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0 out of 1 users found this helpful  I like it, but its not a great album
Posted: 4/28/2002A review of Hybrid Theory by nineoverpar1
Not a bad album. I think its worth purchasing, but to be honest, I think its been over hyped. Don't get me wrong, I like it, I just think its not great.
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5 out of 9 users found this helpful  A solid movie with flaws
Posted: 10/14/2002A review of Minority Report by nineoverpar1
This was a very entertaining and very aggravating movie. I guess I suffer from Trekkie syndrome in that I always seem to see the flaws in movies now. I enjoyed this movie and recommend it to others, however, if you're prone to see logic holes in a store you might want to stay away from this one. Its an interesting view of the future and an unlikely study of human rights in this strange future.
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8 out of 10 users found this helpful  Oddessy of the West
Posted: 10/15/2002A review of Legends of the Fall by nineoverpar1
Its interesting how this movie is put together. The triad of the 3 brothers with the strong father is reminiscent of the type of morality play that was often seen in the TV show Bonanza. The character sketches are excellent. You can't help but like the characters and see a part of yourself in each one. The family is an excellent portrait of an all-male family. The older brother who feels weight and responsibility and adheres to society's rules while searching for worldly success, the middle brother who, in some ways is a reaction to the older brother, but also is fiercely independent and making his own way and adheres to the rules written upon his own heart. And the younger brother who is, well, somewhat of a momma's boy, but still ultimately likeable and inspires a desire to protect and retain the innocents that makes him so likable. In addition to the excellent characterizations, there are many other technical aspects of the film that add to its epic nature. The cinematography is excellent. This is the type of movie that is made for the big screen. Seeing it on a small 19 inch without letterbox you would miss a good portion of what makes this movie great. The score is perfectly matched to the scenes. The story, as told by the old Indian family friend gives you a sense of a story older than that told. You see hints of Odyssey, Tristan & Isolda, and even Nietzschian philosophy in the nature and manner of the characters' ultimate fate. I've seen this movie probably 20 times and I still find it a compelling and entertaining excursion.
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2 out of 4 users found this helpful  Can't help but like this movie
Posted: 10/15/2002A review of Tin Cup by nineoverpar1
I really shouldn't have liked this movie. When I saw it I wasn't into golf, thought Kevin Costner was passé, and was into more serious movies rather than this lightweight of a movie. But, having said that, this has become one of my favorites. This movie introduced me to golf and made me interested in even watching it on TV. I'll have to admit to becoming a bit of a golf addict, and although not totally a result of watching this movie, it was the inspiration. Ultimately, this movie is carried by a great story and characters you can't help but like. . . despite their obvious and very visible flaws. The thing that I liked about this movie, and the thing I like about golf, is the lessons you learn about living your own life on the course. You see these lessons in Tin Cup's story, and you experience them (although not as publicly) when you venture out to do something that SHOULD be so easy, but in fact is almost impossible to perfect. Also, I don't really think Kevin Costner is passé. :-)
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313 out of 414 users found this helpful  Ghost Sheep
Posted: 10/21/2002A review of Ghost Ship by nineoverpar1
This movie probably sounded interesting when it was pitched to the movie executive, but the reality was a bit too hokey. I liked the idea of a lost ship being found 40 years later, and the inherent creepyness of exploring a ship that hasn't seen anyone for so long, but the further into the movie, the harder it was to hold the plot together. I think the director finally gave up and said ";Screw it, let's just finish this and move on to the next movie."; Maybe we are just too far into the genre by now, but it seems that all the thriller/slasher movies have the same basic plot with very little variation. Sure, there were some twists, but this was awfully predictable. This wasn't really a ghost film, but was more of a slasher movie.There were a few instances where the audience jumped, but it more often you heard an ";eeeewwwwwww"; as some body part fell off or some metal object was thrust through some unsespecting cast member.Unsuspecting? Obviously these cast members never saw a slasher movie (DON'T GO IN THERE! DON'T OPEN THAT DOOR!). They followed each other like a bunch of sheep.
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7 out of 22 users found this helpful  I heard this #$%&ed
Posted: 10/14/2002A review of Signs by nineoverpar1
I heard this movie #$%&ed. I partially agree with this, although it did have some entertaining points. I generally like the actors in this movie, although I didn't really feel that connected to them in this instance. Directing or screenplay may have been the problem here. Throughout the whole movie I felt disconnected and not really involved. I wanted to be involved. I wanted to care whether the family every made it out of the basement, but to be honest I really didn't. In fact, it might have been a better movie had they NOT made it out. As it is, nothing surprising here. I'd compare it to an average episode of the X-files.
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10 out of 13 users found this helpful  Hope and Inspiration
Posted: 10/15/2002A review of Deep Impact by nineoverpar1
The best part of this movie is the way you find yourself wondering what it would be like to be one of these people faced with this extinction being hurled at you. Ultimately, a situation beyond your control is the more frightening when you know it is approaching and can count down the days, hours and minutes until its arrival. The hope that exists, even in the face of such overwhelming disaster is inspiring. You wouldn't think this movie could inspire, but I was surprised to find such a reaction. Morgan Freeman makes and excellent president. A person who is willing to lead, rather than a slave of the public he is serving. The fact that several characters choose their fate when they could choose another is in all the mini stories interwoven through this movie. We all choose how we live, and, with luck, how we die.
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10 out of 14 users found this helpful  Watch this movie!!!
Posted: 10/15/2002A review of Magnolia by nineoverpar1
This movie really didn't get the public interest it deserves. A poignant tale of redemption and forgiveness of one's self, it guides you along with the soft, sensitive soundtrack and then. . . THWACK! The tenderness in the story was surprising. I expected trite characterizations based on the previews and clips I'd seen (mostly of Tom Cruise's scenes) but in fact each character was intriguing and endearing, despite their sometimes too obvious flaws. I was especially surprised at the story surrounding the cop. Its so easy to make a cop a sort of authoritarian, one-dimensional character, and in the initial scenes that is what I was being fed, but as the story progressed you felt his feelings, and even presentation of his Christian values weren't done in a trite way, but in such a way that you felt it emanated from a true belief. Strange that this should come from Hollywood. This movie, while superb in so many ways, could not be as good as it is without the excellent soundtrack by Aimee Mann. It creates the glue that weaves you through the many stories and sets the tone of the poignant story to come. Although Aimee got recognized for one song, the entire soundtrack is superb. Its a movie you can watch again and again. And to be honest, don't see this if you are a frog lover. . .
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2 out of 4 users found this helpful  Best of the Series
Posted: 10/15/2002A review of Aliens by nineoverpar1
This James Cameron edition of the Alien series is my favorite. There is something about returning to face your fears and overcoming them that I find more interesting. In addition, you see James Cameron's early and somewhat rough genius in this movie. Its interesting to see Paul Reizer as the evil corporate guy. After seeing him for so long in a romantic comedy (Mad About You) its interesting to see him as the heavy. Get the DVD and you'll enjoy many of the deleted scenes.
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4 out of 6 users found this helpful  A very visual movie
Posted: 10/15/2002A review of Dark City by nineoverpar1
The mood evoked by this movie is its strongest point. The visuals, especially the deathly white invaders give the movie an erie mood. And having the story set in a 40's type environment with some odd technical twists gives you a sense of disorientation that fits well with the main figures amnesia. If you like mood and visuals, you'll enjoy this movie.
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2 out of 4 users found this helpful  Two different movies
Posted: 10/14/2002A review of The Big Blue by nineoverpar1
The Big Blue is an interesting couple of movies. First released in Europe in its original form, then several scenes were slashed from the film and the soundtrack changed for the American release. Then the recent DVD was released which includes the cut scenes, some extra scenes not in the original, and the original Eric Serra score.Its interesting how the movie is different depending on which version you are watching. The longer version really does add some interesting twists to the film, and the detail actually gives the movie a different flavor.Each version has its own strong points. The American release had a great score by Bill Conti, and the fact that everything wasn't spelled out gives the movie a less direct sense that fits well with the topic of a possible life underwater. The longer version adds details that help the story along, and add greater depth to the characters.Watch them both, you'll like 'em both.
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2 out of 4 users found this helpful  Burt. . . what a guy!
Burt. . . what a guy. I remember making fun of him when I was &quot;younger&quot; (which of course, means I'm old - but he's older!). I don't make fun of him anymore. Why you ask?<br><br>Hmmm. . . good question. I don't know if I can answer that, though. I liked the Elvis Costello Collaboration, and I remember liking the Deacon Blue versions of about 5 Bacharach songs on Riches and More. Then there was the TV special CD that included Mike Meyers singing &quot;What's New Pussycat&quot;. And then didn't Burt also direct some Awards retrospective where he cut Mariah or some other fluffy singer just before the performance? I think I like him just for that!<br><br>This collection is interesting because most of my other compilations are songs recorded by the artist, not written/produced by the artist. I don't know why I bought this, but I'm sure glad I did. I remember some of these songs, but they were popular before I was really into music. Seeing this retrospective of Burt's career was eye-opening. It seems like each CD is full of little gems that MUST be special to a bunch of people out there, and are becoming special to me. <br><br>Burt possesses the skill of being able to hook you into the song better than anyone else. You can feel your emotions reflected in the smooth pop hook. You could no sooner dislike a Burt Bacharach song than dislike your own pleasant emotions. <br><br>If you want a retrospective of pure pop (and I use that term as high praise in this instance) this is the set for you. Unless you are a hardcore Rammstein fan, you'll probably like listening to this collection. And you'll probably make it a regular part of your personal playlists. <br>
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0 out of 1 users found this helpful  I Hate this. . . er, I mean Love this...
Posted: 2/25/2002A review of Technical Difficulties by nineoverpar1
Its hard not to like this CD. I haven't heard any other stuff by Hate Dept., but I love this one. First heard &quot;Release It' at a Goth-Industrial club and loved it. Then when I FINALLY tracked down who the artist was I got the CD immediately. Its GREAT. High energy, anger, drama. . . who could ask for more.<br><br>And Superdrama just seems to fit all my friends at the Goth club. Clearly the guys from Hate Dept. did their research. . . In fact, I'm sure they MUST have met a few of my Ex's. . . Only my Ex's could instill this kind of anger. (BTW, I suspect the same thing about Ministry and Rammstein, but that's another story).<br><br>Good dance music, good anger music. Can you say &quot;Catharsis?&quot; I knew you could. . . (but don't say it too loud, otherwise everyone else will think you aren't as angry as you pretend to be!).<br><br>Its worth the cost of the CD just for the track &quot;Release it&quot;. But you must listen loud and preferably in the dark with about a hundred gothlings. . .<br>
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1 out of 2 users found this helpful  Who the hell is this?
Posted: 2/25/2002A review of Aeroplane by nineoverpar1
Ok, so I know who it is. But following Curt's career since he left Tears for Fears has been pretty difficult. First it was Curtis Smith, then Mayfield (hmmm. . . Curtis. . . Mayfield. . . makes you think. . .), then Curt. Now I hear he is possibly going to release another album as Tears for Fears with Roland. <br><br>I'm surprised MSN Music has both CDs listed. Soul on Board didn't get much play. <br><br>As far as this CD goes, its ok. Not great, but not bad. Aeroplane definitely brings back days of making out with a really hot girl in the dark in my dorm room listening to some great Tears for Fears songs (She really liked to listen to them, and who was I to object?). Its funny how music brings back memories. Even if its not the same music. Listen to #2 - Pale Shelter on this album and it will remind you of the TFF version, but the flavor is different. Its sort of like eating one of those banana flavored candies that taste good, but don't really taste like banana. This is good, but somehow different, even though its the same artist (or at least half the same artist).<br><br>Is this CD worth buying? Well, if you are a radio-listening yahoo who doesn't really like TFF, Curt and Roland, I'd skip this one. Its good, but short. And its a lot of recycled stuff. I'd get Soul on Board first. If you listen to that and Roland's TFF effort you'll see who was carrying who (and my personal feeling is it WASN'T Roland). <br><br>Oh, and its almost worth the price of the CD to hear the acoustic version of &quot;Everybody wants to rule the world&quot;. . . almost. . . but not quite.<br>
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3 out of 5 users found this helpful  I just can't move on. . .
Posted: 2/25/2002A review of Tempermental by nineoverpar1
I know, I know. . . I should be willing to accept the fact that Tracy and Ben have moved on from their sultry, mellow and acoustic phase. I'm 38 now and just can't seem to appreciate the &quot;drum 'n bass&quot; style they've been in for a couple years now. I LOVE Tracy Thorne's voice, and Ben writes the best songs, but. . . well. . . I'm just too old.<br><br>There are two types of EBTG fans. The old school (like me - kinda older, whinny, go to friends houses to talk and reminisce about the mid '80's) and then the new school (dress fashionably, pretty cool, skinny and go to Thursday night Drum 'n Bass night at the local hangout). <br><br>Its interesting that EBTG has been able to cross over between these two groups of people so easily. Its kind of funny. . . I'm sitting here writting this review about this album that I was disappointed in, but I'm STILL !@$~ed in to Tracy's voice as I sit here listening to the CD. I guess I just can't seem to stay away. <br><br>If you are an old school EBTG fan, try listening to #9 - &quot;No Difference&quot; and then on to #4 - &quot;Hatfield 1980&quot; rather than starting with the first song on the album. It will jar you less if you were expecting the old stuff. It might just give you a chance to acclimatize to the new sound, and you might find yourself getting comfortable with the idea of wearing fashionable clothes again. . . Hey, I'll meet you at the Mercury on Thursday. . . Uhm, but not until after 11:00. NOBODY gets there that early!<br><br>Guess I'll go to the top of this form and bump up the rating. Tracy get's me everytime. . .<br>
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