Rating: Summary: Sorry but I hated this film Review: Dark City is one of the few films that I have ever disliked to watch. I found it difficult to pay attention to the film because it was so un-entertaining. Admittedly, its plot is different and looks at existing ideas in a fresh angle but the style of this film was not for me.
Rating: Summary: One of the best science fiction movies of the millenium! Review: This is one of the movies that really has the best ending I have ever saw. A lot of movies lately, probably because of the millenium "paranoia", try to make films which make us ask questions about our reality(Truman Show,Matrix,eXcisTenz and many more). This movie is the best. Even if its a little confusing at start, basically, you get all the answers you need, and the ending leaves you with a smile, "Damn, now thats imagination!"
Rating: Summary: Superior to the later and similar "The Matrix" Review: This film shares similar plot aspects with "The Matrix" but unlike that film, it has exceptional character and plot development. The truth of the characters' situation is gradually revealed and synthesized into the plot and the action, (unlike The Matrix, which grinds to a halt to explain every little boring detail about the matrix). Although it could be argued that the look of the film owes a lot to Blade Runner, Dark City is an excellent and original film.Also, someone said earlier that this was Siskel's favorite of the year before he died. Not true. It was Ebert's No.1 film of 1998, and not on Siskel's top ten. The DVD quality is excellent (as can be expected of all New Line DVDs).
Rating: Summary: Too close to the truth. Review: The only thing that keeps you sane is that you don't believe it
Rating: Summary: A Strange, Wierd Masterpiece. Review: "Dark City" by Alex Proyas (The Crow) is a strange, wierd masterpiece that serves as one of the most daring and original movies ever made! Here we see great use of imagination as well as screenwriting and plotting. The story is fantastic! It's like a murder-mystery wrapped inside dark science fiction. Few films look so good! The cinematography is incredibly well done. I especially loved Proyas's camera angles. We are taken into a lush yet gothic city. We see strange and frightening characters like the beings dressed in black. This is an astonishing triumph in visual and dramatic qualities.
Rating: Summary: Dark. Depressing. And not very good. Review: While this film does live up to it's name, I wouldn't exactly say that it's stunningly rendered. I can think of many better ways to spend two hours.
Rating: Summary: Great concept that didn't follow through Review: Sure, there's plenty of Blade Runner in there, but Dark City is without a doubt more an experimental, art film than brooding film noir.
If anything, this film reminds me of Kafka, how you have protoganist with a case of amnesia who more or less has a day to "live." The constant sense of vertigo in the film is buttressed by the fact that he essentially exists in a maze of smokes and mirrors, being constantly prodded and tested by unknown strangers. Film noir to be sure; but to a degree of claustrophobia and paranoia, that it reaches into the questions of sanity, reality, and memory.
An ambitious, brilliant concept that might have succeeded in more experienced hands. I really didn't like how Alex Proyas broke some of the most basic conventions on filmmaking -- namely, the relentless pacing to produce that effect of vertigo. The only effects the constant set switching produces are tedium, confusion, and boredom. Moreover, the plasticity of the sets only enhances the distance between the viewer and the subjects of it. Was I watching something in fast forward? Also, some of the shots were way too deliberately produced the cat-and-mouse effect Proyas wanted, making it again the director's presence an oppressive one throughout the film.
The first 30 minutes of The Matrix has a similar style, but at least it slows down half-an-hour in.
So, in a sense, I like its concept. But, came with precious little. However, I liked it much better the 2nd time I saw it. Don't get me wrong. This is not a good film, but it's a brave one.
Rating: Summary: What a waste Review: This film gets five stars for looks, but looses three for a poor story and plot. Its just another shlock film. Look elsewhere....
Rating: Summary: Siskel says - Review: This was the final "Best movie of the year." Claimed by Gene Siskel prior to his passing.
Rating: Summary: Excellent ... Sci-fi done exceptionally well Review: This is truly a fantastic movie. It has a cool concept and it is executed well. The look and the sets are incredible. I kept wanting to learn more and more about this world. The film never once dragged or felt slow. The pacing is superb. This is a must-see movie. If you like "Total Recall," "Strange Days," and "The Matrix," stop what you're doing now and go watch this movie. If you like "Dark City" and haven't seen those three above-mentioned movies, well ... what are you waiting for?
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