Rating: Summary: Zzzzzzzzzzz Review: Not horrible, Truly original, But BORING... I was very excited to see this film and wanted to like it, But it was so BORING. I usually like John Cusack and Cameron Diaz, And like them I did. BORING. Did I mention the film was BORING. Definatly not the best of 1999. Maybe I was expecting to much. Different it was Entertaing sometimes, But always BORING
Rating: Summary: Weirdness for the sake of wierdness Review: This is possibly one of the most overrated films I have ever seen.I feel complete indifference to all the characters. The plot is a meandering shambles and the best thing in it is Charlie Sheen! How bad must a movie be if Charlie Sheen is the best thing in it! I can't even see the point it's trying to make. Is it a satire on the nature of celebrity or a surreal sci-fi movie? Either way it fails. If you want to track down surreal try Terry Gilliam. In fact the whole film would have worked much better as Gilliam/Python animation than a live action movie. If you want a satire on celebrity try DeNiro's 'King of Comedy.' On a final note the whole movie just looks terrible! The lighting is awful and I think I even saw a boom shadow in one shot. For old hippies and stupid people who think they're clever only.
Rating: Summary: A film and DVD review Review: I'll probably get bashed for not liking this film, at least it didn't live up to its hype of being an incredibly funny film, although there are some humorous scenes. The cameo by Charlie Sheen is the funniest part of the film. I think Catherine Keener gives an amazing performance as a self-centered coworker. She makes the character strangely attractive even I wanted her. Enough about the film, what about the DVD? The standard theater trailer and four 30 second TV spots are included. A documentary on puppeteering is included which is sort of interesting. A 3-minute interview with the director as he's driving is funny. It's like a motorcycle gang is chasing him. I guess that's what working for a studio is like. Finally the best part is a 6-minute interview/rant with a background driver for the NJ turnpike scenes. That has to be the funniest thing. You just want to sit-down, have a beer and let this person entertain you for hours. A DVD that I wouldn't pay full price for I think I'd look for it on a discount or previously-viewed rack for the scenes I liked and the extras.
Rating: Summary: Wild, tragic, hilarious, twisted and just plain weird! Review: You have never seen a movie quite like this. Innovative and original genre in its own right. Strange, lonely characters seek to find life fulfillment through the life of someone else - who is probably just as lonely themselves. None of the characters are immediately likeable, but their antics will still make you laugh, cringe and shake your head. The advantage to seeing this on DVD is that you can re-wind and make sure that you did hear/see what you thought you just did hear/see. It is quite a hoot. The story is easily an allegory of co-dependence and how we seek to live our lives through others because we are too afraid to live our own lives... even to the point of abusing the ones we admire/love just to achieve the fleeting fulfillment we are seeking. While the film is doubtfully aiming to actually teach anything about co-dependence, it still shows to what extent one human being is willing to exploit another human being whether it be for a fleeting thrill or because they are seeking lifetime fulfillment. Andy Warhol said that, "In the future, everybody will be famous for 15 minutes." This is taken a step further in that in this crazy flick, anyone can be John Malkovich for 15 minutes... living like voyeur, seeing what he sees and experiencing what he experiences. The plot twists and turns are far from predictable. And you'll probably have your jaw hanging open during at least 50% of the film.
Rating: Summary: One Word: WEIRD! Review: I knew, going into the movie, this would be one of those films which would prompt me to like it or hate it. Quite frankly, I hated it. "Why," you ask, "do you give it three stars?" Imagination and creativity were abundant, as well as excellent acting. I agree with another critic when he/she recommends sobriety while observing this film. You have to have sharp thinking skills to understand what is going on, if understanding this film is even possible. I like to think that I have an active and creative imagination because some of my thoughts have conjured strange looks from peers when I have shared them. However, this was a little extreme. I didn't mind the "ability" to observe life from Mr. Malkovich's mind. I didn't even mind the lesbian sub-plot. I can even swallow needing a monkey as a subsitute for a real child. But, I have to hit myself in the head while trying to comprehend the ability of being able to take over a person's life in order to continue life for infinity. The acting was good, but I don't believe Mr. Malkovich had to do very much acting. Yes, there were scenes where he had to dance and become angry, but he seemed much like himself when he played Mr. Malkovich and when John Cusack's character invades him. I believe the best acting came from Cameron Diaz. It takes alot to sleep in a cage with a monkey. DVD Special Features: If you thought the movie was strange, the special features take you a step higher. I began to wonder if the people involved were somehow "tricked" into believing that this situation was real. While the information about puppetry (and I believe this was real, not imaginative, information) was enlightening, I wanted to fall asleep. To sum it up, if you like weird things and want to "take a trip" without having to alter your physical being, rent "Being John Malkovich." But don't say I didn't warn you!
Rating: Summary: Strange but highly entertaining Review: I heard about this movie after the Academy Awards, and watched it without knowing much of the plot, which I usually read up on prior to viewing; this movie might come off better not knowing. For one thing, the plot is seriously convoluted in many ways, but the surprises make it that much more entertaining. It was funny and at points provocative to watch, and the acting is great. The story basically makes no sense and is virtually unbelievable, yet it still somehow provides a sense of reality. I loved watching John Cusack, and Cameron Diaz was so funny. The way the characters think are so wacky that I could, at points, actually relate to what they were feeling (though not literally). I totally recommend this video to anyone who wants a mild laugh, along with some weirded out twists.
Rating: Summary: fresh, inventive, fun, and FUNNY Review: its cool to see filmmakers still taking a chance on celluloid. its so easy to make the generic plots, characters, and even direction. hell, JERRY BRUCKHEIMER MAKES A GOOD LIVING WITH IT! but this movie is very special. amazing performances from the cast (i didnt know the wife was cameron diaz until about an hour and a half into the movie), which take you into a world of fun and excitment. great movie! other stars/directors/studios/writers should be so bold and daring as this movie.
Rating: Summary: Malkovich, Malkovich, Malkovich Review: Okay, if you've seen the movie then that title should be somewhat amusing. If you haven't go and rent it/buy it so you know what I'm talking about! I've seen a lot of weird things in my life but this movie outdoes nearly everything I have ever seen/heard of. If you can get past the kinky sex (there is quite a bit of this... it was somewhat unecessary and very disturbing, and my only problem with the movie), and enjoy the movie then you are in for a good time. This movie is clever, witty, raised some interesting questions and above all is the most bizarre movie that you will ever come across. If you're looking for something entertaining and off the beaten track then this is it.
Rating: Summary: Different does not equal good. Review: This movie came recommended. However, sadly enough - I must say that I don't agree with those who recommended it. It was different, yes. Fascinating, even, at times - the puppetry scenes were captivating. However, the movie left me wanting. I give this movie full points for creativity and novelty. However, I dock it just as many for being hard to follow, with lifeless characters who only make me want to hate them the whole way through. Apparently, according to this movie, if you seek to discover life, all you find is lust and hatred. Frankly, I find it a wonder I watched it all the way through.
Rating: Summary: Go ahead, open that metaphysical can of worms! Review: You cannot go wrong with this movie ( as long as you dont need to like the characters to enjoy a movie! All of the characters are dispicable and selfish, in one way or another. Kaufman weaves the details together like a master, one example is the "Jewel thief" movie misnomer that spreads though several characters and gets back to John himself. As for the humour, it is as funny and more intelligent than anything released in years.
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