Number Seven!!!

Salutations!!!! Thank you for stopping by and taking a look at my reviews. Once you read them you will realize that this will be the only review you will ever need to read. Every once in a while there is a movie that you see that you can’t turn off. One of those movies is A Few Good Men, directed by Rob Reiner starring a huge cast including Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, Demi Moore, Kevin Pollak, Kevin Bacon, and Keifer Sutherland. This movie is rated R for language.

STORY

The story begins in the dark of night, as we witness two marines tie up and kill a fellow marine. The story then moves to a cocky naval attorney Lt. Daniel Kaffee who is asked to represent these two marines. Kaffee is eager to move to a plea bargain which the two marines do not take as they insist they were following orders. Kaffee is then forced to work with a feisty Lt. Cdr. JoAnne Galloway, who is persistent that the high up Col. Jessup is responsible for the Marine’s death. This begins a tale of mysterious conditions and orders that were given and also never given. This is a tale of code and honor, of truth and justice. Kaffee and Galloway have to sift through the lies that the Colonel and other officers are feeding them to find out if the marines they represent should be found guilty of killing a colleague. These two attorneys have to decide if the death of a United States Marine should fall upon the shoulders of those who killed him or those who ordered the attack.

ACTING

This is the first movie where I get to talk about a very important key to good acting. That key is called chemistry. Chemistry equates to how well the actors click together. Do the actors seem like the characters interactions are believable. The chemistry between Demi Moore and Tom Cruise is impenetrable. They have their characters down to a tee. Joining into the chemistry is Kevin Pollak, who in my opinion is a much underrated actor. His small role as Lt Kaffee’s assistant brings a great relationship onto the screen and adds a lot to Tom cruises believability. Also Jack Nicholson’s character is extremely memorable as he spits out one of the most unforgettable quotes of all time. “You can’t handle the truth!!!” It would be easy to convince you that the three powerhouses are the reasons to watch this movie, but it would be untrue and unfair to the rest of the cast. Keifer Sutherland adds a real presence to the screen as does Kevin Bacon. The two Marines add a real sense of authenticity as well. All in all this movies acting is remarkable, and propels the viewer into a world of justice and intrigue.

MUSIC

This is one of the few movies where the music lies in the dialogue. The actual soundtrack and score is full of orchestrated synthesizers. While the music remains prominent in the typical dramatic moments of the film the score neither adds nor distracts from the film. What I mean from the music lies in the dialogue is that Aaron Sorkin’s screenplay is almost a melody in itself. The writing is fast and smart. The lines are spoken with a rhythm that pushes and pulls your mind throughout the whole picture. Basically the music in this film is probably the least memorable part of your viewing experience.

RE-WATCHABILITY

Every time I watch this movie I sit on pins and needles during the court scenes, I cringe at the thought of a code red and feel injustice flowing through my veins when watching the two marines beat their fellow comrade to death. When Jack Nicholson speaks I literally feel intimidated, and I have seen this movie maybe 50 times. While I know every lie and twist in the movie I still push pause when I get up to get a drink. When I see this movie on AMC I stop flipping through the channels. Does this movie have the re-watchability capacity? I say YES! YES! YES!

PURCHASABILITY

This movie was made in 1982; it should not be more than 10 dollars. That being said I would pay 15.00-20.00 dollars for this film with any sort of special features. Without special features I would still pay 10.00-15.00. This is a great movie and definitely worth owning in your collection. It is a great movie for when you are in the mood for a court room drama, or a military thriller. As I mentioned in the re-watchability I have seen this movie over fifty times. If I were to have rented it for a dollar each time I would have spent fifty dollars. It is definitely worth picking up at a used store or even a local grocery store. If you are interested in this Title I definitely recommend you to pick it up the next chance you get!!!

Thanks for reading the Only Review You Need, tune in soon for number 6

Number Eight!

Welcome back I can see you are hungry for more of The Only Review You Need. So here you go, number 8 coming down the pipeline; let’s get right to the film. Number 8 as it sits in my top ten is ... The Patriot directed by Roland Emerich, starring Mel Gibson, Heath Ledger, and Jason Isaacs.

STORY

It is 1776 and war is coming to the colonial Americas!!! Benjamin Martin is a father, a farmer, a crummy carpenter, and a celebrated war veteran of the French and Indian Revolution. Benjamin Martin’s life is turned upside down when the revolutionary war comes knocking at his door. His oldest son enlists in the continental army without his permission and his next oldest child is killed by the murderous Col. Tavington, a ruthless and unwavering Colonel in the British army. Martin must sacrifice everything to find peace from a brutal past that haunts him and a daunting future that waits for his family. Martin reluctantly joins the Continental Army in order to watch his son Gabriele. From here Martin forms an unkempt group of militia men, ranging from a slave, a bigot, a Frenchman, a preacher, and other townsmen fearing their futures. These men bond together, to fight for freedom, in a world where freedom means something different to each man. Martin is fighting for freedom from his past while his son sees a different freedom for the future of a people. While this is the story of how America was founded on principles of independence, it is really the story of one man who discovers the price of freedom for all.

ACTING

The acting in this movie is astounding. The first line in the film is uttered by Benjamin Martin, “I have long feared that my sins would return to visit me, and the cost is more than I can bear.” The cast is led by Mel Gibson, who may be crazy in real life, but is able to translate true and pure emotion on screen. He plays a man who is haunted by a war torn past who finds that war is the only way to freedom. Beside Gibson is Heath Ledger, who really is a remarkable actor who has the ability to draw your emotion into every character he plays. While the good guys in this film cause a sensation while you watch that makes you feel proud and builds an atmosphere of genuine brotherhood, it is Jason Isaacs who rises above the rest. Jason Isaacs portrays Colonel Tavington an atrocious and truly wicked villain. In this role Isaacs creates an antagonist that is present in every role he will ever play. I have seen many movies in which Isaac has a part and whether that character is good or bad I have hated him with an obsession that can only be related to this character. After Tavington kills Martins middle child he utters the words “stupid boy.” He then rides his horse of into the horizon leaving a father holding his dying child in his arms, watching his eldest being toted away to be hung. In this moment there is a furor that dwells in your soul that can only be quenched by the ensuing tale of a father who will do everything he can to avenge his son’s death. Will he be successful? You’ll have to watch.

MUSIC

The music in this film is absolutely incredible. The original music is composed by John Williams, who in my opinion is one of the best composers around. The music written for The Patriot is described best as stirring. This movies soundtrack will stir up all kinds of emotions; from unease as the movie opens onto Martins old war chest to just a few seconds later it opens up to a beautiful score as we pan across colonial South Carolina. This score uses key main themes used throughout the entire film. It is bright and powerful in the moments where it is needed to propel the heart into the story, and it is dark and brooding when you are feeling an anger that needs justification. Overall Williams transposes emotion into music and therefore the music becomes your emotion in the film. There is a scene where Martin is seen coming over the hill waiving the tattered flag and the music that accompanies him will transport you into the sensation that the soldiers must have been feeling.

RE-WATCHABILITY

This movie is a very inspiring film that is sure to hit all of your emotions. It is an extraordinary picture, but is ferociously violent and dark in parts. There is a terror in the realism of what war does to families. There is a real tug at the heart strings when the ties of family and loyalty are tested. If you watch this film and do not feel mass amounts of emotion you must get yourself checked out because you are most likely a sociopath. However all that being said due to the power of this film it may be one that is hard to watch again and again, but also due to the same power this movie is easily watched again. I know this is sort of a paradox, but once you see “The Patriot” you will understand. I loved being moved to the verge of tears on the tail of such a commanding tale.

PURCHASABILITY

BUY THIS MOVIE!!! I would spend 20.00 dollars on this film in a split second. I would spend 25.00 on this movie in four or five seconds if the place you are buying movies from is selling this film for thirty I might look somewhere else. I found this movie online for sale for five dollars used that is an incredible price for such a wonderful experience. That is really what this film is it is an experience. You will sit through this and be filled with wonder. As you buy this let me offer a warning this movie while great is very disturbing. There is a lot of death and a lot of characters who you quickly learn to love who you watch helplessly lay dying while you watch their families suffer. If you are sensitive to this type of violence bring boxes of tissues as there is an abundance of it. It is worth the watching through if you love the story of redemption. Not solely vengeance but redemption. The Patriot is a masterpiece. And while it landed in the number 8 spot it very well could soon become one of your top five easily! Tune in next time to see what could be your new favorite movie!

Number Nine!

Welcome back folks! I know you are all waiting on pins and needles to find out what my number nine so let’s get right to it. Again please a drum roll … number nine is … Glory, starring Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman. Glory is directed by Edward Zwick. This film is rated R, for brutal war violence and some language.

STORY

The setting is set during the civil war. Capt. Robert G. Shaw is the son of a wealthy family from the North, who is asked to become the Colonel of the 54^th Massachusetts which is an all black regiment. This is the first all black regiment in the Civil War. While this is a great honor it is also frowned upon by many of his friends and family. Racism was rampant in the north just like it was in the south. The new Colonel takes this assignment with honor and sets off on an adventure that will change everything. In the new army, there are runaway slaves like Private Trip who harbors a great deal of hatred, and the level headed Sgt Rawlins, who while still a slave, he understands what he is there for. There is an educated Cpl. Searles who is there as a free man who wants to fight for his country. This is their story, a story of men trapped in a world of hate, but bond together like only soldiers can to find brotherhood.

ACTING

The acting is superb! That is all I can say for these actors. Denzel Washington won a well deserved Oscar for his role as Pvt. Trip. There is real emotion that is brought through the screen and it is impossible to leave this movie without feeling like you were there. These actors bring you into their world. Matthew Broderick conveys his torment flawlessly, as does Cary Elwes. Morgan Freeman continues to be an anchor for the rest of the cast to hold on to. The biggest accomplishment from good acting is if the actor can convince you to forget that they are pretending. If an actor can take you inside the passion of his character and you can sense who they are, they have succeeded. This is what happens in Glory. Pvt Trip says it best “I ain't much about no prayin', now. I ain't never had no family, and... killed off my mama. Well, I just... Y'all's the onliest family I got. I love the 54th. Ain't even much a matter what happens tomorrow, 'cause we men, ain't we?”

MUSIC

The music is written by James Horner. It is a fantastic score one that carries certain themes throughout the whole movie, which is one of Horner’s best skills. When you listen to the music behind the scenes your mind is taken away. You are transported into the world of battered soldiers fighting for what’s right, fighting for your life, fighting for freedom. James Horner won an Emmy for this score. His use of vocals is also very good. The vocals are used mainly as accents most times without actual lyrics. Since this is a period war piece, Horner intertwines his music with pipes and drums and throughout the film you can distinguish the fife and drum melodies such as “The Bonnie Blue Flag” and other historical pieces. This adds so much to the feeling and realism of the movie. James Horner is a very skilled composer, whose music from glory will stick with you.

RE-WATCHABILITY

Can you watch Glory over and over again? I know I can! This movie is a little long and takes a bit to get into the real emotional stuff, but I find Glory is a great movie to watch around the fourth of July or for any patriotic occasion. This movie is centered on the Civil War but you will find the themes are not as much about a historical prominence or who wins the war but more about the comradery and loyalty these men find with each other. This movie will leave you in a quiet and reflective mood. It will also leave you with a great appreciation for the real men who fought in the 54^th Massachusetts.

PURCHASABILITY

Ok the final votes are in and I would say if you are interested in buying this movie buy it. This movie is definitely worth 10 or fifteen dollars but since it is older I wouldn’t pay more than seven dollars for it. This movie is one that you will watch and want to have on hand. You will be able to buy it used at FYE or a used movie store. There is a cautionary warning I will let you know about. There are two versions of this film and there is only one I would buy. They made an edited version for teachers to show to students and then there is the original release which is rated R. I recommend the R version for a few reasons. While you can make a movie that is pg-13 that is good, there is something that increases the realism of the experience. If you want to watch a historical movie and skip the gore and emotion involved with it go ahead and get the edited version. On the other hand if you want to suffer and bond along with the men in the movie get the original release.

Glory lands at number nine in my top ten, it will move you and create a sensation of pride, not for you, but for the men who fought and shed blood for freedom.

American Pie (1,2,3...al of them)

Ok Folks this is an official review of all American Pie Movies. They all Suck!!!! I am sorry Eugene Levy is in this series. Not even he is enough to redeem these awful wastes of time.

Number ten of my top ten.

Thanks for reading "The Only Review You Need." This will be my first official post; hence the first posting was more of a welcome. This is my official top ten DVDs I own one by one:  Number 10 as it falls in my favorites is … drum roll... "First Blood," starring Sylvester Stallone, directed by Ted Kotcheff. This movie is rated R for Violence, language, and some gore.

  STORY
           The story is that of a war torn Vietnam veteran returning to the United States only to find that the emotion surrounding returning vets was not the hero's return he was expecting. In fact, his return was littered with harassment and discrimination. In a small town called Hope, he finds a group of ruthless and calloused sheriffs who push John Rambo over the line. He retreats into a forest where he then relies on his training as a green beret to outlast and survive the ensuing police force.

ACTING
            The acting troupe is led by Sylvester Stallone, with Richard Crenna,
 and Brian Dennehy. The acting is fairly believable as Stallone sticks with minimal dialogue. However, he still manages to put that "Stallone" touch into some classic lines such as "I could have killed them all, I could have killed you. In town the law is you, out here it's me." Crenna also offers some memorable lines, such as "I didn't come here to rescue Rambo from you; I came here to rescue you from him." All in all the acting is sufficient for a 1982 action drama.

MUSIC
            The music adds to the film in the way only a 1982 score* can. The original music is done by Jerry Goldsmith. It is a skillful and militaristic score, heavy with the percussion that adds tension where there needs to be, and balanced with subtle emotion that creeps through just enough to make one feel sorry for the solitary lonely soldier. It is surprising to have an orchestra supply the sounds in an 80's action movie, but the difference is encouraging.

RE-WATCHABILITY
            This last category I will address is another made up term: re-watch ability. Is this movie one that can be watched again and again? I can answer this question with a resounding yes. This is not a feel good movie but is surprisingly moving, and if you are in the need of an action film with real emotion and reasonable motives, then this is a great pick. The movie is not as gory as some of the newer war movies but still as gritty. I would say that I watch "First Blood" at least twice a year.

PURCHASABILITY
            Ok folks it is now time for my recommendation of purchasability. Purchasability is advised under a few conditions.  I would recommend that you buy this movie if you see it in a four pack for $15.00. Along with "First Blood" you get Rambo: First Blood Part 2, Rambo III and Rambo. The second and third Rambo films hold no real value except for ridiculous action scenes and fake emotionality, but the last Rambo is worth watching. It's still not nearly as good as "First Blood", but still good. Caution is advised before you watch the fourth Rambo, however; the level of gore is 1000 times more than the first. Over all Rambo lands in my top ten at number
 ten!
 

*Score verse soundtrack! The Score is music that was composed for the film, and the soundtrack will be music that is used in the move. The perfect example would be the Lion King. The Soundtrack was done by Elton John and Tim Rice, while the score was done by Hans Zimmer.

From The Author

Welcome to my new blog “The Only Review You Need!” I have decided to write this blog about movies. I plan on writing reviews specifically on movies that I own or will own when they are released on DVD. At the end of each blog I will rate the movie on a scale of what I will call “purchasability.” This will give you an idea of whether or not you should go out and buy the director’s cut for 24.99 without hesitation or whether you should wait until the 5 dollar bin at Wal-Mart or wait until there is a special at F.Y.E and you can get it for free.  

My fascination with movies began in high school after secretly watching my first R rated movie. The movie was Gladiator, staring Russell Crowe directed by Ridley Scott. That movie took me away into a land that existed far beyond my known reality.  That is when I realized that my escape would always be movies.  Gladiator took me into a world of realism that I had not seen before with the indescribable scenery, the ferocity of battle, the depth of true love for an ideal of principal, and the music that convinced me what I was feeling was real. Gladiator has remained on the top of my favorite films list, and I may have it to blame for spending way too much money on movies. 

Now that you know a bit about me and my reasons for writing this blog tune in next time for My Top Ten DVDs.  Thanks for reading “The Only Review You Need.”

-K Zade.