general compliments

[Head Mutant]

Good job on the Battle Royale review Rich... I've wanted to see that based on what I previously heard, and your review made me really upset we can't get it here in the states yet.

[FiveMileSmile]

Not to derail, but I am constantly amazed by what films I get to see before the mainstream US crowd do. To give you an idea of this, I reviewed Battle Royale from my housemates DVD which he had bought from a bargain bin because the film had been out so long.

Really, Battle Royale has been available on DVD over here for over a year - and while I recognise that the content of the film, particularly its release following the Columbine massacre, might be considered 'edgy', the censorship laws in the US continue to confuse and amaze me.

On a separate, more humble note, thanks for the compliment. As someone still finding my feet reviewing here, it means a lot.

And J, if I spot a copy in the bargain bin in BlockBuster, I'll pick it up and mail it you - I'm sure you can play Region 2 DVD's on your PC; this is a film that really shouldn't be missed.

- Rich
Yes, I'm still here - T minus 18 hours and counting

[Head Mutant]

I was gonna ask you about that... I'm not sure what region you guys have or whether its compatible or not.

I'm surprised this film was censored... I mean, violence hardly ever gets censored here (more the sex and languge)... maybe it's because it's kids doing it, I dunno. But I have a feeling that sooner or later it'll be allowed... I happen to recall reading about Battle Royale (maybe in EW) lately, so perhaps we're readying for a release here.

[David90807]

I think in many cases violence is censored when it involves children in any way. Stephen King wrote a novel called Rage which involved a situation very similar (albeit before) Columbine and other school shootings. That one will likely never be turned into a film mainly because of the content of the story.

The saddest thing isn't that violence by teenagers in films is censored, but that many films are given "R" ratings based solely upon a negative scene or two.

Here's something I am quoting from the Chicago Sun Times by Roger Ebert on the recent film "I Capture the Castle":

Note: The R rating ("for brief nudity") is another attempt by the MPAA to steer teenagers away from useful and sophisticated entertainments, and toward vulgarity and violence. If this movie is R and "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle" is PG-13, then the rating board has no shame. Better the Angels as strippers than an innocent nipple during a swim in the castle moat?

I think I'd have to disagree with you, Head Mutant ... (bows in reverence) ... but often great films are censored more harshly than other films simply for the politics involved. That doesn't mean Battle Royale is a "great film" (I have yet to see it as well) but that's simply where the MPAA is going recently. It seems brainless films are considered more appropriate for the leaders of tomorrow. I shudder to think of it.

[PoolMan]

I remember Rage very well, it's another one of those King stories that I really appreciated. And I quite agree, it will never be made into film, not ever.

[Kitsune]

David90807 said:

I think in many cases violence is censored when it involves children in any way. Stephen King wrote a novel called Rage which involved a situation very similar (albeit before) Columbine and other school shootings. That one will likely never be turned into a film mainly because of the content of the story.

In The Bachman Books, King speaks of the hell that he went through after the original novel was published [using the Richard Bachman pseudonym] - which was no different from what US people do today. I think that there -was- an incident right after the book was published that was fairly similar to the book's events... I'm not sure. I read the compilation in 2000...

[Hucklebubba]

David90807 said:

Better the Angels as strippers than an innocent nipple during a swim in the castle moat?

(Puts on his Dave Barry hat.)

So, do we all agree that "Innocent Nipple" would make a great name for a band?

[Landatauron]

Just wanted to say that I love the site. I found it about a year ago when I was bored at work and "googled" Movie Reviews. So far in my opinion you guys (and ladies) have not been wrong in a review. It was a shame to see Andie and DnaError go but the "new" mutants have definately proved worthy.

Also on a side note. Not to sound like a freak (One of us, One of us) but I think I may be developing a crush on Bobby.

[Lexiness]

Landatauron said:

Also on a side note. Not to sound like a freak (One of us, One of us) but I think I may be developing a crush on Bobby.

*Wolf whistle* Chalk one up for our very own Marilyn Monroe lookalike!

Lexi
-Ime-tay oo-tay elcome-way the ewbie-nay, ich-Ray & obby-Bay

[PoolMan]

Lexiness said:

-Ime-tay oo-tay elcome-way the ewbie-nay, ich-Ray & obby-Bay

They certainly are slipping lately, aren't they?

[Uber]

That's OK, I get to do a little jig every time I beat both of 'em to welcoming a newbie. And today, I dance, for I have welcomed Landatauron

*Dancing Uber Commences*
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*Dancing Uber Ends*

[bobbytheveg]

NO FAIR! New Rule: If someone admits they might be developing a crush on me than i get to welcome them okay? So Welcome Landatauron! I feel honored.

Ps. Great Story....my keyboard breaks...but just a little bit. Just the letter "b" went out, making it IMPOSSIBLE to sign on here as bobby... but it's all better now!

[PoolMan]

bobbytheveg said:

Ps. Great Story....my keyoard reaks...ut just a little it. Just the letter "" went out, making it IMPOSSILE to sign on here as oy... ut it's all etter now!

What? What? That didn't make any sense!

[PoolMan]

Wow, kudos to Justin for a double homerun kind of day! Great review of TMNT, and I really liked the Horror article... even if you did go a little nuts with the 50 cent words.

We aspire to the example set by the Head Mutant!

[Head Mutant]

Thanks... that horror article was one of the two I found on my old computer from way back when. It was half-written, so I just tacked on the ending and viola!