News | A Scanner Darkly

Latest news on one of the coolest films of the year, is that it’s going to be one of the coolest films of next year.


Keanu Reeves

A Scanner Darkly has been pushed back to March 2006. Still it’s gonna be worth the wait, I mean It comes from the famed hands of Philip K Dick – the dude who wrote Blade Runner and Minority Report and it’s got some trippy visual quality, that’s just gonna blow you away…


Woody Harrelson

Ok, so maybe I need more sleep, but c’mon, this movie is gonna be bigger than the Matrix. Well, maybe not bigger, but just as cool and way more original….

Trivia | Pulp Fiction

Mia Wallace (Uma Thurman) and Vincent Vega (John Travolta) don't win the dance contest at Jack Rabbit Slim's in Pulp Fiction. According to a radio news bulletin later in the film, they stole the trophy. Now THATs funny :-)

Trivia | Touched By An Angel

Apparently, 75% of males aged between 18 and 35 would rather kill themselves with a steak knife than watch Touched By An Angel. I didn't think the show was THAT bad!

Staff Conference

I'm gonna be away for the rest of the week at a staff conference - more reviews next week!

DVD | A Very Long Engagement

A Very Long Engagement is basically a story of a young woman and her relentless search for her fiancée, who has disappeared during the First World War.

Despite all the factors suggesting that he’s dead, she never gives up hope, and keeps her love alive for years after the war.

But to say that this movie is a basic story would be far from the truth. This is one of the grittiest, compelling, light, funny and warmest movies of the year. It has a fantastic story line that captivates you and takes you on a journey through the eyes of several people and builds up the storyline slowly through flashbacks.

The cinematography is superb, and takes you from the heights of young romance to the depths of trench warfare, all in believable tones of colour and vision. The acting is first class, with an outstanding performance by Audrey Tautou.

Through the horrors of war, the brutality of revenge, the desperation of politics, Audrey’s character keeps a flame of hope burning brightly throughout. Surrounded by a loving family, humour flows unexpectedly and keeps what could have been an overly dark movie, fairly light, whilst retaining believability.

If you only watch one subtitled movie this year, make sure it’s this one. And if you hate movies with subtitles, either learn French or get over this, ‘cause Hollywood rarely comes this close to great storytelling.

The DVD doesn’t get released until 15th of June, but it is worth the wait.

DVD | Apres Vous

This is a delightful French comedy. I never thought a subtitled movie could ever be intentionally funny, but I was wrong.

When Antoine saves Louis from hanging himself he becomes obsessed with getting him back on his feet, and hooking him back up with his girlfriend.

But things don’t go to plan as Louis is very unwilling at first, and then things get really complicated romantically, as Louis’ girlfriend begins to fancy Antoine.

It’s a light-hearted romp with a lot of underplayed humour. The translation is surprisingly good at keeping the humour, and has a number of really good laugh out loud moments.

A warm and funny movie, that will leave you smiling.

Not sure when this will be available in NZ as it was sent as part of a ‘June Screener’ DVD, which means that it will be released in Australia in June…

E3 Babes | Sex Sells Games

Tom Hunt, summed it up with ‘if you simply like women dressed up as blood-sucking ninja assassins’, but its more than that really. E3, when you really get down to it, is about sex. [more]

DVD | Shawshank Redemption

The Shawshank Redemption is one of the best movies ever made.

Now that it’s been released on DVD, my collection is a little bit more complete.

But what makes this movie so good? The story. Or should that be stories. This movie isn’t just about wrongfully convicted Andy Dufresne, though he is the key character. It’s about everyone who he meets and interacts with.

It’s a movie that fit’s into the prison break genre, but never focuses on the break until it happens. It’s a movie of faith, hope and redemption. It’s a feel good movie, with plenty of heartache.

Andy gets to discover the extremes of humanity. The depths that man can attain through evil, and the hight that he can soar through good. And all the time keeps to his own quiet, thoughtful existence, helping people when he can, and not letting others get the better of his soul.

It’s a movie that you never know quite what’s going to happen next, yet feels familiar. It refrains from using any of the old clichés and manages to stay original. It takes you on an emotional roller coaster as you find yourself drawn to each character, and feel their pain and joy as the story unfolds.

The acting is superb, with Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman giving their best performances. The cinematography and sets are perfect, giving the feel of the huge prison, with a sombre greyness all around – this is a place the seeks to destroy you, to leave you with nothing once your term is done.

And the attention to detail with the story. Based on a Steven King novella, it’s rare to find such a well thought out, well written story that has so much depth and scope as this.

If you haven’t seen Shawshank redemption yet, shame on you, go make amends immediately.

X-Box 360

Although Friday 13 is a scary day for the superstitious it was an exciting day for millions of others. It was the day an MTV Special hosted by Elijah Wood revealed the first glimpse of Xbox 360 to the world

But the real details came out today from Console Geek…

DVD | Manchurian Candidate

Conspiracy thriller The Manchurian Candidate started out as a book, then in 1962 got made into a movie. Back then it was all to do with the Cold War.

Now we have Jonathan Demme’s re-make.

This time round the commentary is that of the post 9-11 world, where the American government manufactures fear to keep the population sedated. But as we all know, the government is controlled by big business.

Manchurian Global have discovered a way to brain wash people by inserting chips in their brains. They discovered this through using guinea pigs – US soldiers on a covert mission during the Gulf War.

One of these candidates is now in the running for Vice Presidency, the other is loosing his mind – or so he thinks.

Denzel Washington plays a very convincing, highly respected career soldier who is slowly loosing his mind through recurring dreams. He becomes obsessed with his fellow squad member who is destined to become Vice president and unwittingly plays into the plans of the conspirators.

Will Manchurian Global be successful in their planned bloodless coup? Or will Denzel regain his sanity in time to save the world?

I’m not telling (though this is Hollywood, so take a guess). What I will say was that this was an entertaining little thriller. It could have ended about 5 minutes sooner than it did – why do producers think they have to make an ending that spells EVERYTHING out to you. Why not leave some mystery?

Click here for the DVD cover.

Comment | Sith Happens

Ok, so I’ve discovered that I’m not the only one NOT looking forward to The Revenge Of The Sith, and sure I didn’t write this, but I figured it was worth posting, and if you think your read it in the Sunday Star Times, think again, they only used 15, I’m using all 40, no time for editing here! [take me to the dark side].

What Movie Am I #12

Ok, we’ll make this easy and give you two clues….

I explain how the metric system affects McDonald’s hamburgers in France.

Bruce Willis says “Zed’s dead, baby. Zed’s dead”.

DVD | Porco Rosso

Porco Rosso is a bit of an odd ball coming from Studio Ghibli.

Gone is the strong female lead, gone is most of the preaching about the environment, war and other things.

Instead we have a rather humorous pig character. A pig who used to be human, but in an apparent dig at male chauvinism, it seems his sexist attitude has cursed him with the physical appearance of what he really was.

But you’d think looking like a pig would be a hindrance. But not for Porco Rosso, he uses it to his advantage. Being a pig and not totally human gives him plenty of excuses for his behaviour, and always make his opponents underestimate him.

Opponents? Oh yes, this pig is a gallant bounty hunter, in a world ruled by seaplane flying pirates who pick on ships and ocean liners for their plunder.

Employed by some to keep the pirates away, the pig has a price on his head, not only from the pirates, but also a fascist Italian government whom he used to fly for.

But it’s not all male dominance in this movie, as the pig has to enlist (rather grudgingly) the help of a teenage girl. But will the girl rub off on him in time and save him from his piggish ways?

And what of the arrogant American pilot that the pirates have enlisted to rid them of the pig?

How will this quirky story pan out?

I’m not telling, you’ll have to buy the DVD; you won’t regret it.

News | V for Vendetta #2

Hopefully V for Vendetta doesn’t turn out to be a bomb, else I’ll really have egg on my face. But it does look to be a goodie, that and A Scanner Darkly are two movies that I can’t wait to see – might even have to spend the big bucks and go to the movies rather than wait for the DVD!!

You can sometimes tell how good a movie is going to be by the dedication of its stars. Natalie Portman, the long haired beauty of the last few Star Wars movies, Garden State and Cold Mountain has made the ultimate sacrifice, check out THIS picture of her and her freshly shaved head.

That’s right, shaved. According to Time Magazine “The 23-year-old's shoulder-length chestnut locks were sheared for a prison scene in this fall's futuristic drama V for Vendetta.” Now that’s dedication!

DVD | Hero

I was absolutely dismayed when I finally got to see Hero. I put the DVD on and sat back to see what I had been hanging out to see for some time. And there it was, in all it’s glory and utterly destroyed by the dubbing into English.

Luckily I was so shocked that they had done this that I figured it must have been a mistake and that there must be language and subtitle options. Upon checking the audio options I switched it to Chinese with English subtitles, and then sat back and enjoyed the movie. But why would they make the default setting dubbed? Why not have an option at the start to let you set it up. I wonder how many people will watch this DVD with the awful dubbing?

Anyway, enough of my ranting. Hero was a bloody amazing film. Better than I expected.

Visually stunning, no doubt that it’s one of the best considered and filmed movies of the year. The story is told through a series of flashbacks. In these Flashbacks the use of colour is amazing. A little odd at first, but lets you know exactly what’s going on.

The colours all have different meaning; red (imagination) to blue (perceived reality) to white (truth). In the final flashback green represents enlightenment and peace.

The action scenes were spectacular. Sure, the flying through the air and fighting was utterly unbelievable, but added a bit of light humour to an otherwise violent movie. Another great thing was the almost complete lack of blood – this gave the whole movie a dreamlike feel.

And the story. What a cool story, with so many different levels. Revenge, love and sacrifice. Some of my favourite themes! And very unpredictable, with a sad but very pleasing ending.

The performances were great too. I loved Tony Leuig, he was as awesome as he was in Infernal Affairs, and Jet Li is always on his game when it comes to fighting – can’t wait to see him and Morgan Freeman in Unleashed.

But what’s with ‘Quentin Tarantino presents’? Sure, without his backing most people would never take any notice of a Chinese movie, but what sort of a movie viewing world are we if a movie such as Hero requires an American to put his name to it to get noticed?

Oh hell, I’m ranting again. Hero is going to be a permanent part of my DVD collection and will be watched again.

News | V for Vendetta

I became a big fan of Hugo Weaving after seeing The Matrix, and then seeing him in Lord of the Rings was confusing at first, but I love the guy.

I also love the Wachowski brothers for bringing a great trilogy to the screen, even though many people didn’t get the second and third instalments – I did!

Now, I know that’s a whole lotta love for 3 guys I’ve just admitted to, but I am a heterosexual male, honest.

I’m also getting off topic, and I haven’t even started! But since hearing about V for Vendetta in November last year I’ve been quite excited. It sounded like just the movie for the Wachowski Bros, and now with Hugo it’s gonna totally rock.

But wait, I got so excited I missed the point of this little news item: Hugo is replacing James Purefoy who left for ‘undisclosed reasons’. Maybe he just didn’t want a career in acting? Who knows. And will star along side Natalie Portman. Lucky Hugo.

Warner Bros are still aiming for a November 4th release, and with any luck, it’ll be a worldwide release so we Kiwi’s don’t have to wait till the new year!

DVD | Hero

Gawdon Bennet! I was absolutely dismayed when I finally got ter see Hero. I put da DVD on an' sat back ter see what I 'ad been 'angin' aaaht ter see fer some time.

And there i' was, in all it’s glory an' utterly destroyed by da dubbin' in'er English. Luckily I was so shocked what they 'ad curren' bun dis what I figured i' must 'ave been a mistake an' what there must be language an' subtitle opshuns. Upon checkin' da audio opshuns I switched i' ter Chinese wiv English subtitles, an' then sat back an' enjoyed da movie. But why would they make da default se'in' dubbed? Why not 'ave an opshun at da start ter let yew set i' up. I wonder 'ow many people'll ke'lel dis DVD wiv da awful dubbing?

Anyway, enuff ov my ranting. Hero was a bloody amazin' film. Bobby Pe'a van I expected. Visually stunning, no brussel sprout what it’s one ov da Fred West considered an' filmed movies ov da year.

The use ov colaaahr is amazing. A little odd at first, but lets yew know exactly what’s Michael Owen on. The acshun scenes were spectacular. Sure, da flyin' fruff da air an' fightin' was utterly unbelievable, but added a bi' ov light 'umaaahr ter an uvverwise violen' movie. Anuvver 10-8 thin' was da almost complete lack ov blood – dis gave da whole movie a dreamlike feel.

And da story. What a Old skool story, wiv so many differen' levels. Revenge, toe fallin' an' sacrifice. Some ov my favaaahrite 'emes! And very unpredictable, wiv a sad but very pleasin' ending.

The perfawmances were 10-8 an' all. I toe fallin'd Tony Leuig, 'e was as awesome as 'e was in Infernal Affairs, an' Jet Li is always on 'is game when i' comes ter fightin' – can’t wai' ter see 'im an' Morgan Freeman in Unleashed.

But what’s wiv ‘Quentin Tarantino presents’? Sure, wivaaaht 'is backin' most people would never take any notice ov a Chinese movie, but what sort ov a movie Bobby Ewing world are we if a movie such as Hero requires an American ter put 'is name ter i' ter get noticed? Oh 'ell, I’m rantin' again. Hero is Michael Owen ter be a permanen' part ov my DVD collecshun an''ll be ke'leled again. . OK?

Ok, ok, for all you who don't do cockney, I'll post my proper English version after I've tweeked it a bit, probably this afternoon. But hell, I found a cockney translator online and couldn't help my self.....

DVD | The Pact Of Silence

I bought this DVD as an ex-rental a few months back at the height of my DVD buying addiction. Fortunately I’m cured and no long go on mass buying binges!

But any way, last night I finally got round to watching it. It was nothing like I thought it would be, it was a lot better.

The movie is French and subtitled, so if you don’t dig subtitles, stop reading now, I don’t want to waste your time. But if like me, you quite enjoy the occasional foreign movie where you have to think about what’s going on, then stay with me.

Pact Of Silence starts off a little confusing, and is difficult to follow at first, but when things start to click into place the story really gets moving and hooks you.

It’s an interesting mix of sacrifice, love and redemption, and has a twist that you won’t see coming. In fact the ending is so surprising that you have to rewind and look at it again just to make up your mind as to what actually happened. It also leaves you thinking about certain aspects of the plot for a while.

So if you want to sit down for an evening and watch a movie that will engage your brain (and if you don’t mind Gerard DePardieu’s ‘acting’) then see if you can uncover a copy at your local video store. If you just want some popcorn for the brain dead, try Alien Vs Predator….

DVD | The Incredibles

Pixar’s midas touch continues with their latest smash animated comedy. And this time instead of toys, insects, monsters or fish they’ve taken on the complex animation task of humans.

But not just any humans, Superheroes!

With each movie being vastly different, the one constant that makes their formula a winner seems to be the mix of subtle humour aimed at the adults and the slapstick comedy that kids love.

The Incredibles is probably the most action packed Pixar movie yet, with plenty of references to movies such as X-Men, Indiana Jones and Dr No.

Superb animation and a dedicated team in the background means that their will be plenty more hits from Pixar in the future.

DVD | Nausicaa

I’ve been a big fan of Studio Ghibli anime since seeing the Academy Award winning Spirited Away. Probably due to the success of Spirited Away, Studio Ghibli’s 1998 masterpiece Grave Of The Fire Flies was released to DVD.

Now 3 more movies have been given the DVD treatment. I’ve already reviewed 2002’s The Cat Returns so now it’s time the first feature that they did; Nausicaa Of The Valley Of The Wind.

Considering this was created back in 1984 you’d expect it to be somewhat lacking in quality. But quality is what sets Ghibli apart from other animation houses.

They never seem to disappoint in either story line or visual beauty.

Of the DVDs I’ve seen they all have a common feature, and Nausica is no different: A strong but compassionate female lead. This is especially appealing to me being a father of 3 girls. A strong positive female role model in a male dominated industry is a good thing.

But what about the story? It’s another ripper of a yarn. Basically humanity has totally stuffed up the planet through war and greed (another common theme) and it doesn’t look like it’s going to take much to totally destroy the remaining human population.

Poisonous forests are spreading across the land, and killer insects have grown to giant proportions. Man is no longer the dominant species.

But one of the remaining tribes think they have a solution, it’s one based on military brawn. And then there’s little Nausicaa who thinks she knows a away to restore the bond between humans and nature and set things right.

But her way is one of peace and not confrontation. It also requires a huge amount of faith.

But can she overcome the war mongering tribes and their desires for supremacy over everything?

DVD | Alien Vs Predator | 2nd Look

A mate came over last night to watch Alien Vs Predator so I got a chance to have a really critical look at it.

This time I chose to watch the ‘extended opening version’. I’m not sure why this bit got left off the theatrical release, it’s not like it really gives anything away. It didn’t add much either, ‘cept for a little minor excitement at the start of the movie.

A little more excitement throughout the movie would have been good though. Good movies can be watched multiple times; great movies can be watched over and over again. Hell, I’ve watch Band of Brothers about 7 or 8 times!

Watching AVP for the second time was a struggle at times. It became very apparent that the movie lacked any pacing – the movie was dull and boring for long stretches.

When the action finally came, it was great, even watching the second time around it was a thrill to watch. But with the quick demise of most of the human characters, there was a feeling that the story hadn’t been well thought out, and the whole move was only an excuse to have CGI Aliens battling it out for supremacy.

Granted, these were the two baddest alien breeds in the known celluloid universe, but I think most movie watchers will agree; story line goes a long way to making a movie enjoyable.

X-Box | Jade Empire

Jade Empire is Microsoft’s latest entry into the RPG genre. Can they repeat the success of fable or will it be more of the same? [more]

What Movie Am I #11

Ok, another easy one, so only one clue....

My lead catches his wife in an affair while he is working at a fast-food drive-through window.

If you want more clues, you'll have to ask....

DVD | George Stevens

George Stevens: A Filmmaker’s Journey is a documentary about the great Director, George Stevens. It’s been put together by his son, after inheriting all his memorabilia after his death.

It’s a documentary that will either excite or bore. If you’re a fan of classic movies, and stars such as Fred Astaire, Waren Beatty, Katherine Hepburn and James Dean then you’re gonna love it.

If you’re a fan of Alien Vs Predator, The Day After Tomorrow and all the other special effects spectaculars of modern cinema, you might find the going a little tedious.

The thing that really stood out to me was the colour footage. While Hollywood was still shooting in black and white, George was carrying around his own colour camera. He even took it too Europe when he was sequestered by the US Military to film World War 2 (in black and white!) and filmed the only colour footage of the war, presumably as a way of dealing with what he saw – some of this footage being quite graphic.

A well constructed look at a long gone period of filmmaking.

Trailer | Crash

Oh my goodness, I don’t know how this one managed to sneek under my radar, but you have to go look at the trailer right now.

I mean it.

Go look.

Looks good aye?

DVD | Alien Vs Predator

Ok, so a movie with two of the biggest, baddest and best alien life forms ever to grace our screens, in a battle for supremacy, should have been a sure fire hit, right?

‘Should have’ are the words that most reviewers are using, and if you’ve read any of the fan sites, you’ll know that WB and director Paul Anderson had a falling out and many of the best scenes were cut to make the move suitable for a younger audience.

But having said that, and watching it coming from a point of view that the movie was gonna suck big time, it turned out not to be too bad.

Sure it could have been much better. Sure it could have had a few less plot holes. But it wasn’t a bad ride.

The special effects were cool, the action was good, it’s just a pity most of the cast got killed of so early.

So it wasn’t as lame as expected, and as an action movie it lays somewhere in the average to good bracket.

What I’d like to see is a Directors Cut version, so we get to see how the movie was supposed to be. Of course, some of that may be in the special features that I havn’t had time to look at yet!

DVD | The Notebook

I’m not a huge fan of romantic movies; I’m a bloke for crying out loud!

But having said that, I’d heard a lot of good vibes about The Notebook so was quite looking forward to an evening with my wife and a movie that she would like.

And I’m glad to say The Notebook didn’t disappoint.

The only problem from a review point of view is how to tell you why it was so good without giving too much of the structure away. You’ll just have to trust me when I say that the clichéd premise of this movie (poor boy falls in love with rich girl during her summer break, parents don’t approve, blah, blah, blah.) doesn’t do the true story justice.

Sure, it is full of romantic movie clichés, but it’s a superbly acted, well thought out adaptation of Nicolas Sparks best selling novel.

So if you’re looking for a wonderfully filmed romantic tear jerker, The Notebook will fit the bill perfectly.

X-Box | Forza Motorsport

Forza Motorsport is finally here, but was it worth the wait? [more]

What Movie Am I #10

Ok, this is soooo easy, so only one clue....

The good guys want to use nuclear weapons to stop an asteroid from destroying earth.

News | Hero

Not a lot needs to be said here, except that the good people at Roadshow are releasing Hero to retail on May 5th.

A movie with Jet Li starring and with the backing of Quentin Tarantino?

C’mon, you’re as excited as me aren’t you?

DVD | Ten

Ok, first up a warning: If you want to be entertained don’t watch this DVD.

Ten isn’t about entertainment, it’s about watching, listening and learning. It’s a movie where you have to think. It’s a movie that only begins when it finishes and you and start to think about what you’ve just watched.

Essentially, it’s two cameras, one car, a woman driver and her passengers, and the conversations she engages them with. Starting and finishing with her somewhat demanding son.

People will get many different things from this movie.

For one, it’s a window into Iran, not clouded by the views of the American media.

It’s also a view into our own lives. If you watch carefully and really be honest, you’ll see your self at times, through the power-struggles, miss-communications, and communion that these conversations bring.

For me the biggest thrill was watching this articulate, strong woman, picking up strangers and engaging them – all in a country and culture that looks down on women.

What Movie Am I #9

My hero is an orphan with a gift for math.

My title is a play on words that includes my main characters name.

Robin Williams earned an Oscar as my widowed psychologist.

DVD | Collateral

From director Michael Mann, the genius that bought us Miami Vice, Heat and The Insider, comes a dark and compelling story of two men and one night.

Compulsively clean cabby Max (Jamie Foxx) is a man who choses to work the nightshift because it affords him better tips, but as we discover the reality is he’s hiding from his failures and his inability to pursue his dreams. He’s a man with no real backbone that’s found a comfortable groove and doesn’t have the initiative to get out.

Enter stage left Vincent (Tom Cruise), a wealthy, mature businessman. At least that’s what he wants to portray. But we know better than this.

This is Tom Cruise at his best. Still with a hint of his boyish charm, but still a convincing, cold killer. His plans for the night are vastly different from Max’s, but max is in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Vincent is a man with no morals, and won’t let anything, or anyone get in hi way. Max learns the hard way that Vincent isn’t worried about collateral damage. Not surprisingly, Max also discovers that he finds killing people to be repulsive.

But as the evening turns to night things start to change, the more Vincent pushes Max, the more Max grows. This is Max’s coming of age party; this is where the timid boy becomes a man.

As Vincent tries to justify his killing of people by reducing Max to being nothing more that a speck of dust in the vastness of the universe, something snaps into place. Will it push Max over the edge, or give him something to live for?

Collateral is a movie that starts out slow, but draws you in and finishes at breakneck speed. It’s dark and moody and extremely graphic in places. But it’s also stylish and beautifully filmed.

All in all one of the most dynamic thrillers of the year.

DVD | The Cat Returns

From the studio that bought us the Academy Award winning Spirited Away comes another fanciful and warm story for the entire family.

Featuring the voice talents of Anne Hathaway, Cary Elwes and Tim Curry, The Cat Returns is the story of Haru, an accident prone school girl who saves a cat from being run over by a truck.

Little did she know that this cat was a royal cat from the cat kingdom.

In return the cat King wants to reward her, but after meeting her decides that she should marry the prince, even if she doesn’t want to.

Haru must enlist the help of the Cat Bureau or her stay in the Cat Kingdom will become permanent as she slowly changes into a cat.

With an overriding theme of unconditional love and a message to never forget who you are this is an inspirational as well as magically fun filled story.

Another reason that good anime doesn’t need battling robots, ninjas or vampires to succeed!

What Movie Am I #8

I am a classic movie.

Set in World War II, I am the story of an unusal Allied Tactic.

Lee Marvin and Ernest Botgaine are my men in chanrge.

Charles Bronson says "Killin' generals could get to be a habit with me"

My favourite number is 12.

DVD | Khakee

My very limited knowledge of Bollywood equated to an understanding that every second scene had to be a very camp musical/dance scene.

So when I got sent Khakee, an Indian action movie I wasn’t sure what to expect!

For an action movie things got down to business pretty much straight away, and there wasn’t any dancing in sight! But then after letting my guard down, and enjoying the movie, about a quarter of the way through, a girl enters the scene. Cue fantasy dance scene.

Though I couldn’t really see the relevance to the rest of the movie, this scene and the two others placed through the movie didn’t detract from the action too much.

In the end it was a very pleasing action movie, if some what cheesy (and funny) in places, with the writers or director throwing in every cliché action movie scene! But the plot was solid and the action kept you glued. There was even a surprising twist or two.

So if you’ve avoided Bollywood because of the dancing, give Khakee a go.

DVD | Bondi Tsunami

This looked like it was going to be a funny movie. 3 Japanese surfers on a road trip in Australia, the trailer was soooo promising.

Sadly the DVD turned out to be an insomniacs guaranteed sleep remedy.

But to be fair, I can see where the humour was supposed to be, and I’m sure it is a cult comedy classic in Japan, but I think something got lost in the translation. Either that or I’ve lost my sense of humour.

Who knows.

What Movie Am I #7

"Hate put me in prisom, Love's gonna bust me out."

My title characters story inspired a Bod Dylan song.

Denzel Washington got an Oscar nomination for playing me.

I am the story of a prize fighter accused of murder.

I am based on the autobiography of Rubin Carter.

CD | Strong Tower

On my first listen, I was more disappointed with Strong Tower than I was Sea of faces, but then after a couple of listens it grew on me. [more]

PS2 | Metal Gear Solid 3

Back in the days of the original Playstation there was a game called Metal Gear Solid. It introduced us to a different way of playing games; by using cunning and stealth rather than the standard gung-ho-guns-blazing approach.

But then came the X-Box, and Sam Fischer made him self known, there was a new king of the stealth. [more]

News | A Very Long Engagement

According to DVD Answers, Warner Home Video (Australia) are going to be releasing A Very Long Engagement on DVD on June 8th!

A Very Long Engagement is a movie I’ve been wanting to see for some time, ever since seeing the trailer and raving about it in only my 3rd post on this blog.

Of course I missed it at the movies, as it had a very limited release in NZ. Now I’m hoping that the NZ release is close to or the same as Australia’s June 8th, which incidentally is a full month before the US release date.

Romance and War, what more could you want in a movie?

DVD | The Weather Underground

What happens when some of the biggest peaceful protests ever fail to influence a government and stop an un-just war?

The protesters splinter and radical groups are born.

The Weather Underground was one such group, born in a time of unrest and distrust, The Weather Underground sought to overthrow the government through civil unrest and a non-lethal bombing campaign.

So what caused a peaceful student group to splinter and reform into a violent terror organization?

The Vietnam War.

With the media beaming in colour images of a war no one wanted or understood into living rooms around the US, with US casualties growing and an increasing number of atrocities being forced on innocent people by the US military, it was little wonder that people wanted to affect change.

The Weather Underground is a documentary that takes us back to the late 60’s and into the 70’s and tracks the passage of the Weather Underground, from it’s student days to the late 70s when it’s leaders, sick of hiding, gave themselves up.

It’s a fascinating documentary that mixes news reports from the time, with recent interviews with the main players. It’s both disturbing and compelling at the same time, and makes you wonder if anything could happen to trigger something like it again.

DVD | Parasite Dolls

Parasite Dolls is an interesting 3 part anime. Set in a dark futuristic Mega-Tokyo, this is a sinister and brooding story.

In a world where android robots, known as boomers, are more perfect than humans, finding the truth from the lies was never going to be easy.

Each episode deals with an increasing aversion to these boomers by real people. Fuelled somewhat by the tendency for some boomers to short circuit and cause harm to humans, but weather this is being done intentionally by through re-programming is not clearly shown.

As with any anime, if you’re not used to the different styles of story telling, it will be hard to get into, and this more than any previous anime that I have seen, is definitely not for the kids (this is reflected in its R16 rating).

Now without ruining the story too much, this is an action packed, sexually fuelled police conspiracy story. Once you get into it, it’s a great ride, if somewhat disturbing in places.

Now I’m probably the only one that thinks this, but after watching Parasite Dolls, I couldn’t help but think of Fight Club and if there was any influence. This may of course simply be because of the apocalyptic way the series ends.

All in all, if you want some anime that is definitely on the edge, and for adult audiences, this is for you.

But if you do get to see this, try and also look past the visual and obvious story line and look at the subtle message being portrayed: Beauty is only skin deep; and it’s what’s on the inside that matters, and this applies to both boomers and humans.

Movie | Constantine

Ok, so I haven’t been to the movies for some time, and my main love for movies has been directed through DVDs. But every once in a while there comes a movie that you think ‘I HAVE to see this at the movies’.

Constantine was one such movie. I had planned to see it over Easter, but then got a nasty little virus and spent a week or so in bed.

So finally on the weekend I got to see it. Let me tell you, it was worth the wait and it will definitely be on my must have DVD list when it gets released later in the year.

I think Constantine is probably going to be the most spiritually significant movies of the year, at least from my humble Christian perspective it is.
Some Christians will agree with me, such as Mike Furches, but in true Christian tradition, there will be plenty who do not agree with me, Annabelle Robertson clearly wouldn’t, but then reading her summing up, I wonder if we saw the same movie.

I’ll be honest and say that there is a lot of stuff in this movie that isn’t good from a Christian world view, but for me the overriding theme was one that each of us is born with the promise of salvation, and the cost is simple belief. The problem with John Constantine is that he’s already been to Hell, and is doing all he can to bargain his way into Heaven through doing good deeds, and expelling demons back to hell.

But as is clearly stated in one scene, that the only way to Heaven is by faith in God, and faith by definition is belief without proof. A powerful Christian message indeed.

But spiritual messages aside, is the movie any good?

Hell yes. For one you don’t have to wait more than a minute to get your first fright, and it’s from this point on that you know you chose the right movie to come to. Sure, as with any movie, the plot does slow down some times, but the action, frights and characters are all good. The special effects are amazing, as is Francis Lawrence’s vision of hell.

It’s a movie that in this post-matrix world, Keanu Reeves was made for. His deadpan acting (some might say lack of acting) is perfect for his character and all of the other actors suit their roles too.

Sure it’s not a perfect movie, and as usual there are plot holes, but it is great entertainment, especially for those of us that like to spend most of the movie on the edge of our seats.

A word of advice, if you are able to catch this at the movies (it’s season is almost over) apparently there’s a final scene after the credits, so don’t be like me and leave, but stay and see it.

X-Box | Brothers in Arms

Brothers in Arms was I game that I had been quite excited about for some time, so naturally I was initially disappointed. [more]

DVD | Mezzo: Shell 1

Japanese anime is curious stuff. Confusing at times, but always engaging in some peculiar way.

The basic premise of Mezzo is a trio who call themselves the DSA, and who hire themselves out for all types of dangerous work. They tend to live on the edge, not only of danger but also poverty as they live in a leaking old bus.

The head of DSA is an ex-Cop with a penchant for noodles, the technical brains is Harada, an interesting guy who builds androids in his pare time. The brawn, and in true Japanese style, the beauty of the team is Mikura, a pink haired girl who handles the guns and the fighting.

The story line is rather sparse – it’s more action orientated fare – with each episode basically being stand alone. That is with the exception of episode five which mirrors episode 4, but from Mikura’s point of view, where there paths accidentally keep merging.

The only other point that seems to gel the episodes together is a mysterious sniper who seems intent, but inept at taking out the head of DSA. Maybe this story line will come to fruition in later episodes.

All in all it’s a blend of Disney with a heap of Matrix style action, and Japanese humour – the type of humour you’re not sure weather it’s intentional or not.

DVD | In My Father’s Den

I’d have to agree with the critics on this one. It is the best New Zealand film I’ve ever seen.

It’s the story of Paul, a prize winning war journalist who returns to a remote New Zealand town for the funeral of his father. Scared from his life experiences and weary from travelling so much, he doesn’t think much of himself.

But 16 year old Celia sees in him a world that she can escape to. A place to run and seek solace. Of course this relationship can only lead to trouble, and it does.

In My Father’s Den moves at a leisurely pace and is often frustrating. But it is a film that is ultimately rewarding, with an ending that you’ll never see coming.

It’s a movie that shows what it’s like to live in a small town, and the resentment held for those who left and made something of their lives.

It’s about the struggles of finding your own identity, and discovering that who you set out to be isn’t always who you become.

Beautifully filmed and wonderfully acted, this is a movie that will leave a lasting impression.

DVD | Paparazzi

Paparazzi is a revenge movie about movie stars and the paparazzi.

When rising star Bo Laramie hits the big time and becomes an A-list star, he soon discovers that not only has he sacrificed his own privacy, but also that of his family.

Whilst trying to be nice to the paparazzi, and asking them not to take pictures of his young son, he gets duped into a staged confrontation, and becomes an even bigger fish for the paparazzi.

It all comes to a head one night when the paparazzi cause Bo to have a motor accident that puts both his wife and son in hospital.

Their incessant hounding of him causes Bo to break, and he sets out for revenge.

While the plot may be slightly self-serving and semi predictable, it does make for a great action/thriller, and in the end manages to make you wonder why you were cheering for Bo.

There are also some great cameos by Mel Gibson, Chris Rock and Matthew McConaughey.

DVD | Paranoia Agent

Volume 1 of Satoshi Kon’s Paranoi Agent is subtitled Enter Lil’ Slugger, and in essence sounds more like an introduction to the series rather than any serious anime.

But it’s not. If anything the 4 episodes contained on this first DVD are way to few, and by the end of episode 4 you’re gasping for more, though initially you’re not sure why.

Each episode deals with a different character, but are all linked through a continuous story line, and as the title suggests, the main subject matter is paranoia. In the first episode it’s the fear and immense pressure felt by the designer of a hit TV character, who has to come up with another animated gem, in the second episode it’s a popular student who has to deal with becoming an outcast and placing his paranoia on the new kid in school.

Each episode has a slightly different feel, but all have a dark sinister side, and the question at the end is not only who is Lil’ Slugger, but is he a menace or messiah?

Whilst Paranoia Agent was a struggle to watch at times, it is well worth the effort, and will have you hooked by the end of the DVD. The thing I really love about anime, is that you never know exactly what you’re gonna get, but you know it’s going to be different! From a Western perspective, the Japanese seem to have a very different, somewhat whacked view on life, and this is reflected in most anime, and the cool thing is, the more you allow your self to reflect on other cultures, the more diverse and interesting you become.

Pieces of April

This is an interesting movie. Interesting in that it’s not your normal sit-back-and-enjoy Hollywood movie. Though that is what I was expecting, and was probably what I needed; a decent comedy to lift my spirits.

What I got instead was a kind of neurotic road trip.

Katie Holmes plays April, the eldest daughter of a very dysfunctional family. It seems she did the only sensible thing and left home as soon as she could. In the process she made herself the black sheep of the family. In all fairness, she could have been the black sheep before she left, who knows.

But any way, her mum now has cancer, and her time is coming to an end, and to try and make amends, April decides to cook a special Thanksgiving dinner and invite the family.

Most of the humour (if you can call it that) comes from April’s attempts to cook – the main problem being that her oven has broken down, and living in a run down apartment building she has to try and find neighbours who will help.

The film has two main points of focus for me – the best being how April, who has just moved to this building is forced to meet some of her neighbours and discover that there are people who actually care – even if they are few compared to that whacko’s in the same building, and in the end manages to bring them together and show them love in return.

The second point of focus is April’s family, and how a strong and apparently one time loving mother, has become bitter, controlling and unloving due to the blight of cancer. The biggest highlight of the movie is Oliver Platt’s role as the husband/father who tries to put a positive light on his eldest daughter despite the barrage of negativity from the youngest daughter and mother. Even the son seems to want to smooth things a little, but then his very dysfunctional relationship with his mother seems to win out every time.

This is a peculiar movie that shows how to be a terrible mother, but also shows, if somewhat too fleetingly, that all things can be redeemed if everyone is prepared to give some one the chance.

Slow and tedious at times, but an interesting start for a conversation.

More reviews soon...

Alomst a week ago I was hit by a virus that turned into something real nasty - I've been on bed rest the whole time (what a great Easter!). Today is the first day I've managed to make it to the computer, so hopefully by the end of the week I'll be posting again - I've got a stack of DVDs to get through, so when I'm back onto it, you'll know!

The Ladykillers

I’m not sure why I picked this DVD. I think it was a case of mistaken identity.

It’s a remake of a 1955 British comedy. And I think that’s one of its main problems. If Guy Ritchie had done a re-make, and kept it based in London, It could have worked, and the swearing would have fit. But more on the language later.

Set in the Southern United States, it sets up a very camp, educated Tom hanks and his motley crew, against a very religious black widow.

Most of what passes for comedy in this movie is based purely on the use of language – swear words to be exact. This is a very cheap method that often fails, and in this case, kills the movie.

As I said, if Guy Ritchie had done the movie, based in the seedy underbelly of London, the language would have fit – here it sticks out like a cheap gimmick.

On the positive side, the movie does show that crime doesn’t pay, and does have a few genuinely funny, if somewhat predictable moments.

So if you like to get you kicks off the back of swearing, or you want to see a very ridiculous Tom Hanks, then this is the DVD for you.

Gerry

From Gus Van Sant, the king of the unusual, and the genius behind Elephant, comes one of the most bizarre, uneventful movies ever made.

Gerry is a story about two brothers who decide to go on a wilderness walk. Instead of keeping to the path, they decide to go cross-country and after a while are completely lost in the barren environment.

The movie moves at a slow, relentless pace, with little dialogue. The focus is more on the growing concern each brother has to find a way home, and how they deal with it on an individual basis.

It’s probably this pace, and the lack of anything really happening, that makes the ending so bizarre. But it’s an ending that keeps you thinking about the movie long after you’ve seen it.

It’s an ending that, depending on what you think happens, will either make or break the movie for you. As for me, I’m tempted to watch it again, with my theory of what happens in mind to see if it holds any water. If it does I’ll make another post.

Be warned, this is a hard movie to watch, and if you don’t like to have to think, really think, about what you’ve just watched, don’t bother with Gerry.

Open Water

Shot on digital video and featuring a pair of unknown actors, Open Water has been dubbed as Blair Witch meets Jaws.

Open Water is neither. Blair Witch was an example of shrewd marketing of a cheap shoddy product, and Jaws was the movie that launched the ‘Summer Blockbuster’.

So what do you get for your money with Open Water? You get a movie based on true events, that starts out a little B grade, but gets down to business when the real story kicks in.

It’s quite amazing how a movie, essentially about 2 people lost in the middle of the sea, can be made into a haunting psychological thriller.

But before I go on: SPOLIER WARNING. Stop reading if you plan on seeing this DVD, as I’m about to spoil it for you.

I mean it. Stop reading.

The thing that kills this movie, I mean totally ruins what could have been a very good freak-me-out-shark-phobia experience is the ending.

They both die. That’s right, they both die. This movie, based on a true story is a load on made up bullsh*t.

Essentially, everything about this movie is made up, sure the bits on the boat could have been true as there were other people there. But why say ‘based on a true story’, when its not? Why use cheap techniques to get the audience to assume at least one person has to survive to have told the story? It’s worse that using split personalities a-la Secret Window.

Ah well, now you know what happens, you still might enjoy it, maybe.

Kings & Queens

Ok, so I might be over doing it a bit with the historical DVDs, but what can you do? Variety is the spice of life, right? And it’s not like a bit of good historical fact isn’t fun.

So Kings & Queens is a new 2 disc documentary produced by the BBC that looks at the good and the bad sides of some of old Blighty’s Royals. And boy, were some of them bad, very bad.

Over the course of a thousand years, the British monarchy has evolved from divinely appointed warrior kings to benign political figureheads, and it hasn’t been the most peaceful of transitions, plenty of family feuds and lost wars to keep the interest up!

Split into 12 episodes, this DVD looks at the lives of 12 Kings and Queens and some decisive moments in British history.

Dramatic and revealing, this is a great documentary for anyone interesting in British history. It’s a fascinating look at a country transformed.

Now, for all you dedicated movie buffs, I do have a few good movies that I need to watch, so don’t fear, no more historical docos for a little while!

Crusade

Cheese.

I like cheese. It’s great in a sandwich with ham and tomato. It’s great in a salad, cheese on toast is a great snack, and of course it’s the essential ingredient for any TV Sci-Fi series.

So fans of TV Sci-Fi should be ecstatic with Crusade, as it has more cheese that a Mainland factory!

Crusade begins in the aftermath of a Drakh invasion, and though earth was able to repeal the invasion, as a parting gesture, the Drakh released a deadly virus that will whiteout earth’s 10 billion inhabitants in 5 years unless a cure can be found.

Enter stage left Captain Matthew Gideon, given charge of the brand spanking new Excalibur and charged with the job of scouring the universe to find a cure.

With a crew as diverse as any Sci-Fi series (it always gives the writers more scope to have a bunch of people that would never normally associate with each other, confined to a space ship for 5 years…..) Crusade lays the cheese down thick.

The costumes, the acting, the special effects and the story lines all make for some check-your-brains-at-door cheesy fun. In the midst to and over run of CSI styled realistic dramas, it’s nice to get some unintentional comic relief!

More like the traditional Star Trek, Crusade is wrapped as a series, but is more a series of stand-alone stories involving first contact with various species.

Sadly before it was given the chance to grow into something, Crusade was killed.

A great box set for cheesy Sci-Fi fans. Or should that be fans of cheesy Sci-Fi? I wouldn’t want to accuse Sci-Fi fans of being cheesy now would I!!!

The Map Makers

Ok, so if you don’t like history or documentaries, then you won’t like this. And you won’t understand why I’m raving about a documentary about people who made maps!

But if you do like learning about history, if dusty old facts turn you on then this is for you.

The Map Makers covers 3 major periods in map-making history, starting off with the Waldssmuller amp in 1507. This is the map that literally put America on the map. Back before 1507 you’d have been considered a nutcase if you suggested that there were more than 4 continents. But then some dude called Amerigo Vespucci, looking for a quicker route to the far East bumped into an unknown continent, and America was born.

The second period looks at the Mercator Atlas, created in a time when map makers and spies worked hand in hand, and the person with the best maps had the most power. Treachery and espionage ruled the map making world, and great fortunes could be made.
New ideas and ways to draw maps in the tumulus 16th century still have an effect on how maps are drawn today!

And finally, and the one that was my real reason for getting this DVD, is the D-Day Invasion Maps. The amount of detail and the lengths gone to get information for the biggest invasion in military history is nothing short of amazing.
From aerial photography, to Special Forces and miniature submarines to the French resistance, many people put their lives on the line to help create these maps.
And without these maps, the invasion and liberation of Europe could have gone belly up!

Ok, I know what you’re saying, it doesn’t sound very interesting, but as I said, you have to like history to get into this DVD.

So go on, educate yourself!

Secret Window

Ok, first up: I’m about to spoil the plot of this movie, so if you haven’t rented it and are planning on renting, then go away!

I picked up Secret Window as an ex-rental from my local Video Ezy store, and it’s been sitting on my DVD shelf for a while as my wife doesn’t like freaky supernatural movies.

But we decided last night to give it a go, there was as usual nothing on TV, so what could be better than a Johnny Depp movie?

I enjoyed the movie, right up to the point where you discover that the shady Shooter character is actually Depp’s other personality. I hate movies and books that use this technique – I always feel cheated.

What saved the movie, for me anyway, was the ending. Well, the physical ending was a bit corny, but the fact that he gets away with murder instead of the usual Hollywood happy ending was awesome.

It was interesting also that none of the characters really felt like victims when they were killed – sure the first ones did, but that was back when you thought Shooter had killed them. Depp was always the character you cared about, even if you didn’t love him at the end, you were happy that he had ‘won’.

Another interesting thing about this movie was the way it was promoted: As a freaky supernatural thriller. But as it turned out it wasn’t in the slightest supernatural. Instead it was all about a disturbed individual, kinda like the way Cold Creek Manor turned out.

A Scanner Darkly

OK, I’ll admit, I have a soft spot for Richard Linklater. No, not THAT kind of a soft spot, what I mean is I really like his movies.

OK, so most people didn’t get Waking Life, heck, most people probably didn’t sit through the whole of Waking Life. I did.

Then there’s TAPE. Awesome movie, set in a motel room where nothing happens, really. And there are only 3 characters and one of them comes in half way through. But what a great movie.

Along the same lines was Before Sunrise and Before Sunset, two movies that are more conversations than movies, but what well written, brilliant acted conversations they were.

So now moving onto A Scanner Darkly, first check out the trailer so you know what I’m talking about.

The movie uses similar technique to Waking Life that is it’s filmed, and then animated. But not animated in the normal way – think animated while doing drugs (kids: DON’T do drugs, they are very bad for you).

And get this for a twisted plot:

Set in a future world where America has lost the war on drugs, undercover cop Fred (Keanu Reeves) is one of many agents hooked on the popular drug Substance D, which causes its users to develop split personalities. Fred, for instance, is also Bob, a notorious drug dealer. Along with his superior officers, Fred sets up an elaborate scheme to catch Bob and tear down his operation.

Whats more, it’s based on a Phillip K Dick novel, that’s right, the dude who wrote Blade Runner, Minority Report and the very underrated Paycheck.

And hell, if that isn’t enough for ya, look who’s in it! Keanu Reeves, Woody Harrelson, Wiona Ryder, Robert Downey Jnr (hey, it’s all about the drugs….)

Oh go on, you’re as excited as me about this movie, be honest, it’s gonna rock.

Oooops, I did it again #2

It's almost too easy to show gaping holes in Catwoman, but I'm going to anyway...

In the scene where the police officer had to kick the apartment door down to get to Patience, the door jam and catch get destoyed, but as Patience hurrys out the door to get to work, the door jamb isn't broken and the door can latch normally.... hmmmmmm

Who's The Link #4

Courage Under Fire

Gerry

Jersey Girl

What Movie Am I #6

I am a Drama

My star injured his leg during filming, but chose not to have surgery, in order for his character to have a genuine limp.

Some of my scenes take place on Chicago’s ‘L” trains.

I am based on a TV series.

Tommy Lee Jones wants to find me.

Harrison Ford does a lot of running.

Elephant

Gus Van Sant’s take on the Columbine tragedy is a murderously slow journey into the mundane lives of High School students.

But knowing what is going to happen keeps you on tender hooks waiting to see how it pans out.

The weaving in and out of different peoples lives is very cool, all the main characters move through each other’s scenes, so that a time line is slowly built up.

The movie is pretty much entirely based on the hour or so leading up to the shooting, and the shooting it’s self. With a little time given to show a glimpse at why the two boys decided to go on a shooting spree.

This is quite a powerful movie if you take the time to think about it. It doesn’t answer any questions; it just lets you ask them.

The slow, methodical story telling drains out any hint of Hollywood romanticism and presents the situation as it was: Just another day at school. Only in the end, it wasn’t.

Absolutely no entertainment value, but very thought provoking.

Bush Wins!

You gotta laugh, and what better person to laugh at than George W Bush?

Mr Bush picked up a couple of awards at the Razzies (more fun that its better well known cousin, Oscar) this year.

The big W managed to ‘win’ the Worst Actor category for his role in Fahrenheit 911, as well as Worst Screen Couple for the same movie.

Way to go Mr Bush!

X-Box Power Cords

When X-Box announced the world wide X-Box power cord replacement programme I was expecting a nightmare of delays.

But I was wrong. I went to the X-Box NZ website and registered my details on Sunday night, 20th February. I was amazed to get an email on the 23rd saying that my cable had been shipped, but to allow 2-3 weeks delivery.

By shipped I assumed ‘processed and will be sent out eventually’.

But what arrived in the mail today, a mere 8 days after ordering it?

You guessed it, my new power cable.

Good on ya X-Box.

Now, does anyone want to by my old power cable……

A Cinderella Story

Teen Queen Hilary Duff stars in this modern day re-make of the Cinderella Fairytale.

With a cell phone instead of a glass slipper (with Telecom’s $10 TXT, of course!!), a rundown convertible in lieu of pumpkins and based in a drought ridden LA suburb, this movie was predictable (as it should be, hell, everyone knows the Cinderella story, right?) and so sugary sweet as to make you want to throw up.

But then when you look at it in context – I watched it with my 3 daughters and one of their friends – aged from 5 to 9 years old – you discover that it’s one of the best movies ever made.

Not a peek out of them for a whole 90 minutes. No one even needed to go to the toilet, no one complained when the popcorn ran out. It was truly amazing.

I don’t know if it was the story or Hilary Duffy that wove the magic, but this is a good wholesome movie, with some great themes, that I’d recommend to anyone with daughters.

Tarantino to do CSI

According to JoBlo, Quentin Tarantino is confirmed to be directing an episode of CSI.

The episode will be the season final and will be based on an original concept by the man himself. Anthony Zuiker and the usual suspects will write the script.

It should be an interesting mix, and with the US screen date being May the 18th we should see it in New Zealand in about 10 years……

The Village

The Village is the latest outing for M. Night Shyamalan, Writer and Director of the Sixth Sense, Unbreakable and Signs.

Whilst there’s no denying that Signs was a good movie – it didn’t seem to be quite up to scratch with his first two efforts, so there was a lot riding on The Village.

And once more, he got it right. Like a favourite author, who’s latest book you’ll pick up and read just because it’s your favourite author, Shyamalan gives us a story that he knows we will like, shows us the direction we think its going to go, and then take us on an unexpected ride.

Now I’ve been told that I’m a very positive person when it comes to my reviews, so I’ll be honest (not that I’m saying I’m not normally honest!). The first part of the movie got me very worried, there wasn’t a lot happening, and I hadn’t clicked with any of the characters. I was getting a little restless.

But then it happened. Things started to happen, my wife started to close her eyes, grab my hand and ask me what was going on.

This is more like it; the movie was making you inch towards to edge of your seat (or close you eyes and ask for a commentary). And on the edge of my seat is where I stayed.

And with out wanting topsoil the plot, BAM!, BAM!, BAM! I didn’t see that coming, or that, or THAT! Shyamalan has definitely got his groove back.

And if a great movie, with edge of your seat spookiness and huge twists isn’t enough for you, Adrien Broody’s portrayal of the village idiot is worth the price of the DVD on it’s own.

What Movie Am I #5

I am a Drama

I am the tale of two unlikely friends.

James Whitmore plays Brooks, a man who can’t function on the outside.

In 1995, I earned Morgan Freeman an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.

I was filmed in a disused state prison in Ohio.

Tim Robbins plays a wrongly accused banker.

Who's The Link #3

Top Gun

Alexander

Red Planet

The Eye

Mun ( Angelica Lee ) is a girl who has been blind since the age of two. But after undergoing a cornea transplant, she is able to see again.

The question is, what is she seeing?

Ghost like figures appear while she’s in hospital, but things really get weird when she goes home and her room keeps changing during the night.

Not knowing if it’s just her brain getting used to having eyes again, she seeks solace in Dr Wah, her therapist.

But things get worse and she starts to see more and more, and consequently withdraws and stays in her darkened room. Dr. Wah must draw her out again. As he does, he starts to believe her, and puts his job on the line to help her.

With shades of The Sixth Sense and The Mothman Prophecies, this is a visually stunning supernatural thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat – though if you’ve seen the trailer and are expecting a freaky-scare-the-living-daylights-out-of-me type movie, you might be a little disappointed.

The Eye is solid, thoughtful and entertaining.

Gmail

Ok, I know what you’re thinking: This is supposed to be DVD reviews. Well check the small print ‘pop culture’.

I am allowed to rant about anything so long as it have some relevance to popular culture, right?

Anyway, I got an invite from Google this morning to sign up for Gmail. I’m guessing so did about a billion other people, as I’m sure I’m not geek-enough to be anything but on the general release-you-signed-up-for-news-list.

But any way, Google is the IT company of the moment – The best search engine, most interesting news page, Blogger, and now Webmail.

So I’m guessing a lot of people are interested about Gmail, right?

But did anyone have teething problems with their browser not supporting Gmail.

I’m a Mac fan through and through – don’t like using PC’s. In fact I hate using PC’s. So imagine my annoyance when Gmail won’t work on my version of Safari. Sure it works on the LATEST version of Safari, but that will only work on the LATEST Mac OS. And for that Apple want US$129.95 of my money. No way.

Why is it corporations think they have the right to bully your money out of you?

Any way, so I decide to try in Explorer. No joy there either. Gmail does not support Explorer on the Mac, but wait it does support Firefox.

Cool.

So, seeing as I’m currently running Explorer, I download Firefox. eightppointsomething megabytes. No problem, I have Jet Stream at work, so it down loads in a matter of minuets.

But wait, that’s not right, that’s a text file. Thanks Microsoft, you downloaded the file WRONGLY! I guess Bill Gates doesn’t want to help Explorer users to change.

So back to Safari, my preferred browser. A couple of minuets later, Firefox is not only downloaded but ready to go (thanks Apple).

So now I’m moving all my links to Firefox and leaving Safari behind.

Go the little guy!

Catwoman

Catwoman the movie, was according to most critics, one of the worst movies of last year, and the worst comic to big screen superhero transformation to date.

With this is mind (and the fact that both Hellboy and The Punisher had gotten some really bad reviews despite being half decent movies) I ordered Catwoman so I could see for my self.

Well, what can I say about Catwoman? It was cheesy from the start and cheesy at the ending. The CGI was as bad as the acting, and the costume – what the hell were they thinking?

But having said that, somewhere in the middle of the movie, I forgot how cheesy it was, how bad the CGI and acting was, and enjoyed it. That was right up till the cheesey ending.

Will I watch it again? Not likely. Would I recommend it to anyone? Maybe.

For an action movie it failed big time, but if you’re looking for some cheesy fun, it might just fit the bill.

Oooops, I did it again!

Continuity can be a problem in movies, especially in epics like King Arthur:

During the battle at the end of the movie, the first wave of Saxon infantry is sent through the open door in Hadrian's Wall, and then it closes behind them. Mayhem ensues. All but one of the soldiers escapes after the Wodes fire arrows at them while the Knights ride them down. The single survivor staggers through the opening doors (which open just a crack, enough for the guy to slip through), and then stands there, and in that shot we see the doors behind him are now closed. An instant later, it cuts to the hillside where the Knights are standing on their horses looking down at the wall, and we see the doors both standing wide open. Scene cuts back, and we see they're closed again.

Control Room

Control Room is an interesting documentary that looks at the Arab Cable Network Al-Jazeera form the time Bush gave the 48 hour warning to the time the war was apparently won.

It’s a fascinating look at the other side of the news, and a more balanced and informative documentary than anything by Michael Moore.

It pretty much contradicts everything we were shown on our TV screens, and shows a compelling story of one channels plight to try and get some balanced coverage to a war no one wanted.

At times its hilarious, and at times its gruesome. It shows the stupidity of both the American Military as well as the American Media. But it also shows attitudes being changed, truth coming through.

Compelling to watch, Control Room will open your eyes and make you wonder just what was true about the war in Iraq.

Who's The Link #2

Wall Street

Broadcast News

Platoon

The Station Agent

The Station Agent is a movie about milk. That’s right, I said milk.

No, not the stuff your pour over your weetbix, but M.I.L.K.

Ok, I’ll spell it out for ya: Moments of Intimacy, Laughter and Kinship. Basically it’s a story about Fin, a vertically challenged loner who has a passion for trains, and inherits an abandoned depot in the middle of nowhere.

When he goes and lives at the depot, his life as a hermit is shattered by the annoying inclusion of two other loners, who seem attracted to him.

Wanting to get away from other people, and used to being the target of jokes and ridicule, Fin struggles with the attention, and at first gets annoyed and tries to get rid of his new found friends.

But due to their persistence, MILK happens. Three total opposites start to see something worthwhile in each other, and through each other they start to accept themselves.

Through comedy and tragedy, with a little romance thrown in for good measure, Station Agent keeps you hooked with a compelling story and some tense moments to a hilarious ending.

Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind

Memories; good ones, bad ones, the ones we want to forget and the ones we never want to let go of. They all make up a part of who we are, and possibly what we will become.

But what would happen if we could erase some of the memories we’d rather not have?

How would it affect us?

This is the premise of the very original and entertaining Eternal Sunshine.

Staring Jim Carey and Kate Winslet as two misguided lovers, this romantic comedy is another gem from the penmanship of Charlie Kaufman. It’s a movie that grabs a hold of you and spins you around so fast that you don’t know what you’re looking at or where you’re going. And then, just as the effect wears off, everything comes back into focus.

It’s a story about love found, love lost. It’s about death and re-birth. It’s about repentance and redemption. It is, quite possibly one of the most wonderful movies this year.

Who's The Link?

Sense and Sensibility

Fight Club

A Room With A View

The Corporation

One hundred and fifty years ago, the Corporation was a relatively insignificant entity. Today it is THE dominant institution. Inspired by the Joel Bakan book of the same name, this documentary looks at the history of the Corporation, where it is today, and what it’s traits are.

Featuring interviews from some of the top CEOs, Vice Presidents, Whistleblowers, Brokers and an Industrial Spy, along with critics such as Naom Chomsky, Michael Moore and Naomi Klein, The Corporation is both entertaining and informative.

It’s also quite scary.

Some of the things dug up are quite disturbing. For one, apparently Coke invented Fanta so they could still make money out of Nazi Germany, and IBM supplied the computers (you know, the type that used punched cardboard) to the Nazis to help run the Concentration Camps.

This is a documentary that will change your view of big business, or, if you’re like me, further re-enforce your cynicism of them.

The Corporation is due to be released on DVD on the 16th March.

What Movie Am I #4

When she was a child, my main character moved to a sheep ranch in Montana.

1n 1992, I won best Picture, Actor, Actress, Screenplay and Director.

I can make a meal of fava beans and Chianti unappetizing.

An FBI agent and a psychiatrist team up to find a killer.

I put a facemask on Anthony Hopkins.

Michael Palin | Himalaya

Michael Palin knows a good thing when he sees it. Travelling the world, to far flung exotic places, and getting the BBC to pay him to do it. It’s a hard job, but someone has to do it!

But the BBC knows a good thing when they see it as well, and Michael’s many trips (this is his sixth) always make for great viewing.

Not only is the viewer taken one a journey of discovery, through many different landscapes, cultures and events, but the viewer is also given a warm, sometimes funny, running commentary by the man himself.

Himalaya is no different. Starting out Pakistan and travelling through India, Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and finishing in Bangladesh you’re taken on a journey from the top of the world all the way down to sea level. Through physical, spiritual and economic deserts, you get to see real people who express genuine love, not only for the people around them, but for their culture and their land.

You also get to see the struggles. The struggle of walking in high altitude, the struggle of dealing with increasing tourism, and the struggle of poverty.

But one place stood out above all the others, and that is a place that you won’t find on many maps: Naga Land. Made up of groups of ex-head hunter tribes, now this group of people know as Naga are 99% Christian, thanks to the success of the American Baptist Church. Education has bought peace to these once waring tribes.

Through stunning visuals and numerous cultures, Himalaya is an inspiring, enjoyable 6 hour series.

Jersey Girl

Jersey Girl has come under a lot of flack, especially from Kevin Smith fans appalled at the lack of swear words, but for me, any movie that kills of J-Lo in the first half hour has got to be good.

Seriously though, Jersey Girl is a nice movie. Sure it’s not gonna win any awards, or apparently any good reviews, but then, as normal, film critics seem to have missed the point.

Jersey Girl is SUPPOSED to be a predictable, sugary sweet feel good movie. So if you’re looking for something else, don’t look here.

There’s nothing new here either, but what there is, is done well, and there’s also a lot of very funny moments and one liners, especially a small scene Matt Damon .

So if you’re looking for something a little romantic, a little tear jerky, and a little funny then look no further than Jersey Girl.

And if you want a laugh, make sure you check out some of the special features, this is wear Ben and Kevin really let rip – but be warned, special features are ‘un-censored’.

What Movie Am I #3

I am a Sci-Fi Movie

People were asking what I was.

I won Best Film at the 2000 MTV Movie Awards.

I was written and directed by the Wachowski Brothers.

I feature rebel warriors Morpheus and Trinity.

Keanu Reeves stars as a computer hacker.

King Arthur | Directors Cut

This is another of those epic historical movies that the critics hated, but ended up being a rather entertaining and somewhat educational experience.

Now I grew up with the standard fairy tale of King Arthur, but really thought nothing of it, or bothered to challenge the truth of it.

What I do know, is the movie tells a totally different story, one written by the capable David Franzoni, and apparently based on new archaeological findings.

I kind of like the new take of the tale – it sits more comfortably with what my more mature (some would say cynical) mind can believe of the era. And the good thing is, it paints King Arthur in a good light.

The basic story goes that Arthur is the son of a Roman dad and a British mum, and he and his knights fought for Rome for a mandatory 15 years before becoming free men. But when that time comes, they find they’ve been double-crossed by the church and have one more mission to perform.

Along the way we see the corruption of the (Roman) church along with the true face of Christianity, some tender scenes, a love interest and some awesome fighting scenes.

I know, I shouldn’t really saw awesome fighting scenes, I mean what is awesome about people knocking other peoples heads off! But the battle scenes are well done, as is the alternative look at this legend.

All in all a great night in for the boys!

Oscar Nominations

Oh no, it's that time of year again, when the world goes gaga over what some rich Americans think were the best movies of the year [more]

The Great Escape

Now this is a movie I’ve wanted to get on DVD for a while, but the trouble with great classics is that they tend to keep their price.

So imagine my delight when I saw the Warehouse offering the standard version for only $22.95. Then imagine my pure joy on discovering that the Whakatane Warehouse had priced it in the wrong price bracket and I only had to pay $18.95!

But hey, that’s enough about my adventures at the Warehouse, what about the movie.

The Great Escape is a classic for many reasons. Firstly it’s based on a true story. It’s hard to go wrong when you’ve got a true story to base your movie on.

But it’s not just any true story – It’s a story about determination, giving it you all, and most importantly it’s about the unconquerable human spirit.

When the Germans decide to take all the best prison escapees and put them all in the one, un-escapable prison camp, they think that by having all the bad apples in one basket, they’ll be able to keep a closer eye on them.

Of course the Allied prisoners saw it another way: an opportunity to make the biggest prison escape ever!

Of course, no classic movie is complete without tragedy, personal sacrifice or great acting.

With an all-star cast, including Steve McQueen and David Attenborough the acting is superb. And if you’ve seen the movie or read the book, you’ll know the tragedy, and what I mean by ‘The Fifty’.

If you’re looking for a classic movie, one that still holds it’s own against anything on offer today, you can’t go past The Great Escape.

What Movie Am I #2

I am an Action Movie.

My tag line was "40 Stories of Sheer Adventure."

My Hero is an off duty New York Policeman.

MY huge success led to two sequals.

My leading man's wife is held hostage by German terrorists in a LA office building.

I was Bruce Willis's first action movie.

Before Sunset

In 1995 Richard Linklater made a little movie called Before Sunrise. It starred Ethan Hawk and Julie Deply as a couple of strangers who meet on a train. They spend the night wandering around Vienna killing time before Hawks character has to catch a flight back to the States. In this short space of time they fall in love, but run out of time to trade contact details.

More a conversation than a movie, Before Sunrise flowed like a well written poem, and drew the viewer into the conversation.

Now, 9 years later we have the sequel, this time set in Paris. A chance meeting lets the conversation start all over again – but this time they have only a few hours.

As dull as this movie may sound – two people walking around Paris talking – it is so well written, and the chemistry between Hawk and Deply is so real, that the movie hooks you in once again to discover if these two soul mates manage to make it work this time round.

A wonderfully romantic, philosophical movie.

What Movie Am I?

I am a Drama.

My tagline was: Five Criminals. One Lineup. No Coincidence.

My Stars included the awesome Gabriel Byrne, Stephen Baldwin and Benicio Del Toro.

My Verbal Kint says: The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist.

I earned Kevin Spacey his first Oscar.

Watch me to find out who Keyser Soze is.

The Old Man Who Read Love Stories

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.