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Reviewed by Mike Belfance
There
are so many words you could use to describe JDR Revival.
Pointless. Insane. Incoherent. I prefer "entertaining". Say what
you want about it's lack of narrative structure, or anything
even resembling a logical plot, JDR Revival is just fun to
watch. Maybe I'm easy to please, but that's good enough for me.
JDR Revival's story is...well...it's not really there. What IS
there is basically a reason to throw a bunch of psychadelic
colors, constant random jokes, and huge explosive battles that
may-or may-not have any point whatsoever at you. It essentially
comes down to three teenagers running around blowing stuff up,
and an evil guy named Boundless Ben is out to stop them. It goes
without saying that this is not a movie you watch to be
intellectually stimulated- you watch it to see big 'spolsions
and to laugh at the sheer craziness of it all. Whether you enjoy
it or not depends on whether you can leave your brain at the
door, and sit back and enjoy some good mindless entertainment.
Obviously if you talk about JDR Revival you have to mention the
animation. It's always fluid and full of inventive effects, and
at times it's just incredible. The movie keeps a cartoony feel,
which is very good, since this isn't a movie you want to take
seriously. Characters die and are almost immediately ressurected
countless times throughout the movie. This film is utterly
insane, as is Dan's directing style. The camera can't stay still
for longer than a few seconds, and there is almost never any
silence (which they joke about in the beginning of the movie).
Whenever there IS a period of silence, you can count on
something being blown up, or shot, or squashed by a giant
meteorite, or something. It's the perfect movie for
someone with A.D.D.
It sounds extremely corny (and maybe I'm just too tired to think
of a better comparison), but the best way to explain JDR Revival
is as a roller coaster ride, in movie form. Once it gets rolling
it doesn't stop, not even for the end credits. The movie throws
so much stuff at you every second that you would have to be
extremely jaded to not find ANY of it entertaining. Chances are
there's going to be something in this movie that will make you
smile and enjoy yourself. Personally, I enjoyed every insane
minute of it- but I especially liked the last battle. Best.
Fight scene. EVER.
Let's see...what do we have left...AH! Sound. The sound effects
were well chosen. Exploding scientists sounded approprietly
mushy (ew), explosions were loud and fiery, swords sounded...uh..metallic
(so very, very tired). Good all around. The voice acting was
well done. Justin did a good job as the evil "Boundless Ben"
(the HUH-BUH-JUH-BUH line has to be my favorite), Jon Barton and
Jaymond both do excellent jobs with their parts, as usual. My
Rory voices were marred by the fact that my mic sucks donkey
balls, but besides that, good voices all around. The music
tracks fit perfectly also.
What else is there to say? This is just good entertainment from
start to finish. Sure it's not thought-provoking or anything.
You'll probably use your brain more opening a box of fruit
roll-ups then you will watching this entire movie, but it's a
great ride all the way through. I give it a 95% out of
100%. It's not for everyone, but those that like this kind
of thing will love every second of it.
95%
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