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blog, Chris Ellis, crime, Darcy Meyers, David Elliot, entertainment, Ernie Hudson, Film, James Spader, Joe Charbanic, Keanu Reeves, Marisa Tomei, movies, mystery, obsession, rants, review, The Watcher, thoughts, thriller
The Watcher (2000)
Directed by Joe Charbanic Story by David Elliot & Darcy Meyers Screenplay by David Elliot & Cllay Ayers
Two names enter my mind upon hearing Keanu Reeves: Ted and Johnny Utah. Yea OK, I guess Neo too but it was slightly difficult to enjoy those movies simply because in my head no matter what line I heard him say, I kept hearing the surfer accent he has become quite notorious for. Which is not to state that I haven’t enjoyed some of his other films were that is not the case: The Devil’s Advocate, Speed and The Replacements. But those were overall due to the fact that as a whole they were some pretty entertaining films. So thinking of Keanu as a killer would certainly be the furthest thing from my mind when thinking of “the one.” Though I just so happen to enjoy James Spader in whichever role I get to catch him in so what drew me to this movie was not simply seeing if Reeves was able to pull it off.
We begin with the opening credits intertwined within somewhat scattered images of a chase scene in which Campbell (Spader) is running after our killer. Campbell ceased by a car that almost runs him over and turns back to save the victim, giving the indication that it’s perhaps someone close to him. We are then given an aerial view of helicopters flying into the city as police race to block off streets and race towards a building, working their way up. We get glimpses of a more generous in size Keanu (looked good on him) who is “dancing” to Rob Zombie’s Dragula. Looking more awkward than anything else as the police bust through the door and the scene fades.
Simply playing with the audience, we are taken into real-time where Campbell is seen discussing the same murderer. Having left a clear imprint on his brain; only a couple of years after the opening incident had occurred. Speaking in a sort of idealistic manner to his therapist and explaining that this killer was very aware of what he is doing. Acquainted with police procedures, careful not to leave any evidence, picking victims he watched for weeks before finally pouncing. Every move carefully calculated. Once arriving home we see him take medication, taking notice to a package of which he’s in no hurry to open. A defeatist attitude overcoming our protagonist as he reminisces of what once was. As day falls to night, Griffin (Reeves) has found a way of getting inside his adversaries mind, speaking of a shared time in their past being their finest moment. Campbell is constantly reminded of being so close to capturing the killer when having attacked a loved one of his own, being tormented by what could have been. Keeping medicated as frequent as possible having caused physical as well as psychological damage.
Having long since retired Campbell makes it clear he’s in no mood to be stopped by frivolous police tape as he walks straight through to his apartment. Stopped by officer Hollis (Chris Ellis) who briefly questions him wondering if he had even noticed the police tape surrounding the entire block. He did, just didn’t care and I don’t blame him. Finally deciding to open the FedEx package he received, he finds a picture of a woman recalling a previous package; with yet another photo of a different woman. Reaching Hollis as soon as possible to state that he had known who has committing the crimes briefly discussed, convening at the police station to further investigate the issue. Explaining how he had previously worked on the case for a little over 3 years with the slightest chance of it not being the same person but knowing better.
Ibby (Ernie Hudson) grudgingly insist Campbell with the case, doing so simply because of his 3 year start, declining and later visiting his ex at her grave-site. We also catch a different angle keeping a fine eye on Campbell periodically through his everyday life. Speaking with his therapist once again, played by Marisa Tomei, who asks if he planned on living off retirement forever. Countering with a defensive response to explain the amount of drugs having to inject into his body, daily, just to be able to sleep. He receives a call later that night from Griffin, explaining that he wouldn’t be able to make things work with the officer. Purely a game for the killer, he continues to send pictures of his victims to Campbell, giving him until the next day at 9 PM to locate the target.
The next morning he’s awakened by a knock at the door with a deliver of flowers and card attached with the picture. Immediately finding Ibby to state of how he was now interested in picking the case back up. They decide to go public with the photo in hopes of finding her within the allotted time as the city races to beat the clock. Scouting the mall she works at, they barely miss her but are finally able to piece together the background of her photo. Being far too late as the clock strikes 9 with Griffin already having waited for his victim to return home. Immediately claiming his next target which was a young homeless girl begging for change.
While eating at a regular restaurant of his with Hollis, he remembers something Griffin had stated about keeping an eye on him. Pretending to go to the restroom, he sneaks out the back and finds the suspect. Ensuing in a brief chase scene in which he gets even closer to him but alas, makes his daring escape as expected. Of course; you can’t just let him win 50 minutes into the movie! The next day he has another appointment with Polly (therapist) as it seems Griffin gets off in the sense of danger. A familiar face catches up with the elevator and rides the long way up in complete silence. An unbelievable tension that you cannot believe your witnessing. It’s not like you were on the search for a killer whose following your every move and whose face you have no idea what looks like. -_-
Polly picks up a new patient and Griffin has prepared for what would be a future victim. This one hitting home to Campbell once again. Another failed attempt to save the second victim leads to the same type of chase seen time and time again. We get it. Put into the hospital from the amount of stress, it seems the police department had received one last photo from Griffin with Campbell watching closely, getting the message loud and clear. Ripping out his IV’s and exiting the hospital, I guess it’s just that easy, he finds himself at the grave visited earlier with a surprise guest; Griffin. Offering nothing more than a nice cold beer and some conversation. What follows next was a bit odd as the two go for a ride so that Campbell is able to see for his own eyes if Polly was okay. He even gives him his gun and doesn’t seem too discomforted by the situation which may sound a bit careless but at this point, knowing he didn’t want him dead just yet. The fact that he used the time to call Hollis and have the call traced helped as well. Taking us back to the oh so nice “dancing” moves seen in the beginning, reaching the conclusion. Griffin admits needing Campbell, that they completed one another other; yadda yadda. Making the dynamic between the two seeming a bit too much like the Joker and Batman which…I mean, you just don’t compare, if your picking up what I’m putting down.
Final thoughts: All in all, it’s shot as a regular detective cat and mouse filck because at its base line that’s what it is. If you’re a fan of Spader than he’s certainly worth seeing the movie for. He played a great cop. Tomei is barely seen throughout the film so it was difficult to form an actual opinion of her though I didn’t seeing another familiar face in that aspect. Which leaves s with Keanu. I found him to be too funny for this particular type of role although I do wonder how much better/worse the movie may have been with someone else in his place. He tried to play the comical psychopath but caught up in that first half which inevitably ruined the “killer” aspect.
There is a bit of a twist involved with Campbell’s ex that doesn’t connect until well into the movie which was a “ah ha” kinda moment. But nothing really adding to the story. The music in the film was also a bit too cheesy when simple piano keys could have sufficed. This was the directors only movie having shot since and prior of which was quite a shame. The film had some considerably great shots as well as cut scenes in the midst of Griffin’s death exhibitions that were nicely put together. As an added mark they let the audience see through the killers eyes which was displayed as a shoddy type documentary style which wasn’t all too bad. You certainly wont be scared or surprised necessarily with any components in the film so it’s ones own personal reasons if choosing to view. although I will say I have seen worse and hey, I got to see Reeves attempt at being stone cold killer.
I remember seeing TV ads for this movie when it came out. The TV ads looked unintentionally hilarious, from what I remember.
It’s been a while since I saw this movie. And you couldn’t enjoy the Matrix movies? I enjoyed the first two Matrix movies, but I thought the third one was absolutely awful.
Funny thing – today I had assumed it was James Woods in this movie, not James Spader. So it would seem, that I have made a big blunder. But ever since seeing him in Sex Lies and Videotape, I’ve been a fan of Spader’s.
For a while, I preferred Rob Zombie over White Zombie, but those days are behind me. I can’t remember if the killer looked awkward in that early scene, but it’s safe to assume he did, and that you’re right.
I’ve seen Ernie Hudson in different stuff over the years – so it was good to see him in this movie.
I was intrigued that you mentioned how Joker and Batman complete each other. Well, the concept was pretty clear in The Dark Knight movie. But even back in the 1980s, a pretty cool graphic novel called The Killing Joke explored the same concept – not sure if you heard of it, but it wasn’t as awesome as I expected it to be. But overall, it was awesome, just not as awesome as I expected it to be. So I agree – the two guys in this movie CANNOT compare to characters as legendary as Batman and the Joker!
Your critique of the film was well-done. It was pretty obvious who would be involved in the final showdown, as would be expected from a Hollywood movie. My memory’s hazy – but I might’ve been hoping that all of the main characters would die!
It wasn’t that I didn’t enjoy the matrix movies but felt quite the same..the 3rd put me to sleep every time I tried to watch it. I’ve enjoyed Spader since I saw him be the cruel rich kid in Pretty in Pink.And why yes, I do have that comic, or HAD it at least..I have a small collection of graphic novels, big ol Batman fan even though sadly in the past year I haven’t been able to be as involved as I was. A somewhat new series called Gotham City Sirens came out most recently that I had last been following but am pretty behind nowadays on such. It followed Catwoman, Posion Ivy and Harley Quinn after Batman’s death and had Hush taking over as Bruce Wayne..pretty good series when it started out but I also remember it starting to lose my attention by the 14th comic or so. Or if you’ve ever read the graphic novel just titled Joker; graphics are pretty great and it’s certainly a bit of a nice story-line.
Ah yes, I actually own Pretty In Pink on DVD (I got it cheap – BUT I am a fan of the movie!) I forgot that Spader was in that movie – he did a pretty good job of playing a scumbag.
Gotham City Sirens sounds pretty cool – I hadn’t heard anything about it before!
Yup, I do own the graphic novel called Joker – and I think it’s awesome. It sounds like you know more about the World(s) of Batman than I do. I have heard about a lot of the main Batman graphic novels, but I haven’t actually read many graphic novels. But that is something I plan on changing soon. I find graphic novels are easier to read than the monthly/regular Batman comics, just because you kinda need to know about decades of Batman storylines.
There’s a book I plan on getting next month or so – it’s an official DC Comics Encyclopedia. I think I’ll need it, so that I can catch up on decades of DC Comics storylines. But even so, I don’t expect to get many of the monthly superhero comics – I usually prefer graphic novels (and the occasional trade paperback).
My next acquisition is going to be a trade paperback called The Crisis on Infinite Earths – I don’t think Batman is in that storyline much, because I think it’s mostly Superman. But it does look like a MUST-HAVE for my collection. I’m guessing you don’t like Superman much – but his comics are actually really cool! I’m just hoping they won’t screw up the new Superman movie, because Superman Returns looked really shitty (I’m afraid to watch that movie).
They are definitely easier and what I do, I just have a lot of graphic novels! haha The only comic issues I actually collected where the Wonderland series for Zenescope. They have so many great variant covers.
I have seen that in person; it’s beautiful. You would guess correctly in guessing and have no doubt of their being some good issues, just usually stick with the dark knight. The series War Games was pretty good if you haven’t already heard of it. And it was awful! I remember being in the theater and being disappointed in the first 10 minutes. The rest of the movie was just painful.
I also have an extremely bad feeling about the Green Lantern movie. For instance, I heard the villain is Parallax – and in the TV ads I’ve seen, Parallax looks like a big cloud that’s trying to destroy the Earth. But in the trade paperbacks I own, Parallax is pretty much like a spirit, that possesses Green Lanterns, and turns them evil. And as far as I know, that’s… all that Parallax does. I saw a comment by one critic, that said the movie’s writers ignored a treasure trove of good storylines and good ideas from the Green Lantern comics. And it sounds like that guy was right.
And since that Green Lantern movie sounds bad, I’m expecting the new Superman movie to also be bad. The TV ads for The Dark Knight Rises looked unimpressive, but I have a feeling that it’ll turn out to be really good in the end. As for the next Batman movie they plan on making – I will expect it to be bad, since they want it to tie-in with the Superman and Green Lantern movies.
I only saw a few minutes of that movie..it was really all that was needed. I didn’t like the way the movie “looked” if that makes sense. They want to tie-in Batman to the Superman movies? your kidding right..The ads and the story-line for The Dark Knight Rises certainly has me interested though I do have concerns. Not something I’m actually gonna worry about going out and seeing the first week but maybe after that point or so. I have no doubt in Nolan’s ability and I’m sure it will be another great addition to the blockbusters we’ve already had this summer; it’s been too built up for me. They’ve switched some characters around; first I had heard about Talia being in the movie and than she turned into Miranda Tate and I think I saw a scene where she kisses Batman and this mis-leading here and there; kind of over it. I honestly have greatly disliked Hathaway being Catwoman, I just don’t feel she deserves the role and I mean come one they could of done better than the “superman” get up feel they gave her. Your telling me no one in Gotham will be able to tell it’s her? I’m not sure, I’ve been rather conflicted about this film, I have lost the initial drive I had to see the film which is certainly disappointing.
I’m not sure if you saw it – but the Batman cartoon (from the 1990s, where Kevin Conroy voiced Batman) was GREAT. And so was the Superman cartoon from the 1990s! And what impressed me the most, is that the Superman and Batman cartoons had a crossover – and it was actually pretty cool! And the Superman cartoon was so great, that I bought the first season on DVD, and plan on getting the rest at some point.
Anyway, I HOPE that the future Superman and Batman movies will be good. But it is safe to say, that the future Batman movies WILL NEVER be as good as the Christopher Nolan movies. And that kinda sucks, because even if the future Batman movies are good, I’ll be thinking “These Batman movies aren’t nearly as good as Christopher Nolan’s movies.” But as long as the future Batman movies are better than Joel Schumacher’s Batman movies – that’ll count for something!
I actually had to look up “Talia” to see who she was. I’m pretty sure she was in a Ra’s al-Ghul episode of the 1990s Batman cartoon – but I had completely forgotten about her since then. I briefly skimmed the intro of her Wikipedia article.
I see “Miranda Tate” is being played by Marion Cotillard. I like Cotillard, and she has talent. I just read a few excerpts on Wikipedia – and I think it would’ve been better if Catwoman wasn’t in the movie. I would LOVE to see if Cotillard could play “Talia”. But since they’re keeping as much of the movie a secret as possible – I HOPE that it will turn out “Miranda Tate” IS “Talia”! I don’t expect that to happen – but one can always dream, right?
Anne Hathaway wasn’t able to play a dangerous woman convincingly, in the movie Rachel Getting Married. And since Catwoman is supposed to be an EXTREMELY dangerous woman – I doubt Hathaway was a good choice for that role. But I am HOPING that Hathaway will prove me wrong.
I have seen episodes and certainly agree however would not be able to speak on them as though it had just been the other day, and actually do not remember the crossover but I can always look those episodes and whatnot. I also agree that future movies will in no way be able to compare to Nolan’s but that’s already true of so many movies in the past that I’ve come to expect that with certain movies that I see made. Sad to sometimes even say, “Yanno, in the 5 years when they re-make this maybe they could do this instead” or something of that nature.
Everyone gives Schumacher crap and yes Batman & Robin was dreadfully awful for adults but it was good entertainment for say, 10 and under and at least if that can peak their interest in Batman they would be willing to go out and actually find Batman movies worth being seen and appreciated. Clooney was such a terrible choice though and Silverstone for Batgirl? Pssh How dare he, haha
Cotillard was actually rumored to play Talia first and then got switched to Tate so there’s always a chance I suppose. I’ve seen that they plan to make Tate as the love interest as well which I don’t really see playing out; Batman (in the comics) eventually got with Talia and they had a child SO that could/would spark way too much to cover in 3 hours though I think would be good for future movies of the Dark Knight.
I really am hoping that too. Flat out, I don’t think she deserved the role and I’m not looking forward to her being in it. She did all stunts but 2 (according to her) so “props” for her going through with as much as she could give. Like you said yanno, she’s not dangerous, she was just starting to become pretty; you can’t throw dangerous on top like that so quickly and expect it to gel well together. It’s freaking Ella Enchanted and The Princess Diaries “girl” for pete’s sake. Then those teeth of her’s; here I am getting wayy off track though. A lot of people didn’t like Pfeiffer’s Catwoman but she certainly owned that role I feel.
Did you ever see Hathaway in Havoc? She played the “willing” and curious participant of a gang,and blah blah. It’s worth a watch but because Freddy Rodriguez was great in it. Plus you got to see Joseph Gordon-Levitt as a rich whit kid acting black which was pretty humorous. ANYWAY have you heard of David Letterman maybe having leaked the ending to Batman? I’ve probably thought of at least 3 different ways they could tell the story or what would/could happen so I will certainly will be interested to see how he chose to do so.
I watched the 1990s Batman cartoons so often when I was a kid, that I was quite familiar with them all. However, it’s been over a decade since I watched them, so my memory is hazy. There’s a station called Teletoon Retro in Canada that occasionally shows episodes – but I want to ensure that when I watch them again, that I see them all, and in order. Teletoon Retro doesn’t seem to be showing the episodes in order. Pity.
Christopher Nolan probably believes that there will never be a sequel to The Dark Knight Rises. But it wouldn’t surprise me, if there’s a sequel someday – whether or not he agrees to direct it. It reminds me of how Rob Zombie said there would never be a Halloween 2, because he said the first movie made it impossible to have a sequel. But then Hollywood executives decided there was going to be a Halloween 2, whether or not Rob Zombie agreed to participate. So in the end, Rob Zombie agreed to write/direct the sequel, rather than let someone else take control of the series. I haven’t seen Halloween 2 – but I consider it unfortunate that Halloween 2 was made. I will probably feel the same way if there is ever a sequel to Dark Knight Rises.
My sister’s favourite Batman movie is Batman and Robin. Unfortunately, she hates Batman Begins, and has little interest in The Dark Knight. Batman and Robin certainly wasn’t a cool movie – but that IS the way Batman comics were in the early 1960s, from what I hear. I wouldn’t hate the Schumacher movies as much, if they weren’t supposed to be sequels to the Tim Burton movies. But you do make a good point – seeing Schumacher’s Batman movies could make kids seek out the cool Batman movies (and hopefully even comic books).
My sister is also a big fan of a Batman cartoon from the 1970s – called The New Adventures of Batman (voiced by Adam West and Burt Ward). The homoeroticism in that cartoon is so high, it’s incredibly hilarious. And in one episode, a scientist announces that he has invented a new car that runs on water, which was stolen by the Joker. Then the scientist says “but if saltwater gets put in the car, the car will explode with the force of a nuclear bomb!” Needless to say, I was dumbfounded. But it’s one hell of a car!
If “Miranda Tate” is the Bruce Wayne love interest, I could accept that, as long as Catwoman isn’t the Batman or Bruce Wayne love interest. One reason Spider-Man 3 was so awful, is because it didn’t know how to handle a love triangle among the main characters. That reminds me – I haven’t been in a movie theatre in three years, but I do plan on seeing The Amazing Spider-Man this afternoon, and Dark Knight Rises in August. (Certain superhero movies are worth seeing in a theatre, in my books).
And Batman had a kid? THAT BLOWS MY MIND.
You’ll have to indulge me – what is wrong with Anne Hathaway’s teeth? And I agree – Pfeiffer’s Catwoman was AWESOME.
I haven’t seen Havoc, but I did hear about it a few years ago. Freddy Rodriguez seems to be good in everything I’ve seen him in – like the Six Feet Under TV series, and Planet Terror, etc. I just saw on IMDB that Freddy Rodriguez is going to be in a movie called CBGB – so I’m looking forward to that! If I had billions of dollars at my disposal, I would’ve bought CBGB, and turned it into a museum.
I haven’t heard about that David Letterman incident – but I’m guessing it’s on youtube. HOWEVER, I’m too afraid to look it up. It sounds like he hasn’t ruined the movie – but I’ll be trying to make sure I walk into the theatre with barely any information about the film’s plot.
I can’t remember if I said this already – but one thing I hope they’ll do in The Dark Knight Rises, is mention the Joker. Something like Bruce Wayne saying “Did they ever find out who the Joker is?” Then Commissioner Gordon just shakes his head, with an uncomfortable look on his face.
I have no doubt someday there may be a “sequel” or however they choose to go about it but oh well. I seem to be alone in liking Zombie’s versions of Halloween. Those were my first reviews and I think I spoke more about the movie than I even bothered with what happened in it haha I know you shouldn’t mess with a classic but I thought he added a lot that I could appreciate as a fan of the particular story-line. And he did a fine job with the second one I thought. As far as the third; I believe that shouldn’t really be something they go on with but “they” will do what they will.
Why doesn’t she like Batman Begins?? I do agree about them being sequels..By themselves, would be fine but it doesn’t really make sense to connect them to Burton’s. Though I did like Batman Forever because of the actors in it, mainly Carrey Tommy Lee Jones and hey, I didn’t actually mind seeing Kilmer as the Bat.
I definitely need to check out those, they sound pretty awesome. You’ve seen the original Batman with Adam West movie right?
So did you see The Amazing Spider-Man? I’ve only heard good things so hopefully you enjoyed it somewhat. And not only a kid but was technically married as well, crazy huh? Oh and I just think she has horse teeth that I cannot help but stare at every time she’s on screen. She’s pretty, but I don’t find her sexy and that’s what I picture when I think of Catwoman.
I have found that about Freddy Rodriguez as well. I always saw him as the funny guy in certain flicks like The Pest or Can’t Hardly Wait so was glad when he finally started getting a bit more serious roles. Harsh Times wasn’t too bad but I always like Dirty better; with Cuba Gooding Jr. and Clifton Collins Jr. If you have yet to see it, maybe you would like..
As far as the Joker thing I think I had heard that they MAY mention him but they had asked Nolan about “bringing him back” in any way and he stated he wouldn’t feel right doing that. Then at the MTV awards they had the stars show a clip from the new movie and of the past ones and Christian Bale got pretty teary eyed..it was a bit sad.
I did like Rob Zombie’s first Halloween. I saw most of John Carpenter’s Halloween, and wasn’t impressed. I just find the original “Michael Myers” boring. But I am a Jamie Lee Curtis fan – a lot of people don’t like her looks, but I still do. I preferred Rob Zombie’s vision of “Michael Myers”. I just read your review of Halloween – and I was impressed as you discussed the relationship between “Myers” and his mother. And Rob Zombie’s audio commentaries are always enjoyable.
My sister says Batman Begins is boring. Well, there is a lot less excitement in Batman Begins than The Dark Knight. But I’m starting to think that I might prefer Batman Begins more than The Dark Knight. I mean, as far as coolness goes, when Batman busts through the train window, and glares at Ra’s al-Ghul, then al-Ghul has a look of disbelief and worry on his face, is AWESOME. And the sight of them slugging it out was also awesome.
I didn’t like Batman Forever, mainly because I thought Val Kilmer was too bland. Then again, Michael Keaton’s Bruce Wayne was also pretty bland, even though his Batman was awesome. If I watched Batman Forever with the mindset that it WASN’T a sequel, I’d be able to enjoy it a lot more – but I don’t know if I can do that.
I’ve seen a bunch of episodes of the old Batman live-action TV show from the 1960s. It’s a pretty fun show! I liked it when I was a kid, but I enjoy it even more, as an adult.
The Amazing Spider-Man wasn’t quite as good as I expected. One thing I loved – is that it was called “The Amazing Spider-Man” – just like the comic books! The first Sam Raimi Spider-Man movie was a lot more faithful to Stan Lee’s vision. However, I was glad that the Amazing Spider-Man differed from Sam Raimi’s movie, in most ways. For one thing – I was OVERJOYED that the new Spider-Man movie has Spider-Man using artificial web shooters (just like the old school comics), rather than webbing that comes out of his own body. However, I found it easier to relate to “Peter Parker” in Sam Raimi’s movie, since he was such a social retard. “Peter Parker” is a lot more suave in the new Spider-Man movie. And in the new movie, the final showdown was a let-down, because Spider-Man was already severely injured before the big fight – so he didn’t put up much of a fight. I wanted to see Spider-Man be healthy enough to trade lots of punches with the Lizard. But I keep forgetting, that Spider-Man gets injured just like any ordinary human – if Spider-Man got slammed through a brick wall (as Superman often does), Spider-Man wouldn’t be getting back up. And I was also hoping the Lizard would look like he did in the comics, and I was disappointed he didn’t. But it was AWESOME that “Gwen Stacy” is the love interest, rather than “Mary Jane” – because that’s the way it was in the comics. Spider-Man was my favourite superhero when I was a kid – I’m still a big fan today, but I’m not really a fan of any other Marvel heroes. I prefer the DC Universe.
Batman married and with a kid – I guess the comic writers were desperate for ideas, before they settled on that idea. That said, I am glad it was with a character that seems as cool as “Talia”.
IMDB says this is the description of Dirty: “Two gangbangers-turned-cops try and cover up a scandal within the LAPD.” Needless to say, I’m sold! Plus, Keith David is in the movie, and he’s always awesome. I’ll see if I can have it watched tomorrow.
I also saw the full trailer for The Dark Knight Rises yesterday. I must now admit, that I really want to see the movie now. I’ve seen a few TV ads, and they were quite unimpressive. But the trailer looked great!
I finished watching Dirty a couple hours ago. I didn’t think Cuba Gooding Jr could play that character, but he proved me wrong, I am pleased to say, that movie, in my opinion, is the way Training Day should’ve been. Too bad Training Day dropped the ball.
I’ve never been a avid fan of Spiderman though only because my devotion was too strong for Batman but I do wish I would of ventured out. I would still like to see The Amazing Spider-man because I’ve been a fan of Andrew Garfield. Have you ever seen Boy A? It was a pretty good film with him.
I’m glad you liked Dirty; they both did such a great job I thought. I had my thoughts about Cuba as well but much prefer those types of roles he’ll do at time opposed his more “light” stuff. I don’t actually remember Training Day all too well. Denzel Washington I do somwhat remember and how everyone raved about him. The thing is that it becomes harder for me to continue to like him when he’s roles are the exact same “character” but different scripts. It’s like, ok I get it “Your a bad-ass!” now try and mix it up a bit yanno.
I’ve glanced through the occasional Spider-Man comic over the past decade. And man – do they ever look like shit. In 2005, I found out Spider-Man was a member of The Avengers, so I was not happy about that. And a few years ago, I found out Spider-Man revealed his identity to the World. THAT was the final straw for me. However, in the future, I plan on acquiring EVERY Marvel Masterworks of old school Spider-Man comics – they’re reprints of old school Spider-Man comics. I’d probably stop collecting them once they start reprinting the 1990s issues. That’s when it seems Spider-Man started to suck.
I never heard of Boy A until today. But it looks like a pretty good movie, so I’ll add it to my list of films to see.
The first half of Training Day was actually pretty good – just two cops going around town, etc. But then some hilariously implausible coincidences happen, AND THEN it leads to an incredibly lame and cliched final showdown between the good cop and the dirty cop. Well, most of the blame is on the filmmakers, and not so much Denzel Washington. It’s obvious the cast were powerless to prevent the film’s plot from sinking into such a deep level of stupidity. Still – I thought a huge star like Denzel Washington would’ve complained about the plot.
I used to pay close attention to mainstream movies when Training Day came out. At the time, I was young and naive, so I thought “If a movie gets an Oscar, then it MUST be good!” Well, thanks to movies like Training Day and The Reader and Gladiator, I lost faith in the Oscars. I mean, Denzel Washington and Kate Winslet and Russell Crowe DID NOT DESERVE TO WIN OSCARS FOR THOSE MOVIES (unless every single performance in every single movie those years were bad).
I honestly would’ve loved to see Cuba Gooding Jr get an Oscar for Dirty. And I agree, the guy that played his partner was also exceptional. I mean, he played a “good cop”, without making the character annoying as hell. I sympathized with the good cop, and I didn’t want to see him die. (As far as cop movies go, I usually want the good cops to end up dead – the bloodier the death, the better). I was also really surprised by the good cop’s secret.
I see nothing wrong with giving an Oscar for a great performance in a shitty movie. I can’t think of any examples off the top of my head. I certainly wouldn’t say Denzel Washington’s performance in Training Day was “great”, but it was actually quite good. Urgh. I still don’t like the thought of him getting an Oscar for that movie, and not Malcolm X. What a travesty!
Come to think of it, I haven’t seen many Denzel Washington movies. If all he does is play a badass, over and over again, then I’ll gladly skip those movies. He’s got talent – it’s just too bad he prefers to waste it in expensive Hollywood films, over well-made lower-budget movies like Dirty. You’d think he’d accept a pay cut every so often.