[psycho d]

Starship Troopers (1997). Using beautiful, larger than life characters in an over the top explosion of sci-fi carnage, Starship Troopers manages to cater to the mindless drones as well as the coffee house philosopher. Where the parallels of societal ills are easily seen by those inclined towards such perceptions, how this wonderful flick manages to caricature civilization in such a wonderful capacity is beyond belief. The wooden acting is perfect for effect, insipid players of an banal existence, making the stupidity of delineating the differences bet the civilian and the citizen with mind-numbing propaganda all the more believable. Everything about this flick screams mindless action and violence for a mindless audience, but the greater message is brilliantly flashing for any and all not appropriately dumbed-down by the relentless click of the mouse.

Memory of a Killer (2003). A rare thriller of Belgium origin, this is a treat of a European crime drama. The editing was at first distracting and almost childish, but when the intent became apparent, instead it helped to drive the story forward. A relatively low-budget affair, Memory of a Killer proves that money is not the only ingredient for success. The acting was solid, the direction splendid. The competent work of the camera succeeded to help make this one award worthy. With great action, a solid and intelligent story, and a moral code that sniffed of film noir, this Flemish project deserved its accolades. Late.

Genruk