This is a very leisurely paced movie – one that I wasn’t too excited about – but is a little gem. It’s another of these movies where not a lot actually happens, but there’s so much going on.
It’s a story about an old man, who late in life decides to learn to read. Living as he does in a remote part of the Amazon, the only books he can get his hands on are romance novels – hence the strange title.
The old man is an absolutely charming character who reads – and thinks – aloud. Rather that just read the books as you or I would, he contemplates every single line, trying to discover the deeper meaning to everything.
But the books are only a minor part of the plot. The real theme here is one of redemption and missed opportunities. And the old man is given a chance to set things straight.
It is a beautifully filmed, warm and funny movie, that if you stick with it’s meandering style, you will be rewarded.
Princess Mononoke
From Hayao Myazaki, the creator of Spirited Away, comes another amazing fable, set in a historic realm where the spirits still lived.
Using similar lush visuals as Spirited Away, and a storyline full of action, compassion and love, this is a genre-busting movie of the best kind. It’s also a protest against development at the cost of the environment. And possibly a little bit of an anti-war movie, such as Grave of the Fireflies was.
But more than just lush visuals and a great storyline, this is a movie that embraces the spirit world. Now this may set alarm bells off is some Christian minds, but look closely at the movie and you’ll see a lot of Christian parallels.
A word of warning though, never be fooled into thinking that animation is for kids, this is an action packed movie set in a time where evil must be fought head on.
Using similar lush visuals as Spirited Away, and a storyline full of action, compassion and love, this is a genre-busting movie of the best kind. It’s also a protest against development at the cost of the environment. And possibly a little bit of an anti-war movie, such as Grave of the Fireflies was.
But more than just lush visuals and a great storyline, this is a movie that embraces the spirit world. Now this may set alarm bells off is some Christian minds, but look closely at the movie and you’ll see a lot of Christian parallels.
A word of warning though, never be fooled into thinking that animation is for kids, this is an action packed movie set in a time where evil must be fought head on.
The Return Of The King | Extended Edition
The Return of the King was arguably the best instalment of Peter Jackson’s the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and with this in mind, the Extended Edition had a lot to live up to.
With an addition of 50 minuets of new or extended scenes flawlessly added into the extended DVD, it was almost like watching a totally different movie. Surprisingly it didn’t feel like it was almost an hour longer, if anything it felt like the time went by faster.
Even the ending, which was subject to the most of the films sparse criticism, didn’t seem as long – weather Jackson edited the ending, or if it just seemed shorter due to the added length of the movie, I’m not sure, but it was a fitting end to a great trilogy.
I wont spoil the movie by telling you exactly what makes up the extra time, there’s plenty of websites out there that can do that, what I will say is that the scenes added to the experience by telling more of the story.
The theatrical release of The Return of the King, was at times confusing and disjointed for a person such as my self, who hasn’t, and will never read the books. But throughout the Extended version I found myself thinking “Oh, so that’s what happened” or “Ah, so that’s the reason for that”. It was as I said before, like watching an entirely different movie.
And the scenes weren’t just a few extra lines of dialogue, the film felt more action packed, more compassionate, and gave the viewer more hope.
All in all, the extra 50 minuets is worth shelling out for the extended DVD, and I have yet to even contemplate watching the 2 discs of special features!
With an addition of 50 minuets of new or extended scenes flawlessly added into the extended DVD, it was almost like watching a totally different movie. Surprisingly it didn’t feel like it was almost an hour longer, if anything it felt like the time went by faster.
Even the ending, which was subject to the most of the films sparse criticism, didn’t seem as long – weather Jackson edited the ending, or if it just seemed shorter due to the added length of the movie, I’m not sure, but it was a fitting end to a great trilogy.
I wont spoil the movie by telling you exactly what makes up the extra time, there’s plenty of websites out there that can do that, what I will say is that the scenes added to the experience by telling more of the story.
The theatrical release of The Return of the King, was at times confusing and disjointed for a person such as my self, who hasn’t, and will never read the books. But throughout the Extended version I found myself thinking “Oh, so that’s what happened” or “Ah, so that’s the reason for that”. It was as I said before, like watching an entirely different movie.
And the scenes weren’t just a few extra lines of dialogue, the film felt more action packed, more compassionate, and gave the viewer more hope.
All in all, the extra 50 minuets is worth shelling out for the extended DVD, and I have yet to even contemplate watching the 2 discs of special features!
Step Into Liquid
Water. It’s a thing of deadly beauty.
There’s nothing that compares to it. The way it moves, the ever-changing randomness of it. The way it makes you feel when you’re in it. It’s amazing stuff.
Maybe it’s why surfers are such a fanatical bunch.
Now I’m no surfer, but I can appreciate their love of water, and I’m blown away by what they can do with just a surfboard and a wave.
Step Into Liquid is more that just a surfing documentary – it’s about a passion that over comes all prejudices and pre-conceptions.
It’s never about the size, though surfing 66ft waves 100miles offshore sure looks like fun, its about getting up and having fun. It’s about doing something you love, not because you have to, but because you want to.
Step Into Liquid takes us on a journey from the obvious locations such as Hawaii’s North Shore, to the coast of Ireland, when 3 American Irish lads venture every year, to run a surf school, just south of the Northern border for Catholic and Protestant kids.
It’s a visually stimulating feel good movie about life.
There’s nothing that compares to it. The way it moves, the ever-changing randomness of it. The way it makes you feel when you’re in it. It’s amazing stuff.
Maybe it’s why surfers are such a fanatical bunch.
Now I’m no surfer, but I can appreciate their love of water, and I’m blown away by what they can do with just a surfboard and a wave.
Step Into Liquid is more that just a surfing documentary – it’s about a passion that over comes all prejudices and pre-conceptions.
It’s never about the size, though surfing 66ft waves 100miles offshore sure looks like fun, its about getting up and having fun. It’s about doing something you love, not because you have to, but because you want to.
Step Into Liquid takes us on a journey from the obvious locations such as Hawaii’s North Shore, to the coast of Ireland, when 3 American Irish lads venture every year, to run a surf school, just south of the Northern border for Catholic and Protestant kids.
It’s a visually stimulating feel good movie about life.
Joint Security Area
When two North Korean soldiers are killed whilst on duty in the Joint Security Area, a Swiss Military Officer Major Spohie Jang is bought in to ease tensions and discover what actually happened.
With two conflicting reports and evidence that doesn’t stack up, Sophie soon realises that neither report is true.
Through a series of flashbacks we gradually start to unravel the mystery as Sophie digs deeper into the surprising events that lead up to the tragic incident.
Intelligent and thought provoking, Joint Security Area touches on the human side to the division of Korea, but proves that ultimately only tragedy can come from division.
Joint Security Area is a warm, funny but ultimately tragic story of an unlikely friendship.
With two conflicting reports and evidence that doesn’t stack up, Sophie soon realises that neither report is true.
Through a series of flashbacks we gradually start to unravel the mystery as Sophie digs deeper into the surprising events that lead up to the tragic incident.
Intelligent and thought provoking, Joint Security Area touches on the human side to the division of Korea, but proves that ultimately only tragedy can come from division.
Joint Security Area is a warm, funny but ultimately tragic story of an unlikely friendship.
Noi The Albino
Noi The Albino is a coming of age movie with a difference; It’s Icelandic.
Trapped in a white walled prison that is his little village in the remote North of Iceland, Noi is bored and frustrated. He wants more to life, and he takes out his frustrations on his teacher.
This is a movie full of beautiful moments – my favourite is when Noi sends a Dictaphone to school to record the lesson so he doesn’t ‘need’ to be there – but all these moments are downplayed by the superb acting of Tomas Lemarquis, who’s portrayal of Noi is one of apathy towards a world that is too small for him.
Noi is a genius that no one recognises, even his girlfriend doesn’t want to know him when he finally has the courage to up and leave. And this is typical of what Noi faces.
The movie moves along at its own pace, twisting and turning slowly as if on an icy road, but this journey has a darkly comic twist that you won’t see coming.
Superb acting with an interesting plot will keep you transfixed.
Trapped in a white walled prison that is his little village in the remote North of Iceland, Noi is bored and frustrated. He wants more to life, and he takes out his frustrations on his teacher.
This is a movie full of beautiful moments – my favourite is when Noi sends a Dictaphone to school to record the lesson so he doesn’t ‘need’ to be there – but all these moments are downplayed by the superb acting of Tomas Lemarquis, who’s portrayal of Noi is one of apathy towards a world that is too small for him.
Noi is a genius that no one recognises, even his girlfriend doesn’t want to know him when he finally has the courage to up and leave. And this is typical of what Noi faces.
The movie moves along at its own pace, twisting and turning slowly as if on an icy road, but this journey has a darkly comic twist that you won’t see coming.
Superb acting with an interesting plot will keep you transfixed.
Emile
Emile is the story of a man, who late in his life seeks redemption from the family he abandoned.
The story is told through a mixture of the present and the past, with the past being shown through a series of dreams and hallucinations. These dreams in particular have a stunning dreamy visual theme.
The way the story line cuts back and forth is initially confusing, but as you begin to understand Emile’s mind, and as Emile begins to understand what he has done, the story flows to a fairly predictable end.
Though predictable in it’s finishing the story weaves through a theme that we all struggle with: our own identity. Ultimately the movie only leaves us with questions, instead of the usual Hollywood feel good solutions.
This is a well written and superbly acted (Ian McKellen does an awesome job in the lead role) movie that will keep you transfixed till the very end.
With a rental release in March 05, this is one to watch out for.
The story is told through a mixture of the present and the past, with the past being shown through a series of dreams and hallucinations. These dreams in particular have a stunning dreamy visual theme.
The way the story line cuts back and forth is initially confusing, but as you begin to understand Emile’s mind, and as Emile begins to understand what he has done, the story flows to a fairly predictable end.
Though predictable in it’s finishing the story weaves through a theme that we all struggle with: our own identity. Ultimately the movie only leaves us with questions, instead of the usual Hollywood feel good solutions.
This is a well written and superbly acted (Ian McKellen does an awesome job in the lead role) movie that will keep you transfixed till the very end.
With a rental release in March 05, this is one to watch out for.
Girl With A Pearl Earring
Girl With A Pearl Earring is set in 17th Century Holland, based on a historical novel that looks behind Johannes Vermeer’s most famous painting.
It’s an expressive movie that forces you to watch it intently – for on the surface nothing much actually happens in this movie.
But go deeper, and there is a wealth of activity.
In a society where wealth and class are everything Scarlett Johansson’s character Griet is from a poor family and is sent to work as a maid for the Vermeer’s.
Innocent and submissive, Griet does nothing wrong, yet manages to alienate herself from everyone but Johannes, who sees not only a deep beauty, but also extraordinary artistic talent in this young girl.
Flirting on the edge of infidelity no lines are crossed, but cracks in an already troubled marriage come to the surface, and when Johannes’ rich benefactor demands that he paint a secret portrait of Griet, things come to a head.
This is one of the most visually stimulating and well acted movies I have seen. Scarlett’s ability to portray innocence, while at the same time portraying something msuch deeper behind her eyes is truly amazing, and Colin Firth gives an unexpected good performance as Johannes.
It’s an expressive movie that forces you to watch it intently – for on the surface nothing much actually happens in this movie.
But go deeper, and there is a wealth of activity.
In a society where wealth and class are everything Scarlett Johansson’s character Griet is from a poor family and is sent to work as a maid for the Vermeer’s.
Innocent and submissive, Griet does nothing wrong, yet manages to alienate herself from everyone but Johannes, who sees not only a deep beauty, but also extraordinary artistic talent in this young girl.
Flirting on the edge of infidelity no lines are crossed, but cracks in an already troubled marriage come to the surface, and when Johannes’ rich benefactor demands that he paint a secret portrait of Griet, things come to a head.
This is one of the most visually stimulating and well acted movies I have seen. Scarlett’s ability to portray innocence, while at the same time portraying something msuch deeper behind her eyes is truly amazing, and Colin Firth gives an unexpected good performance as Johannes.
Open City
Open City is apparently considered Roberto Rossellini’s greatest work. With this being my first look at classic Italian cinema, I can’t comment on this.
What I can say is that this is a wonderfully passionate tale of a humbly heroic priest (humbly heroic seems contradictory, but you’ll know what I mean if you see this DVD) who puts his life on the line to help others in need.
Filmed shortly after the Nazi’s left Italy, shot on scavenged ends of film; Open City has a feel of authenticity through its documentary look. The quality of the film, and the seemingly sparse subtitles are remarkably easy to get used to, especially as the visual story telling never leaves you in doubt as to what’s going on.
Even with the slight propaganda feel, this remarkable tale of the struggles of occupation, is summed up by the priest’s best lines:
“Oh, it’s not difficult to die well. The difficult thing is to live right.”
Delivered in his almost joyous manner that typified his warm and loving character and gave the movie it’s air of hope.
Superb viewing, popcorn not required!
What I can say is that this is a wonderfully passionate tale of a humbly heroic priest (humbly heroic seems contradictory, but you’ll know what I mean if you see this DVD) who puts his life on the line to help others in need.
Filmed shortly after the Nazi’s left Italy, shot on scavenged ends of film; Open City has a feel of authenticity through its documentary look. The quality of the film, and the seemingly sparse subtitles are remarkably easy to get used to, especially as the visual story telling never leaves you in doubt as to what’s going on.
Even with the slight propaganda feel, this remarkable tale of the struggles of occupation, is summed up by the priest’s best lines:
“Oh, it’s not difficult to die well. The difficult thing is to live right.”
Delivered in his almost joyous manner that typified his warm and loving character and gave the movie it’s air of hope.
Superb viewing, popcorn not required!
DVD format war?
The giants are taking sides to decide the future of DVD.
And so soon, with DVD only just establishing itself in many homes?
Read more here.
And so soon, with DVD only just establishing itself in many homes?
Read more here.
i, Robot
I, Robot is a futuristic thriller staring Will Smith in the lead role of Detective Del Spooner.
Will Smith is one of those actors I normally refer to as popcorn actors – in other words, there movies are perfectly complimented by a big bowl of popcorn, and not your brain.
But I,Robot is different. Based around some short stories by Isaac Asimov, this is a movie that almost gives Will Smith some credibility as a serious actor.
Set in the year 2035, robots have become a trusted and essential part of life for everyone, except Detective Spooner. Spooner likes the old days, when you valued what you did, because you had to do it. His go against the flow attitude is emphasized with some great product placement in a pair of old school 2004 Converse shoes that he receives at the start of the movie. His petrol driven motorbike further reinforces this.
So when a robot seemingly kills a human – something they are not supposed to be able to do – Spooner is sent to investigate. Whilst everyone else is saying suicide, Spooner is like a dog with a bone, not willing to let go of his ‘the Robot did it’ theory.
And this is where the movie really takes off, with a mix of action, suspense, and awesome special effects.
The movie could have easily gone down the no-brainer road, but thankfully doesn’t. Instead it turns into a rollercoaster ride, with many spiritual themes abounding through a twisting and turning plot.
This special effects laden end of the world movie is probably one of the most positive of the recent glut of movies in this genre, and is essential viewing for anyone who likes a good action movie as well as food for thought.
Will Smith is one of those actors I normally refer to as popcorn actors – in other words, there movies are perfectly complimented by a big bowl of popcorn, and not your brain.
But I,Robot is different. Based around some short stories by Isaac Asimov, this is a movie that almost gives Will Smith some credibility as a serious actor.
Set in the year 2035, robots have become a trusted and essential part of life for everyone, except Detective Spooner. Spooner likes the old days, when you valued what you did, because you had to do it. His go against the flow attitude is emphasized with some great product placement in a pair of old school 2004 Converse shoes that he receives at the start of the movie. His petrol driven motorbike further reinforces this.
So when a robot seemingly kills a human – something they are not supposed to be able to do – Spooner is sent to investigate. Whilst everyone else is saying suicide, Spooner is like a dog with a bone, not willing to let go of his ‘the Robot did it’ theory.
And this is where the movie really takes off, with a mix of action, suspense, and awesome special effects.
The movie could have easily gone down the no-brainer road, but thankfully doesn’t. Instead it turns into a rollercoaster ride, with many spiritual themes abounding through a twisting and turning plot.
This special effects laden end of the world movie is probably one of the most positive of the recent glut of movies in this genre, and is essential viewing for anyone who likes a good action movie as well as food for thought.
Without A Trace (S1)
The premise behind Without A Trace is not too far away from the Parable of the Lost Sheep. Some one is reported missing, and the FBI’s missing persons team swings into action. And like the Shepherd, the team on Without A Trace put everything on hold until they find, or find out what happened to, that person.
The way they find missing people is to try and discover what sort of person they were, so that they can figure out what they may have done. Using a timeline and whatever evidence they have the team carefully piece together the events leading up to the disappearance, and then figure out what happened after.
What sets this programme apart from the glut of crime dramas on TV at the moment is the sense of hope. The team never give up on hope. They are as positive as they can be, with a desire to find the person alive.
With season 2 currently running on TV2, it’s nice to be able to revisit season 1 on DVD. Not only do you get a perfect picture and sound, the proper aspect ratio, but you also get to enjoy it without the adverts.
The way they find missing people is to try and discover what sort of person they were, so that they can figure out what they may have done. Using a timeline and whatever evidence they have the team carefully piece together the events leading up to the disappearance, and then figure out what happened after.
What sets this programme apart from the glut of crime dramas on TV at the moment is the sense of hope. The team never give up on hope. They are as positive as they can be, with a desire to find the person alive.
With season 2 currently running on TV2, it’s nice to be able to revisit season 1 on DVD. Not only do you get a perfect picture and sound, the proper aspect ratio, but you also get to enjoy it without the adverts.
Cold Creek Manor
With their marriage on the verge of collapsing, and their son almost being killed by impatient motorists, New York career-focussed parents the Plummers sell up and take their two children to find a simpler life.
They purchase a recently repossessed mansion in small town America, without bothering to find out it’s history. It’s a bit of a shambles, but the locals seem eager to help them.
Whilst the story line is pretty much Hollywood style check-your-brains-at-the-door fare, if you can ignore the stupid mistakes the Plummers seem to make at every turn, Cold Creek Manor makes for a very entertaining, edge of your seats ride. It has the formula down pat, with scares, moments of tension, and the occasional bit of humour.
They purchase a recently repossessed mansion in small town America, without bothering to find out it’s history. It’s a bit of a shambles, but the locals seem eager to help them.
Whilst the story line is pretty much Hollywood style check-your-brains-at-the-door fare, if you can ignore the stupid mistakes the Plummers seem to make at every turn, Cold Creek Manor makes for a very entertaining, edge of your seats ride. It has the formula down pat, with scares, moments of tension, and the occasional bit of humour.
Halo 2 (X-Box)
Halo 2 is probably the most hyped game ever.
If you don’t know what I’m talking about, you’ve probably just woken from a coma. The original Halo helped launch Microsoft’s X-Box, and helped put the GameCube in a distance third place in the consol wars.
With Halo being the best selling game on X-Box, Halo 2 was a sure thing, and expected global sales are projected at 10 million units. But what makes Halo 2 so good?
Having never played the original, I can’t comment on improvements, but what I can say after my first two hour session last night, is that it’s huge in scale.
Stunning cinematic cut scenes and movie like musical scores set the scene and create an atmosphere of expectation. And the game delivers on this expectation.
Microsoft won’t score any points on original gameplay – this is no Fable – it’s the tried an tested first person shooter, but there’s something about it that makes it special. It’s the feeling that you are a part of something – the game play draws you in. The environments are beautifully rendered, and the ambient noises add to the sense of being there.
The tone is definitely futuristic, with the first level being on a space station, but when you get down to Earth, it soon looks like Full Spectrum Warrior with the decaying and battle scarred urban settings.
Unlike Full Spectrum Warrior, you are in control and it’s up to you to dispense of the hoards of alien invaders, and they’re not dumb. You can expect them to come at you from behind, beside or even above you, so look out. You do have a couple of buddies on your side, but from time to time you’ll find it’s just you, and you’ll have to think – and move – fast to make it through.
All in all, Halo 2 was worth the hype – it’s a very enjoyable game, packaged in great visuals and sound.
If you don’t know what I’m talking about, you’ve probably just woken from a coma. The original Halo helped launch Microsoft’s X-Box, and helped put the GameCube in a distance third place in the consol wars.
With Halo being the best selling game on X-Box, Halo 2 was a sure thing, and expected global sales are projected at 10 million units. But what makes Halo 2 so good?
Having never played the original, I can’t comment on improvements, but what I can say after my first two hour session last night, is that it’s huge in scale.
Stunning cinematic cut scenes and movie like musical scores set the scene and create an atmosphere of expectation. And the game delivers on this expectation.
Microsoft won’t score any points on original gameplay – this is no Fable – it’s the tried an tested first person shooter, but there’s something about it that makes it special. It’s the feeling that you are a part of something – the game play draws you in. The environments are beautifully rendered, and the ambient noises add to the sense of being there.
The tone is definitely futuristic, with the first level being on a space station, but when you get down to Earth, it soon looks like Full Spectrum Warrior with the decaying and battle scarred urban settings.
Unlike Full Spectrum Warrior, you are in control and it’s up to you to dispense of the hoards of alien invaders, and they’re not dumb. You can expect them to come at you from behind, beside or even above you, so look out. You do have a couple of buddies on your side, but from time to time you’ll find it’s just you, and you’ll have to think – and move – fast to make it through.
All in all, Halo 2 was worth the hype – it’s a very enjoyable game, packaged in great visuals and sound.
Out Of Time
Denzel Washington plays a very dumb cop in this re-make of a re-make. The story line is pretty simple, small town cop gets duped into breaking the law to help a so called abused wife. But things, as usual for a movie, don’t go to plan.
One he figures out he’s been duped, Denzel has to try and cover his tracks and find out the truth. This makes for an exciting, if somewhat predictable ride for the second half of the movie.
There’s not a lot to it, but Denzel’s screen cred, and some superb acting by John Billingsley make the movie worth watching, add a bag of popcorn and a few friends, and you have a good night in.
One he figures out he’s been duped, Denzel has to try and cover his tracks and find out the truth. This makes for an exciting, if somewhat predictable ride for the second half of the movie.
There’s not a lot to it, but Denzel’s screen cred, and some superb acting by John Billingsley make the movie worth watching, add a bag of popcorn and a few friends, and you have a good night in.
THUG2 (PS2)
Tony Hawk is back – and it’s better than ever. Last years Underground was a huge improvement for the series, but now in version 2, it’s even better.
You start out as a rookie skater who’s been picked for Tony Hawk’s team to go on a world tour – cue lots of exotic locations!! The game play is pretty much the same as before, you skate, do tricks, destroy a few things and find hidden areas.
If the story mode isn’t the thing for you – don’t worry, Activision have included the old style game, where you have two minuets to complete various tasks such as spell “skate” etc. And if you’re really hankering for the old style, the training level is an exact replica from the original game. Well, exact, with smoother graphics of course!
You start out as a rookie skater who’s been picked for Tony Hawk’s team to go on a world tour – cue lots of exotic locations!! The game play is pretty much the same as before, you skate, do tricks, destroy a few things and find hidden areas.
If the story mode isn’t the thing for you – don’t worry, Activision have included the old style game, where you have two minuets to complete various tasks such as spell “skate” etc. And if you’re really hankering for the old style, the training level is an exact replica from the original game. Well, exact, with smoother graphics of course!
Everest.
This documentary follows Pete Athans as he attempts to become the first westerner to summit Everest for the 6th time. But his goal is not simply to shatter the world record, but also to record the exact hight with a GPS measuring device.
It’s an interesting documentary, looking at the enormous task of climbing mountain most of us will never see. And it’s a scary journey – at points the only way forward over crevices, is to walk long ladders that have been roped together to make a temporary bridge – freakishly scary stuff! Buffeted by strong winds, and short on breath due to the thinner oxygen at the high altitudes, it take a complicated journey to get to the top.
It’s an interesting documentary, looking at the enormous task of climbing mountain most of us will never see. And it’s a scary journey – at points the only way forward over crevices, is to walk long ladders that have been roped together to make a temporary bridge – freakishly scary stuff! Buffeted by strong winds, and short on breath due to the thinner oxygen at the high altitudes, it take a complicated journey to get to the top.
Veronica Guerin
Mocked by her peers and threatened by those she tried to expose, Veronica Guerin’s story is one of hope and a strong desire to improve the world.
This movie based on the true story of a newspaper reporter in mid 1990’s Dublin, and follows the fleeting last moments of her life. From the moment she realizes that the drug culture is destroying her beautiful city, to her execution by the drug dealers.
Whilst this movie does deal with the dark side of life, Veronica’s story is one of a bright light that wanted to shine so that all could see the truth. As her articles and investigations got closer to the truth, Veronica and her family were threatened, and even shot at, but she didn’t back down. It only made her stronger and more determined.
The saddest thing about this movie, is that Veronica never lived to see the good her influence, and tragic death helped to achieve.
This is an emotional and inspiration movie, proving that with courage and dedication, one person can change the world for good.
This movie is rated R-13 for violence and bad language.
This movie based on the true story of a newspaper reporter in mid 1990’s Dublin, and follows the fleeting last moments of her life. From the moment she realizes that the drug culture is destroying her beautiful city, to her execution by the drug dealers.
Whilst this movie does deal with the dark side of life, Veronica’s story is one of a bright light that wanted to shine so that all could see the truth. As her articles and investigations got closer to the truth, Veronica and her family were threatened, and even shot at, but she didn’t back down. It only made her stronger and more determined.
The saddest thing about this movie, is that Veronica never lived to see the good her influence, and tragic death helped to achieve.
This is an emotional and inspiration movie, proving that with courage and dedication, one person can change the world for good.
This movie is rated R-13 for violence and bad language.
Colin McRae Rally 05 (PS2)
Another year, another version of Colin McRae Rally. So what’s new in the 05 version?
Well, I can’t really comment on the graphics, as I’ve only ever played version 04 on the X-Box, and to be honest, the graphics in the PS2 version of 05 don’t look as good. But I doubt that the graphics have gone backward!
What is new is quite good, and it’s all in the game play. The main focus is a new multi-discipline career challenge, kinda like the V82 story line – where you start out at the bottom, this time club rallying and learn the skills you need over 20 different classes of rally events. Of course, the game lets you jump straight into the 4WD championship if that what you want.
The scenery is more animated this time, the crowds cheer and wave, and if you hit a tree, you get covered in falling leaves! It’s these little touches, as well as the more varied game play that save this from being just another version – it’s the career mode that makes this a more interesting version. But be warned – this is Colin McRae, the most realistic rally game around – it’s hard, damn hard!
Well, I can’t really comment on the graphics, as I’ve only ever played version 04 on the X-Box, and to be honest, the graphics in the PS2 version of 05 don’t look as good. But I doubt that the graphics have gone backward!
What is new is quite good, and it’s all in the game play. The main focus is a new multi-discipline career challenge, kinda like the V82 story line – where you start out at the bottom, this time club rallying and learn the skills you need over 20 different classes of rally events. Of course, the game lets you jump straight into the 4WD championship if that what you want.
The scenery is more animated this time, the crowds cheer and wave, and if you hit a tree, you get covered in falling leaves! It’s these little touches, as well as the more varied game play that save this from being just another version – it’s the career mode that makes this a more interesting version. But be warned – this is Colin McRae, the most realistic rally game around – it’s hard, damn hard!
V8 Supercars 2 (PS2)
It’s ironic that Codemasters launched their TOCA series on the original Playstation, only to release V8 Supercars 2 (the latest in the TOCA series) on it’s competitor, the X-Box.
But it has to be said, that good things come to those who wait. And let me tell you, it was worth the wait. Graphically, V8 2 is streets ahead of the original V8 game, and looks about the same as the X-Box version, but what sets it apart from the X-Box version is the Pro-Sim mode – an ultra realistic handling mode. If you thought just because you could consistently win Sandown from the back of the grid at the hardest setting on the X-Box, that you must be some hot V8 driver, think again. Under Pro-Sim mode it was hard enough going straight down the main straight, and forget the first corner, I was history.
But with practice, things got a little better, but the feeling of being on the edge constantly made the game much more realistic.
The other main improvement over the X-Box version is the grass. If you’ve played V8 2 on the X-Box you’ll know that if you accidentally get on the grass, your car will wildly spin out of control for no apparent reason. This seems to have been addressed in the PS2 version, and you can cut across the grass if you need to – but be warned, it’s still grass so the car will handle differently, and if you’re not careful, you’ll get that sideways feeling.
There is one thing, in my humble opinion, that lets the game down, and it’s not the fault of Codemasters. It’s the damn PS2 controller. The thing that made me buy an X-Box in the first place, besides the hard drive was the controllers (I have the smaller X-Box controllers, not the chunky original ones). The two triggers at the back are perfect for racing games, giving you graduated acceleration and breaking. Yes, I know you can use the thumb stick on the PS2 to do this, but you can’t break whilst keeping you foot on the accelerator with the thumb stick.
Now I KNOW some of you are scratching your heads at my last comment, but if you’ve ever seen Greg Murphy drive, you’ll know that he sometimes uses the breaks with out taking his foot off the accelerator – and this technique can come in handy – if only to regain control of the car. It’s also a technique used in Colin McRae 05, but I’ll review that next week.
So basically, V82 is an awesome racing game on the PS2 – it’s got everything from Aussie V8s, to DMT, Formula Ford type cars and truck racing. 31 Championships covering 15 different motor racing styles to be precise. And all the different cars handle, well, different. If you like motor sports, and like your games to be realistic and fun, then this is for you!
But it has to be said, that good things come to those who wait. And let me tell you, it was worth the wait. Graphically, V8 2 is streets ahead of the original V8 game, and looks about the same as the X-Box version, but what sets it apart from the X-Box version is the Pro-Sim mode – an ultra realistic handling mode. If you thought just because you could consistently win Sandown from the back of the grid at the hardest setting on the X-Box, that you must be some hot V8 driver, think again. Under Pro-Sim mode it was hard enough going straight down the main straight, and forget the first corner, I was history.
But with practice, things got a little better, but the feeling of being on the edge constantly made the game much more realistic.
The other main improvement over the X-Box version is the grass. If you’ve played V8 2 on the X-Box you’ll know that if you accidentally get on the grass, your car will wildly spin out of control for no apparent reason. This seems to have been addressed in the PS2 version, and you can cut across the grass if you need to – but be warned, it’s still grass so the car will handle differently, and if you’re not careful, you’ll get that sideways feeling.
There is one thing, in my humble opinion, that lets the game down, and it’s not the fault of Codemasters. It’s the damn PS2 controller. The thing that made me buy an X-Box in the first place, besides the hard drive was the controllers (I have the smaller X-Box controllers, not the chunky original ones). The two triggers at the back are perfect for racing games, giving you graduated acceleration and breaking. Yes, I know you can use the thumb stick on the PS2 to do this, but you can’t break whilst keeping you foot on the accelerator with the thumb stick.
Now I KNOW some of you are scratching your heads at my last comment, but if you’ve ever seen Greg Murphy drive, you’ll know that he sometimes uses the breaks with out taking his foot off the accelerator – and this technique can come in handy – if only to regain control of the car. It’s also a technique used in Colin McRae 05, but I’ll review that next week.
So basically, V82 is an awesome racing game on the PS2 – it’s got everything from Aussie V8s, to DMT, Formula Ford type cars and truck racing. 31 Championships covering 15 different motor racing styles to be precise. And all the different cars handle, well, different. If you like motor sports, and like your games to be realistic and fun, then this is for you!
A Very Long Engagement.
Now I'm not a big fan of romance, but A Very Long Engagement (click on post title to see the trailer) seems to have an interesting mix of Ramance, intrigue and war. What also caught my attention was the period. I'm a big fan of World War Two movies, especially of the quality of Band of Brothers, but Engagement is set during the first great war, World War One. And from the looks of it, very well done (at least in a visual way). Of course, with a US release date of December 26th, It'll be early in the New Year before we see it, and a while away for the DVD.
House of Flying Daggers
Since having madman.co.nz start suppling me with DVDs to review, I've become a fan of both Anime and Foriegn movies. Combine this with my love of the Matrix trilogy and all (good) things Special Effect, then you'll know why I'm excited about the movie House of Flying Daggers (click on post title for link to Quick Time Trailer).
Though the trailer doesn't really tell you much, it does eminate quality, and awesome Matrix style cinematography. The only problem being, for us Kiwi's anyway, is that who know when it will come to our cinema screens, letalong DVD. Oh well, it does look like it'll be worth the wait.
Though the trailer doesn't really tell you much, it does eminate quality, and awesome Matrix style cinematography. The only problem being, for us Kiwi's anyway, is that who know when it will come to our cinema screens, letalong DVD. Oh well, it does look like it'll be worth the wait.
The Day After Tomorrow
The latest Roland Emmerich disaster movie deals with the unlikely question: What if we are on the brink of a new ice age?
One of the main characters, Jack Hall (Dennis Quaid) is a climatologist who everyone thinks is the boy calling wolf. Everyone that is, except Professor Rapson (Ian Holm) a colleague based in Scotland, who helps confirm Jacks fears are more than real, they are hugely underestimated.
But as Jack is trying to warm the Vice President, his teenage son Sam (Jake Gyllenhall) is on his way to New York, officially to compete in a High School academic competition. But really he’s there because he likes a cute girl who’s on the team.
Whilst they are in New York, a huge storm system appears, and the movie really kicks in.
Special effects have come along way, and passionate directors are realizing that effects have to be used to make us believe what we are seeing. And even though this movie deals with the unbelievable, you find your self-believing that everything is real, and we start to enjoy the experience of watching the world change in front of our eyes.
But special effect, no matter how believable they are, are nothing without a story line, and The Day After Tomorrow has the perfect modern day disaster flick story line: Jack, the father who was never there, promises Sam that he will come and rescue him.
Fortunately being a climatologist, Jack has the experience and equipment to trek across the USA through the storm of the millennium. But no amount of experience ever saves a movie like this from the clichés: there has to be sacrifice, there has to be humour, and there has to be love.
And of course, no blockbuster disaster movie would be complete without a cheesy ending.
Life changing this movie is not. But a fun romp in the imagination it is. Great special effects, a little humour and a story line you can relate too make this a movie worth seeing.
One of the main characters, Jack Hall (Dennis Quaid) is a climatologist who everyone thinks is the boy calling wolf. Everyone that is, except Professor Rapson (Ian Holm) a colleague based in Scotland, who helps confirm Jacks fears are more than real, they are hugely underestimated.
But as Jack is trying to warm the Vice President, his teenage son Sam (Jake Gyllenhall) is on his way to New York, officially to compete in a High School academic competition. But really he’s there because he likes a cute girl who’s on the team.
Whilst they are in New York, a huge storm system appears, and the movie really kicks in.
Special effects have come along way, and passionate directors are realizing that effects have to be used to make us believe what we are seeing. And even though this movie deals with the unbelievable, you find your self-believing that everything is real, and we start to enjoy the experience of watching the world change in front of our eyes.
But special effect, no matter how believable they are, are nothing without a story line, and The Day After Tomorrow has the perfect modern day disaster flick story line: Jack, the father who was never there, promises Sam that he will come and rescue him.
Fortunately being a climatologist, Jack has the experience and equipment to trek across the USA through the storm of the millennium. But no amount of experience ever saves a movie like this from the clichés: there has to be sacrifice, there has to be humour, and there has to be love.
And of course, no blockbuster disaster movie would be complete without a cheesy ending.
Life changing this movie is not. But a fun romp in the imagination it is. Great special effects, a little humour and a story line you can relate too make this a movie worth seeing.
A few things.
Ok, first up, this is a New Zealand based review site, so if I seem to be reviewing older DVDs, please remember that they may have just been released to the NZ retail market.
Also, as this is a review Blog - I won't be posting everyday. But I will be posting before the reviews get published in the Baptist.
Please comment as much as you like - feedback lets me know what you think of my reviews, and can give me an idea of what I might be able to do better.
Also, as this is a review Blog - I won't be posting everyday. But I will be posting before the reviews get published in the Baptist.
Please comment as much as you like - feedback lets me know what you think of my reviews, and can give me an idea of what I might be able to do better.
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