Battle Royale (Batoru Rowaiaru)

Release Year: 2000

Director: Kinji Fukasaku

Review: 'Battle Royale' is a teenage kill-fest, and is the pinnacle of gore comedy.  The Japanese government has set up a program where once a year it selects one class at random and places them on a deserted island. Each student is fit with an explosive collar and explained their predicament.  They're given a random weapon and three days to kill off each one of their classmates and become the sole survivor.  This premise alone is enough to make this film great.  Exploring the limits of people's desire to live, prodding the line of morality and desperation, there is never second which isn't tension filled.  Every moment is brilliant and enthralling.  This is my go-to movie when I want to have a good time and enjoy a few good brutal massacres.  It's always a good sign when a movie can be as entertaining as this is and still make you think about deeper issues lying just under the surface.  'Battle Royale' is unadulterated exploitation violence and, beyond everything else, just pure fun.
Rating: 5/5

O Brother, Where Art Thou?

Release Year: 2000
Review: Kind of a Saturday morning cartoon version of Cool Hand Luke mixed with Indiana Jones. Everyone is playing a caricature in this this odd Cohen brother comedy. Despite its strange delivery, the film is fun and does deliver a message. The film is also beautiful to look at with Roger Deakins creating a unique look using digital color correction. Best of all is the genius incorporation of blue grass music throughout the film which adds to the southern character which this film radiates.
Rating: 3/5

Best in Show

Release Year: 2000
Review: Not nearly as good as 'This is Spinal Tap', but still made a dog show very entertaining. The film didn't have me laughing the entire way through, and some of the material just fell flat, but as a whole it came through. I would recommend this film to anyone who is a fan of the 'mocumentary' genre.
Rating: 3/5