Parasite (Gisaengchung) (2019)

Checked this out because I’ve seen other work from Bong Joon Ho. His films always look amazing. I liked almost everything about this film except the last quarter. I didn’t care for the direction they went.

Rating: C

Snowpiercer (2013)

An ultra-violent actioner that takes place in a self-contained super-train in a post-apocalyptic world where people are segregated by class, both figuratively and literally? Sign me up!

The train turned out to be cooler than I thought. Themed cars such as a marine aquarium, steam saunas, hair salon, greenhouse, and nightclub. Unfortunately, the end of the train and the end of the movie both turned out to be a disappointment. Great ideas for movies rarely have great endings. Snowpiercer was not an exception.

Rating: C

The Host (2006)

There was a lot of hoopla surrounding this Korean import, so after watching it, I wondered what was the big deal? Sure, the creature special f/x were pretty cool, but they were just as good in The Relic 10 years ago; and that was far more entertaining. Try focusing on plot, acting, and dialogue in addition to cool computer imagery for a change.

Rating: D

The Good, the Bad, the Weird (Joheunnom Nabbeunnom Isanghannom) (2008)

The South Koreans know how to put on a good show. Shootouts and knife fights abound. I tried to overlook the fact that every gun seemed to have endless bullets. Not a bad homage to the American Western it pays tribute to.

Rating: C

J.S.A.: Joint Security Area (Gongdong gyeongbi guyeok JSA) (2000)

A mystery with an interesting premise, but poorly crafted. I liked the idea of North and South Korean soldiers fraternizing across the DMZ. I was even willing to overlook the lack of acting talent. But Koreans don’t know how to give a satisfying conclusion. I didn’t buy anyone’s motives. Things were scattered and dreary by the end.

Rating: D

Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance (Boksuneun Naui Geot) (2002)

The first in a trilogy of Korean revenge films. I only started this series after hearing good things about the second film, Oldboy, which I hope is better than this one. The cinematography and direction are fine, but the story could use some work. The viewer is left to assume a lot, since events happen with little explanation. It wasn't very tight. If you're looking for an action/thriller, you best move along. Blood doesn't flow until the anti-climactic ending. Depressing to say the least.

Rating: C-