2008 Woodie Awards
Three Movie Reviews to Wet Your Whistle
Christopher Erat
Issue date: 1/16/06 Section: Entertainment
KING KONG
Peter Jackson's spectacle of ape-ic proportions is a breathtaking example of computer graphics put to use for the right reasons. Normally CG is only used for flash or to give a scene an extra "wow" factor, but in King Kong it is more-so used for dramatic purposes.
Yes, there are plenty of scenes of questionable necessity that seem to be there only because of Jackson's childish love of all things creepy and crawly. But those few scenes are also mixed with ones of beauty and sadness. This is the first time I have ever seen a film where the CG has truly enhanced the viewing experience in every way.
Take the 1933 original King Kong and compare it to Jackson's vision. Did you ever once feel sorrow for Kong and his dangerous exploits in the original? The answer is more than likely no. In Jackson's version, Kong comes across as a lonely, misunderstood creature who is the last of his kind in a world that is losing all the spectacles of the past. Although fictitious, the Eighth Wonder of the World, as Kong is known, is the one of the few wonders left that can inspire those living in the Depression era setting of the movie.
The film, as a result, comes across as a wonder itself. See it in theaters before you lose your chance.
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BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN
Yes, fellow Clarkson students, I have seen Brokeback Mountain. By all means, go ahead and laugh. I will give you a couple of minutes to get it all out.
Okay, still with me? If you have not heard of the film, I will be blunt, superficial, and politically incorrect in my description: it is about two gay cowboys. Starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger, the film features a few short, graphic scenes of homosexual intercourse and many scenes depicting the love shared by the two men.
Frightened? I can understand why you would be if you cannot fathom two men being in love. I would hope that we live in a society where a person can at least be understanding of a person's love for another, but I realize that this is not the case. I almost pity those who dismiss this film as "gay" because underneath the surface exists a beautiful, haunting story of true love that survives for reasons that not even the two men understand.
Strongly acted, brilliantly scored, and skillfully directed, Brokeback Mountain is sure to make a good impression on the members of the Academy at this year's Oscars. Bet your money on it.
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SYRIANA
A political thriller that manages to effectively incorporate many of today's controversial topics in a way that comes across as both broad and personal, Syriana is the answer to many film enthusiasts' prayers.
Syriana focuses on the state of the oil industry and the relationship between the United States and the Middle East. It is politically charged and takes an attentive viewer to pick up on all the plot details.
One could quickly assume that the all-star cast (George Clooney, Matt Damon, Amanda Peet) takes away from the serious nature of the film, but thankfully the stars take a back seat to the epic story.
Catch Syriana at the Roxy while it is hot.
Peter Jackson's spectacle of ape-ic proportions is a breathtaking example of computer graphics put to use for the right reasons. Normally CG is only used for flash or to give a scene an extra "wow" factor, but in King Kong it is more-so used for dramatic purposes.
Yes, there are plenty of scenes of questionable necessity that seem to be there only because of Jackson's childish love of all things creepy and crawly. But those few scenes are also mixed with ones of beauty and sadness. This is the first time I have ever seen a film where the CG has truly enhanced the viewing experience in every way.
Take the 1933 original King Kong and compare it to Jackson's vision. Did you ever once feel sorrow for Kong and his dangerous exploits in the original? The answer is more than likely no. In Jackson's version, Kong comes across as a lonely, misunderstood creature who is the last of his kind in a world that is losing all the spectacles of the past. Although fictitious, the Eighth Wonder of the World, as Kong is known, is the one of the few wonders left that can inspire those living in the Depression era setting of the movie.
The film, as a result, comes across as a wonder itself. See it in theaters before you lose your chance.
---
BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN
Yes, fellow Clarkson students, I have seen Brokeback Mountain. By all means, go ahead and laugh. I will give you a couple of minutes to get it all out.
Okay, still with me? If you have not heard of the film, I will be blunt, superficial, and politically incorrect in my description: it is about two gay cowboys. Starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger, the film features a few short, graphic scenes of homosexual intercourse and many scenes depicting the love shared by the two men.
Frightened? I can understand why you would be if you cannot fathom two men being in love. I would hope that we live in a society where a person can at least be understanding of a person's love for another, but I realize that this is not the case. I almost pity those who dismiss this film as "gay" because underneath the surface exists a beautiful, haunting story of true love that survives for reasons that not even the two men understand.
Strongly acted, brilliantly scored, and skillfully directed, Brokeback Mountain is sure to make a good impression on the members of the Academy at this year's Oscars. Bet your money on it.
---
SYRIANA
A political thriller that manages to effectively incorporate many of today's controversial topics in a way that comes across as both broad and personal, Syriana is the answer to many film enthusiasts' prayers.
Syriana focuses on the state of the oil industry and the relationship between the United States and the Middle East. It is politically charged and takes an attentive viewer to pick up on all the plot details.
One could quickly assume that the all-star cast (George Clooney, Matt Damon, Amanda Peet) takes away from the serious nature of the film, but thankfully the stars take a back seat to the epic story.
Catch Syriana at the Roxy while it is hot.