The NeverEnding Story (1984) (5/10)

The story has a weak premise of interactive stories, as usual in another dimension. A school and a home are shown for an excuse but it is really about rescuing a princess who is awake just a for a few minutes throughout the movie. Its more about a boy who has to go on a quest for the princess just because her uncle says so. His character does not get built. There are a bunch of other characters thrown in for effect which they summarily fail to. What is this a mix of? Alice in wonderland, Wizard of Oz and Spongebob or something like that

The NeverEnding Story (1984) (5/10)

Doubt (2008) (8/10)

The closed structure of a convent, the vows of christianity and the temptation of sin. Can doubt be far behind? It does not get too emotional, but is clearly emotionally charged. Only 3 powerful characters, and a small number of others putting in short appearances. Parables and sermons used to good effect.

Doubt (2008) (8/10)

Batoru rowaiaru AKA Battle Royale (2000) (5/10)

A rather gruesome Japanese movie that pits 9th graders against each other in an oppresive environment where it is insisted that only one of them can survive beyond three days. The killings are gory, and the alliances few and far between. I suspect the book would make a better reading with the background provided in a more encompassing manner. The movie just seems like mayhem. Once you accept the situation that you have to go after the others, the depiction is very realistic as well as unnerving. The analogy is apparently to the economic competition in Japan and its outfall. The children in the teenagers, as well as the teens, and adults are clearly seen.

Batoru rowaiaru AKA Battle Royale (2000) (5/10)