Rating: Summary: U must first understand the begining quote Review: This is an excellent movie despite of what you may have read in the editorial, and despite of what you may think. To most viewers this movie will seem to be a non-stop "drug frenzy of some sort". But this is simply the surface theme of the movie, the true theme is the main characters view of comteporary USA in the early 70s, and how the "hippie" movement died off and left off a generation of apathetic drug users. He is most amazed on how quickly this happened (in a period of 5 years), how the spirit of a generation that was so pure and strong could simply succum to a society of indifferent "stoners" in a period of half a decade. Being that the main character is really intelligent (if you get past the misconception that antic enciting, heavy drug users are buffoons), his view on America can be rewarding (but u must REALLY pay attention to his seeminlgy chaotic jibberish of thoughts and mumbling). If you can stomach the histeria raidated by the duos drug binges, you could also get a comedic value. But I guess you must have something to relate to....
Rating: Summary: Worst movie of the year! Review: Director cowriter Terry Gilliams adaptation of Hunter S Thompsons infamous pseudobiographical epic of gonzo-journalistic social commentary is a veritable mess from start to finish: an absolutely unwatchable jumble of surrealistic images and uncontrolled self-indulgent perfor mances by leads Johnny Depp fitfully funny as Thompson surrogate Raoul Duke and Beicio Del Toro utterly loathsome as bestial Dr Gonzo.This intellectually bankrupt project does little beyond wallowing,as its characters do, in substance-abused excess.
Rating: Summary: Quite possibly the best movie of the 90's. Review: This movie has become my favorite. I have watched it numerous times both sober and otherwise. It gets better each time and is a great experience for anyone interested in the sixties and seventies cultures. One can truly appreiciate this movie if they start to read the works of Hunter S. Thompson, I highly recomend it. Remember it is best when one smokes pot and drinks before watching it. Good luck
Rating: Summary: A great adaptation Review: This movie was incredible from start to finish. It is one of the few movies you can watch after having read the book. Johnny Depp does a great job as Hunter, and Benicio del Toro, also does an outstanding job as Dr. Gonzo. I liked this movie from start to finish, and can honestly say that it is one of my favorite movies.
Rating: Summary: Nice visuals, but falls short of book Review: Hunter S. Thompson's seminal Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas was a twisted, paranoid composite of two trips he and his attorney made to Vegas in the early seventies while Thompson was working for Rolling Stone. His vain attempt to cover the Mint 400 motorcycle race and a District Attorney's conference on drugs tailspins into a mescaline, speed, and alcohol fueled vision quest in search of the American Dream. The movie glosses over most of the deeper parts of the story, but the first half of the movie creates a good illusion of fidelity to the first half of the book. Unfortunately, the second half glosses over more than just the deeper parts of the book and the viewer gets the impression that Gilliam was just trying to get the movie in the can and be done with it. The second half of Fear and Loathing eerily reminds me of the second half of David Lynch's adaptation of Frank Herbert's epic novel, Dune. Both Depp (Hollywood's most underappreciated actor) and Del Toro (who was all but unrecognizable due to the weight difference) did a superb job with the material they were given. If any filmaker ever has the guts to portray Hunter Thompson again, (e.g. a film version of his semi-fictional "The Rum Diary") Depp is the man for the job. Its good to see Del Toro out of his stereotyped criminal role; he is a very versatile actor. The final score: If you are already an HST freak AND a Monty Python freak, this movie is worth the viewing, just don't expect anything more than a visually lush journey into drug induced decadence. If you've never read the book, I would advise reading it before watching the movie. Having a familiarity with the novel will clear up some confusion in the movie.
Rating: Summary: Now this is a bad trip! - Grotesque, not funny Review: I bought this after reading the reviews here. To make a long story short, it's the only DVD I 'm considering throwing on the trash can. I have more than 90, from all genres, and never felt this idiot before. The film is ridiculous, the acting is grotesque, I can't believe it gives pleasure to anyone. It's worst than many summer comedies, because it tries to be "cult". Everything is so overacted and predictable that I didn't even smile once while watching it. As for the DVD only, it's normal, no valuable extras (if only this was possible with such a movie). The Amazon ranking was one of my guides for movies. After this bad trip I'll consider more before buying.
Rating: Summary: A FANTASTIC JOURNEY THROUGH DRUGS N' VEGAS! Review: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is unlike any movie you will see for quite a while. The visionary behind 12 MONKEYS and THE FIShER KING Terry Gilliam has directed this film about a drug-addicted journalist and his equally addicted lawyer with style and panache. Based on the popular book, this film is both moving and hilarious on so many different levels. The plot is basically this: Raul Duke(played by Johnny Depp; Edward Scissorhands, Blow, Ed Wood), is a journalist for an unnamed magazine, who is asked to cover a race in Vegas. Taking along his lawyer Dr. Gonzo(Recent Oscar winner Benicio Del Toro; Traffic, Snatch, The Usual Suspects), they embark on a drug-induced farcical journey into Las Vegas where anything can happen and often does. The excellent direction and cinematography in this film is stunning, as well as the performances by the two stars. Johnny Depp is incredible as Duke/Narrator, definitely one of his best yet unknown performances(He is somewhat unrecognizable without a head of hair). Del Toro rocks as Dr. Gonzo. Definitely a sign of things to come as he would launch himself into some of the best performances of his career. Also, there are many great and memorable cameos by Tobey Maguire, Ellen Barkin, Christina Ricci, Christopher Meloni, Craig Bierko, Cameron Diaz, heck! Even Dr. Evil's Mini-Me makes a two second appearance if you look closely. All in all, a riotous and riveting movie that I absolutely love!
Rating: Summary: Depp and Del Toro at their best!! Review: The book: Splendid. The movie: Equally splendid. I enjoyed this movie front to end, thanks to the convincing performances given my Depp and Del Toro. Die-hard gonzo fans will definitely find this film almost parallel to that of the book. I wouldn't recommend it to the faint-of-heart, considering the incessant drug usage and vomiting, but for those with stronger stomachs and a liking for fast-paced, drug-induced, slapstick insanity, this one's a keeper!
Rating: Summary: An intense trip.... Review: Fear and Loathing was one of those movies that upon its release garnered some raves from some critics, some absolute pans from others, and not much interest at the box office. That's fine though, as this is a cult film through and through and has gone on to become a classic on home video and dvd. Terry Gilliam has put together one of the most amusing looks at the drug culture, las vegas, and the effects of both in this adapatation of the novel by Hunter S Thompson. Jonny Depp and Benecio Del Toro both give amazing performances here, the kinds that should have gotten them academy award nominations. Depp portrays the writer Hunter S. Thompson who is on assignment to report on a motorcycle race at first, but along the way with help from his attorney and a lot of drugs, begins a search for the american dream itself, and wether or not it still can be found. Depp spent months before filming began with Thompson learning his voice, his mannerisms, outlooks, etc and it shows in the film as this is possibly the best performance I have seen from an actor who has given many great performances. Del Toro gained 45 pounds before filming to play the crazy samoan Dr. Gonzo, Thompson's attorney and drug friend. Del Toro goes all out here playing gonzo as a madman with a penchant for doing way too many drugs and going off the rocker as a result. Video is sharp and clear throughout, and sound is well mixed. Extras include a spotlight on, deleted scenes, notes, trailer, etc. The film itself also features numerous cameos from the likes of Gary busey, Christina Ricci, Flea, Mark Harmon, Cameron Diaz, and even Hunter S Thompson himself. Make no mistake you will either love this film or hate it, and personaly, I love it. If you have ever been involved in the drug culture, been interested in it, or even have an open mind towards films that break new ground, then you'll appreciate this as the masterpiece that it is. So grab the dvd, sit back, and prepare for a very enjoyable sensory overload of an experience.
Rating: Summary: wait we can't stop here, this is bat country Review: Funny stuff, Johnny Depp has a grea part in the movie and its starts of perfectly with, Bats. Del Toro plays also a good part as Depps attorny with great outcomes. It is a must see hit that deals with the drug century. This is the best movie on the drug decade!!!
|