Ok, first up I’m assuming that most people already know the basic story, so I’m not gonna worry about putting spoilers in here.
In 1975 Steven Spielberg invented the ‘Summer Blockbuster’ genre with Jaws. Whilst most summer blockbusters occur in winter for us lucky Kiwis, the blockbuster season should be a well known phenomenon for all movie goers, as movie studios fall over each other trying to get the best release for their blockbuster thrill ride.
But in recent years, sure fire hits have missed the mark and cinema ticket sales have been steadily falling. Movie studio’s have been blaming movie piracy for this down turn, but that’s just wishful thinking. Most people will recognise the slump for what it is – there’s a lack of really good movies recently, that added with rising ticket prices, the grotty state of most cinema complexes and the rise of home theatre and the drop in DVD prices all add up to one thing: falling ticket sales.
So what makes WOTW so good? Well I’ll be honest, I decided to give the local Village Cinemas in Manukau a miss – the place is in need of a complete make over. The joy of going to the movies has long gone from that place. Instead I gave Berkley Cinemas a go.
All I can say is wow – welcome back to room dominating huge cinema screens of my youth. The screen was huge. The seats were impressive and the sound sharp. Ok, so it wasn’t perfect (there were huge problems whilst the trailers were being played) and I’d like to see how it measures up in about 5 years. But hell, it gave me back a love for going out to the movies.
So possibly the venue made the movie bigger than it is, but I’m guessing it’s the return of the true Summer Blockbuster. It had everything going for it. Based on a great story is a good start, the story was given a modern do over. The acting was great – Ok, I don’t really like Tom Cruise, but he rocked in Collateral, and he did a good job in WOTW. And then there’s my man Tim Robbins, playing a flipped-out conspiracy theorist that plays a key role in the story.
But story line and acting alone can’t produce a blockbuster – as with jaws there has to be believable special effects. WOTW has awesome CGI by the truckload, all done in a gritty, realistic way. It also has that other compulsory component: the freak me out time and time again factor. This is one hell of a ride. Sure the movie slows down form time to time, but the War kicks off within the first 15 minutes, and once those badass aliens come up out of the ground, they are constantly there, if not visually, then they can still be heard or felt. It’s a scary ride.
Ok, spoiler warning, I’m about to give away the well known ending and a not so well known part of the plot.
The ending was great, stayed true to the original, and the voice over by Morgan Freeman was great. The unstoppable alien force was stopped by a common organism that as Freeman states, was created by God just to ensure the continued survival of man. Now this is cool on two different levels: Firstly we have a Hollywood blockbuster where God is given the credit for saving mankind, and in the same instance we have Hollywood blockbuster that doesn’t have America saving the world, all over again. Did you hear me? It’s an American movie where the superiority of Americans over every other country, saves the world. God did.
But there was another way to stop the aliens that our all American hero discovered, and I’m not sure how the movie would have turned out had this theme been explored more. But at one point in the later stages of the movie Tom Cruises character is captured by one of the alien machine as a kind of fuel source, and though he is saved at the last minuet by some very Finding Nemo team work, he was prepared by destroy the alien machine by a method of warfare most feared by Americans (and more recently, Londoners): The suicide bomber. Tom just happened to have a couple of grenades on him, and as he was being sucked up into the machine, he pulled the pins. When he got pulled back out Nemo style, he left the grenades in the machine and boom – the only human way to kill the killing machine was discovered – it’s weakness was laid bare.
DVD | Ladder 49
Ok, first up, this isn’t an action flick. If you’re looking for another Hollywood action fest then Ladder 49 will possibly disappoint. What it is, is an action packed drama.
The movie kicks off in the present time as our hero Jack Morrison (played by the ever capable Joaquin Phoenix) gets himself into a difficult situation whilst saving lives in a huge fire.
Most of the movie however is played through flashbacks, as we follow Jacks journey from rookie fire-fighter, to husband, father and onto hero. It’s a story that is full of clichés, but more importantly it’s well acted with plenty of drama, emotion and laughs. It portrays the reality of life as a fire-fighter, and draws you into the lives of the people involved.
The emotional levels are ramped up as we follow Jacks life, whilst he is trapped and alone in a burning 20 story building. We’re propelled toward an ending that we know has only two possible outcomes, and for the most part it’s impossible to know what the ending is going to be.
It’s a very credible look into the life of a big city fire-fighter and should give any viewer an appreciation for what fire-fighters do, even in smaller countries like New Zealand.
DVD | Elektra
Ok, I admit to not expecting much from this movie, after all it is a spin off from the less that lovable Daredevil.But I was pleasantly surprised with all aspects of this movie. Jennifer Garner does a good job at continuing the role of Elektra, this time being the leading character in a superhero movie. This is a darker movie where good and evil fight in the shadows, sometimes in epic battles and sometimes in the souls of individuals.
In this movie, the battle is not only for the soul of Elektra but also an exceptionally talented young girl, who is known as The Gift.
With some great action, a fast paced plot and great CGI, it’s a movie that will appeal to action fans. For me though, it went a lot deeper than your average action flick. It had a very strong spiritual side.
Spiritual Aspects
So it’s not hard to see the spiritual aspects of this movie – at least not the supernatural abilities of the evil characters, the followers of the hand. But the spiritual connections go deeper than that.
Stick, played by Terence Stamp is an almost Christ-like figure. Not only does he raise Elektra from the dead, but he also lets her go her own way so that she can discover her true vocation; clear her heart of revenge and embrace her new life, ‘some things cannot be taught but have to be lived to understand’.
He never actually leaves her – he’s always watching her and waiting for the time when she is ready to meet him again. When she’s ready to discover the truth, to let go of her past, he comes to her aid.
Evil is also portrayed exceptionally well through the character of Typhoid, played by Natassia Malthe. She has been cursed with abominable twist on the Midas touch – instead of gold, everything she touches dies. In one scene she comments that she was once considered The Gift, and didn’t like the new competition. This hints that she was once a good character who has been seduced by the dark side, and has been slowly decaying ever since.
The main battleground in the movie is for the souls of the two main characters, with the dark side deciding that if they can’t have them, they would kill them and the light side only concerned for their life.
All in all a great movie from both and action/escapism point of view and an emergent Christian point of view.
PS2 | Street Racing Syndicate
Street Racing Syndicate is pure and simply an arcade racer. It doesn’t try and be a simulation: its focus is fun.
But it’s fun with add-ons. More than just your standard arcade racer, this is street racing – you get to put money down on every race, and more importantly you are racing for kudos. And how do you win races? Sure, good driving is a must, but its how you tune your car that matters – what additional parts you purchase and install can give you the edge over the competition.
Other factors come later in the game such as trying to impress girls, racing for your opponents car and avoiding the cops.
It’s an easy to get into game, and this may be its weakest point, as it may be a little to easy to keep serious race fans hooked.
But it’s fun with add-ons. More than just your standard arcade racer, this is street racing – you get to put money down on every race, and more importantly you are racing for kudos. And how do you win races? Sure, good driving is a must, but its how you tune your car that matters – what additional parts you purchase and install can give you the edge over the competition.
Other factors come later in the game such as trying to impress girls, racing for your opponents car and avoiding the cops.
It’s an easy to get into game, and this may be its weakest point, as it may be a little to easy to keep serious race fans hooked.
DVD | Ruby & Quentin
Ruby, a ruthless criminal is thrown into jail after stealing someone else ill got gains. All he wants to do is get out, take a little revenge and get to his money. Unfortunately he is put in a cell with Quentin – the world’s dumbest thief.
Together they somehow manage to escape and are on the run from both the police and the people Ruby stole off. Despite his best attempts, Ruby just can’t shake off Quentin.
It’s hard to explain why, but this is one of the funniest movies I’ve seen for a while – I think its because the French, for all their faults, know how to use humour in a visual way so that it transcends the problems of translation.
Together they somehow manage to escape and are on the run from both the police and the people Ruby stole off. Despite his best attempts, Ruby just can’t shake off Quentin.
It’s hard to explain why, but this is one of the funniest movies I’ve seen for a while – I think its because the French, for all their faults, know how to use humour in a visual way so that it transcends the problems of translation.
DVD | Ong Bak
Apparently Tony Jaa is the new Bruce Lee/Jackie Chan.
Can’t say that I’ve seen any Bruce Lee movies, but I can see the similarities to early Chan movies. Only his movies seemed lighter.
Back to the movie at hand, some one has stolen the head of Ong Bak (A local village god) and it’s up to local Muay Thai fighter Ting to travel to the dark and violent underworld of Bangkok and fight for it’s return.
Darker and more violent that most Jackie Chan movies, Ong Bak does contain some funny and very well done Chan-esque set pieces that leave you wondering just how the hell he just did that. But set pieces does not make a movie, and if you took these away and removed the fighting you wouldn’t have much of a movie.
A movie like this is of course all about the fighting – and the fight scenes are great – with no wire use or CGI it’s amazing to see just what Tony Jaa can do. But for me it comes back to the fact that with wire work, the fight scenes in movies like Arahan and Hero add a unreal almost humorous feel to the movie that lightens the mood.
Now don’t get me wrong, I do like dark movies, but sometimes I want more that just violence.
Having said that – given the right scripts, Tony Jaa will be some one to look out for.
August/Spetember release.
Can’t say that I’ve seen any Bruce Lee movies, but I can see the similarities to early Chan movies. Only his movies seemed lighter.
Back to the movie at hand, some one has stolen the head of Ong Bak (A local village god) and it’s up to local Muay Thai fighter Ting to travel to the dark and violent underworld of Bangkok and fight for it’s return.
Darker and more violent that most Jackie Chan movies, Ong Bak does contain some funny and very well done Chan-esque set pieces that leave you wondering just how the hell he just did that. But set pieces does not make a movie, and if you took these away and removed the fighting you wouldn’t have much of a movie.
A movie like this is of course all about the fighting – and the fight scenes are great – with no wire use or CGI it’s amazing to see just what Tony Jaa can do. But for me it comes back to the fact that with wire work, the fight scenes in movies like Arahan and Hero add a unreal almost humorous feel to the movie that lightens the mood.
Now don’t get me wrong, I do like dark movies, but sometimes I want more that just violence.
Having said that – given the right scripts, Tony Jaa will be some one to look out for.
August/Spetember release.
DVD | My House In Umbria
This made for TV HBO drama is a delightful, if somewhat erratic tale of four survivors.
All four meet for the first time on a train, and with the exception of Emily, they each loose someone close in the explosion that destroys the carriage they were in. Whilst they are recovering in hospital, Emily decides that it would be good to offer her house in Umbria as a place to recuperate when they are released from hospital.
As it turns out the house is an ideal setting, and emotional wounds start to heal. It’s a slow process, and Emily is able to help through her own past experience with pain. The story has a few twists and turns; some elements aren’t followed and leave you wondering what was happening, but all in all, a fairly solid story, with a cunning twist.
Well, not so much a twist as a concept. After watching the movie, and thinking about certain scenes, the way the movie was set up, and the ending, you’ll be left wondering if the whole story wasn’t just an idea for one of Emily’s next novels.
Truth they say is stranger than fiction, so who knows!
What is evident in this movie is some great acting and beautiful surroundings make this an ideal movie for fans of intriguing dramas.
All four meet for the first time on a train, and with the exception of Emily, they each loose someone close in the explosion that destroys the carriage they were in. Whilst they are recovering in hospital, Emily decides that it would be good to offer her house in Umbria as a place to recuperate when they are released from hospital.
As it turns out the house is an ideal setting, and emotional wounds start to heal. It’s a slow process, and Emily is able to help through her own past experience with pain. The story has a few twists and turns; some elements aren’t followed and leave you wondering what was happening, but all in all, a fairly solid story, with a cunning twist.
Well, not so much a twist as a concept. After watching the movie, and thinking about certain scenes, the way the movie was set up, and the ending, you’ll be left wondering if the whole story wasn’t just an idea for one of Emily’s next novels.
Truth they say is stranger than fiction, so who knows!
What is evident in this movie is some great acting and beautiful surroundings make this an ideal movie for fans of intriguing dramas.
Movie | Appleseed
Visually stunning, Appleseed is a fusion of traditional Anime style with 3D computer generated images, running at breakneck speed. It’s an action movie exploding out of the constraints of both Hollywood and Animation. It has the imagination and the attention to detail of a Peter Jackson blockbuster. It stars out dark, with a foreboding warning from the book of revelations. But it promises a bright future in utopia.
The only problem with utopia, as one character notices in the movie, is that it’s only a self-imposed prison. And with any prison, someone is running it.
This is where the story kicks in. Our heroine has been rescued from the bad lands, from a life of war to one of peace in a perfect city. But she can see the hairline cracks in a society that is blissfully un-aware that there is a power struggle going on.
As the movie continues, our heroine finds it increasingly difficult to figure out who she can trust, ultimately having to face her past in order to find her future.
With themes of love, forgiveness and racial harmony this movie has plenty of great themes running through it. Complex at times, and with a pace that can be hard to keep up with, it’s ultimate statement is that we have to learn to live with each other if we’re going to survive.
Appleseed can be seen at the Telecom International Film Festival in Auckland tonight, but I’m not sure if it will follow the festival around the country. There will however be plenty of other great movies on offer.
News | London
I was going to watch a movie titled Fidel & Che last night and post my thoughts today, but just before putting the DVD on, news broke of the London bombings, and I was glued to my TV for the next couple of hours. With family and friends living in and around London my DVD watching took a back seat and was soon forgotten.
It’s a shame when groups think the only way to get their message across is to use violence against weak targets, but that’s the world we live in. No political comments from me on this, this is after all a DVD/Movie review blog.
On to something nicer, I won’t be posting on Monday as I will be enjoying a day in the city with my wife and some complimentary tickets to see Appleseed as part of the Auckland International Film Festival. If anyone is going to be in Auckland over the next couple of weeks I’d urge them to check out some of the great movies on offer. Take a break from Hollywood blockbusters and find a hidden gem. You’ll love it.
It’s a shame when groups think the only way to get their message across is to use violence against weak targets, but that’s the world we live in. No political comments from me on this, this is after all a DVD/Movie review blog.
On to something nicer, I won’t be posting on Monday as I will be enjoying a day in the city with my wife and some complimentary tickets to see Appleseed as part of the Auckland International Film Festival. If anyone is going to be in Auckland over the next couple of weeks I’d urge them to check out some of the great movies on offer. Take a break from Hollywood blockbusters and find a hidden gem. You’ll love it.
DVD | Suspect
Ok, so Tom Cruise might be nuts, but these guys are insane. But in a good way.
Suspect: Ill Mannered Hooligans is a film by Ryan Gibb. And I’m using the term film very loosely. Basically it’s some of the best extreme mountain biking you’re ever likely to see. These guys are nuts. In one chapter, titled The Struggle they talk about their injuries; ‘snapped my ankle joint in half’ ‘broke my left leg and my right leg in the same season’ ‘my femur was forced into my tibia’ Ouch.
As I said, these guy are crazy – but in a good way. It’s awesome to see what they can do on a good day, and the whole thing is set to a rocking soundtrack that includes one of my favourite groups; Thousand Foot Krutch.
So if you’re into mountain biking and want to be inspired to be suicidal, or you love extreme sports then this is for you. If not, check it out anyway, ‘cause its cool.
News | Is Tom Cruise Nuts?
According to one website the answer is a definite yes. And from what I’ve heard in the media, I’d have to agree.The first sign of nuttyness was when Cruise fired his long-time publicist, Pat Kingsley last year, and replaced her with Lee Anne DeVette.
And who is Lee Anne DeVette? Cruise’s real-life sister and fellow Scientologist. Well, hello! No wonder he’s become a nut, spouting everything Scientology, he’s being managed by a fellow nut!
Is their any hope for cradle snatching Cruise, or will his ranting actually make studios scared of him?
Only time will tell. In the meantime we can only hope that Cruise comes back down to earth, soon.
DVD | Arahan
Sang Hwan is probably the only honest policeman in South Korea. Trouble is he’s also clumsy and timid – not exactly what you’d expect from a policeman – especially on the mean streets of South Korea.
When Sang stumbles onto something totally over his head, he is taken under the wings of a mysterious group calling themselves the Seven Masters. These masters see in Sang a power that they them selves have and decide to train Sang, and help him understand who he really is.
Whilst his training is going on, an evil force is released from captivity and wants to seek revenge on the Seven Masters and ultimately the world.
As you can guess, in the end it comes down to Sang to save the world, and the girl. Oh yes, there’s a girl. But she’s a girl that wants to kick his butt (at first) so it’s all good.
It’s not an easy road for Sang, along the way he has to discover his inner strength and struggle with the desire for revenge over the need to stay focused on good.
The fight scenes are awesome with some imaginative wire work, and the mood is kept fairly light with plenty of humour.
Overall this is a very entertaining mix of laughter and action.
DVD | Saved!
Now this is an interesting mix. It’s basically a clichéd teen comedy, about perfect girls trying to find their place in the world. But throw into the mix the setting; American Eagle Christian School, and you have something quite unusual. In places this is a very funny movie. It’s honest look at charismatic Christianity is unnervingly close to the real thing, and it doesn’t look good on screen. It would make great viewing fro some Christians, the only problem being that the Christians I’m thinking of are the very ones portrayed in this movie, and I doubt they would be amused!
But from my lopsided Christian view, I found it to be a real eye opener, and although it’s a light hearted comedy, the not-so-subtle plot showed that being perfect is far from what we should be. Perfect is a far cry from acceptance. Perfect is a world away from grace.
And more importantly, perfect people are only ‘perfect’ on the outside. It’s what’s on the inside that matters, and as the film shows, it’s only when we start being honest with ourselves that we really discover who we are and who are friends are.
As I said before, a clichéd teen comedy, but with a great message.
DVD | Stealing Beauty
This interesting movie has a pre-Lord of the Rings Liv Tyler as a nineteen year old virgin who travels to Italy to discover who her real father is, and to re-kindle a relationship with an Italian boy.
It’s another of those movies that will bore the crap out of most people, but if you give it a chance, actually turns out to be a delightful little gem.
It’s a hard movie to tie down, but essentially a coming of age movie, with some superb acting by Liv. Set in a bohemian world of an artists community, the movie focuses on relationships. Relationships on many different levels and reasons. It’s here that the movie really shines, with some interesting commentary no modern relationships, and the disruptive influence of casual sex.
An interesting movie if you have the stomach for a story that demands your concetration.
News | V Poster and Site
How cool is this poster? Does it not have you drooling for what’s to come in the movie? Or is it just me? And the tagline, how great is that… “People should not be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of their people”. I’m lovin’ this movie and it’s still a while away.
If you’re amping for more info, as you should be, head over to the official site, like now!
News | Bourne 3?
It had to happen, and by that I mean it HAD to happen. Not just some two bit Hollywood sequel, but the last instalment of a solid trilogy. Universal have hired Tony Gilroy to write the third instalment (The Bourne Ultimatum), and seeing as he did a pretty dam good job of the first two, I’m excited.
Matt Damon hasn’t signed yet – he gets to see the screenplay first – but c’mon, he’s gonna sign, Matt won’t leave us hanging will he. Matt also has approval rights for any director that Universal chooses.
It’s all good I tell you, it’s gonna be huge.
Matt Damon hasn’t signed yet – he gets to see the screenplay first – but c’mon, he’s gonna sign, Matt won’t leave us hanging will he. Matt also has approval rights for any director that Universal chooses.
It’s all good I tell you, it’s gonna be huge.
Movie | Batman Begins
So this is the real Batman, all the previous movies were a waste of time, and their existence has now been wiped away. At least that’s what my understanding of this movie was before seeing it.
I’ve never been a fan of Batman movies – far too cheesy for my liking. In fact until X-Men, I never really gave Superhero movies a chance. So what was my reason for going to see Batman Begins? A friend was shouting me and it was the movie they wanted to see. Ok, so I figured it would be a couple of hours away from the kids, if nothing else!
To be brutally honest, there were times in BB that I wished I’d stayed at home and helped put the kids to bed and all that domestic bliss. But when the action kicked in, it got exciting. The action scenes were similar to that of the Bourne Supremacy; fast, blurry and hard to know what was going on. It seems to be a new form of cinematography that mimics real life. Instead of being a spectator to a set piece ala the Burly Brawl as see in Matrix Revolutions, we’re invited to participate. At least that’s what it feels like.
The story line was good. It managed to set up Bruce Wayne’s character, give him a reason to do what he does, and the means to do it. There was even some humour courtesy of both Michael Cane and Morgan Freeman.
Not being a comic book fan, I don’t know why Batman choose to become a bat, but BB gives very good reason.
This is a dark and brooding movie, it’s set in a Gotham that I could believe in. A little futuristic in a 1960’s kind of way at times, but the darkness of total corruption and no hope was a compelling background for a superhero to be born into.
The mysterious character played by Liam Nelson made for an interesting plot, and again gave credence to the skills that Batman uses, and the reasons why he uses them.
So all in all, BB was a well constructed, thought out and produced movie. It did of course suffer from the bane of all Hollywood movies, and in fact Superhero movies: you knew how it was going to end before it started.
I’ve never been a fan of Batman movies – far too cheesy for my liking. In fact until X-Men, I never really gave Superhero movies a chance. So what was my reason for going to see Batman Begins? A friend was shouting me and it was the movie they wanted to see. Ok, so I figured it would be a couple of hours away from the kids, if nothing else!
To be brutally honest, there were times in BB that I wished I’d stayed at home and helped put the kids to bed and all that domestic bliss. But when the action kicked in, it got exciting. The action scenes were similar to that of the Bourne Supremacy; fast, blurry and hard to know what was going on. It seems to be a new form of cinematography that mimics real life. Instead of being a spectator to a set piece ala the Burly Brawl as see in Matrix Revolutions, we’re invited to participate. At least that’s what it feels like.
The story line was good. It managed to set up Bruce Wayne’s character, give him a reason to do what he does, and the means to do it. There was even some humour courtesy of both Michael Cane and Morgan Freeman.
Not being a comic book fan, I don’t know why Batman choose to become a bat, but BB gives very good reason.
This is a dark and brooding movie, it’s set in a Gotham that I could believe in. A little futuristic in a 1960’s kind of way at times, but the darkness of total corruption and no hope was a compelling background for a superhero to be born into.
The mysterious character played by Liam Nelson made for an interesting plot, and again gave credence to the skills that Batman uses, and the reasons why he uses them.
So all in all, BB was a well constructed, thought out and produced movie. It did of course suffer from the bane of all Hollywood movies, and in fact Superhero movies: you knew how it was going to end before it started.
DVD | The Other Side Of The Bed
I’m not sure what I was expecting, but a Spanish musical about infidelity wasn’t one of my picks for this movie. I was thinking more a romantic comedy.
Oh well, it’s good to experience new things.
It’s not that The Other Side Of The Bed is a bad movie; it’s very entertaining and funny. It’s just that I found it very off putting every time they broke into song and dance. I mean it sets out to be a serious comedy, and then they insert numerous dance scenes? It’s the kind of thing you expect from Bollywoood, not Europe.
So any way, basically the movie starts out with a friend visiting a friend and his girlfriend to talk about his split with his girlfriend. Little does anyone know but the friend’s friend is having an affair with his girlfriend. Then later in the movie the friend falls in love with the friend’s girlfriend. Confused? Good. It’s that kind of a movie where you really have to be on you toes to follow, especially when they break into signing, and the subtitles are whizzing past!
Go rent it, It’ll be a new experience!
Oh well, it’s good to experience new things.
It’s not that The Other Side Of The Bed is a bad movie; it’s very entertaining and funny. It’s just that I found it very off putting every time they broke into song and dance. I mean it sets out to be a serious comedy, and then they insert numerous dance scenes? It’s the kind of thing you expect from Bollywoood, not Europe.
So any way, basically the movie starts out with a friend visiting a friend and his girlfriend to talk about his split with his girlfriend. Little does anyone know but the friend’s friend is having an affair with his girlfriend. Then later in the movie the friend falls in love with the friend’s girlfriend. Confused? Good. It’s that kind of a movie where you really have to be on you toes to follow, especially when they break into signing, and the subtitles are whizzing past!
Go rent it, It’ll be a new experience!
DVD | Ten Days To Victory
Ok, if you don’t get into history or war, then stop right now. There’s no point wasting your time on this review, scroll down to National Treasure. If you do however like history, especially World War Two, then read on….
Ten Days To Victory is an interesting documentary that uses dramatic reconstructions and traditional documentary storytelling techniques to create an informative, interesting look at the last ten days of the war in Europe.
Looking through the eyes of 10 different people we see the war and it’s effects in ways that aren’t normally focussed on. We all know about the 101st Airborne thanks to the wonderful Band of Brothers. But other little know stories like the Canadians trying to prevent the Germans from flooding Holland, and how Mussolini was caught and killed.
There’s also a look through the eyes of ordinary Berliners who feared the Russians (and rightly too) and what they would do to them. Then there’s the Russians them selves who were given the ‘honour’ of taking Berlin, only because the allies figured that street fighting on that magnitude would cost too many Allied lives.
We see that last days of Hitler’s life through the eyes of his telephone operator, the struggle with reality and the dive into insanity.
All in all it’s a very balanced documentary that looks at ten of the most amazing days in modern history, where the true depth of German atrocities were discovered, and how the map of Europe was changed, from being under the control of one cruel dictator, to being under the control of another.
Ten Days To Victory is an interesting documentary that uses dramatic reconstructions and traditional documentary storytelling techniques to create an informative, interesting look at the last ten days of the war in Europe.
Looking through the eyes of 10 different people we see the war and it’s effects in ways that aren’t normally focussed on. We all know about the 101st Airborne thanks to the wonderful Band of Brothers. But other little know stories like the Canadians trying to prevent the Germans from flooding Holland, and how Mussolini was caught and killed.
There’s also a look through the eyes of ordinary Berliners who feared the Russians (and rightly too) and what they would do to them. Then there’s the Russians them selves who were given the ‘honour’ of taking Berlin, only because the allies figured that street fighting on that magnitude would cost too many Allied lives.
We see that last days of Hitler’s life through the eyes of his telephone operator, the struggle with reality and the dive into insanity.
All in all it’s a very balanced documentary that looks at ten of the most amazing days in modern history, where the true depth of German atrocities were discovered, and how the map of Europe was changed, from being under the control of one cruel dictator, to being under the control of another.
DVD | National Treasure
Nic Cage meets Raiders of the Lost Ark was my initial thoughts when I heard about this movie – and let me tell you, I wasn’t expecting much. Sure Nic’s had some good movies, The Rock was one, but then Sean Connery helped make it memorable.
But Nic is Nic, not much substance normally.
But still I decided to give it a go, and I’m glad I did.
Once you get past the start, and the entire BS about the Templer Knights joining the Masons blah de blah blah blah, the movie kicks in.
It’s a fun romp and Nic plays an obsessed treasure hunter, desperate to find the hidden Templer treasure, which generations of his family have sought out.
It’s light hearted and cheesy at times (the cheese comes from the American possessiveness/love of their constitution) but it’s a great popcorn action movie, with enough thrills to keep you hooked, and plot that has a few surprises, but isn’t too taxing on the brain.
The overriding theme of believing something exists and committing your entire life to it is a nice theme, though it’s a theme that could be taken both as a positive or a negative depending on your point of view.
All in all, as I said, it’s a fun romp, with no real lasting impression and a few plot holes.
But Nic is Nic, not much substance normally.
But still I decided to give it a go, and I’m glad I did.
Once you get past the start, and the entire BS about the Templer Knights joining the Masons blah de blah blah blah, the movie kicks in.
It’s a fun romp and Nic plays an obsessed treasure hunter, desperate to find the hidden Templer treasure, which generations of his family have sought out.
It’s light hearted and cheesy at times (the cheese comes from the American possessiveness/love of their constitution) but it’s a great popcorn action movie, with enough thrills to keep you hooked, and plot that has a few surprises, but isn’t too taxing on the brain.
The overriding theme of believing something exists and committing your entire life to it is a nice theme, though it’s a theme that could be taken both as a positive or a negative depending on your point of view.
All in all, as I said, it’s a fun romp, with no real lasting impression and a few plot holes.
What Movie Am I #17
I am based on Philip K. Dick's short story "We Can Remember If For You Wholesale".
What Movie Am I #16
Ok, this is a funny one for the weekend. I havn't seen this movie so I don't know if the clue will give it away, but it sounded so funny...
My plot contains adultery, stalking and rabbit killing.
Rabbit killing?!!!
My plot contains adultery, stalking and rabbit killing.
Rabbit killing?!!!
News | Hitman
Vin Diesel?
Ok, so Vin Diesel is THE man. Well, maybe not THE man, we’ll let Samuel L Jackson take that honour, Vin can be THE white man.
Hell, he was good in The Fast And The Furious, awesome in xXx, flippen legendary in Pitch Black and pretty damn cool in Saving Private Ryan.
But I have to ask, is he really the man for Hitman?
Sure he has the hair for the role, but Hitman in the games always seems tall and skinny. Not a muscle bound brute like Vin.
I’d like to think Hitman is more articulate than Vin as well.
But hell, I can’t think who else I’d put in the role of a cold hearted killer, cept maybe Jason Statham. Damn. Now I think about it, Jason is more THE man than Vin will ever be. He should be Hitman.
Damn. I’m getting off topic. News is, the video game franchise The Hitman is getting the movie make over by Fox, and Vin has the lead role.
Hitman has sold over 10 million units, and with game play that utilises exotic locations, many forms of killing, stealth and action, it should be a great popcorn movie for action fans.
But Vin Diesel? Hhhhmmmm, we’ll see.
Talking (or is that rambling?) of video games to movies, Microsoft have found a home for the Halo movie. Fox are partnering with Universal to bring Microsoft’s over protected baby to the big screen.
Now that’s a movie where the lead role could go to anyone, personality not required as you’ll be wearing a full body suit! Hell, even George Lucus could do something with Halo, the lead character could be done with CGI, who needs actors when you have big computers? g with Universal.
News | The Day After Ice Age
Is it just me, or is this kinda funny; Fox are due to release The Day After Tomorrow as a double disk package along with Ice Age.
Two very different movies about two very different Ice Ages. Which one has the best acting...?
Two very different movies about two very different Ice Ages. Which one has the best acting...?
DVD | The Battle For Midway
The Battle For Midway is another very good documentary form National Geographic. Dr. Robert Ballard (the dude who found the Titanic) sets out to find at leat one of the 5 aircraft carriers that were sunk during the battle for Midway.
Interspersing historical clips and with the present day search gives a great overview of the run up to and aftermath of the Battle, while the search goes on.
Also on the DVD is another remarkable documentary about World War 11 Combat Cameramen. This fits in very nicely after seeing all the historical film form Midway.
A great DVD for war buffs.
Interspersing historical clips and with the present day search gives a great overview of the run up to and aftermath of the Battle, while the search goes on.
Also on the DVD is another remarkable documentary about World War 11 Combat Cameramen. This fits in very nicely after seeing all the historical film form Midway.
A great DVD for war buffs.
What Movie Am I #15
My title character, played by Matt Damon, is found two thirds of the way through me.
DVD | Oceans 12
Ok. I normally try to be positive and look for qualities that exist in all movies, but what an utter waste of time Oceans 12 was.
I mean, can anyone tell me what the point of this movie was?
Ok, so I know it was trying to be very stylish and cool, but it failed big time. I know it was trying to be funny, and to be honest, it did manage a FEW laughs.
But what about a sensible plot? What about something to keep us guessing, or at least INTERESTED? What about a movie that made you fall in love with the characters, or at the least, care about what happened to them?
Hell, I have a soft spot for Matt Damon, but not even his boyish charm could save this movie. Damn, Gerry was a hell of a lot more of a movie than this.
And even if you can get past the lack of plot, lack of the original Oceans 11 style, you have to have had your brain removed to think that the twist at the end was anything more than an added script change to justify the rest of the movie.
What a complete was of talent, money and time.
I mean, can anyone tell me what the point of this movie was?
Ok, so I know it was trying to be very stylish and cool, but it failed big time. I know it was trying to be funny, and to be honest, it did manage a FEW laughs.
But what about a sensible plot? What about something to keep us guessing, or at least INTERESTED? What about a movie that made you fall in love with the characters, or at the least, care about what happened to them?
Hell, I have a soft spot for Matt Damon, but not even his boyish charm could save this movie. Damn, Gerry was a hell of a lot more of a movie than this.
And even if you can get past the lack of plot, lack of the original Oceans 11 style, you have to have had your brain removed to think that the twist at the end was anything more than an added script change to justify the rest of the movie.
What a complete was of talent, money and time.
Want to be a ZOMBIE?
Ok, so maybe I’m the only one who thinks it would be cool to be a zombie, but hey, an offer like this doesn’t come along everyday!
Hip Games are looking for 3 people to become Zombies in there new range of George A Romero City of the Dead Zombie games.
For more info click [here].
Go on, you know you want to.....
Hip Games are looking for 3 people to become Zombies in there new range of George A Romero City of the Dead Zombie games.
For more info click [here].
Go on, you know you want to.....
DVD | Paranoia Agent Vol2
In Volume 2 Paranoia Agent goes from the sublime to insane as Lil’ Slugger is interviewed by the Police, and most of the first (of only 3) episode is spent in Sluggers fantasy world where he is a saviour of people possessed by a demonic power. The events in his alternate reality match perfectly with the present day crimes.
At the end of episode 1 Slugger shows the police a vision of a witness that could clear him of some of the crimes.
Episodes 2 and 3 settle down into the groove we got used to in volume 1, but the surprises keep on coming. More attacks happen while Slugger is being interrogated, which leaves the question; is Slugger nothing more that a copy cat, or does he have the ability to be in more than one place at a time?
Only time will tell as this highly original story twists and turns through flash backs and revelations.
Volume 2 never really answers any questions, only give you more to think about, the series is heading for a huge climax in Volume 4, that’s for sure.
At the end of episode 1 Slugger shows the police a vision of a witness that could clear him of some of the crimes.
Episodes 2 and 3 settle down into the groove we got used to in volume 1, but the surprises keep on coming. More attacks happen while Slugger is being interrogated, which leaves the question; is Slugger nothing more that a copy cat, or does he have the ability to be in more than one place at a time?
Only time will tell as this highly original story twists and turns through flash backs and revelations.
Volume 2 never really answers any questions, only give you more to think about, the series is heading for a huge climax in Volume 4, that’s for sure.
DVD | Breaking News
Breaking News is a very smart crime thriller, directed by Hong Kong veteran Johnnie To. The film starts with pace and never really lets up – there’s plenty of action – the running gun battle with the police at the start is the best I’ve seen since Heat.
But if this was just another Hong Kong action flick, it would be pretty disappointing. Luckily Breaking News has an original story line to base the action around:
When a violent criminal gang is intercepted by police a gun battle ensues, but they manage to elude the police and cause the police a lot of public embarrassment. So when they are tracked down holed up in a large residential apartment block, the police decide to fight back by sending edited images of the siege to the media to make the police look good again.
But the criminals decide to fight back, using video and pictures taken on their cell phones they feed the media their versions of events.
The tension builds up as both sides battle for public profile while running gun battles ensure around them.
With many clever plot twists, and a very tongue in cheek finish, Breaking News is a solid action/thriller.
DVD release is slated for July 20th.
But if this was just another Hong Kong action flick, it would be pretty disappointing. Luckily Breaking News has an original story line to base the action around:
When a violent criminal gang is intercepted by police a gun battle ensues, but they manage to elude the police and cause the police a lot of public embarrassment. So when they are tracked down holed up in a large residential apartment block, the police decide to fight back by sending edited images of the siege to the media to make the police look good again.
But the criminals decide to fight back, using video and pictures taken on their cell phones they feed the media their versions of events.
The tension builds up as both sides battle for public profile while running gun battles ensure around them.
With many clever plot twists, and a very tongue in cheek finish, Breaking News is a solid action/thriller.
DVD release is slated for July 20th.
DVD | Lady Snowblood
Lady Snowblood is a Samurai Slasher movie that was one of the main influences for Tarantino’s Kill Bill movies. The plot, some characters and scenes in Kill Bill are very close to those in Lady Snowblood.
In fact the only thing that makes Kill Bill worth watching over Lady Snowblood is that Tarantino does bring a clearer, more modern feel to the genre.
Watching Lady Snowblood is tiring at times, but then it was made in 1973! But the story is still compelling and raises many questions. Lady Snowblood is basically conceived for the purpose of revenge. Her mother had everything taken from her by a band of rouges and when she sought revenge, she was imprisoned. In prison she seduced every male she could in order to get pregnant so that her child could seek revenge on her behalf.
So Lady Snowblood is born dammed, with one singular purpose in life. A purpose that she trains for, and becomes very efficient at.
After watching this movie you’re left not knowing what to think. The movie is definitely entertaining (for it’s age) and has some plot twists, humour and good fight scenes. But the theme of giving birth purely for revenge seems a little harsh.
Of course you could say that the band of rogues were harsh and got what they deserved, but what kind of a life does Lady Snowblood have?
In fact the only thing that makes Kill Bill worth watching over Lady Snowblood is that Tarantino does bring a clearer, more modern feel to the genre.
Watching Lady Snowblood is tiring at times, but then it was made in 1973! But the story is still compelling and raises many questions. Lady Snowblood is basically conceived for the purpose of revenge. Her mother had everything taken from her by a band of rouges and when she sought revenge, she was imprisoned. In prison she seduced every male she could in order to get pregnant so that her child could seek revenge on her behalf.
So Lady Snowblood is born dammed, with one singular purpose in life. A purpose that she trains for, and becomes very efficient at.
After watching this movie you’re left not knowing what to think. The movie is definitely entertaining (for it’s age) and has some plot twists, humour and good fight scenes. But the theme of giving birth purely for revenge seems a little harsh.
Of course you could say that the band of rogues were harsh and got what they deserved, but what kind of a life does Lady Snowblood have?
What Movie Am I #13
I am an action movie.
My story revolves around the quest for a sword.
In Mandarin Chinese my title is Wo Hu Cang Long.
I won 4 Academy Awards in 2001.
My story revolves around the quest for a sword.
In Mandarin Chinese my title is Wo Hu Cang Long.
I won 4 Academy Awards in 2001.
DVD | Shall We Dance?
I got sent the wrong DVD. What I ordered was Shadowlands, the CS Lewis biography staring Anthony Hopkins. Instead I get Richard Gere and Jennifer Lopez.
Well, it can’t be that bad can it?
Um, yes. Shall We Dance is basically a Richard Gere vehicle, where basically Richard Gere plays Richard Gere. I guess that’s the beauty of all his movies, if you liked him in one, you’ll like him in all the others. And then there’s J-Lo. She’s basically the same, though slightly nicer to look at (from a male perspective).
But ok, so women love Mr Gere, so this could be a good movie for chick’s right? Possibly, it does have the Gere factor, and add in some great dancing (if that’s your thing) and costumes and you have a reasonable ladies night in.
The thing I find puzzling is, if this is a chick flick, then why does Mr Gere realise he has no passion left in his life (mid life crises anyone?) and then starts to notice J-Lo sitting in a top floor window on his commute home. After a few days of looking, he impulsively hops off the train to try and meet this mystery (and a lot younger than his wife) lady. And what do you know, she teaches dance.
So Gere discovers that he has a passion for dance whilst his wife played by Susan Sarandon thinks he’s having an affair. But the PI she hires assures her it’s all ok, its just a mid life crises and he’s not up to any marital infidelity.
In the end, of course you didn’t see this coming, husband an wife re-discover their passion for each other.
But hang on, wasn’t he going after J-Lo before he knew about dancing. Wasn’t it her younger, sexier body that attracted him? C’mon, he was thinking about a different kind of dance. It’s only through J-Lo’s I-don’t-need-a-relationship-right-now attitude that nothing happened.
So my question is this: how good a chick flick is this if the lead character wants to have an affair?
May be I’m reading too much into this lighthearted romantic comedy?
Well, it can’t be that bad can it?
Um, yes. Shall We Dance is basically a Richard Gere vehicle, where basically Richard Gere plays Richard Gere. I guess that’s the beauty of all his movies, if you liked him in one, you’ll like him in all the others. And then there’s J-Lo. She’s basically the same, though slightly nicer to look at (from a male perspective).
But ok, so women love Mr Gere, so this could be a good movie for chick’s right? Possibly, it does have the Gere factor, and add in some great dancing (if that’s your thing) and costumes and you have a reasonable ladies night in.
The thing I find puzzling is, if this is a chick flick, then why does Mr Gere realise he has no passion left in his life (mid life crises anyone?) and then starts to notice J-Lo sitting in a top floor window on his commute home. After a few days of looking, he impulsively hops off the train to try and meet this mystery (and a lot younger than his wife) lady. And what do you know, she teaches dance.
So Gere discovers that he has a passion for dance whilst his wife played by Susan Sarandon thinks he’s having an affair. But the PI she hires assures her it’s all ok, its just a mid life crises and he’s not up to any marital infidelity.
In the end, of course you didn’t see this coming, husband an wife re-discover their passion for each other.
But hang on, wasn’t he going after J-Lo before he knew about dancing. Wasn’t it her younger, sexier body that attracted him? C’mon, he was thinking about a different kind of dance. It’s only through J-Lo’s I-don’t-need-a-relationship-right-now attitude that nothing happened.
So my question is this: how good a chick flick is this if the lead character wants to have an affair?
May be I’m reading too much into this lighthearted romantic comedy?
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….
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…
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…
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.
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”.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.....
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….
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.
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?
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.
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....
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.
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?
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!
‘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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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]
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!!!
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!
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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