. Interesting dialogue, but you could get more out of reading a book, which is what much of this film felt like. There's no action, save for when Johnathon Schaech enters the picture, and that is DEFINITELY not enough to save this film. I only bought this because this is one of Brad Renfro's last films and Jodi Lyn O'Keefe's appearances are also getting few and far between. Again, not enough to save this film from getting me in a solid state of R.E.M. " [More]

Jacob's Ladder

A Great Thriller (All Around)
By JakeStevens in JakeStevens Blog
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"Since first seeing this film in 1990, at the urgent goading of one of my uncles, I have raved about this film and I attempt to watch it at least once a year. As such, it hasn't lost any of its impact with multiple viewings, rather, the subtlties of Adrian Lyne's direction and Tim Robbins deft portrayal of Jacob Singer keep elevating it higher and higher on my favorites list. Robbins is perfectly cast as a mad who is seemingly losing his mind while desperately attempting to figure out what is happening to him. Danny Aiello is simply angelic (pun fully intended) as his chiropractor, and Elizabeth Pena is effectively seductive and sexy as his post-failed-marriage concubine Jezebel. If you've never seen this film - PLEASE - watch it soon; I promise...you will not be disappointed. Even if you don't LOVE it, you'll at the very least appreciate it. " [More]

The Big Lebowski

The Coens Best? It's Hard To Ch ...
By JakeStevens in JakeStevens Blog
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"This is probably the 8th time I've seen this film, and I've got to tell you, it gets better every time I watch it. There's honestly not a bad thing I can say about this film - every character is so well written and performed, it's scary how funny it is; there are simply too many great quotable lines to even begin to scratch the surface here. The music on the soundtrack could not have been more perfectly chosen; every song fits the visuals and the overall feel of the film to a tee. But most importantly, the script is GENIUS. I hate to sound like such a fanboy (as I try to be as objective as possible when watching films), but every time I've seen this film, it's been a very enjoyable experience. My suggestion: watch this film several times, and I promise you, you will see what I mean. " [More]

Eastern Promises

Cronenberg: Improves With Age
By JakeStevens in JakeStevens Blog
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"So I've been watching a lot of Cronenberg's earlier films, and although I enjoy them for what they are (semi-low budget horror/sci-fi films), his recent work is what most interests me. He has crafted here yet another multi-layered masterpiece about violence and codes of ethics with a cast that knows exactly how to handle said material. Someone below mentions the gore and violence, and I don't see how this film could be nearly as effective without it. Cronenberg is one of those directors (in the vein of Scorsese) whose sole purpose, it seems, is to evoke emotion via shock and unexpected surprise. I like it. And I think you will, too. " [More]

Drowning Mona

Obviously Not For Everyone
By JakeStevens in JakeStevens Blog
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"I realize people have different definitions when it comes to comedy and what is actually funny, but I think this film is unfairly judged. I went and saw this with a group of friends at the theater, and we could not stop laughing. Here's the thing: it's very sarcastic, dry, and odd. It's a black comedy! Much in the same vein as Lake Placid, Death To Smoochy or Pumpkin. If you didn't like those films, chances are pretty good you won't like this one either. If the opposite is true, make sure you check this film out - it won't disappoint. " [More]

Alien vs. Predator

Loopholes & Gaffes Up The Wazoo
By JakeStevens in JakeStevens Blog
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"Cool concept - flawed execution. Sure, the thing is shot wonderfully, and the effects are top notch, so if that's what you're looking for, you'll be properly satisfied. The story, though, is deeply flawed in keeping with both the Alien and Predator story "facts". For instance, Alien blood is, by now, well known to be highly acidic, and this is shown when one of the Predators uses his wristblades to cut the Alien, and his wristblades melt. Not more than a few minutes later, the same Predator chops the head off of another Alien, and absolutely NOTHING happens to the blade, let alone the fact that not a DROP of acid comes out of the Alien. And that's just ONE example, and believe me, there are tons of inconsistancies in logic, story arc, and "lore" - too many to get into here and now. Sorry, fanboys...I think they could have done better. Fun, but not enough. " [More]