FLYING VIRUS (2001) ** It's a fine thing when a scriptwriter, not giving much thought to the plot, or even particularly trying to think of one, throws us out something about the American government lying to Amazon Indians and destroying the rainforest. Then some of the abused Indians turn into terrorists and are portrayed sympathetically...isn't this kind of stuff actionable under the Patriot Act? Quick, get the Thought Police! Political realism is the only kind you get. Jeff Hare revels in the traditions of der ünterartists, stretching the paradigm whenever one of those unwelcome original ideas shows up. The concept of repeatedly using the same shot (perhaps from slightly different angles, you should never pay close enough attention to this sort of film to know for sure) of an exploding Indian doing a flip was a very nice touch, but how many times are we supposed to believe that the same luggage kept falling out of the luggage compartment. I mean, they never show anyone putting it back in, or anything. The external shots of the aircraft's maneuvers, and particularly the wide turn, are genre historic-you can easily imagine none other than Ed Wood himself wringing his hands in glee and yelling "brilliant!" Of course with such ingredients you can't leave out the killer bees, nature terrorists whose express omission from the Patriot Act is an affront to those who have so heroically battled the environmental lobby by polluting these many years (or was it planned by them?). Of course bees were never owed due process, however nominally, anyway, but I digress. Pay attention whenever you see headphones. Even more important, during the extraordinary climax-and I do mean extraordinary in a complementary sense-keep a close eye on the stewardess. She's going to do something very clever.
back to Brilliant Observations on 2120 Films page, or Index
go back home, or send me email
Reviews won't do it any more! I need sustained brilliance! I want to buy your exciting new terrorist novel!
I've already read both of your novels. Thank you, they're amazing. Now I want to check out your weekly blog on everything