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Bruiser

Bruiser

List Price: $14.98
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Rating: 2 stars
Summary: Not in the least bit original.
Review: I am shocked to see only positive reviews for this film. I just finished watching Bruiser and I cannot tell you how sickened I am by spending 90 some minutes of my life on such a below average production. If I didn't know that this was a Romero film I might be more forgiving. Bruiser smacks of amatuer hour. There isn't an original moment in the whole film. It is not in the least bit scary, tense, or emotional. Romero's film is an adult take on the Columbine and other shootings going on in America by children that feel "faceless". I not only expect more from a seasoned director like Romero but I expect more from an adult period. Bruiser does not even rank among Romero's weaker films such as Monkey Shines, The Dark Half, and Two Evil Eyes. It is below those films. Bruiser is deserving of its direct to video status. The DVD looks and sounds quite nice and it comes with an amusing Misfits (they performed in the film) video. Though I am quite the commentary junkie I could not bear to watch the film again. I'll leave that job to someone else. For those that like Bruiser, more power to you, personally I'll stick with Romero's Night and Dawn of The Dead films and Martin.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Get this for the Misfits
Review: I came upon this film by chance whilst strolling around Melbourne one day, struck mainly by the great cover art on the case but then noticed it contained an appearance by the legendary punk-horror band The Misfits. Not only does this film contain an originally fresh story by horror craftsman George Romero (Creepshow), it contains great footage of the Misfits playing with the Graves/CHUD lineup at an underground club.
Also contains DVD quality version of the Scream video. Highly recommended DVD which shows the Misfits in their powerful glory.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: 3.5 stars. Pretty good, but far from Romero's classics.
Review: I guess I'd have to say that this movie is a bit underrated. It's not brilliant, and it peters out towards the end, but it's generally well made and sufficiently entertaining. Lots of people out there seem to be disappointed in this film at least partially because it wasn't what they expected. So I'd better say up front that this really isn't a horror film. It's pretty much just drama, with a bit of a horrific edge to it, I suppose. It's certainly not as good as Martin or Dawn or Night, but it's a respectable addition to Romero's filmography.

Here, George is taking on the modern corporate world, (and by extension, modern society as a whole) as is quite popular in film today, as evinced by the severe cult popularity of Office Space and Fight Club. Bruiser takes a different approach than either of those films. eschewing the comic or black-comic approach for a more straight dramatic approach. (Well, it's actually got a fair bit of dark humor in it, but not enough to classify it as a black comedy) Lots of people will, I'm sure, find it's approach problematic, as our unnoticed, put-upon protagonist Henry decides to resort to violence (murder) to reclaim his identity, and the film never condemns Henry's actions on any level.(Though it does suggest that he could do other things which would make him happy) I, for one, don't believe that George Romero is suggesting that we all go out and kill everyone who we feel is using us or treats us badly, but well, that IS what Henry does. That right there pretty much serves as a plot-synopsis. We are introduced to Henry, and see how everyone uses him and how miserable he is. He later wakes up with a white mime-face, and decides to take action, reassert himself, and get revenge. That's about it, and it works well enough. The acting is quite good, though the characterization is occasionally problematic. Flemyng is solid as Henry, he looks just right for the part, and does a fine job throughout the later portion of the film, despite the limitations of the mask. Everyone is fine, though I do have some problems with Peter Stormare as Henry's boss, and the primary villain of the film. He's probably best known as the terrifying and taciturn Gaer Grimsley (or something like that) in 'Fargo', but he takes a completely different route this time. Simply put, his character is too over the top. I don't doubt that there are at least a couple bosses out their who act a lot as he does, but he's just too much of a spectacle to work completely. Having him be just as much of a jerk, but in a somewhat less flamboyant way would've been more effective, I think. But, what can I say, I did dislike his character, as I was supposed to, so it can't be called a real failure.

The film opens up particularly well, and we are introduced to Henry's world quite efficiently. I think the brief little fantasy sequences are especially effective, and do a good job of showing us the disparity between how Henry acts, and how he actually feels. The middle section is fine too, if not as good, as he starts to take his revenge, but it dips quite a bit at the end. The last section of the film, during a huge, wild party, is dragged out too long, and nothing much really happens. And, it gets a little weird too and overly elaborate for no apparent reason. And the very last scene of the movie is a bit cheesy and pointless, too. Still, the film works as a whole. It's got a nice visual style, with sorta of sleek and beautiful sets which are cold and inhuman as well, just as they ought to be. Romero's rapid-fire editing is toned down to have more long, calm shots. I like his older style, but this one fits the film pretty well. Lots of people dislike the score, but I think it works very well. It's a bit unconventional, which I like, and it fits the whole tone of the film pretty well. It's often sad, but in a sorta dull, flat way, nicely representing the dreary, low-key tedium of Henry's life.

That's it. Certainly not Romero's best, but his fans ought to at least check it out.

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: A Disheartened Romero Fan
Review: I have enjoyed the work of George Romero for a long time, however, I must be honest: BRUISER is dreadful ...

Romero was once a firey film maker, a man who could not only horrify, but do it with style and depth ... And always within a minimal budget ... And while I was not expecting something as monumental as NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD or DAWN OF THE DEAD, I had hopes that the man responsible for those 2 classics, along with other films like MARTIN or CREEPSHOW, still had "it" ... Oh, was I disappointed ...


There is really no excuse for this film's failures ... It looks awful, much like a made-for-TV series from the late 80s ( I fully expected Shannon Tweed to wander aimlessly into any given scene )... The dialog is atrocious, and the ending will leave you wincing and frustrated, due to 2 hours of wasted time ...

I might add that there is one line in the film that is almost worth the price of a rental ... It's completely unintentional, and delivered in the way only a bad actor can make a serious line laughable - "Does ... my .... appearance .... scare you ???" ... yikes :)

Romero fans might want to rent before buying. however, I completely recommend all fans of horror to steer clear of this mess ... It's not just a bad film, but a sad showing from a once important and meaningful film maker ...

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!!
Review: I have watched Bruiser a few times, and I just love it. Everything from the acting to set pieces fit perfectly, and the movie creativly decorated. The movie also tends to feel like a pulp novel with the way dialogue is delivered and the way everything plays out. Plus the Misfits did a great job with the music, and they have an awsome music video for he song "Scream" which is featured in the movie (and on the DVD). A deffinate recomendation.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: What happened Romero?
Review: I just got done watching this and all I can say is...what the hell was that? Good story and all, I really dig Jason Flemyng in this one, but damn. It's hard for me to believe that the same guy who brought us "Dawn of the Dead" brought us this. Definitely not what I was expecting so it was a huuuuuuge letdown. The Misfits video was gorier and more interesting I thought. Hardcore Romero fans are probably gonna eat it up, and I'll end up getting flak for this but oh well...I was severely disappointed. Rent the movie, but for godsakes don't buy it.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: This film is not for ignorant and normal people !!!!!!
Review: iam a film student and whole my life i've been interested in horror genre.i can't describe the emotions and feelings that i have , while iam watching a horror film,specially GEORGE A.ROMERO Films.Describing the world and the human beings identity and personality,as the way he sees gives me the feeling of not being alone in this world.THERE ARE NOT SOMANY PEOPLE IN THIS WORLD WHO UNDERSTANDS THE HORROR FILMS AND THE HORRORGENRE SOMUCH,THAT MEANS NOT SOMANY PEOPLE TO SHARE THIS KIND OF WORK OF ARTS.I SAW BRUISER LAST YEAR WITH MY LOVING GIRLFRIEND AND A FRIEND ALSO A FILMSTUDENT AT THE SAME UNIVERSITY OF MINE.After seeing George A.Romeros The Bruiser i had a small fight with him about this movie,because he did'nt quite understand the movie.Thats why not everyone should see these films,people like you give a bad name and make stupid critics.thanks for the fýlmmaker like George A. Romeros who shares his mind with us.
Thanks for reading

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: One of Romero's best, reminded me of "Martin"
Review: Loss of identity is the key aspect of this striking film about an ordinary man who gets walked over by everyone he knows. The result of not sticking up for himself is a plain white mask which has replaced his face. Thats when the fun begins. Combined with humor, action, and little bit of gore, Bruiser turned out to be a very good movie.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Horror and Music
Review: Micheal Graves, Doyle, Chud, Jerry Only........need I say more?

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Decent Psychologial Thriller (Not a Zombie-Gore-Fest)
Review: Okay, "Bruiser" is not "Twilight of the Dead" or whatever Romero decides to title the film we are all waiting for, but it's a good movie. Unlike some famous filmmakers (like George Lucas) who have taken off so many years between movies, Romero certainly hasn't lost his touch with the basics of framing his shots, editing, working with actors. This is a well-made movie. Romero is a pro.

If there's a problem with "Bruiser," it's one that 90 percent of all movies share: the ending just lets down one's expectations. It neither produces a worthy showdown between protagonist and villain nor does it end with a moral.

Read the back cover of the disc. If the plot sounds interesting to you, give it a shot. If you are a Romero fan, give it a viewing and be happy to see that the man still knows how to put together a good film and look forward to "Twilight" (if someone ever has the brains enough to give him the resources he needs to make it right).


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