I have a brand new review:
Natural Born Killers
You know, I could have reviewed a light-hearted comedy, a cool action movie, a wrestling DVD, or a DVD of a rock concert. But, I decided to something wild, anti-social, experimental, sex, drugs, and rock & roll with a little bit of pot, acid, whiskey, and pure insanity thrown into the mix. So, I decided to review Natural Born Killers. It is one of Oliver Stone's finest works. It is very experimental. In fact, the filmmakers call it an art film student movie made by a big budget studio.
The movie tells the tale of Mickey and Mallory Knox (Woody Harrelson and Juliette Lewis), a modern-day Bonnie and Clyde who prefer killing people over robbing banks. They meet when Mickey delivers meat to Mallory's home. She runs away with him to get away from her sexually and physically abusive father (Rodney Dangerfield). So, Mallory's dad calls the police and has Mickey thrown in prison. But, Mickey escapes, comes back for Mallory, and they kill Mallory's dad and mom and go across the country killing people. The film depicts there murdering spree until they are captured by Det. Jack Scagnetti (Tom Seizmore). They are tried and sent to prison. A year later, Det. Scagnetti meets with the prison's warden, Dwight McClusky (Tommy Lee Jones). These two devise a plan to get rid of the Knoxes: since they are going to be transferred to a mental institution, McClusky has arranged for Scagnetti to transport them so that he is alone with them and can kill them. Meanwhile, Wayne Gale (Robert Downey, Jr.), an journalist who has been following the Knoxes since they became famous, plans to interview Mickey live after the Super Bowl before he is transfered. During the live interview, a riot breaks out, which allows for Mickey and Mallory to escape.
This movie isn't for everyone. Some will like it. Some will love it. Some will become obsessed with it. Some will not like it. Some will hate it. Some will vomit seeing it. Some will get epilepsy from all the fast cuts and flashing lights in the movie. But, it is very good. The film intends to highlight the sensationalized way crimes are depicted in the media and the way some killers have been glamorized by the media. However, the film was ironically criticized for its excessively graphic and violent content. Because of this many people, including many of the film's biggest fans, often seemed to miss the real point of the film: it is a highly stylized critique of violence glamorized by the media as well as an exercise in deconstruction. Nevertheless, it is a good movie.
The DVD extras include bios of the cast and crew; commentary from Oliver Stone; a making of the film documentary called "Chaos Rising;" Charlie Rose interviewing Oliver Stone about the film; a threatrical trailer; deleted scenes, which includes three notable scenes: a courtroom with Ashley Judd testifying against Mickey and Mallory, Wayne Gale interviewing bodybuilding/B-movie stars the Hun Brothers that has the Huns saying how much they respect Mickey and Mallory even though the Knoxes cut off there legs with chainsaws, and Denis Leary giving one of his usual rants inside the prison; and an alternate ending. All in all, it is a very good DVD; but it sure as hell ain't for everyone.
Highlight: I had a tough time choosing. There were so many potential ones: Ashley Judd's deleted scene, the Hun Brothers' deleted scene, Robert Downey, Jr.'s Australian accent, Wayne Gale becoming a killer, Tom Seizmore's pompadore, etc. But, I'm giving the hightlight nod to the deleted scene with Denis Leary, who explains how the Pittsburgh Pirates are responsible for Fidel Castro's rise.
Mildly recommended for those of you who get upset easily. Highly recommended for all you sick f***s out there.