| Overall Grade: |
C+ |
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| Story: |
C+ |
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| Acting: |
B- |
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| Direction: |
C+ |
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| Visuals: |
B+ |
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Doesn't live up to the hype
by mike (movies profile)
Dec 8, 2004
1
of
1 people found this review helpful
So I had heard many good things about Videodrome. Criterion had even made it part of it's small series of DVD special releases. I was going to buy it at a reasonable $28.99 then decided to rent the older DVD version and watch it first. I'm glad I didn't make the blind buy. Videodrome is not a bad movie, it's just to muddled to really get into or get a good understanding of what is going on half the time.
I liked the acting. James Woods was great and the supporting cast was believeable. The movie itself centers around television and how much of a role it plays in people's lives. You see there is a show called Videodrome that when watched gives anyone who sees it a brain tumor and hallucinations. Once you've seen Videodrome you can also be controlled by the creators of it. You become kind of a slave in your own fantasy world. I guess the idea being to take over the world. It's never really explained to well. More or less Woods co-owns a small TV channel(83). He's constantly looking for edgy shows to put on to attract more viewers. One thing leads to another and he just becomes a pawn in the videodrome game. One side wanted to expose everyone, and the other seeing TV as a valuable asset in the lives of people. Sound confusing?? It is...I'm still not sure I explained it correctly. I'll probably watch it again sometimes when I'm wide awake, but you get the general gist of it.
The last 20 minutes of Videodrome greatly dissappointed me. I expected more resolution. I just hate those ending where the movie cuts off and you're supposed to know what they're telling you. Especially in a movie as complicated as this one. Throw us a bone here huh. Not the worst movie you could ever watch, and it'll keep you interested because it's so damn bizarre. But in the end you'll probably be pissed that you got left hanging like you did. Only recommended for people with extreme patients that will not hurl a remote at the television.
Videodrome 5.5/10 |
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