1 comments about The Lost Boys.

1. A true cult classic. Although the second go round fell a bit flat, the original is both captivating, sensual & frighteningly evil. As for the cast: PERFECTION.

5 comments about Wild Zero.

1. I love this film. not such a huge fan of the band, only a little one, but this still it's so~ awesome!. not mislead you into that it's award winning material. It's pretty B-grade. but it's such a B-grade film, It's so bad, it's good! ROCK & ROLL~!!
   
   And if you don't check it out, zombies will come eat your brains! @W@



2. In a nutshell: "Dawn of the Dead" by Romero meets "Lola" by the Kinks with a little bit of "Plan 9 from Outer Space" and "The Crying Game" thrown in for good measure.
   
   Plot Summary: A Japanese Rock and Roll Wannabe (Ace), complete with black leather jacket and motorcycle, happens to be in a small town in Japan that just happens to be ground zero for an alien invasion, via zombies. Along the way the band Guitar Wolf, a corrupt manager, an gunrunner/mercenary, and 3 slackers wander through the film. Armed with nothing more than his wits (such as they are) and the "love of rock and roll" Ace has to defend civilization (or at least one cute girl) from the zombies. Over the course of the film the zombies eat people, get shot in the head, show a degree of mobility and intelligence that varies from "potted plant" to "low normal," and generally behave the way anyone who has ever seen a post-Romero zombie film would expect them to. The alien invasion aspect of the film is pretty much just a plot device to explain the zombies and all we ever see of them is their ships flying past.
   
   Review: (Warning, this review contains a "Spoiler") This had the potential to be a nice little zombie movie. Unfortunately, "Wild Zero" decides that we need a "message". Unlike some of the other reviewers, I didn't think that having my horror movie "spiked" with the director's punk rock, free love, down with capitalism, and the power of rock and roll philosophy improved anything.
   
   Bottom Line: This movie is for hardcore zombie move enthusiasts (if you just have to complete your collection and/or you really want to see a bunch of zombie heads exploding - this is the film for you) and fans of Japanese punk rock only. For a much better, albeit still low budget, zombie film check out "Hide and Creep" or if you want big money polish and special effects in your zombie movies check out the Romero classics and the recent remake.



3. You have to be a die-hard Guitar Wolf fan, or a complete lover of zombie films to really like this film. While I like every genre on the Japanese or any Asian film market, zombie films are really not my type of films. So, I might be a bit biased against the film. But I do know what I like, and this film really takes quite a lot of will power to watch. At least "Battlefield Baseball" had a few funny things going for it. This one as I wrote before is really for the die hard fan of the zombie genre. The film of course centers on the Rock band Guitar Wolf. One character in the film named Ace (Masashi Endo) is a big fan of the group. It is when he sees the band that a meteor shower will occur: Which is actually an alien invasion of Earth.
   
   Soon after these aliens arrive the dead begin coming back to life. [Hey, this is a zombie film] And as we all know by now, there is nothing zombies like better than eating human flesh. [I want these zombie films to please just go away!] Therefore, it is up to our protagonist Ace and the group Guitar Wolf to battle these invading forces and zombies. One more thing, Guitar Wolf [playing himself or course] gives Ace a whistle. This is a special whistle that Ace is to use whenever he finds himself in trouble. And being that this is a zombie flick, well you get the picture. But the film is really in a sense a documentary of the band Guitar Wolf, as you will notice should you view this film.
   
   The special effects in the film are bad, [even for a low budget film such as this one] but then most films of this nature usually are. And as for the acting--well, lets just say that acting classes might have come in handy and helped the actors quite a bit. I know this is supposed to be a zombie film with Rock'n'Roll tossed in, but it is an extremely silly one at that. The film was directed by Tetsuro Takeuchi, and the man needs to tone up on his directorial skills. All in all, the film is really for those who like the band Guitar Wolf---as all of the bands members are in the film. Do not expect too much from this film and you will not be disappointed. [Then again, maybe you will]. Recommended for those who have a bad case of insomnia.



4. Wild Zero is a Japanese movie featuring music group Guitar Wolf, who is also the singer of the band. I started watching this movioe twice but only made it in about 20 minutes before I turned it off and gave up. A friend urged me to give it one more shot and I did and fell in love with it. So if you watch it, give it more than 20 minutes, it becomes really funny/interesting/cool.
   
   Wild Zero is kind of like Kiss Meets The Phantom of the Park combined with a Japanese version of The Ramones stuck in a Zombies From Outter Space story. Yes, it's quite a combo. Oh and throw in a love story, some renegade gang members, and a club owner with really short-shorts and you've got it. I love the music in this film, Guitar Wolf rocks. The movie is just crazy and twisted but after watching the whole thing I'm a huge fan. If you like insane-silly movies with lots of action and believe that THERE ARE NO BOUNDRIES IN ROCK AND ROLL check this out.



5. WILD ZERO (2000) is living proof just how weird, oddly brilliant (at the same time stupid) and outrageously cheesy Japanese films can be. Granted this style of filmmaking is not for everyone. This film pretty much has everything from zombies, aliens, rock & roll, super powered rock stars, zombie and transgender love...There's crowbar brutality, bazooka abuse, razor-sharp laser targeting GUITAR picks, electrical eyebeams and a gun-slinging shower scene...The film is NOT to be taken seriously, as the plot lacks structure, characters look like they're rejects from "Grease" but for some unbelievable reason, it all manages to click together. WHAT THE HECK?!
   
   Synopsis derived from dvd back cover:
   ACE (Masashi Endo), a rockabilly fan who really wants to be cool, is on his way to see his favorite rock band; Guitar Wolf, when a strange thing occurs...aliens invade the earth and people start returning to life as flesh-eating zombies! Enlisting the aid of the real-life Japanese punk/rock band Guitar Wolf, Ace and the members of the band get entangled with many misadventures with insane managers in tight shorts, transsexuals, naked women shooting guns in the shower and blood-thirsty zombies ready to tear them apart!
   
   The one thing that stands out in the film are its characters. They are all underdeveloped but in their own way very colorful and interesting. If you pay attention to their mannerisms and costumes, you'll figure out just what they're all about. Seems like everyone has a purpose; from Masao with the butterfly knives, to the woman in the shower, to the Yakuza gang, from Guitar Wolf up to the lead; Ace. It seems like everyone in the film wants their share of screen time and everyone has a subplot. The events linking all the bizarre incidents all share their own credibility.
   
   Now, this is not an action film so don't expect it to be one or you'll be disappointed. The film is slow-paced in the beginning until it reaches its second half. It's no "Versus"; the film is pretty much a satirical horror film that makes fun of itself. It is meant to be different and the film manages to stand on its own with its very unique style. It exaggerates smaller things with the action, acting and the special effects itself is a bit over-the-top. The EFX is cheesy and campy as was its intention. If you saw "SARS WARS Bangkok Zombie Crisis", you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. The zombies pretty much look like rejects from Michael Jackson's "Thriller" video with a bluish color that is so vibrant to once again exaggerate the stereotypical appearance of the "undead". The zombies also move much like the ones in "Night of the Living Dead" (it was even mentioned), slow-moving, shambling dead "things".
   
   Cool poses, a lot of hair gel and combing, this is a Japanese film so expect another play on philosophy based on courage and Rock and Roll. Love has no boundaries not even death or gender; it has zombies making out and transgender love. The best way to see this film is to approach it without any expectations and do not pay any attention to other reviewers who say that it has non-stop zombie action. There is quite a bit of blood and gore, brains are brutally blown away and innards of the zombies' victims are eaten on camera. Again, the movie tends to exaggerate, so they all end up looking cheesy and stupidly amusing (?). Of course, no film like this would survive without a few "splattering blood" effects.
   
   If you want to see something totally over-the-top with utter silliness and oddball humor; then you may be ready for "Wild Zero". The film isn't going to win any awards but hey, it may be the ultimate Asian Cult film; I'm sure some folks will like it while others will hate it. The film does require a very large suspension of disbelief. Director and writer Tetsuro Takeuchi knew exactly what he wanted to do, film a movie to make fun of itself and to pay tribute to the self-proclaimed coolest rock band in the world; Guitar Wolf...again, it is all a matter of exaggeration.
   
   Recommended timidly to fans of Asian Cult Cinema [3+ Stars]
   Note: Alcohol may maximize its viewing experience.

5 comments about The MSF Dirtbike School.

1. The DVD is appropriate only for absoulute beginners, not just on dirt but on a motorcycle. Most of the time of the feature is spent on such simple basics as getting on or off bikes. Towards the end it does talk about some of the dirt riding tips such as why and when should one stand and ride, weight distribution, etc. Wouldnt recommend for anyone who already has bike riding experience and definitely not for people who already do some basic dirt riding as it add no real value to those for sure.



2. I have over 25 years experience riding dirt bikes, but when it was time to teach my 10 year old I realized that I had never taught anyone. Rather than just having him jump on and ride, I used this DVD to help me put together the basics that I may take for granted that everyone knows; braking, steering, obstacles,etc. I spent an hour or so doing some vey basic manuvers with him from the video that really got him statrted on the right track. I would recommend this dvd for the first time rider - young or old.



3. A great DVD!
   Very professional production. Lots of effects and hoopla, trying to keep it interesting. This DVD covers the basics. But all of the video clips are of racing. All the interviews are of superstars of the motocross world
   I have been riding a streetbike for twenty years but never a dirtbike.
   I picked up a few tips that made this DVD worth the cost.



4. Never seen a motorcycle...
   Never ridden a bicycle...
   Need five minutes of instruction on mounting or dismounting a bike...
   Then this is a video for you. Just when I thought intution was completely and painstakingly explained prior to developing riding skills, the video ended.



5. This is an essential DVD for beginners. Be aware that it is very, very basic - there is a huge emphasis on "beginners" in my opening sentence. The course is also very short.

5 comments about Akira.

1. When I first saw this in the early '90s, I thought, "What a load of over-rated technotrash." I thought the underlying plot about a government conspiracy of psychics, a dystopian future, and some kid getting messed up on pills before turning into a giant tentacle machine was retarded.
   
   And I was right. I rented the movie again, about a decade later, wondering if perspective would change my mind. Nope. It's still a bad film. Sure, it's pretty and all, what with the awesome motorcycle and... Uh... Damn, that and the giant psychoturd at the end are really the only two visuals to come out of the film, aren't they?
   
   Man, this thing's horrible. Just don't even bother with this hot mess. Instead, here are some useful things you could do with your money: go buy some Uniball 207 medium point gel pens and draw your own hentai; pick up the first two volumes of "100 Bullets" and get hooked; "Sea Monsters" for the Wii; light some cigars with some Lincolns.
   
   One star. But only because I can't give it fewer.



2. In the years since Akira was first unleashed, a lot has changed in anime - and movies in general, animated or not. Animation has become more sophisticated, voice acting has gotten much better and I think Akira is a big reason why (along with the likes of Ghost In The Shell and Armitage III).
   
   I picked this up a couple years ago, and was mostly happy with my purchase. It sill looks as good as I remember, and the option to translate some of the grafitti and signs is nice for gaijin like me. However, I'm not as fond of the new English dub. While I don't remember the original dialogue line for line, this isn't the same. Some of the voices sound *off* and I'm pretty sure some of the dialogue was changed.
   
   I consider myself a fan of anime, not a fanatic. I'm not familiar hundreds of titles, I don't know everyone's name and I don't worship everything that comes out of Japan. I guess that's part of why I prefer dubs over subs. Even with the best translations, you don't get the full meaning unless you're familiar with the original language, in which case you don't need to be using the subtitles anyway. With the right voice actors and the proper way of translation and localizing the dialogue (and other things, if needed), you can convey the exact same thing, even if it's not a 100% accurate, word for word translation. Subtitles can't do much beyond tell you what the person is saying; they can't tell you how they're saying it, what they're stressing, stuff like that. Some things don't translate very well, and changing them to something that makes sense in the subtitles doesn't always work; you need something more, which English voice acting has a much better chance of doing.
   
   But that's just a matter of personal opinion. The English dub is the only thing I find flawed with this release. Of course, the movie itself has issues of its own - namely the rushed feeling that the end that seems as though the Akira Committee started to run out of steam. Some may point out that this doesn't tell the whole story that the manga version does or remain faithful to every detail in it, but that shouldn't stop you from seeing this movie.
   
   20 years later, Akira is still a must see if you're into anime that's not of the non-sensical sort. And even if you're not into anime, it should still be worth a watch or two. Just go into this with an open mind and be prepared to see or hear something new each time.
   
   Sure, it may not be the best anime ever, but it's still up there as one of the best around. Top 10 material, even.



3. An amazing trend setting Animated film; intense, believable characters, deep story line, incredible animation, sound, and music. A pivotal, groundbreaking work that has inspired animators and film makers since.



4. Akira in many ways put Anime on the map, at least in the US, but is deserves to be recognized as more than a gateway film into the world of Anime. It is the classic post-apocalyptic setting, a story about what happens when science and teenage hormones run amuck. The film tells the story of a teenage motorcycle gang, and their troubled, latent psychic and second in command Tetsuo. It is an examination of diverse psychology, The Will To Power, corruption in various forms, and ultimately, sacrifice. The artistry of the animation is still amazing almost twenty years later, and the story is just as compelling now as it was then.



5. It really is unbelievable just how many animes derived and used something from this movie. Obvious origins can be compared to Dragon Ball and Elfen Lied, but so many ideas were first featured in this film that later translated into full-length anime series. Aside from setting the groundwork for future animes, this film was also one of the greatest, if not the greatest, anime film ever made (though my favorite is still Spirited Away).
   The best aspect of this film, in my opinion, is the character development of Kaneda and Tetsuo, best friends in the film. While Kaneda evolves into a more empathatic person, Tetsuo makes the most dramatic changes, from a jealous and weak individual, to an insane, angry, blood thirsty villian, to a frightened child who clearly realizes his mistakes. Tetsuo has to be my personal favorite villian from any film, purely due to how well he is developed and the absolute human, kind-natured side to him that is apparent throughout the film.
   Besides that, the movie is the orgin of anime for most anime fans, and is an absolute must-see film for anyone in my opinion, even for those who don't usually like anime. I mean, who doesn't like an awesome story line, great character developemnt, big explosions with high intensity sequences, and a great ending in my opinion. One of the greatest anime films ever made, and the film that really started it all for anime's popularity.

No comments about On Any Sunday II.

5 comments about Akira.

1. When I first saw this in the early '90s, I thought, "What a load of over-rated technotrash." I thought the underlying plot about a government conspiracy of psychics, a dystopian future, and some kid getting messed up on pills before turning into a giant tentacle machine was retarded.
   
   And I was right. I rented the movie again, about a decade later, wondering if perspective would change my mind. Nope. It's still a bad film. Sure, it's pretty and all, what with the awesome motorcycle and... Uh... Damn, that and the giant psychoturd at the end are really the only two visuals to come out of the film, aren't they?
   
   Man, this thing's horrible. Just don't even bother with this hot mess. Instead, here are some useful things you could do with your money: go buy some Uniball 207 medium point gel pens and draw your own hentai; pick up the first two volumes of "100 Bullets" and get hooked; "Sea Monsters" for the Wii; light some cigars with some Lincolns.
   
   One star. But only because I can't give it fewer.



2. In the years since Akira was first unleashed, a lot has changed in anime - and movies in general, animated or not. Animation has become more sophisticated, voice acting has gotten much better and I think Akira is a big reason why (along with the likes of Ghost In The Shell and Armitage III).
   
   I picked this up a couple years ago, and was mostly happy with my purchase. It sill looks as good as I remember, and the option to translate some of the grafitti and signs is nice for gaijin like me. However, I'm not as fond of the new English dub. While I don't remember the original dialogue line for line, this isn't the same. Some of the voices sound *off* and I'm pretty sure some of the dialogue was changed.
   
   I consider myself a fan of anime, not a fanatic. I'm not familiar hundreds of titles, I don't know everyone's name and I don't worship everything that comes out of Japan. I guess that's part of why I prefer dubs over subs. Even with the best translations, you don't get the full meaning unless you're familiar with the original language, in which case you don't need to be using the subtitles anyway. With the right voice actors and the proper way of translation and localizing the dialogue (and other things, if needed), you can convey the exact same thing, even if it's not a 100% accurate, word for word translation. Subtitles can't do much beyond tell you what the person is saying; they can't tell you how they're saying it, what they're stressing, stuff like that. Some things don't translate very well, and changing them to something that makes sense in the subtitles doesn't always work; you need something more, which English voice acting has a much better chance of doing.
   
   But that's just a matter of personal opinion. The English dub is the only thing I find flawed with this release. Of course, the movie itself has issues of its own - namely the rushed feeling that the end that seems as though the Akira Committee started to run out of steam. Some may point out that this doesn't tell the whole story that the manga version does or remain faithful to every detail in it, but that shouldn't stop you from seeing this movie.
   
   20 years later, Akira is still a must see if you're into anime that's not of the non-sensical sort. And even if you're not into anime, it should still be worth a watch or two. Just go into this with an open mind and be prepared to see or hear something new each time.
   
   Sure, it may not be the best anime ever, but it's still up there as one of the best around. Top 10 material, even.



3. An amazing trend setting Animated film; intense, believable characters, deep story line, incredible animation, sound, and music. A pivotal, groundbreaking work that has inspired animators and film makers since.



4. Akira in many ways put Anime on the map, at least in the US, but is deserves to be recognized as more than a gateway film into the world of Anime. It is the classic post-apocalyptic setting, a story about what happens when science and teenage hormones run amuck. The film tells the story of a teenage motorcycle gang, and their troubled, latent psychic and second in command Tetsuo. It is an examination of diverse psychology, The Will To Power, corruption in various forms, and ultimately, sacrifice. The artistry of the animation is still amazing almost twenty years later, and the story is just as compelling now as it was then.



5. It really is unbelievable just how many animes derived and used something from this movie. Obvious origins can be compared to Dragon Ball and Elfen Lied, but so many ideas were first featured in this film that later translated into full-length anime series. Aside from setting the groundwork for future animes, this film was also one of the greatest, if not the greatest, anime film ever made (though my favorite is still Spirited Away).
   The best aspect of this film, in my opinion, is the character development of Kaneda and Tetsuo, best friends in the film. While Kaneda evolves into a more empathatic person, Tetsuo makes the most dramatic changes, from a jealous and weak individual, to an insane, angry, blood thirsty villian, to a frightened child who clearly realizes his mistakes. Tetsuo has to be my personal favorite villian from any film, purely due to how well he is developed and the absolute human, kind-natured side to him that is apparent throughout the film.
   Besides that, the movie is the orgin of anime for most anime fans, and is an absolute must-see film for anyone in my opinion, even for those who don't usually like anime. I mean, who doesn't like an awesome story line, great character developemnt, big explosions with high intensity sequences, and a great ending in my opinion. One of the greatest anime films ever made, and the film that really started it all for anime's popularity.

2 comments about Long Way Down.

1. I think by Ewan's own comments `this trip was rushed'. Although it brings together the same crew as the much better 'Wrong way round' series the experience is lessoned by the constant need to get from John O Groats (most Northern point of mainland UK) to Cape Town within the three months allowed due to Ewan's movie commitments. The strain this puts on the group is great to watch if you enjoy `group dynamics' but a little annoying when all you really want to see is the countries and the people.
   However it does have its moments, the ruins in Libya are an amazing undiscovered wonder of the world and always the chance encounters unplanned but captured brilliantly by having those always present cameras. The series relaxes and improves as they travel further.
   There is nothing unique in what they are doing, but their openness and willingness to explore and accept what they see and learn is refreshing as a reminder to those of us who have travelled in a similar way.
   All in all worth buying and enjoyable, but the first series Wrong Way Round still ranks as one of the best motorcycle odyssey shows out there. Buy that as well then cancel a whole weekend because you'll not want to stop watching them. I hope they release some extras with this DVD not broadcast by the BBC here in the UK.



2. Let me get past comparisons with the first program LongWay Round. This was shorter, but with better production values, warmer, more family, more people in the visited countries.
   
   The second and third in the series of five shows were interesting for a number of reasons. 1. They displayed how hard it is to travel in Africa because of the dicey politics. 2. Weather can be really terrible and exhausting for bikers. 3. The inclusion of Ewan's wife Ev in the planning and preparation was a model of how to be inclusive, without prejudice even though the threat of more than one personal storm was always on the horizon. The second and third shows were rough because of the rushed feeling, the complaining, and strange video editing. They could have spent more film time at the Moto Guzzi plant and little was said or done about the historical things in Europe and Italy specifically.
   
   Aside from that, when they had the time to do a little tourism or take shots of the background, it was great. The fourth, fifth, and sixth shows were more relaxed and more fun. The people they met, the places they visited, the roads, all made for a much nicer trip than LongWay Round. Ev's riding, even though it made Charlie feel like a fifth wheel, was a great promo for motorcycling in general. Girls, it's time to ride with your guys!

5 comments about Winners Take All.

1. This movie is so great. I loved it since the day it came out. I have been looking for it everywhere. If you have not seen this movie yet, then you're missing out.



2. Awesome! This once obscure and out of print film is finally out on DVD. If you like motocross then this film will be sure to entertain. Much better than todays "Rock video" type films, Winners Take All actualy has charecters and a plot. plus lots of supercross action with Broc Glover, David Baily & others.



3. Totally awesome, This movie is a classic from the 80's. So glad to see it on DVD. Great story along with great racing action, plus some HOT WOMEN!!!



4. Winners Take All IS One my greatest movies of the 80s,I have it on dvd..Heart Stoppin' Sports Action .. :)



5. i remember seeing this movie when i was 9 or 10 and searched everywhere for what the title was. im glad i found it. in my opinion, this movie is better than the newer "supercross" movie. maybe its just me, but i like the older type movies without the dumbass and repetative computer generated graphics. also, this movie doesnt press the teenie bopper love story as bad as most these days. granted, this movie is really cheesey, but still one of the best

5 comments about Supercross.

1. Super Fast shipping. Excellent transaction, movie in perfect condition as promised. Highly recommended!!!



2. Good movie, good cast, sexy guys and girls. And of course once you add the drama, BOOM..... a movie! It's good to see actors Steve Harvey of 'Reba' and Sophia Bush of 'One Tree Hill' cast as another character and out of their element.



3. i have admitted i like this cheesy fun bike movie. it's put together nicely although i have agree with some of other reviewers that it was'nt the best in terms of story, but hey nobody perfect. i do say that there is enough plot to follow along with it, sure it's like all the other underdog films of the past decade, you can pretty much figure out how it will end. but you will end up cheering for these guys anyway. the stunts in this film are wonderful.
   
   PG-13 For Lauguage.
   
   Highly Recommended For Lazy Afternoon.



4. This movie could have been atleast a neat teen film if the director and editors didn't shamelessly gloss up the film with Godawful graphics during race scenes. Also whoever wrote the lines for the broadcasters is probably the same one who wrote for "Gigli", all the corny lines in the main event scene about breaking the bank, rolling snake eyes WE GET IT THEYRE IN VEGAS!!! the only thing that kept me awake in this 2 hour snoozer was Sophia Bush, sadly her beauty was wasted in this sad commentary of motocross society



5. Though the movie does have the somewhat predictible ending, the action is pretty much non-stop from start to finish. Good to see Howie as someone who's a bit more serious.

5 comments about Spetters (Widescreen Edition).

1. Unlike most Hollywood flicks, this one stands out as very real with acting so good you forget you are watching a film... and few films can do that for me. Excellent directing; raw, much nudity, good story line; very likeable characters you care about.... I loved it.



2. This is what I look in a movie: you get to see naked bodies without being porno. The Homoerotic concept is beautiful. However, the music and the final are too deppresing. Specially the music: I just wanted to use the mute botton several times in order to get rid of it. The other critic is to find out that the person who needed the most to find love and stay with this at the end of the movie, just took the wrong decision (the gay issue) which makes no sense. When are we going to find a good movie where the gays just live together and for ever? Why the prostitute? Anyway, it is worth to see it.



3. I've been a fan of Paul Verhoeven since Robocop was released. Over the years I've checked out his earlier work he did in Holland, and am convinced he is one of the best directors working today. Many critics have derided him for alleged sleaziness and overwrought sexuality and violence, but these prude police are only looking at the surface. Spetters certainly took a critical drubbing in Holland when it was released in 1980, and many special interest groups took righteous offense to the portrayal of gays, the handicapped and women that were evidenced in the film. They were understandably concerned over the negative impact that could have, but Verhoeven and his scriptwriter Gerard Soeteman were going for an ambitious tapestry that wove all these elements into a modern day coming of age story for three Dutch working class youthes. They have good and bad times, they are good friends who often commit terrible acts, there is nothing perfect about them. When a food truck worker (Renee Soutendijk) comes into their lives and turns their worlds upside down, she isn't an evil woman out to destroy them but one who is trying to make a better life for herself, however ruthless that could be. Verhoeven is a humanist, or at least he understands that humans aren't simple definable creatures. I thoroughly enjoy his vivid dramatic sensibilities and his carnivalesque depictions of the human condition in all its filthy zany madness. To end this ramble, go check out his latest film Zwartboek, or the Black Book. It's his first WWII film since Soldier of Orange, and a real kicker. He's teamed back up with his regular Dutch writing collaborator Gerard Soeteman, someone who understands and relishes complexity. After Black Book, go purchase the Anchor Bay Verhoeven collection which has all his Dutch work (excluding Spetters) before he came to the States. Go Verhoeven!



4. I could not find anything in this movie that would cause me to recommend it to anyone. Especially offensive to my wife an me are the graphic homoerotic scenes - and I mean graphic. I don't care to see heterosexual sex organs in the act of copulation; even less so in oral homosexual sex. This is not really a movie - it is pornography disguised as a movie. If I could give this movie '0' stars I would.



5. before directing the ultaviolent american sci fi films hes best known for dutch director paul verhoevan was directing much more personal (art?) films like spetters. i'm embarrased to say this is the only dutch film from verhoevan i've seen, being more used to his american films like robocop and total recall wich is one of my personal favorites. after being pretty happy with spetters i'll probably try to look up some of his other early films. spetters is the story of 3 motocross buddys who fall under the spell of a pretty food vender who wants more in life. she sees these boys who are allready interested in her as a way out of her boring, pointless life. through the film each of the 3 boys take a try at her. in the end one boy seems to be there to stay and maybe they'll live hapilly ever after but i really felt like the girl didnt love any of them. the other 2 boys suffer darker fates. one is a closet homosexual whose father is a stern christian and the other ends up in a wheelchair after a motocross accident and commits suicide after realizing he'll never walk or have sex again. at least the homosexual boy makes it out of his fathers opressive grasp and seems to find happiness after taking a beating after confessing to his father his feelings. the whole thing ends on an upbeat note even though the second half of the movie is a a bit grim and depressing. spetters has a reputation of being explicitly sexual and violent. while the sex scenes are a bit graphic, there nothing to get to flustered about and the only scene that could be considered violent is the brutal rape of the homosexual boy by a gang of gay thugs. that scene was very graphic and should not be seen by the easily offended or weak hearted. overall i was happy with spetters. its a movie that makes you fell kind of good despite the depressing second half. my only complaint was i thought the movie was alittle slow but that may be because i'm used to verhoevans action films. still a great film that really touched me in a way few films can.