Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
The gang are all back for the third Potter film apart from director Chris Columbus who stepped a side to be replaced by Alfonso Cuaron and Richard Harris who died, his part is now played by Michael Gambon. The aforementioned prisoner has escaped and is on the loose looking for young Mr Potter.
This film maintains the same high production standards of the previous entries despite a change of director which appears to be fairly seamless. There are some really interesting elements to this film such as the nature of werewolves, how one might escape from a magical prison and how being in prison for twelve years for something you did not do might affect someone however these are largely untouched upon as they do not involve the children directly. In the end this is an acceptable entry into the franchise but it does feel like a lot of good opportunities were passed up.
3/5
Sunday 31 July 2011
Saturday 30 July 2011
Once Upon a time in China
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
Funded by an Asian conglomerate this adaptation of the Chinese novel of the same name is directed by Any Lee and stars Cow Yun-Fat, Michelle Yeoh and Zhang Ziyi. There is an assassin on the loose and a young governor’s daughter does not want to get married.
Obviously what first sparks attention in this film is the excellent wire work and martial arts sequences in this film but there is more to the film than just that. The main themes of the film are the characters struggling with the obligations of their place in society as well as the idea of poison in a literal and ideological sense. While the plot is maybe not that unoriginal all the parts of this film tie together well to make a both interesting and visually impressive film.
5/5
Funded by an Asian conglomerate this adaptation of the Chinese novel of the same name is directed by Any Lee and stars Cow Yun-Fat, Michelle Yeoh and Zhang Ziyi. There is an assassin on the loose and a young governor’s daughter does not want to get married.
Obviously what first sparks attention in this film is the excellent wire work and martial arts sequences in this film but there is more to the film than just that. The main themes of the film are the characters struggling with the obligations of their place in society as well as the idea of poison in a literal and ideological sense. While the plot is maybe not that unoriginal all the parts of this film tie together well to make a both interesting and visually impressive film.
5/5
Friday 29 July 2011
Lightweight
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967)
In his final film made shortly before his death Spencer Tracy stars along side Sidney Poitier and Katherine Hepburn. A young white woman and a black man want to get married, drama ensues.
It is hard to put this film in the context of the time it was made when as the film states inter-racial marriage was illegal in a number of states in the US but in a modern context I am not sure the film holds up that well. In my opinion the film is too soft in approach with little real prejudice from the main characters as well as using a situation that is far too ideal, creating little tension and not really exploring the issues at hand. It would have been nice to see a much more blunt and less self congratulatory take on the subject.
3/5 in modern terms not really shocking at all.
In his final film made shortly before his death Spencer Tracy stars along side Sidney Poitier and Katherine Hepburn. A young white woman and a black man want to get married, drama ensues.
It is hard to put this film in the context of the time it was made when as the film states inter-racial marriage was illegal in a number of states in the US but in a modern context I am not sure the film holds up that well. In my opinion the film is too soft in approach with little real prejudice from the main characters as well as using a situation that is far too ideal, creating little tension and not really exploring the issues at hand. It would have been nice to see a much more blunt and less self congratulatory take on the subject.
3/5 in modern terms not really shocking at all.
Thursday 28 July 2011
Three husbands and a civil war
Gone With the Wind (1939)
Probably the first major block buster was adapted from the novel of the same name and stars Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh and Olivia de Havilland. Civil war gets in the way of a plantation owner's daughter and her ambitions.
Weighing in at nearly 4 hours long this is a serious marathon of a movie that took it's toll on the numerous writers and directors that worked on the project. This film is clearly a landmark in film making and the first half in particular has some great cinematography as well really impressive sections where Atlanta is being burnt to the ground (no CGI here). There are also some really great performances from the cast, it is easy to see how the film went on to pick up 8 Oscars.
What the film is really about is women of the 1930s struggling for freedom and control of their own lives in both personal terms and economic. Unfortunately the film is not as progressive in it's view of the South and race relations, at best you could say the story paints a massively naive view of the Confederacy but really reflects on how even 90 years after the civil war racism was still rampant in American culture. What the story does well is have interesting, not necessarily likeable characters, and manages not to drift too far into the realms of melodrama.
4/5 a flawed milestone in the history cinema.
Probably the first major block buster was adapted from the novel of the same name and stars Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh and Olivia de Havilland. Civil war gets in the way of a plantation owner's daughter and her ambitions.
Weighing in at nearly 4 hours long this is a serious marathon of a movie that took it's toll on the numerous writers and directors that worked on the project. This film is clearly a landmark in film making and the first half in particular has some great cinematography as well really impressive sections where Atlanta is being burnt to the ground (no CGI here). There are also some really great performances from the cast, it is easy to see how the film went on to pick up 8 Oscars.
What the film is really about is women of the 1930s struggling for freedom and control of their own lives in both personal terms and economic. Unfortunately the film is not as progressive in it's view of the South and race relations, at best you could say the story paints a massively naive view of the Confederacy but really reflects on how even 90 years after the civil war racism was still rampant in American culture. What the story does well is have interesting, not necessarily likeable characters, and manages not to drift too far into the realms of melodrama.
4/5 a flawed milestone in the history cinema.
Wednesday 27 July 2011
Keep on rolling
Skateland (2011)
Director and Writer Anthony Burns brings a coming of age tale to the big scren starting Shiloh Fernandez and Ashley Greene. A 19 year old boy that works at the local roller rink has no idea what to do with his life, stuff happens.
There is not much new here and the ultimate conclusion of the film that the main character should just go to college is a real weak way out. For anyone that grew up in the 80s one of the highlights of the film is no doubt the sound track although a mix tape would work equally as well as watching this film. About the only shining light in this film is the really good performance of Ashley Greene but other than that there is not a whole lot to recommend this film above it's numerous rivals.
3/5 average 80s coming of age tale.
Director and Writer Anthony Burns brings a coming of age tale to the big scren starting Shiloh Fernandez and Ashley Greene. A 19 year old boy that works at the local roller rink has no idea what to do with his life, stuff happens.
There is not much new here and the ultimate conclusion of the film that the main character should just go to college is a real weak way out. For anyone that grew up in the 80s one of the highlights of the film is no doubt the sound track although a mix tape would work equally as well as watching this film. About the only shining light in this film is the really good performance of Ashley Greene but other than that there is not a whole lot to recommend this film above it's numerous rivals.
3/5 average 80s coming of age tale.
Tuesday 26 July 2011
Stolen time
The Good Die Young (1954)
This British crime drama stars Stanley Baker and also includes a young Joan Collins in a supporting role. Four men from differing back grounds are down on their luck and all have women problems, is crime the solution?
There is nothing especially original about this film and unfortunately it ends up being a bit of a weak effort as it spends far too long building up the back story for the characters. It is nearly two thirds of the way into the film before we really get down to the meat and potatoes of the story and this means there is very little drama or tension. When we finally do get to the crime itself and the resolution that greed corrupts it is far too little and far too late.
2/5 weak effort.
This British crime drama stars Stanley Baker and also includes a young Joan Collins in a supporting role. Four men from differing back grounds are down on their luck and all have women problems, is crime the solution?
There is nothing especially original about this film and unfortunately it ends up being a bit of a weak effort as it spends far too long building up the back story for the characters. It is nearly two thirds of the way into the film before we really get down to the meat and potatoes of the story and this means there is very little drama or tension. When we finally do get to the crime itself and the resolution that greed corrupts it is far too little and far too late.
2/5 weak effort.
Monday 25 July 2011
Artsy
Seraphine (2009)
This French film won numerous awards in it's own country and stars Yolande Moreau and Ulrich Tukur. Based on a true story a German art critic discovers a French cleaning lady with a talent for painting.
This is a fairly slow moving film and I think it would have been more interesting if it included a bit more of the artists childhood so we could better understand how she became the person she was but instead it focuses on the relationship between the artist and her patron. Another possible direction would have been a greater focus on if the patron was just taking advantage of a crazy old lady or not. While the relationship portrayed is unusual I have to say that over all the film is less interesting than the art work Seraphine ended up producing which is full of rich and vibrant colours.
3/5 average art biopic.
This French film won numerous awards in it's own country and stars Yolande Moreau and Ulrich Tukur. Based on a true story a German art critic discovers a French cleaning lady with a talent for painting.
This is a fairly slow moving film and I think it would have been more interesting if it included a bit more of the artists childhood so we could better understand how she became the person she was but instead it focuses on the relationship between the artist and her patron. Another possible direction would have been a greater focus on if the patron was just taking advantage of a crazy old lady or not. While the relationship portrayed is unusual I have to say that over all the film is less interesting than the art work Seraphine ended up producing which is full of rich and vibrant colours.
3/5 average art biopic.
Sunday 24 July 2011
Whatever
Whatever Works (2009)
Woody Allen returns to New York film making with this comedy staring Larry David and Evan Rachel Wood. An angry old man meets an impressionable young girl from the South and a bunch of peoples lives get changed.
Larry David as the ranting old man is the best thing about this film and provides most of the humour, unfortunately the rest of the film is not as impressive. Sadly the characters that undergo the biggest and most interesting changes in their life style get little screen time and I do not understand why if the girl's mother changes so much that she lives in a ménage a trois with two guys why she can not accept her daughter being married to an older man. It also does not help that the film wants to ram home it's message repeatedly and without much subtlety.
3/5 not one of Allen's best films.
Woody Allen returns to New York film making with this comedy staring Larry David and Evan Rachel Wood. An angry old man meets an impressionable young girl from the South and a bunch of peoples lives get changed.
Larry David as the ranting old man is the best thing about this film and provides most of the humour, unfortunately the rest of the film is not as impressive. Sadly the characters that undergo the biggest and most interesting changes in their life style get little screen time and I do not understand why if the girl's mother changes so much that she lives in a ménage a trois with two guys why she can not accept her daughter being married to an older man. It also does not help that the film wants to ram home it's message repeatedly and without much subtlety.
3/5 not one of Allen's best films.
Saturday 23 July 2011
Resident Evil: Aftercash
Resident Evil: Afterlife (2010)
Back for a fourth instalment of this film franchise based on the popular zombie game are director Paul W.S. Anderson and star Milla Jovovich. Alice is back and on the hunt for revenge and the survivors from the last film.
This film was obviously made for 3D with a number of sequences clearly designed to show case the possibilities of the new technology but this is not much consolation to those of us watching in 2D. The plot of the film suffers from having to deal with the loose ends left from the last film before it gets started on the weak effort making up the majority of this one. You would hope the action sequences would make up for the lack of plot but a lot of these are unoriginal and you can clearly spot where they are ripped off from. Maybe when they come back for the fifth time to milk the franchise they could include a plot, some character development and some original action sequences.
2/5 forgettable zombie sequel.
Back for a fourth instalment of this film franchise based on the popular zombie game are director Paul W.S. Anderson and star Milla Jovovich. Alice is back and on the hunt for revenge and the survivors from the last film.
This film was obviously made for 3D with a number of sequences clearly designed to show case the possibilities of the new technology but this is not much consolation to those of us watching in 2D. The plot of the film suffers from having to deal with the loose ends left from the last film before it gets started on the weak effort making up the majority of this one. You would hope the action sequences would make up for the lack of plot but a lot of these are unoriginal and you can clearly spot where they are ripped off from. Maybe when they come back for the fifth time to milk the franchise they could include a plot, some character development and some original action sequences.
2/5 forgettable zombie sequel.
Friday 22 July 2011
Play it Again, Woody
Play it Again, Sam (1972)
Unusually Woody Allen writes and stars in this film along side Diane Keaton but does not direct the film based on his own play. The usual Allen character's wife leaves him and he goes on a series of dates set up by his best friend and his friend's wife.
If you have not seen Casablanca (1942) do not watch this film as it is heavily inspired by and spoils the plot of Casablanca. Although this film does not depart heavily from the majority of Woody Allen's films it is probably one of his best as it is both funny and the underpinning of a homage to Casablanca as well as Bogart in general hold the film together well. Despite the ending being lifted whole sale from another film it works surprisingly well and I think having Herbert Ross direct rather than Allen himself also really helps this film.
4/5 one of the best from Allen.
Unusually Woody Allen writes and stars in this film along side Diane Keaton but does not direct the film based on his own play. The usual Allen character's wife leaves him and he goes on a series of dates set up by his best friend and his friend's wife.
If you have not seen Casablanca (1942) do not watch this film as it is heavily inspired by and spoils the plot of Casablanca. Although this film does not depart heavily from the majority of Woody Allen's films it is probably one of his best as it is both funny and the underpinning of a homage to Casablanca as well as Bogart in general hold the film together well. Despite the ending being lifted whole sale from another film it works surprisingly well and I think having Herbert Ross direct rather than Allen himself also really helps this film.
4/5 one of the best from Allen.
Thursday 21 July 2011
Moore bore
Big Fat Important Movie (2008)
This comedy from David Zucker stars Kevin Farley and is also known as “An American Carol”. A documentary film maker wants to abolish the 4th of July and receives a visitation from three spirits who try to change his mind.
Unusually this is a right leaning comedy but do we really need a parody to tell us that Michael Moore is an idiot? The underlying message of the film is not too bad, sometimes we do need war, but by and large the execution of the film is poor at best. While the film does manage to avoid the pitfalls of being overly patriotic and becoming a self parody that is about the best you can say about it. Leslie Nielsen's part in the film seems entirely superfluous and the actual plot of the film is fairly jumbled, repetitive and not especially funny.
2/5 an unusual attempt but a poor result.
This comedy from David Zucker stars Kevin Farley and is also known as “An American Carol”. A documentary film maker wants to abolish the 4th of July and receives a visitation from three spirits who try to change his mind.
Unusually this is a right leaning comedy but do we really need a parody to tell us that Michael Moore is an idiot? The underlying message of the film is not too bad, sometimes we do need war, but by and large the execution of the film is poor at best. While the film does manage to avoid the pitfalls of being overly patriotic and becoming a self parody that is about the best you can say about it. Leslie Nielsen's part in the film seems entirely superfluous and the actual plot of the film is fairly jumbled, repetitive and not especially funny.
2/5 an unusual attempt but a poor result.
Wednesday 20 July 2011
Revolting
Guns at Batasi (1964)
Based on a the novel “The Siege of Battersea” this adaptation stars Richard Attenborough and features a young Mia Farrow in one of her first screen roles. An uptight, by the book Regimental Sergeant Major is faced with a potential civil war in a former British colony.
The major issue of post war British history is the end of the Empire and the growing pains of that faced many nations after decolonisation and this film deals with some of those themes. As purely advisers in a now independent country when there is a coup it puts the British characters in a tough position and the film explores how they react depending on their prejudices. Negotiating the subject matter is no mean feat but the film manages to do so without moralising and giving a balanced show of differing points of view. It does have to be said that Attenborough gives a really great performance in a role that could have gone way over the top and ruined the film.
4/5 a good look at some difficult issues.
Based on a the novel “The Siege of Battersea” this adaptation stars Richard Attenborough and features a young Mia Farrow in one of her first screen roles. An uptight, by the book Regimental Sergeant Major is faced with a potential civil war in a former British colony.
The major issue of post war British history is the end of the Empire and the growing pains of that faced many nations after decolonisation and this film deals with some of those themes. As purely advisers in a now independent country when there is a coup it puts the British characters in a tough position and the film explores how they react depending on their prejudices. Negotiating the subject matter is no mean feat but the film manages to do so without moralising and giving a balanced show of differing points of view. It does have to be said that Attenborough gives a really great performance in a role that could have gone way over the top and ruined the film.
4/5 a good look at some difficult issues.
Tuesday 19 July 2011
Liberty
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962)
Director John Ford brings together stars John Wayne and James Stewart for the first time on screen. An ageing Senator recants the tale of his arrival as a young lawyer in a small town in the territories.
Like many of the great westerns this film is about the end of the west and the way it has been mythologised in American cinema/history. The battle between lawlessness and civilization is literally played out on the screen between Stewart and Marvin in particular. There is also one hint at the problem of race relations when a bar man attempts to deny Woody Strode's character entry to the bar.
Aside from the big name stars it is also worth watching for the menacing performance from Lee Marvin, Edmond O'Brien as a drunk paper editor and Lee Van Cleef lurking in the back ground. As always with John Ford the direction is good with the black and white lending itself well to the shadows of the final show down.
5/5 one of Ford's best.
Director John Ford brings together stars John Wayne and James Stewart for the first time on screen. An ageing Senator recants the tale of his arrival as a young lawyer in a small town in the territories.
Like many of the great westerns this film is about the end of the west and the way it has been mythologised in American cinema/history. The battle between lawlessness and civilization is literally played out on the screen between Stewart and Marvin in particular. There is also one hint at the problem of race relations when a bar man attempts to deny Woody Strode's character entry to the bar.
Aside from the big name stars it is also worth watching for the menacing performance from Lee Marvin, Edmond O'Brien as a drunk paper editor and Lee Van Cleef lurking in the back ground. As always with John Ford the direction is good with the black and white lending itself well to the shadows of the final show down.
5/5 one of Ford's best.
Monday 18 July 2011
Who needs a plot anyway?
Slacker (1991)
Helping kick off the independent film movement of the 1990s is this offering from first time writer/director Richard Linklater. A snap shot of youth culture set in Austin, Texas covering a large cast of odd ball characters.
This film could easily have been a documentary as it eschews a clear narrative for a wandering meander through a day in the lives of the youth of Austin. While there is an interesting element to the non tradition nature of this film it does feel slightly gimmicky by the end, nevertheless there are more than enough crazies dotted through out the film to hold your attention. Despite it's limitations this film is still well worth a watch as it captures a view of apathetic youth that is still relevant today.
4/5
Helping kick off the independent film movement of the 1990s is this offering from first time writer/director Richard Linklater. A snap shot of youth culture set in Austin, Texas covering a large cast of odd ball characters.
This film could easily have been a documentary as it eschews a clear narrative for a wandering meander through a day in the lives of the youth of Austin. While there is an interesting element to the non tradition nature of this film it does feel slightly gimmicky by the end, nevertheless there are more than enough crazies dotted through out the film to hold your attention. Despite it's limitations this film is still well worth a watch as it captures a view of apathetic youth that is still relevant today.
4/5
Sunday 17 July 2011
Benders
The Last Airbender (2010)
Armed with a huge budget an a group of child actors director M. Night Shyamalan adapts a successful cartoon series for the big screen. In a fantasy world a trio of kids set off to restore balance to the land using elemental super powers.
This film took a pretty big hammering both from critics and at the box office but while it does have it's problems I really do not think it is that bad. Visually the film is really good with some decent martial arts, great scenery and nice locations. No doubt being the first part of a trilogy and trying to mash a full series into one film does not help matters so the plot is a bit wobbly in places and glosses over details by the truck load.
There are some complaints over not casting enough ethnic actors in the main roles but realistically the whole concept is cultural theft on large scale anyway as the series appears to be very much an American take on eastern influenced mythology. It is easy to point out all the missed opportunities for greater depth and better story telling but in the end the film is a visually impressive diversion even if it could have been much better.
3/5 not as bad as you probably heard.
Armed with a huge budget an a group of child actors director M. Night Shyamalan adapts a successful cartoon series for the big screen. In a fantasy world a trio of kids set off to restore balance to the land using elemental super powers.
This film took a pretty big hammering both from critics and at the box office but while it does have it's problems I really do not think it is that bad. Visually the film is really good with some decent martial arts, great scenery and nice locations. No doubt being the first part of a trilogy and trying to mash a full series into one film does not help matters so the plot is a bit wobbly in places and glosses over details by the truck load.
There are some complaints over not casting enough ethnic actors in the main roles but realistically the whole concept is cultural theft on large scale anyway as the series appears to be very much an American take on eastern influenced mythology. It is easy to point out all the missed opportunities for greater depth and better story telling but in the end the film is a visually impressive diversion even if it could have been much better.
3/5 not as bad as you probably heard.
Saturday 16 July 2011
Knightmare?
Knight and Day (2010)
Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz star in this action comedy that went through enough writers to field a football team. At the airport a secret agent on the run bumps into a blonde travelling with a bunch of car parts and they end up on the run from his agency.
What brings this film down is that it is terribly bland, it seems going through so many different writers hands has washed all personality out of the script. There are some glimmers of personality at the start with Cruise's character at the start of the film but they are quickly forgotten and we end up with a generic action film. As is the case with many films these days the action sequences are more CGI than anything else and as such do little to impress or cover up for the weak nature of the rest of the film. At least the film manages not to be offensively stupid which is about the best you can say about it.
3/5 nothing of note here.
Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz star in this action comedy that went through enough writers to field a football team. At the airport a secret agent on the run bumps into a blonde travelling with a bunch of car parts and they end up on the run from his agency.
What brings this film down is that it is terribly bland, it seems going through so many different writers hands has washed all personality out of the script. There are some glimmers of personality at the start with Cruise's character at the start of the film but they are quickly forgotten and we end up with a generic action film. As is the case with many films these days the action sequences are more CGI than anything else and as such do little to impress or cover up for the weak nature of the rest of the film. At least the film manages not to be offensively stupid which is about the best you can say about it.
3/5 nothing of note here.
Friday 15 July 2011
The back of a volkswagen
Mallrats (1995)
Director Kevin Smith followed up his Clerks (1994) with his first studio backed film staring Jason Lee, Jeremy London and Shannen Doherty. Two slackers are dumped by their respective girlfriends and spend the day at the local mall.
Despite not achieving the praise that Clerks did this is a funny film even if the plot is not especially impressive. What really makes the film is new comer Jason Lee in one of his first roles really stealing the film with his ranting nature and comic book obsession. Having a large cast certainly helps and there are plenty of laughs along the way.
4/5 better than it's reputation.
Director Kevin Smith followed up his Clerks (1994) with his first studio backed film staring Jason Lee, Jeremy London and Shannen Doherty. Two slackers are dumped by their respective girlfriends and spend the day at the local mall.
Despite not achieving the praise that Clerks did this is a funny film even if the plot is not especially impressive. What really makes the film is new comer Jason Lee in one of his first roles really stealing the film with his ranting nature and comic book obsession. Having a large cast certainly helps and there are plenty of laughs along the way.
4/5 better than it's reputation.
Thursday 14 July 2011
Well worn trail
The Law and Jake Wade (1958)
John Sturges directs Robert Taylor and Richard Widmark in this western which was shot in California. Problems arise for gang member turned sheriff when his old pals catch up with him and his fiancée.
This is not a particularly original film with a mix and match of plot elements from other films in the same genre so there are no surprises along the way. There is also little real depth added to make up for the unoriginal plot but the film is still well made for what it is. What is probably the highlight of the film is some of the landscapes and the way they are expertly shot and thanks to a short run time the lack of content is slightly mitigated.
3/5 a good example of your average western.
John Sturges directs Robert Taylor and Richard Widmark in this western which was shot in California. Problems arise for gang member turned sheriff when his old pals catch up with him and his fiancée.
This is not a particularly original film with a mix and match of plot elements from other films in the same genre so there are no surprises along the way. There is also little real depth added to make up for the unoriginal plot but the film is still well made for what it is. What is probably the highlight of the film is some of the landscapes and the way they are expertly shot and thanks to a short run time the lack of content is slightly mitigated.
3/5 a good example of your average western.
Wednesday 13 July 2011
Suspecting everyone
Laura (1944)
This film noir is based on the novel of the same name adapted for the big screen by director Otto Preminger and staring Gene Tierney, Dana Andrews and Vincent Price. Was it a young woman's fiancée, one of his other girlfriends or a snobbish writer that killed her?
Everything trundles along in this film pretty much as you would expect for the first third to one half then plot twists start appearing all over the place. If you persevere this becomes a really good “who done it” with suspicion falling on just about everybody. Despite a slow start there is a fair amount of suspense once the film does get going and is well worth a watch.
4/5
This film noir is based on the novel of the same name adapted for the big screen by director Otto Preminger and staring Gene Tierney, Dana Andrews and Vincent Price. Was it a young woman's fiancée, one of his other girlfriends or a snobbish writer that killed her?
Everything trundles along in this film pretty much as you would expect for the first third to one half then plot twists start appearing all over the place. If you persevere this becomes a really good “who done it” with suspicion falling on just about everybody. Despite a slow start there is a fair amount of suspense once the film does get going and is well worth a watch.
4/5
Tuesday 12 July 2011
Gri-sham?
The Client (1994)
Susan Sarandon and Tommy Lee Jones spare in this legal thriller adapted from the novel of the same name by John Grisham, directed by Joel Schumacher. A mob lawyer spills all to a 12 year old boy then kill himself, both the mob and prosecutors put pressure on the boy and his family to tell all.
This is a well made film with decent acting, direction and suspense but the plot is the weak link here. I can not help but wonder why all the messing about with the kid not being offered witness protection in the first place? There is also the issue of some of the characters feeling a little too forced to create melodrama. At the end of the day this is an average film but certainly one of the weaker Grisham adaptations floating about.
3/5 best not to think too hard about this one.
Susan Sarandon and Tommy Lee Jones spare in this legal thriller adapted from the novel of the same name by John Grisham, directed by Joel Schumacher. A mob lawyer spills all to a 12 year old boy then kill himself, both the mob and prosecutors put pressure on the boy and his family to tell all.
This is a well made film with decent acting, direction and suspense but the plot is the weak link here. I can not help but wonder why all the messing about with the kid not being offered witness protection in the first place? There is also the issue of some of the characters feeling a little too forced to create melodrama. At the end of the day this is an average film but certainly one of the weaker Grisham adaptations floating about.
3/5 best not to think too hard about this one.
Monday 11 July 2011
A chip off the old block?
Our Man Flint (1966)
Long before Austin Powers and beating Casino Royale (1967) to the big screen was this parody of the Bond franchise staring James Coburn. When the world is threatened by a group that can control the weather there is only one man for the job!
This is a pretty decent film but has one major problem, someone seems to have forgotten to put the jokes in. The plot does stretch the Bond clichés to the limit but really fails to bring home any laughs. Compared to the other films I mentioned this film is not really worth watching sadly.
3/5 a well made attempt but just not really funny.
Long before Austin Powers and beating Casino Royale (1967) to the big screen was this parody of the Bond franchise staring James Coburn. When the world is threatened by a group that can control the weather there is only one man for the job!
This is a pretty decent film but has one major problem, someone seems to have forgotten to put the jokes in. The plot does stretch the Bond clichés to the limit but really fails to bring home any laughs. Compared to the other films I mentioned this film is not really worth watching sadly.
3/5 a well made attempt but just not really funny.
Sunday 10 July 2011
Wasted
Grown Ups (2010)
Adam Sandler co-writes and stars in this comedy along side Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade and Rob Schneider. Old school basketball team mates bring their families together for a weekend in the country after their basketball coach dies.
There is a large cast with a lot of talent on show here including support from the likes of Maria Bello and Salma Hayek, it is just a shame most of them have nothing to do. Some how this film grossed $270mil world wide despite being unoriginal, largely unfunny and a complete waste of the great cast. The plot is a rehash of the same thing you have seen in about 20 different movies all as bad as this one with out any real saving graces.
2/5 the only joke is that this film made any money.
Adam Sandler co-writes and stars in this comedy along side Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade and Rob Schneider. Old school basketball team mates bring their families together for a weekend in the country after their basketball coach dies.
There is a large cast with a lot of talent on show here including support from the likes of Maria Bello and Salma Hayek, it is just a shame most of them have nothing to do. Some how this film grossed $270mil world wide despite being unoriginal, largely unfunny and a complete waste of the great cast. The plot is a rehash of the same thing you have seen in about 20 different movies all as bad as this one with out any real saving graces.
2/5 the only joke is that this film made any money.
Saturday 9 July 2011
The phantom entertainment
Fanboys (2009)
After nearly two years of delays this comedy from Kyle Newman staring Sam Huntington, Jay Baruchel and Kristen Bell was finally released. It is 1998 and a gang of Star Wars fans want to break into Skywalker ranch for an early viewing of Episode one as one of them is dying.
This could have been a good film as there is plenty of material in Star Wars fandom as well as looking at the end result we got with the prequels but ultimately this ends up being a by the numbers road movie that mainly focuses on trivial rather than something more interesting. I would really have loved to see a Simon Pegg/Edgar Wright take on this subject as they have a much better idea on how to balance comedy, homage and reference to popular culture. There are some funny moments but this ends up being a disappointing film.
2/5 George Lucas should have sued somebody.
After nearly two years of delays this comedy from Kyle Newman staring Sam Huntington, Jay Baruchel and Kristen Bell was finally released. It is 1998 and a gang of Star Wars fans want to break into Skywalker ranch for an early viewing of Episode one as one of them is dying.
This could have been a good film as there is plenty of material in Star Wars fandom as well as looking at the end result we got with the prequels but ultimately this ends up being a by the numbers road movie that mainly focuses on trivial rather than something more interesting. I would really have loved to see a Simon Pegg/Edgar Wright take on this subject as they have a much better idea on how to balance comedy, homage and reference to popular culture. There are some funny moments but this ends up being a disappointing film.
2/5 George Lucas should have sued somebody.
Friday 8 July 2011
Sinner
Overnight (2003)
This documentary shows how the cult film The Boondock Saints (1999) went from being a highly demanded script in Hollywood to being released in only handful of theatres. Troy Duffy is a bar tender who sells his first script for a huge deal and then goes massively off the rails.
It is really rare that you get to see someone implode like this and have it documented on film for you simply because people realise something makes them look bad and it never sees the light of day however I doubt Duffy's ego would ever allow him to think he comes off as looking bad. A small amount of success inflates Duffy's ego out of all proportions and he decides to bite the hand that feeds him, unsurprisingly when you go to war with a Hollywood big shot like Harvey Weinstein there are no prizes for guessing who comes off second best. This is a fascinating insight into a one man train wreck.
4/5
This documentary shows how the cult film The Boondock Saints (1999) went from being a highly demanded script in Hollywood to being released in only handful of theatres. Troy Duffy is a bar tender who sells his first script for a huge deal and then goes massively off the rails.
It is really rare that you get to see someone implode like this and have it documented on film for you simply because people realise something makes them look bad and it never sees the light of day however I doubt Duffy's ego would ever allow him to think he comes off as looking bad. A small amount of success inflates Duffy's ego out of all proportions and he decides to bite the hand that feeds him, unsurprisingly when you go to war with a Hollywood big shot like Harvey Weinstein there are no prizes for guessing who comes off second best. This is a fascinating insight into a one man train wreck.
4/5
Thursday 7 July 2011
Making a splash
Sunset Boulevard (1950)
Writer/Director Billy Wilder picked up his third Oscar for this film staring William Holden and Gloria Swanson. A cynical young writer in Hollywood gets caught up with a crazy old actress that fame has forgotten.
A lot of this film is probably lost on modern audiences as a large part is dedicated to looking back at the silent era of Hollywood which most of us no longer have any experience with. This film noir was also one of the first to lift the lid on the dark side of the industry and does so with a cynical eye that is very enjoyable. The plot itself is probably the only weak element of the film and even then it is not that bad, the dialogue, atmosphere and tone of the film work really well. While the film does cover the ideas of the desire for and loss of fame it could have done with a few more characters to explore this fully but otherwise this is a really great film.
5/5
Writer/Director Billy Wilder picked up his third Oscar for this film staring William Holden and Gloria Swanson. A cynical young writer in Hollywood gets caught up with a crazy old actress that fame has forgotten.
A lot of this film is probably lost on modern audiences as a large part is dedicated to looking back at the silent era of Hollywood which most of us no longer have any experience with. This film noir was also one of the first to lift the lid on the dark side of the industry and does so with a cynical eye that is very enjoyable. The plot itself is probably the only weak element of the film and even then it is not that bad, the dialogue, atmosphere and tone of the film work really well. While the film does cover the ideas of the desire for and loss of fame it could have done with a few more characters to explore this fully but otherwise this is a really great film.
5/5
Wednesday 6 July 2011
Bushed
Ambush Bay (1966)
This WW2 action film stars Hugh O'Brian, Mickey Rooney and James Mitchum. A group of American marines are sent to the Philippines on a secret mission days before the planned re-invasion.
It is hard to find much to like about this film as it is littered with a poor dialogue, at best average acting and a weak plot. There is very little tension in the plot, the characters are one dimensional and uninteresting for the most part. Ultimately there are a ton of better films in this genre so I would just say clear.
2/5
This WW2 action film stars Hugh O'Brian, Mickey Rooney and James Mitchum. A group of American marines are sent to the Philippines on a secret mission days before the planned re-invasion.
It is hard to find much to like about this film as it is littered with a poor dialogue, at best average acting and a weak plot. There is very little tension in the plot, the characters are one dimensional and uninteresting for the most part. Ultimately there are a ton of better films in this genre so I would just say clear.
2/5
Tuesday 5 July 2011
The Swede
Through a Glass Darkly (1961)
Ingmar Bergman directs this Swedish language film which stars Harriet Andersson and Max von Sydow. Twenty four hours with a crazy Swedish woman, her husband, brother and farther in a cottage by the sea.
This film is supposed to be about faith and God but I am not really sure it goes into the subject in any depth or offers any original thought on the matter. The acting and direction are good enough but the script feels fairly thin to me. I also think that the main characters madness could have been a better subject for a film and how it affects those around her.
3/5
Ingmar Bergman directs this Swedish language film which stars Harriet Andersson and Max von Sydow. Twenty four hours with a crazy Swedish woman, her husband, brother and farther in a cottage by the sea.
This film is supposed to be about faith and God but I am not really sure it goes into the subject in any depth or offers any original thought on the matter. The acting and direction are good enough but the script feels fairly thin to me. I also think that the main characters madness could have been a better subject for a film and how it affects those around her.
3/5
Monday 4 July 2011
Clouded
Akira (1988)
This Japanese animated film is directed by Katsuhiro Otomo and comes with a big reputation. Thirty years after World War three in Japan there are biker gangs, terrorists and kids with special powers all causing havoc.
Right from the opening mushroom cloud it is hard not to see this film as an exploration of post war Japan trying to deal with it's past. There is a human element to the story explored through the relationships of the young characters but the main themes of this film are to do with destructive power and control of such power. While the film does have some high ambitions it does fall a little short of fully exploring the great world it creates, probably due to the fact it is trying to adapt a much larger comic book into a 2 hour film.
4/5 a good film that probably needed more time to be fully realised.
This Japanese animated film is directed by Katsuhiro Otomo and comes with a big reputation. Thirty years after World War three in Japan there are biker gangs, terrorists and kids with special powers all causing havoc.
Right from the opening mushroom cloud it is hard not to see this film as an exploration of post war Japan trying to deal with it's past. There is a human element to the story explored through the relationships of the young characters but the main themes of this film are to do with destructive power and control of such power. While the film does have some high ambitions it does fall a little short of fully exploring the great world it creates, probably due to the fact it is trying to adapt a much larger comic book into a 2 hour film.
4/5 a good film that probably needed more time to be fully realised.
Sunday 3 July 2011
Fight!
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)
British director Edgar Wright brings this Canadian comic to the big screen in a film that stars Michael Cera. When an early 20s man meets the girl of his dreams he has to battle her deadly exs.
Visually this is a great film with tons of funky action sequences that are largely well directed, staying clear of the usual pitfalls. As far as the story itself goes it is pretty funny but the plot is largely unremarkable and common fodder for a lot of similar films. What the film does best is give the style of a comic book mashed together with a beat em up game real life on screen without seeming like it is just a gimmick.
4/5 style over substance remains entertaining.
British director Edgar Wright brings this Canadian comic to the big screen in a film that stars Michael Cera. When an early 20s man meets the girl of his dreams he has to battle her deadly exs.
Visually this is a great film with tons of funky action sequences that are largely well directed, staying clear of the usual pitfalls. As far as the story itself goes it is pretty funny but the plot is largely unremarkable and common fodder for a lot of similar films. What the film does best is give the style of a comic book mashed together with a beat em up game real life on screen without seeming like it is just a gimmick.
4/5 style over substance remains entertaining.
Saturday 2 July 2011
In 1972 2010.....
The A-Team (2010)
After many years of floating around Hollywood we finally get The A-Team adapted to the big screen staring Liam Neeson and Bradley Cooper. If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can hire... The A-Team.
There are a truck load of problems with this film, the plot is not especially great and does suffer a bit from being an origins film, some of the characters have been changed a fair amount and I do not really like the idea of trying to shoe in some character growth by making Face come up with the final plan. The biggest divergence from the series which generally involves the team helping an underdog and usually not killing one is in part due to the nature of this being what was obviously supposed to be the first film in a series. I am not really impressed with the direction of the action sequences either as the follow the modern trend of excessively short and rapid cuts.
All that being said this is a good film. You might wonder how this remains a good film despite all the problems with it and the answer is simple really, personality. This film has personality in spades and that goes a long way. Like a lot of kids I grew up on watching the A-team series and this is definitely not the truest adaptation possible but it is still fun, ludicrous and over the top all in a good way. Turn your brain off sit back and enjoy.
4/5 surprisingly good while being surprisingly bad.
After many years of floating around Hollywood we finally get The A-Team adapted to the big screen staring Liam Neeson and Bradley Cooper. If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can hire... The A-Team.
There are a truck load of problems with this film, the plot is not especially great and does suffer a bit from being an origins film, some of the characters have been changed a fair amount and I do not really like the idea of trying to shoe in some character growth by making Face come up with the final plan. The biggest divergence from the series which generally involves the team helping an underdog and usually not killing one is in part due to the nature of this being what was obviously supposed to be the first film in a series. I am not really impressed with the direction of the action sequences either as the follow the modern trend of excessively short and rapid cuts.
All that being said this is a good film. You might wonder how this remains a good film despite all the problems with it and the answer is simple really, personality. This film has personality in spades and that goes a long way. Like a lot of kids I grew up on watching the A-team series and this is definitely not the truest adaptation possible but it is still fun, ludicrous and over the top all in a good way. Turn your brain off sit back and enjoy.
4/5 surprisingly good while being surprisingly bad.
Friday 1 July 2011
Quackers
Duck Soup (1933)
The Marx brothers star in this comedy that is considered to be their best film. Freedonia is in a time of crisis and just what it needs is a new leader while it's neighbouring Sylvania wants to take over the country.
Obviously this is a funny film with some great jokes along the way but it is not with out it's problems. While there are attempts at satire in this film it never really seriously goes beyond being a vehicle for the Marx brothers crazy jokes and set pieces. The plot is a bit thin on the ground to say the least despite a short run time. Over all the film could have done with a lot more polish but still remains very funny.
4/5 keeps you laughing but does not get you thinking
The Marx brothers star in this comedy that is considered to be their best film. Freedonia is in a time of crisis and just what it needs is a new leader while it's neighbouring Sylvania wants to take over the country.
Obviously this is a funny film with some great jokes along the way but it is not with out it's problems. While there are attempts at satire in this film it never really seriously goes beyond being a vehicle for the Marx brothers crazy jokes and set pieces. The plot is a bit thin on the ground to say the least despite a short run time. Over all the film could have done with a lot more polish but still remains very funny.
4/5 keeps you laughing but does not get you thinking
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)