mike kidd (kiddmike)
mike's Recent Reviews
Kung Fu Panda 2
PG
A mere shadow of the prequel, this takes everything that the original had going for it and...makes it look tired very quickly. Although the animation - as ever - is smooth, colourful, and the action fast paced, something about this gave me the impression I was watching a sort of b-grade 'remix'. That's not to say that there are not some funny moments here, (it's hard for a film with Jack Black in it to not at least have a few laughs), this seemed to lose the mass-appeal of the first film and opt for a more commercialised feel, aimed at the kids. A bit of a disappointment.
Triangle
R
Rather than relying on character development apart from the major role played by Melissa George, Triangle focuses on building a tense, disorientating atmosphere, using the implications of time travel to excellent effect, all of which is not-too-subtly overshadowed by a nod to the Greek myth of Sisyphus, who was condemned by the gods to role a rock up a hill only to have to repeat the task for eternity (well, he got out of it actually, but this isn't a lesson in Greek mythology). Although I'm not sure that i'd describe it as a horror as such, Triangle is a minimal, compelling, crafty, and original film. Definitely worth seeking out.
mike's Favorite Movies
Aliens
R
What can i say? This is my favorite action movie of all. The only 'alien' movie anyone need ever watch (the rest of the sequels were pap - you're better off reading the original comics). I like this movie for a similar reason that i like Predator, watching a bunch of well-equipped, highly trained, super-gung ho yahoos get torn a new one by a supremely basic organism. And the end sequence with the exo-suit and the gaffa-taped pulse rifle has not been topped since. Hundreds have tried to emulate it, but have never gone anywhere near this film. Who said sequels are never as good as originals?
Wayne's World
PG-13
This movie not only introduced me to the comedy of Mike Meyers, it also actually showed me how to enjoy heavy metal. Moreover, this must be one of the biggest single sources of teenage slang offered up in the 90s. Anyone who used (or, like myself, continues to use) the following phrases owes this movie... "psycho hose beast", "the cream of some young guy", "she'd give a dog a bone", "sheah" (for indicating "obviously, yeah") or "shwing" (leave that definition up to you). Brilliant.
