Film Filter: Off Again, I reviewed one of my favorite movies, partially due to the fact that this falls into my made-up genre of "Theological Thrillers". This film is also great because it is so much more than it seems on the surface; it's the definition of a diamond in the rough.
Pros- Having Denzel as the leading man really enhances just about any film. He does a fantastic job, as Denzel always does, and it doesn't hurt that the story line is very good.
To go off of that, the plot (and evolution of said plot) plays a very important part in several aspects of the film. There are MANY small roles, for example, that play big parts in the evolution of this story, and the directors did a good job of making that happen smoothly. The narration is also a very important part of the story, and if you've watched the movie more than once you truly appreciate it that much more.
In terms of characters, there were a few big actors featured in this film. I'd have to say, with the exception of some, the smaller characters are what really push this film out of the great and into excellent category. In order for the film to work properly, seemingly innocent people need to sporadically take on a drastic, malevolent personality change. They selected those individuals quite well, and they all executed their role with a creepy believability, along with a smooth transition back to normalcy.
The entire situation involving Denzel's character, Detective John Hobbes, is expertly unfolded. As he is antagonized, it little by little becomes harassment, then further unveils to threats and being set-up. While this interesting plot is happening on the surface, there is also a much darker, ancient story happening that intertwines with it. Pairing that with sprinklings of past circumstances in the precinct, and specific details regarding the murders, this story becomes a tri-level tale of good vs. evil.
Last, but never least, is the fantastic ending. I don't really want to give it away, but it is definitely unexpected, and makes the whole movie that much deeper.
Cons- I don't really have any, other than one thing that is a slight annoyance more than a con. Is John Hobbes' brother slow? I can't really tell. At some points, I think it's obvious that he is, and at other times I wonder if he's just supposed to be a quirky character.
Wrap up- This film is a must see for the Theological Thriller fan. It really is a one-of-a-kind film.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Film Filter: Off - Primal Fear
Film Filter: Off- I remember stumbling across this film when I was about 14 or 15 years old while my mom was watching it. I caught it about half way through, and it has since been one of my all time favorite movies, along with being the film that brought Edward Norton's acting prowess to my attention.
Pros- The cast in this film did a spectacular job delivering the roles they were given, particularly Norton. I'm a firm believer that, being his first big film, this is the movie that jump-started his career. Others may argue that it was Fight Club, but I counter that he never would have gotten that role if he had not first played Aaron Stampler in this film.
The story is interesting, interwoven, and impeccably played out. Although the movie can't take credit for that, since it was a book first, I would argue that this movie does the book justice. After I read it, I'll let you know.
By far and away the best part of this film is the way it ends. I can't say anything more or I'll spoil it, but it's what makes this film my favorite.
Cons- Keeping in mind that this movie is from the mid nineties, the following are more or less idiosyncrasies of the era rather than actual complaints.
The chase scene music is like the Seinfeld theme song meets a faulty electronic drum machine. Ick.
Some of the dialogue is a little cheesy, it probably worked within the confines of the book, but the movie didn't allow it to transition smoothly.
Wrap up- Overall, this movie needs to be seen if you haven't already done so. I mean, even the idiots on Netflix rated it 5 stars. If you like crime thrillers, and if you like Edward Norton, this is a must-see.
Pros- The cast in this film did a spectacular job delivering the roles they were given, particularly Norton. I'm a firm believer that, being his first big film, this is the movie that jump-started his career. Others may argue that it was Fight Club, but I counter that he never would have gotten that role if he had not first played Aaron Stampler in this film.
The story is interesting, interwoven, and impeccably played out. Although the movie can't take credit for that, since it was a book first, I would argue that this movie does the book justice. After I read it, I'll let you know.
By far and away the best part of this film is the way it ends. I can't say anything more or I'll spoil it, but it's what makes this film my favorite.
Cons- Keeping in mind that this movie is from the mid nineties, the following are more or less idiosyncrasies of the era rather than actual complaints.
The chase scene music is like the Seinfeld theme song meets a faulty electronic drum machine. Ick.
Some of the dialogue is a little cheesy, it probably worked within the confines of the book, but the movie didn't allow it to transition smoothly.
Wrap up- Overall, this movie needs to be seen if you haven't already done so. I mean, even the idiots on Netflix rated it 5 stars. If you like crime thrillers, and if you like Edward Norton, this is a must-see.
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