Hey folks, Harry here with a pair of college screenings it looks like for JASON X and WINDTALKERS, both of which have begun to start showing up on College Student Union schedules as well as early promotional screening circuits. Overall, seems that both of these registered well on Bogart's radar. here ya go...
Hey Harry, I am a longtime reader but this is my first time sending any info. I just read your review of Jason X and I wanted to chime in since I saw a screening of it yesterday in Cincinnati. I totally agree with you that the is fun filled entertainment. I do not think it is the best Friday to date (I prefer Part 3 and the original better, Nothing beats Jason in 3-D), but I think it is a highlight in the series. The filmmakers and cast don't take them self serious and that results as a kick ass good time for the audience. This entry is more funny than any of the others and the virtual reality flashback scene near the end is an instant classic moment for Friday lovers. If you are a Friday fan, as I am, you will love the film or at least have great fun with it. If you hate the series, you may despise Jason X, but go in with low expectations and an open mind and I promise you'll find a few laughs and! an exciting ride. The ending is great and as campy as it comes. I recommend the film highly for at least a late night out with the friends.
WINDTALKERS
I also was lucky enough to catch an advanced screening of John Woo's Windtalkers, which doesn't hit theatres until the middle of June. I saw the film at a student activity event at teh University of Kentucky. I must say the film is not a masterpiece in the vein of The Killer or Hard Boiled, but it might be his best American film to date. What's Good? Well, to start Nicholas Cage gives easily his best performance since his riveting role in Leaving Las Vegas. That might not say much considering he starred in blockbusters like The Rock, ConAir, and Gone in Sixty Seconds, but he is really good here as a Marine Seargeant whose mission is to protect a code used to communicate between bases. The code is supplied by Navajo Indians who must not be captured by the enemy no matter what. This brings a moral dilemma because Cage's character must kill his Navajo code breaker if he is threatened with capture. The story is moving and impo! rtant because it explains how vital a role the Navajo Indians played in the war. Woo's storytelling and direction is powerful as always. Now, what's bad? Well, not much really. There are some corny scenes that feature cliches of war films but that is to be expected. I did not buy Yazzi's (Cage's code breaker) transformation from scared, nervous soldier to relentless, confident warrior totally. But for the most part Woo and Cage have made a really good film. In relation to recent war films, it is not as good as BlackHawk Down or Saving Private Ryan, but it still is a solid moviegoing experience.
Well, that's all for now. Keep up the good work, Harry. I enjoy reading you everyday and hope I can contribute more in the future.
You can call me Bogart.
