Movies in Brief

     I decided to watch a film that I hadn’t seen in a while. It was a Showtime film which starred Pam Grier. Those of you that know me can guess why this film is even in my collection. 3 A.M. is the story of a day in the life of a waitress and several cab drivers. Their personal demons as they try to work and avoid being killed by a serial killer. I’m making it sound better than it is. The film also stars Danny Glover and Michelle Rodriguez. There are appearances by film maker/producer Spike Lee and rapper turned actor, Treach. Bobby Cannavale, Pepa of Salt and Pepa fame and Walt Frasier as himself.
The film gives us a glimpse into the lives of a half dozen cab drivers of various backgrounds. We follow them on their journey of one night, until the shift ends at 3 A.M.
The film was written and directed by Lee Davis, don’t worry I hadn’t heard of him either. It was produced by Spike Lee and Sam Kitt.

I watched several animated films this week. I love animation and good animation really captures my attention. 8 Man After is a film put together from various episodes of the series. It’s like an animated version of Terminator and Robo Cop. It’s very graphic and dark at times. It’s funny how life imitates art. Remember the bionic man? Now people are slowly becoming cyborgs as they are able to walk, run, see and do things they wouldn’t have been able to do 30 years ago.
Even in animation the acting can be over the top, but its animation. LOL. The visuals are pretty good.
We follow an investigation into cyborgs being hooked on a drug that causes mass destruction.

The other animated film I watched was Tarzan and Jane. This is the sequel to Tarzan. I’ve come to the conclusion, when it comes to Disney sequels, they aren’t as good as the first film. I think they are just trying to cash in on the popularity of the first film. The story of Tarzan and Jane is about their first year Anniversary and Jane wants to throw a party, but she is reminded of how Tarzan dealt with other situations. It’s fun for the kids. No big name voices behind the characters and the animation is so so.

I also watched another animated film, Perfect Blue. Now this brings animation to a whole new level. This is a psychological thriller. A pop icon, Mima goes from being part of a trio singing group, Cham, to being an actress. That part of the story isn’t original and nor is the stalking, but it is original for animation. Perfect Blue is based on a graphic novel.
The film goes back and forth from reality to the film world that Mima has become a part of. Her management shows concern of her image, but Mima tries to be a team player as the duo Cham rises to the top of the pop charts. Art seems to imitate art as Mima is stalked and the people around her seem to turn up dead. Perfect Blue is very brutal and graphic. This is certainly not an animated film for kids.

Thanks for stopping by, and do come back again. Remember to keep an open mind.