K's Recent Reviews
Alien
R
Still ranked as one of the greatest sci-fi horrors ever captured on celluloid. The list of reasons for this is exhaustive: the iconic,eponymous alien; the stunning set design; the theme of gender reversal; the rich characterisation and superb acting; the twists; and so on (as I said, exhaustive).
There's a reason why certain films disregard age and persevere, and it's simply because the original vision has yet to be matched, let alone surpassed.
Alien is such a film.
Collateral
R
As with 'Heat', Mann creates a world in which two opposite worlds collide in a spectacular eruption of violence.
On one side, the methodical plan-man quietly working towards achieving his goals; on the other, an impatient, instinct-driven, planless-man who also has a number of goals to achieve, albeit in a more limited time.
The action is fantastic (as expected in a Michael Mann film), and the dialogue is sharp and quite philiosophical.
We see the characters evolve and come to understand, if not accept, and learn from each other, something which is neatly confirmed in the climatic shootout.
K's Favorite Movies
No Country for Old Men
R
This perfect storm of Coenesque philiosophical nihilism and McCarthyite brutality produces a fantastic thriller which not only provides plenty of excitment but also explores deeper, richer themes. An excellent movie.
There Will Be Blood
R
A perfect example of a film driven by the characters rather than the action. Shows what a man must be willing to give up -family, friends, love - in order satiate his yearnings for power. The devestation wrought by such a man touches all. A haunting, juggernaut of a film. Fantastic.
