Cj's Recent Reviews
Maniacts
R
Can you still love, even though you are criminally insane?
The line between good and bad is often blurred in life.. creating a hazy vision of what seems to be real. This film embraces the ideas of morality, and defining the boundaries of justice, and righteousness, and most importantly, love.
A film about two serial killers falling in love, seems quite immoral. However, the basic principles and natural order of things will always remain true in life, regardless. This film helps you provide just cause to death and murder. Yes, as utilitarian, you must believe in the greater good. This movie is not so much about sacrifice though, as it is about glorifying and fantasizing death, through love, and comedy.
It doesn't make one immoral by rooting for this unconventional couple, it possibly even confirms your own line of morality, and the haziness of right and wrong.
Highlander
R
Setting: 1536
"There can be only one!!"
Holy shit, why do I enjoy this film so much. Maybe because of the endless folklore surrounding the Highlander mythology, the loopholes in the rules, explained coyly by Sean Connery. Or maybe it's seeing Christopher Lambert's bare ass. No, I think it is just the fact, that there can be only one!! No, for real though, there are like four or five I think, or maybe they aren't Highlanders, they are just immortal guys. Either way, what the fuck? How confusing can we be here. Clearly I am impressed a lot by this film's ability to confuse me.
Actually, there are really cool things about this film, as silly as it is on the surface with all the cheesy effects, and at times, ridiculous writing/acting. To enjoy such a film, it helps greatly to have a healthy and nurtured fantasy/sci-fi appreciation. Otherwise, I think it could easily bounce off the deflector shield of your mind's eye.
The most enjoyable aspect, for myself, honestly, was the soundtrack... Graciously and exclusively supplied by Queen. For an 80s action film, it doesn't get much more bad-ass than that!
The impact of Highlander has been huge though, inspiring countless other Highlanders to emerge. There are five films alone, not to mention countless television episodes, spin-off series, and even animated series, Nintendo games, and even CCG's.
The consensus seems to be= either you're on-board, or you're not.
One more time..
"There can be only one!!"
