Leaving Las Vegas movie review

Rating: 9/10

Nicholas Cage brought home an Oscar in 1995 for his performance in Leaving Las Vegas. Looking back at Cage’s career now in 2011, his movies are either a miss or a hit. Quite frankly, he has more misses than hits. Leaving Las Vegas is definitely one of the good ones.

Leaving Las Vegas follows the story of Ben Sanderson, an alcoholic who decides to move to Las Vegas and drink himself to death. There he meets and forms a friendship/relationship with a prostitute, Sera.

I loved this film, loved it more than I expected. I put this film on and expected a feel-good movie that will entertain me for a couple of hours. Boy was I wrong. This film is dark. It’s gritty. It’s depressing. There was even one scene where it was so gut wrenching I could barely watch. As the film progresses, it just got darker and darker, and more depressing as well.

It is a movie that I, as the credits start rolling, admire the story of the film itself, without having messages of the film thrown in my face. Often times when a film ends, I ask myself; so what? What’s the point of the film? I did not do that with this film.

I simply accepted the film for the story it wanted to tell; a story of two people who needed each other and fell in love with each other. The experience of watching this film is different than most films. It’s an experience where, at the end of the film, you miss the characters of Ben and Sera and the times they had together. You feel like you’ve known these characters for so long and now they’re not with you anymore.

The film comes together so well with the great direction and performances. Mike Figgis directed this film brilliantly. With the help of the music and great cinematography in this film, he brought the night life of Las Vegas to life so well that the setting of this film becomes another character.

Also, the way he showed the effects alcohol has on Ben was fantastic; the constant fade outs and ins that give you the feeling of dizziness. The editing was superb that it too made me dizzy.

The script of this film is outstanding. Nothing in the film would have worked without the script. In fact, there would not be a film without a script. Mike Figgis once again brilliantly adapted a novel by John O’Brien into this outstanding screenplay. Everything that happened in the film was brilliantly written and necessary to the story. Every character in the film was well written with great depth to them.

Nicholas Cage did a fantastic job in this film and clearly deserved his Oscar. It is, in my opinion, his best performance. He did such a fantastic portrayal as a drunk who loses everything he cares about in his life. He did a great job at making the audience feel for his character; how messed up he is and how isolated he is.

Elisabeth Shue was also great as Sera, a prostitute that formed an unusual friendship with Ben. Her chemistry with Nicholas Cage is fantastic. You buy their romance. You can feel their emotional and mental connection. This is due to the brilliantly written script and the beautifully acted performances. 

It was interesting to see these two characters form a friendship and transform that friendship into love. We then get to see the struggles that they go through and the consequences they have to face. It was definitely love that did not end when the film ended.

Leaving Las Vegas is a film about love, depression, and acceptance. Everything about this film is incredible. Everything blends in so well; the acting, directing, and writing. It’s a very powerful and emotional film for me. There were times when I just felt so happy for Ben and Sera and times where I just felt so sorry for them.

Leaving Las Vegas is a memorable film that will stick with me for a long time. It changed my perspective on film and changed me as a filmgoer. I definitely recommend anyone to check this film out. It will not disappoint you. Heck, even I want to watch the film again.

Edward Scissorhands Movie Review

Rating: 8/10

Edward Scissorhands is a highly praised fantasy film directed by Tim Burton. It is known to be Tim Burton’s favorite film he has done. Therefore, I was eager to see how this film would leave an effect on me although fantasy is not one of my favorite genres of film.

Edward Scissorhands follows the story of Edward, a near complete person created by an inventor who unfortunately died before he could finish him. Edward is left in a castle on top of a hill with scissors for his hands. He lives there alone until one day a kind lady welcomes him home and introduces him to her family and the neighborhood.

Edward Scissorhands is a solid fantasy film. I didn’t love it, I didn’t enjoy it that much but It was a good 2-hour fantasy film. The setting in this film is spectacular. I’m not talking about the neighborhood itself, but the world of Edward, a man who has scissors for his hands; the friends he made, different types of people he met, and the things he did in the neighborhood. Tim Burton did a great job at creating this world.

The reason why this film works as a fantasy is the character of Edward himself. If he was not mysterious or interesting, this film would have fallen flat to the ground. But it didn’t. Johnny Depp brings Edward to life and makes him a very unique and mysterious character. He doesn’t talk much. His feelings are mostly conveyed through his facial expressions and actions. Johnny Depp did a great job at creating a likable character who we, the audience, care deeply for and this is the reason this film works so well.

Edward Scisscorhands is basically a character study of how his neighbors view him. The film is centered around Edward, but the real story is how other people see him. First, they see Edward as this new thing in town. He is the odd one out and they all pay attention to him. Then, they start to fear him, when he is still the same person they fell in love with. It was fascinating to see that story pan out. It kind of reflects on the society in the real world.

There are quite a few good performances in this film. Winona Ryder was great as Kim. The chemistry between her and Edward was there and I bought there romance. Dianne Wiest was also great as Peg, the person who takes care of Edward throughout the whole film. I felt her love she has for Edward. The actors that portrayed the neighbors are great too. They did a great job at creating annoying and pathetic characters.

I have several problems with this film. At first, it was interesting and all to see Edward be put in the real world and see him interact with everybody. We see that happening for the whole first half of the film. Then, complications started rising and when it was supposed to be the climax of the film, I stopped caring about Edward. The climax was not interesting at all. I still wanted Edward to be alright but I just couldn’t care for him. When the film was supposed to peak, it bored me a little.

The first half of the film, we see the story Edward where he gets put in this neighborhood but to be honest, nothing much really happens. Some things happened but nothing that important or interesting that kept my attention for the climax. Then, the climax arrived, and I was already a little bit bored. I sat through the climax and the conclusion of the story kinda letting the story pan out on me. I was hoping to be surprised and entertained. But I wasn’t. The credits started rolling and I felt a little bit disappointed.

One other problem I have with the film is the character of Jim, Kim’s boyfriend. In the first half of the film, he is just a typical high school student. Then, in the second half, he turns out to be the main villain of the film. It was out of character for Jim to do what he did. His character is a little too over the top and it annoyed me a little. It made me think that the complications in the film were forced just for the sake of having complications.

Maybe fantasy is just not my cup of tea, but I didn’t enjoy Edward Scissorhands as much as I thought I would. When the credits started rolling, I thought the film was a little pointless. I didn’t really care about Edward and the story in the film was not that interesting. However, it is still a solid fantasy film that I think many people would love and enjoy. I just didn’t have that much of a connection with the film.

Edward Scissorhands is a solid film; good acting, directing, and writing. They did a great job at creating this fantasy world. It is not a bad way to spend two hours watching. If you like fantasy films, I think you would like this film. But for me, the film just didn’t do it for me. It is certainly not my favorite Tim Burton film.

Braveheart Movie Review

Rating: 9.5/10

Braveheart is an Oscar winning 1995 film, directed and starred by Mel Gibson. It won Oscars for best picture, best director, best cinematography, best sound effects, and best make up. Although hugely successful and a highly praised movie, Braveheart was criticized of its historical inaccuracies for its portrayal of the English and the historical events that took place in the film.

Braveheart follows the story of William Wallace, a commoner, whose father and brother died in a battle against the English when trying to free their country, Scotland. After years of absence, William Wallace returns to his hometown in peace, not wanting anything to do with the ongoing war between Scotland and England. However, after another of his loved ones dies, William Wallace sets out to unite Scotsmen to overthrow the English rule.

Braveheart is a masterpiece. It’s almost 3-hour long and I enjoyed every second of it. Everything in this film is perfect: the directing, acting, soundtrack, cinematography. Everything blends in together so well. Randall Wallace wrote a wonderful script which turned out to be a great movie that was superbly directed and acted by Mel Gibson.

First things first, the person that truly shined in this film, Mel Gibson. He took a great risk directing Braveheart, this being his second film as a director. Not only did he direct this film, he acted in it. A lot of things could have gone wrong for Mel Gibson. He took a great deal of risk but he pulled it off. He did a great job both as a director and an actor.

As a director, he was superb. He filmed one of the greatest battle scenes I have ever seen. Together with the great cinematography in this film, he brought the 13^th century setting to life. The film looks incredible. The make-up is also incredible. He created numerous iconic scenes in Braveheart, particularly the scene at the end of the film showing William Wallace’s hand and the sky. If you have seen the film, you know exactly what I’m talking about.  He won an Oscar for the work he did in Braveheart and he clearly deserved it.

As an actor, he carried the film to perfection. With Mel Gibson being Australian-American, I was surprised to see him nail the Scottish accent. His facial expressions and line deliveries in this film are great. I could feel the emotions and feelings through his facial expressions and he delivered every single line perfectly conveying his different emotions throughout the film. He makes William Wallace a likable and a character to root for. He is the reason behind this film’s huge success.

 This film is almost three hours. It could have bored its audience to death if it wasn’t paced right. And it was. It was paced perfectly. I was not once bored during the film. The film is not slow paced at all, it goes on and on and on without losing my attention a single second. It balances well between the battle sequences, dialogs, and the soundtrack.

Without the soundtrack of this film, I would not have enjoyed Braveheart as much as I did. The soundtrack of this film brought the epic feeling to the film. When the scene seems to be normal and ordinary, the soundtrack makes that scene extraordinary. Once again, it balances well between battle sequences, dialogs, and the soundtrack. These three elements, together with the superb pacing, Braveheart is a masterfully crafted film.

The script Randall Wallace wrote in this film is outstanding. Every scene and every dialog is powerful and necessary to the story. He is also the reason a 3-hour long film is not boring. The subject matter in this film is exceptional. Every story arc in this film is interesting, making the audience eager to see what happens throughout the film. His characters are not one-dimensional. They are all superbly written which went on to create a number of brilliant performances.

Other great performances alongside Mel Gibson include: Patrick McGoohan as the evil English King who wishes to take over Scotland. Sophie Marceau was also great as the wife of the soon to be King, Prince Edward. She wasn’t in a lot of scenes but her storyline is interesting and she gave a great performance. Catherine McCormack, as the love of William Wallace, gave a fine performance. Although she was only in the beginning of the film, her chemistry with Mel Gibson was great and you could clearly see their love that was bonded right in front of your eyes. You could also feel the anger and pain that William Wallace suffered.

Brendan Gleeson also gave a good performance as Hamish, William Wallace’s friend that fought alongside him in battle. It was interesting to see the relationship between him and Wallace, and him and his father. Last but not least, Angus Macfadyen, who portrayed Robert the Bruce. He, in my opinion, gave a great performance portraying a very interesting character. The storyline for his character is fascinating and he did a great job.

I understand how people could easily get upset from watching this film and where the criticism comes from: the historical inaccuracies. I had no knowledge of the history of Scotland, England, or William Wallace before watching this film. This film shows the English in a bad light, which according to the history, weren’t as evil. Whether or not the film was truthful to the history, it doesn’t take away the fact that this film is a superbly written, directed, and acted film. I wish people could look beyond the inaccuracies of the film and enjoy its fascinating plot and story the film has to offer.

I loved this film. It’s one of the best films I have seen. It was well written, acted, directed, and cinematographed. I have no problems with the film. I loved every minute of it. It made me laugh and it also brought me to tears. It is thought-provoking and inspirational. I recommend anyone to see this film despite his long duration which might be a problem for some people. It was a three-hour well spent. Braveheart is a masterpiece.

“Brother From Another Mother” a-not-so-short story

Plot:

Ink and Chris are racist rebels in high school. They have their gangs and peers. Chris is in the states and Ink is from Thailand. Their lives overlap when Ink is forced to leave Thailand and enters the high school where Chris is.

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Do things happen for a reason? Or are we just randomly rambling on Earth? Does God really have a plan for all of us? Or is it all just a lie? Do people we meet or things we do have any impact on the course of our lives? Do they even matter? Are they significant? Or are they not? Is it fate or just a fucking coincidence? These are questions that people ask themselves everyday and no one seems to have an answer.

Chris is a white racist rebellious kid in a high school, living in the center of the world, Manhattan, New York.  He thinks he owns the world and no one can touch him. He wanders around school, asking for people’s money. He doesn’t give a fuck what anyone thinks of him whether it’s his teachers, classmates, his beloved gang peers, or his family. He is invincible.

Everyone is scared of Chris. No one would dare to touch him, talk back to him, or even look at him in the eyes. When Chris asks for something, they would do anything in their power to get whatever Chris wants. They will beg, lie, or even steal for Chris. Because they know what they’ve got themselves into if they don’t do what Chris says. A fucking brutal beating. And this is how whites escape a beating from Chris and his gang. But this is not the case for those little midget Asians that turn up to school with glasses and books everyday at school.

Chris hates Asians. No one knows why and no one asks him about it. He hates everything about Asians. He hates the fact that they go Ching Chong Ling Long Ting Tong at each other. He hates the fact that they have tiny slanted eyes. He hates the facts that they eat rice. He hates the fact that they don’t speak English. He hates every fucking thing about them.

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“Who the fuck do they think they are? They all fucking come to our country and make it their own. And everybody likes them. They act like they care about school but all they really want is our girls with tight Asian pussies, those white motherfuckers,” Ink expresses his hatred for white people in his little high school in Bangkok, Thailand, while passing a cigarette to one of his gang friends in a toilet during a lunch break.

“What the fuck are you looking at? Got a problem? Piss off and don’t tell the teachers or I’ll fucking kill you,” a kid walked into the toilet surprised to see five of his classmates smoking and drinking alcohol. Like Chris, Ink is the king of his school. He beats up little kids and steals their money. He sneaks in cigarettes and alcohol every now and then. He doesn’t give a shit what his teachers or parents think of him. He is invincible.

Everyone is scared of Ink and his peers. When Ink comes to school, everyone makes way for him. They will stop whatever the heck they’re doing and just stand still because they are so fucking scared something will happen to them. “Whoops, sorry bro, didn’t see you there,” Ink intentionally pushed a 9^th grader down while walking to his morning class and laughing his ass off.

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Chris and Ink are like the same person. They are racist. They beat up everyone at school. They don’t care what anyone thinks. They are the leader of their respective gangs. And everyone is scared of them including their teachers, gang friends, or even parents.  But there are two big differences between them. First, Chris is in New York City and Ink is on the other side of the world, Bangkok.

 The second difference is their parents. Even though both their parents don’t give two shits about them anymore, they still give them a bed to sleep on until they are 18 and go off on their own. But all this is about to change now. Ink is 16 years old, into his 11^th grade in high school, and his parents have had enough.

They can’t wait two more years until Ink turns 18. They can’t tolerate him going around torturing everyone and hurting everyone around him anymore. So they decide to send him to the place he hates the most, where he will change, learn, and find out how lucky he is to be among friends and family. And that place is America, a country full of white people. They hope America will discipline Ink and return him as a changed kid who got his priorities straight.

“What the fuck mum? I don’t want to go to that shithole. What if I get killed and hanged by those white niggers? Don’t you care about me anymore? Aren’t I still your only child? Fucking hell, this is utter bullshit.  Why do you have to torture me like this? FUCK,” so there he was, swearing, crying, and screaming his hearts out, on his way to a great adventure in a land far far away crowded with the type of people he hates the most.

It’s a freezing morning when Ink arrives in the center of the world, New York City. The airport is busy as usual. People are walking in their own pace, with earphones plugged into their ears, not caring about anyone else and almost walking to each other from times to times. Middle aged men are walking around with their winter jackets slash suits, always looking like they are late for work or probably having a bad day at the office.

So Ink calls for a taxi at the airport, heading to the address on a piece of paper his parents gave him. “Oi, fuck off. I was first,” Ink stepped into the cab. “To east side community school, and please hurry I’m late for my school interview”

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“Can you please stop now? What am I going to tell my parents? I’m bleeding,” cried an Asian student while suffering from a wicked beating from one of Chris’s gang members. Yes, that’s right. Chris doesn’t like to get his hands dirty. He doesn’t want to talk, touch or have anything to do with those Asians. But he loves seeing them in torture. “Eh! That’s enough. Are you fucking stupid. We’re just torturing him no trying to fucking kill him. What if I get in trouble or in jail for that matter? Use your brains for fuck’s sakes.”

“I heard there’s this new Asian coming to our school tomorrow,” Chris closes the toilet door leaving the Asian helpless on the ground. “Yeah, fresh meat everyone, be ready to get your hands on him. He thinks he can just come to our country and make it his own? He fucking made the wrong decision. I’ll teach him a lesson he will never forget”

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It was during class that Chris and Ink met. “Mr………uhmm, sorry I can’t pronounce that. Anyway, this is Ink everybody. Make him feel welcome,” Ms Mansfield, English teacher, checks the roll. “I sure will,” Chris turns to his peer then looks at Ink like a piece of meat he’s going to eat for lunch. Ink looks back and maintains the eye contact for a while. ‘Got a problem? You’re mine, white boy,’ Ink thinks inside. They both don’t know what they’re in for. They’re about to meet a brother from another mother.

The staring doesn’t stop. Whenever Ink and Chris meet, or whenever they’re in class together, they keep staring at each other. It’s a fight waiting to happen. Ink has had enough of it. Ink can’t tolerate being stared by Chris and his pussy friends anymore. He can’t take it anymore. “Come meet me at lunch in front of the toilet,” Ink decides to do something about it to end this once and for all. “And come alone, don’t bring your puppets with you”

Chris doesn’t hesitate for one second. He is sick and tired of Ink’s Asian face. So there they are, in front of the toilet, taking it out on each other. “So what’s your problem, huh? You keep staring at me like I’m a piece of meat,” Ink starts off first stating his curiosity. “Well, I do everything with a reason. And the reason I keep staring at you is I fucking hate you. I fucking hate you and all you people. You fucking come here and make our country yours. Who the fuck do you think you are”

“You hate me? Well, so do I,” Ink takes the first shot right in Chris’ eye. Chris turns red and starts punching back. “Fight, everyone, fight,” a schoolgirl shouts at the top of her lungs to get everyone’s attention so they will come and watch this race war. All the Asians scream Ink’s name and the locals scream Chris’ name. While the two keep punching and kicking and tackling. This is a race war.  

“Sir, there is a fight going on in front of the toilet in the food hall,” The principle’s assistant, quickly told her boss after hearing the news by the school’s janitor. The principle ran to the food hall, furious, to see what the heck is going on in his prestigious school. “What the hell is going on here? Keep eating your lunch or you will all get a detention,” everyone stops screaming and quietly walks away to their tables.

 But the two doesn’t stop fighting. They are still throwing punches. Blood is everywhere, both from Ink and Chris. The principle does not believe what is happening in front of him. He is shocked. “Gentleman!,” The principle angrily screamed at Ink and Chris. Silence. Both of them stopped punching. They look up and the furious principle and slowly stand up.

“You are both suspended. My school does not need racist people like you two. Before you go away and leave my school. You have a detention together. You will be locked up for three hours together and you better sort your problems out. When you come back, I do not ever want to see this happen again.”

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The door is shut. The windows are sealed. Ink and Chris are locked up in a cage with the people they both hate the most. There is no way to escape. They must sit there for three hours with nothing to do and no one to talk to. 5 minutes have passed. 7 minutes have passed. Time doesn’t seem to be on their side. “So, what’s your name?,” Chris throws out the first conversation out of boredom after sitting there for 10 minutes. He can’t believe what he is doing, talking to an Asian guy. But there he is, talking to Ink.

“The name’s Ink,” Ink answered. “What the heck kind of name is Ink,” Chris asks curiously. What the heck kind of name is Chris?” “Chris is a pretty common name, a boring one even. My parents probably ran out of ideas when they named me.” “Well everyone in my country has a nickname. So they wouldn’t have to call each other by their long first names. I guess that answers that.”.

“So where are you from?” Chris finds himself curious about Ink’s background. “I’m from Bangkok, Thailand. You know where that is, right?” “yeah, yeah I do. I’ve seen that Tony Jaa movie. What is it called again?” “Ong bak,” Ink replied. “Yeah yeah Ong bak, I loved that movie.” I love Thai food too. Oh man, I love Tom Yum goong, I’m hungry already.”

Thirty minutes have passed and they are talking like old buddies. They completely ignored the fact that the person they’re talking to is the type of people they hate the most. “You got a girlfriend, Chris? You’ve probably banged all them chicks out there eh? Leave some for me yeh?” “hahaha, yeah sure why not. It’s easier said than done though. With all the girls going crazy for me and all” “Fuck you,hahaha”

One hour has passed. They talked about all the girls they did to the kids they fucked up until Chris touches on a serious subject for once. “Hey Ink” “Yeah?” “I’m sorry for all the things I did and said” “I realize now that I was being a fuckhead” “The same goes for me, Chris” You are not a bad guy at all. Heck I even like you now.”

“It’s just that the world tells us we are not meant to be together, talk together, or be friends. Fuck them, I don’t give a shit about what they say anymore. I will do things I want to do and talk to the people I want to talk to,” Ink expressed his feelings and thoughts. “I thought it was hip and call to hate on Asians. But truth is, you guys are just normal people. Just like white people, there are bad people and bad people. Everything has its ups and downs. Nothing is perfect,” Chris took his turn.

“Right on man, I completely agree with you. Some goes for the blacks, gays and lesbians, they are what they are man. We have no right to hate them.” “Time’s up, boys. I hope you two sort things out between each other and I hope I won’t have to see something like this happen again in my school. Otherwise, you will be expelled. Now go home, and come to school in 2 weeks time,” the principle dismissed Chris and Ink.

“You got any plans for your two week holidays bro? We could hang out sometime, you know. I was just thinking we could both beat some people up or something like that?” “Bro, it’s on. What do you think about beating old people man? I’m so sick of my parents, I have to take it out on someone” “Same here man. Just tell me the time and place and I’ll be there.” “We’ll smoke some weed too yeh?” “Fuck yeah”

Almost everything you do in life is insignificant. Most days of the year are unremarkable. They begin and they end, with no lasting memories made in between. Most days have no impact whatsoever on the course of your life. This event is a significant one for Chris and Ink; one that changed the person they are, and one that they will remember until the last breath they take in life.

Forgetting Sarah Marshall Movie Review

Rating: 7.5/10

Forgetting Sarah Marshall follows the story of the broken-hearted Peter Bretter whose heart got torn apart by a TV star, Sarah Marshall. Peter travels to Hawaii to get his mind of Sarah, only to realize she is confidentially there with her new boy friend.

I didn’t expect much going into Forgetting Sarah Marshall. I expected a solid comedy with solid performances, solid story, and solid comedy and that is exactly what I got. I enjoyed Forgetting Sarah Marshall. I did not love it, but I had a great great time. It did exactly what a comedy should do, and it made me laugh.

The reason why I liked this film is the story. If Forgetting Sarah Marshal was just a mindless comedy with stupid jokes and terrible storyline, I would not have enjoyed this movie at all. Although a well-done comedy, this film has an emotional side to the story. It has great characters that we can root for and we see how the characters change during the course of the film.

I enjoyed the performances in this film. Especially, Jason Segel who was great as the broken hearted man who is miserable as hell. His character is not some guy with a six pack that we see in the back of a magazine. This is the reason we, the audience, can root for him during the film. We want him to change, get over Sarah, and get on with his life. To see his character development was quite fascinating.

Mila Kunis was also great as Rachel, a girl Peter meets on his trip. She brings her character to life very well with her great personality and her gorgeous looks. Kristen Bell gave a fine performance as Sarah, the girl that broke Peter’s heart. She is great as the little bitch in this film, you do not want Peter to get back with her and that is a sign of a fine performance by her.

Russell Brand is also great as Aldous Snow. Russell Brand acted like Russell Brand, nothing really special, but her certainly gave a personality to the film. These 4 actors are the reason this film worked so well as a comedy.

You will definitely have fun with Forgetting Sarah Marshall. However, do not see this film and expect great acting, story, and direction. It’s a comedy and a good one. It will definitely make you laugh. It is funny and at times sad. It’s not a mindless comedy, the film’s got emotions and feelings to it. It provides well-developed characters, and great acting by the actors.

I recommend anyone to see this film if you want to have a good time. If you’re having a bad day at work or school, check this film out and it will cheer you up a little. Just don’t go into this film expecting mind-blowing stuff, take the film for what it is and you’ll have fun with it.

Jaws Movie Review

Rating: 9.5/10

I have been meaning to check Jaws out for a long long time. This is the film that started Steven Spielberg as a director, one that brought him to the world’s attention.  I heard it is one of Steven Spielberg’s best work and I’m extremely curious how this film is going to turn out. Jaws is a 1975 film that won 3 Oscars for the technical aspects of the film; editing, score, and sound.

Jaws follows the story of Martin Brody, the new police chief of Amity, an island town, as he takes on the quest of catching a gigantic great white shark that killed 3 people in Amity. He receives the help of a fisherman and a scientist. He is afraid of water. However, the guilt that has been brought upon him by the people of Amity forces him to take on this mission and bring the shark home.

I loved Jaws. It was great in every aspect. I find it really hard to put a genre to this film. It’s a part thriller, part comedy, and a part character study. It is both funny and scary, entertaining yet thought provoking. What it definitely is a thriller and a highly suspenseful movie.

First things first, the reason why this film has such an impact and effect on me is the directing. Steven Spielberg did an incredible job with this film. He succeeds well in making the scary sequences e.g. the underwater scenes which made me jump of my seat a couple of times. Every time the camera is under water, I have a sense something bad is going to happen. Heck, even when it’s above the water with happy music playing, I even have a feeling something bad is going to happen.

There is two particular scenes that I really loved and scared the shit out of me. One is where Matt Hooper goes underwater in the anti shark cage. The other one is the graphic demise of one particular character who was eaten by the shark. If you have seen the film, you know exactly what I’m talking about. After seeing this film, I will probably feel a little insecure when I go into the ocean. That’s the indication of how well Steven Spielberg directed this film.

Another reason why I love this film so much is there’s so much story going on in the film. It’s not just a shark movie where this monster attacks and everyone is trying to catch it. It’s also a character study. We get these three unique and different characters; the chief, scientist, and the fisherman. The two characters, the scientist and the fisherman, are so different in terms of age and experience and opinions on things.

 But they have one thing in common, they have a passion for sharks. One studies it, and one catches it. It is intriguing to see those two discuss their differences by arguing back and forth and saying bitter remarks to one another. It is also intriguing to see the relationship that bonds throughout the film. They have a mutual respect for each other and respect each other’s views and opinions.

The score in this film is perfect. It’s the one that sticks with you. It gives you the sense of adventure and fear at the same time. It gives you the sense of happiness and scariness at the same time. Every time the score kicks in, everything seems so happy and quiet. But you get a feeling that soon something bad is going to happen.

Watching this film in 2011, where computer graphics have progressed a lot, this film doesn’t seem dated at all. Some people say the shark doesn’t look real. I haven’t seen a real shark but I could easily mistake this one for a real one, or is it? It is definitely gigantic as described by the characters in the film and it is extremely scary looking. And Boy, is it hard to kill that thing. A bullet is not going to do anything. When you see the shark up close, you do not want to be near that thing. You understand the fear the characters are having and this is why the graphic death scene I mentioned above worked so well.

As for performances in this film, everyone was outstanding. The three main characters that went out to sea to catch the shark all deserve recognitions for their portrayals. Roy Scheider was great as the chief police. I felt the pressure and guilt he was having. I understand how he thinks it is his responsibility, as the chief police, to catch this shark. He really cares for the people of Amity unlike the mayor of the town , played by Murray Hamilton who also gave a fine performance.

Other two great characters include; the fisherman and the scientist. The two great backbones of the film, who have different personalities. Richard Dreyfuss was terrific as the rich young man who has a passion for sharks since childhood. When he is being challenged about his knowledge and passion, I felt for him and anyone can. Anyone can relate to his character where you have a great passion for something and someone tells you that you don’t know anything about it.

Robert Shaw was outstanding as the experienced fisherman who has caught lots of sharks. He sometimes comes off as a person full of himself, a person that thinks he has more life experience that anybody else. And maybe he’s right, he does have more experience than anybody else. He provides this film with his unique personality that was a great aspect of the film. The stories he told about his life are a nice touch too.

I don’t have any complaints with this film. I think it is perfect. I loved this film. Jaws is a beautifully cinematographed film, masterfully directed film, beautifully scored film, and a superbly acted film. You cannot get a better film that this one. Jaws is a true classic and it deserves to be. I recommend anyone who likes films to watch this film. I would be surprised if a film fan hasn’t watched this already. It’s one of Steven Spielberg’s greatest films. As far as I’m concerned, it is my favorite Steven Spielberg film. Please check this film out if you haven’t already.

The Graduate movie review

Rating: 8.7/10

Directed by Mike Nichols, The Graduate is a 1967 film that was nominated for 7 Oscars and won 1 for Best Director. The film follows the story of Ben Braddock, a confused young man, who just graduated from a prestigious university. He is confused about his future and sick and tired of the pressure his parents and people around him put him under. He one day has an affair with Mrs. Robinson, the wife of his father’s business partner, then finds himself in love with her daughter, Elaine.

It is quite difficult for me to review this film. I have mixed feelings about it. I don’t know how to interpret it. But what I know for sure is, it is a well directed film. It is the little things that Mike Nichols, the director of this film, did that makes it so special; scenes that depict the change in emotions of Ben or scenes that depict the happiness or sadness of Ben.

Not only does it make me understand the emotions of the characters better, it makes the film very well paced. In the beginning of the film, Mike Nichols depicts Ben’s happiness by making it look like the scenes and sequences have no cuts and everything is happening all at once. I think it’s a great technique by Mike Nichols.

When the sad part kicks in, he uses the good old fade out which conveys Ben’s emotions perfectly. As the scene fades out, the story gets slower, and that fade out is a great mood-change for the audience. It gets us ready for what the film is going to be like while at the same time captures Ben’s feelings. Without these little things that Mike Nichols did, this film would have been ordinary. He clearly deserved his Oscar for the work he did with The Graduate.

Another great technique done by Mike Nichols is when Mrs. Robinson seduces Ben. You never get to see what Ben sees, you only get a glimpse of it for like a micro second. But you could feel how Ben is feeling. You could feel how he’s nervous, feeling a little awkward, and just wants to get out of there. But at the same time, a little aroused by Mrs. Robinson. The reflection of Mrs. Robinson’s nude body in Elaine’s drawing/portrait is a nice touch too.

Now comes the hard part, my interpretation of the film. The Graduate says something about how confused teenagers are, how they don’t know what to do and aren’t sure of their futures.  Then there’s this thing about escaping from your parents, the world, everyone else, and act on your own impulses; what you think is right and what you believe you should do.

When the famous final scene kicks in and the twist is revealed, another message is being portrayed. It’s a great ending and also not a clichéd one. But it makes me all the more confused about this film. To be frank, I didn’t really get this movie. I didn’t know what it was trying to say. It’s the type of film that leaves rooms for interpretations. Maybe I will understand it a little more upon a second viewing.

The music in this film is also incredible. The score “sound of silence” is played numerous times during the film and you never get tired of it. There’s also one particular scene where Ben is driving and there’s guitar playing. The guitar is played in sync with the engine of the car. As the car stops, the guitar stops. I thought it was cool and really well done.

I have two main problems with the film. Firstly, the second half of the film seems kinda messy. The film is at the climax, Ben is trying to get the love of his life back, but somehow you can’t just wrap your head around what is happening. In my opinion, this is due to the lack of character development between Elaine and Ben. I didn’t buy their romance. I didn’t buy how someone would go crazy for a girl after one date. I didn’t get how a girl could forgive a guy that quickly and easily. I didn’t root for Ben at all and that just ruined the climax of the film for me.

Another problem is the reasoning behind Ms. Robinson’s affair with Ben and her command to keep Ben away from Elaine. She was trying to escape her loveless marriage and add a little excitement to her life. It is what both Ben and Mrs. Robinson needed. While also trying to protect her daughter from falling in a loveless marriage and abandoning her dreams like she did. From what I interpreted, she doesn’t like the idea of an arranged marriage and she believes Elaine should be able to choose the way she lives and who she wants to get married to.

At the same time, she arranges a marriage for Elaine just so she doesn’t do it with Ben when she clearly doesn’t really know what she wants to do. That really threw me away from the story a little bit. It seems like it’s about winning more than doing things by justice with her daughter.

Enough of the negative stuff, performances in this film are superb. Dustin Hoffman does a really great job with this film as a socially awkward person. We are in his shoes throughout the entire course of the film. We experience what he experiences, feels what he feels, and sees what he sees. He carries the film perfectly.

Other great performances include; Anne Bancroft, as Mrs. Robinson. She is great as the seductive mother and when the role calls for her to be evil, she does it perfectly. Katherine Ross is also great as Elaine, the confused young daughter of two controlling parents. You could clearly see her innocence and confusion portrayed by her. William Daniels and Elizabeth Wilson are also great as Ben’s parents. They played their parts perfectly and you can feel the nerves and pressure they’re putting on Ben.

The Graduate is a well directed film with great acting and good plot. I enjoyed this film to a certain level but I didn’t love it. It’s definitely a good time that I will probably watch it again sometime in the future to get a clearer understanding of the film. It tells a great story and message. The directing, acting, and cinematography are perfect in this film. Maybe it doesn’t deserve the praise and hype this film got, but it’s definitely a good solid film.