Showgirls

If I had to make a list of movies that were personal favorites, movies I could watch over and over as opposed to movies that I thought were made well and acted well, I would put Showgirls (1995) in the top five.

From the moment you meet Nomi Malone in the opening scene, you know you're in for a trip. The story follows a female hitchhiker who makes her way to Las Vegas. After being abandoned by her ride she meets the tailor for one of the glitzy, adult Vegas shows. Long story short, Nomi gets into the show and that's when all of her new troubles start. The movie itself is not all that bad. The direction and cinematography are wonderful and most of the acting is above average. The problem comes with the overall feel that things are pushed too far in the wrong directions and with the editing choices including several cuts and scenes that are wholly unnecessary.

Despite its faults, I think Showgirls will come to be seen as a classic and I cross my fingers that one day studios will embrace the NC-17 rating as an open door for creative filmmakers. (8.3/10)

Machete

I was kind of hesitant about going to see Machete (2010) just because I wasn't sure how it would turn out. I mean, changing a 3 minute fake trailer into a 90 minute movie takes some effort, and I didn't know if it could be done. I was way wrong.

The movie bounces around through characters, but keeps a consistent storyline. The movie is meant to look like a poorly made grindhouse flick, and the effect comes off beautifully. Also, in the "over-the-topness" that Piranha 3D (2010) failed at going all the way with, Machete goes above and beyond. Just when you think they're not going to go further, they do. It's an amazing combination of a good movie and a good time and I'd recommend it to anyone.

Overall, a very satisfying movie experience (8.1/10)

Piranha 3D

Well there's not too much to say about Piranha 3D (2010). You can pretty much see every plot twist coming and the over-the-top gore was a little over-the-top for me. I didn't really see anything redeeming about this movie, for me it wasn't even enjoyable.

I know it was supposed to go above and beyond what most movies would find acceptable and I know it was supposed to be just for the fun, but I don't think it went far enough in either direction for me to go along for the ride. It wasn't slap-happy gore like The Evil Dead, and it wasn't just a fun ride like Grindhouse. It's like there's this grey area in between, and that's where this movie sits.

Overall, not enjoyable in any sense of the word, but at least I didn't walk out. (3.8/10)