The film follows Californian Policeman Edward Maylis (Nicolas Cage) as he investigates the disappearance of a little girl, Rowan Woodward on the mysterious
Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
Tuesday, 14 April 2009
The Wicker Man (remake) review
Long time, no blog. It's been almost a year since I last posted a review on here, but I have recently started thinking about writing some reviews and articles again. I still don't write for a publication but i'd like to keep writing these for my own entertainment. So to get me back in the swing of things I thought i'd post another one of my older reviews for the Derby Trader. .
My review of Neil LaBute's remake of The Wicker Man from September 2006
I have a confession to make. I hadn’t seen Robin Hardy’s The Wicker Man before seeing Neil LaBute’s remake. It has sat in my DVD collection for some time waiting for the day that I would brush the dust off and watch it, and I must say that I’m glad I waited to watch the British classic till I’d seen Neil LaBute’s Wicker Man. Whereas the original is deservedly a classic, this year’s remake is mediocre at best for those who haven’t seen the original and a complete travesty for those who have.
Sunday, 6 April 2008
Bit more recent
My review of Juno from February 2008
RECENT years have seen a vast increase in the interest and commercial success of quirky independent feature films. From Zach Braff’s poignant critically acclaimed debut Garden State to the Oscar nominated and star-packed Little Miss Sunshine, it is definitely the time of the independent film.
Directed by Jason Reitman (Thank You For Smoking), Juno (12A) is 2008’s much hyped, Oscar nominated indie film. The film, however, is much more than just another collection of quirky characters as Reitman’s film from a script by Diablo Cody is sweet, intelligent and showcases some of the best talent Hollywood has to offer.
Cody’s Oscar nominated script follows sharp witted teenager Juno (Ellen Page) who discovers she is pregnant after a night with a school friend Bleeker (Michael Cera). Deciding to give the baby away for adoption to a seemingly wealthy and well adjusted couple, Juno just has 9 months to get through. Unfortunately, things don’t go quite to plan as she discovers she might have real feelings for Bleeker and the adoptees may not be quite as perfect as she believed.
Occasionally the character’s witticisms feel fake and forced but overall Cody’s script is full of humour and heart and it is this which attracted the film’s superb cast including J. K Simmons (Spiderman), Alison Janney (The West Wing), Jennifer Garner (Elektra) and the brilliant Arrested Development co-stars Jason Bateman (Smoking Aces) and Michael Cera (Superbad).
It is Ellen Page as Juno, however, who steals the show, a fact which has been recognised with a well-deserved Oscar nomination for Best Actress. Page’s performance is one which captures the false maturity and quirky coolness of the 16 year old (who lists 1977 as the best year for music) but also the youth and naivety of the character when everything starts to fall down around her.
RECENT years have seen a vast increase in the interest and commercial success of quirky independent feature films. From Zach Braff’s poignant critically acclaimed debut Garden State to the Oscar nominated and star-packed Little Miss Sunshine, it is definitely the time of the independent film.
Directed by Jason Reitman (Thank You For Smoking), Juno (12A) is 2008’s much hyped, Oscar nominated indie film. The film, however, is much more than just another collection of quirky characters as Reitman’s film from a script by Diablo Cody is sweet, intelligent and showcases some of the best talent Hollywood has to offer.
Cody’s Oscar nominated script follows sharp witted teenager Juno (Ellen Page) who discovers she is pregnant after a night with a school friend Bleeker (Michael Cera). Deciding to give the baby away for adoption to a seemingly wealthy and well adjusted couple, Juno just has 9 months to get through. Unfortunately, things don’t go quite to plan as she discovers she might have real feelings for Bleeker and the adoptees may not be quite as perfect as she believed.
Occasionally the character’s witticisms feel fake and forced but overall Cody’s script is full of humour and heart and it is this which attracted the film’s superb cast including J. K Simmons (Spiderman), Alison Janney (The West Wing), Jennifer Garner (Elektra) and the brilliant Arrested Development co-stars Jason Bateman (Smoking Aces) and Michael Cera (Superbad).
It is Ellen Page as Juno, however, who steals the show, a fact which has been recognised with a well-deserved Oscar nomination for Best Actress. Page’s performance is one which captures the false maturity and quirky coolness of the 16 year old (who lists 1977 as the best year for music) but also the youth and naivety of the character when everything starts to fall down around her.
Mediocre review, Superb film
My review of There Will Be Blood from February 2008 ("I drink your Milkshake!")
PAUL Thomas Anderson’s Oscar winning film There Will Be Blood is truly deserving of its numerous accolades. The film, based on Thomas Sinclair’s novel Oil! perfectly showcases the unbelievable talent of its star Daniel Day-Lewis and is a demonstration of cinema at its very best –visually striking, captivating and challenging.
Rightly recognised at last week’s Academy Awards for his performance in the film, Daniel Day-Lewis’s Daniel Plainview is unnerving and vicious right from the start.
There Will Be Blood follows the story of ‘oil man’ Plainview and his adoptive son H.W as they follow the American Dream rising up from the bottom rung to the very top by taking advantage of the oil boom in the United States at the turn of the century.
Whilst the first section of the film is almost wordless, the director, star and composer leave the viewer in no doubt as to the brutal nature of the film and the character of Plainview himself.
Whilst it could be easy to get distracted by Day-Lewis’ superb performance, There Will Be Blood by no means hides its other achievements as Jonny Greenwood’s menacing score, Paul Thomas Anderson’s masterful direction and Paul Dano’s performance as both Eli and Paul Sunday more than make themselves known.
Previously seen in Little Miss Sunshine, Dano is a revelation particularly as the evangelical Eli Sunday, more than holding his own next to Day-Lewis. It will be interesting to see how Dano’s career progresses, but with his performance in There Will Be Blood it looks very promising.
There Will Be Blood is a truly astounding achievement by Anderson and all involved. Dark and menacing it will stay with you long after you’ve left the cinema with its striking landscapes, mesmerising performances and haunting score.
PAUL Thomas Anderson’s Oscar winning film There Will Be Blood is truly deserving of its numerous accolades. The film, based on Thomas Sinclair’s novel Oil! perfectly showcases the unbelievable talent of its star Daniel Day-Lewis and is a demonstration of cinema at its very best –visually striking, captivating and challenging.
Rightly recognised at last week’s Academy Awards for his performance in the film, Daniel Day-Lewis’s Daniel Plainview is unnerving and vicious right from the start.
There Will Be Blood follows the story of ‘oil man’ Plainview and his adoptive son H.W as they follow the American Dream rising up from the bottom rung to the very top by taking advantage of the oil boom in the United States at the turn of the century.
Whilst the first section of the film is almost wordless, the director, star and composer leave the viewer in no doubt as to the brutal nature of the film and the character of Plainview himself.
Whilst it could be easy to get distracted by Day-Lewis’ superb performance, There Will Be Blood by no means hides its other achievements as Jonny Greenwood’s menacing score, Paul Thomas Anderson’s masterful direction and Paul Dano’s performance as both Eli and Paul Sunday more than make themselves known.
Previously seen in Little Miss Sunshine, Dano is a revelation particularly as the evangelical Eli Sunday, more than holding his own next to Day-Lewis. It will be interesting to see how Dano’s career progresses, but with his performance in There Will Be Blood it looks very promising.
There Will Be Blood is a truly astounding achievement by Anderson and all involved. Dark and menacing it will stay with you long after you’ve left the cinema with its striking landscapes, mesmerising performances and haunting score.
A rare very negative review
My review of Poseidon from June 2006.
A remake of the 70’s disaster flick, Poseidon (12A) tells the story of an ill fated cruise liner hit by a rogue wave on New Years Eve, interrupting the celebrations of those on board and capsizing the ship. A group of passengers including stars Kurt Russell, Richard Dreyfuss and Josh Lucas, refuse to wait for help and instead try and find a way out of the doomed vessel.
Director Wolfgang Peterson’s Poseidon is a fast paced action-led disaster movie, though this is just where its’ problems start. The film moves too fast leaving no time to set up the action nor to develop the characters.
The action and effects are undeniably impressive, and the images of the carnage caused by the rogue wave are surprisingly graphic, considering the films certification.
This, however, is not enough to save the ship as the lack of interesting characters, average acting and the, at times, ridiculous dialogue begins to distract and annoy. So annoying in fact that I didn’t even bother to ask the two giggling girls sat behind me to quiet down, because frankly, their conversation was much more interesting than any of the cheesy one liners offered by the characters. In one instance, one of the passengers when faced with walking down a corridor lined with victims of the disaster comments that they are ‘only dead bodies, right?’, how astute and humane of her!
A disaster movie may not demand in depth character development, however, it is vital that the audience at least get to know and care about the characters to some degree. If Poseidon’s already impressive action scenes had been paired with this kind of character development and a better script it may have kept its nose above the water. As it stands, however, wait till you can watch Poseidon in the comfort of your own home where you can concentrate on the at-times exciting action and make a cup of tea whenever a character speaks!
A remake of the 70’s disaster flick, Poseidon (12A) tells the story of an ill fated cruise liner hit by a rogue wave on New Years Eve, interrupting the celebrations of those on board and capsizing the ship. A group of passengers including stars Kurt Russell, Richard Dreyfuss and Josh Lucas, refuse to wait for help and instead try and find a way out of the doomed vessel.
Director Wolfgang Peterson’s Poseidon is a fast paced action-led disaster movie, though this is just where its’ problems start. The film moves too fast leaving no time to set up the action nor to develop the characters.
The action and effects are undeniably impressive, and the images of the carnage caused by the rogue wave are surprisingly graphic, considering the films certification.
This, however, is not enough to save the ship as the lack of interesting characters, average acting and the, at times, ridiculous dialogue begins to distract and annoy. So annoying in fact that I didn’t even bother to ask the two giggling girls sat behind me to quiet down, because frankly, their conversation was much more interesting than any of the cheesy one liners offered by the characters. In one instance, one of the passengers when faced with walking down a corridor lined with victims of the disaster comments that they are ‘only dead bodies, right?’, how astute and humane of her!
A disaster movie may not demand in depth character development, however, it is vital that the audience at least get to know and care about the characters to some degree. If Poseidon’s already impressive action scenes had been paired with this kind of character development and a better script it may have kept its nose above the water. As it stands, however, wait till you can watch Poseidon in the comfort of your own home where you can concentrate on the at-times exciting action and make a cup of tea whenever a character speaks!
Pride and Prejudice
My review of Pride and Predjudice from September 2005 (why do all my favourite reviews seem to be from then?!)
It is a truth universally acknowledged that the BBC adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice which starred Colin Firth as Mr Darcy is near perfect. With this in mind, the newly released feature length interpretation will be viewed warily by many, who will question the need for another adaptation of the well-loved novel.
Produced by Working Title, the British company behind Notting Hill, Bridget Jones and many others, the feature length Pride and Prejudice may not make people forget about Colin Firth emerging infamously from the lake, however, there is no need to question its existence as first time director Joe Wright has given us a beautiful, engaging and faithful interpretation.
Finding the right Darcy is crucial and Matthew MacFadyen (Spooks) proves to be a wise choice. Darcy is as brooding as ever, and his transformation from aloof and loathsome to worthy partner for Elizabeth is a convincing one given the reduced time span. Similarily, Keira Knightley proves to be an excellent choice for the role of feisty Elizabeth Bennett and Donald Sutherland stands out from the supporting cast with his splendid turn as Elizabeth’s father.
The true brilliance, however, lies with the artistry of the film. Shots of picturesque landscapes, including Derbyshire’s own Chatsworth House doubling as Pemberley, the home of Darcy, accompanied by the films beautiful soundtrack makes Joe Wright’s Pride and Prejudice a joy to watch.
Unlucky to be cast in the shadow of its former incarnation (which it would be impossible for it to surpass) Pride and Prejudice justifies its existence and deserves to be judged on its own merits, of which it has many. Whilst it may never break out of the shadow of its predecessor, Wright’s Pride and Prejudice is an enchantingly romantic movie which will make you smile, laugh and if you’re honest, shed a tear or two.
It is a truth universally acknowledged that the BBC adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice which starred Colin Firth as Mr Darcy is near perfect. With this in mind, the newly released feature length interpretation will be viewed warily by many, who will question the need for another adaptation of the well-loved novel.
Produced by Working Title, the British company behind Notting Hill, Bridget Jones and many others, the feature length Pride and Prejudice may not make people forget about Colin Firth emerging infamously from the lake, however, there is no need to question its existence as first time director Joe Wright has given us a beautiful, engaging and faithful interpretation.
Finding the right Darcy is crucial and Matthew MacFadyen (Spooks) proves to be a wise choice. Darcy is as brooding as ever, and his transformation from aloof and loathsome to worthy partner for Elizabeth is a convincing one given the reduced time span. Similarily, Keira Knightley proves to be an excellent choice for the role of feisty Elizabeth Bennett and Donald Sutherland stands out from the supporting cast with his splendid turn as Elizabeth’s father.
The true brilliance, however, lies with the artistry of the film. Shots of picturesque landscapes, including Derbyshire’s own Chatsworth House doubling as Pemberley, the home of Darcy, accompanied by the films beautiful soundtrack makes Joe Wright’s Pride and Prejudice a joy to watch.
Unlucky to be cast in the shadow of its former incarnation (which it would be impossible for it to surpass) Pride and Prejudice justifies its existence and deserves to be judged on its own merits, of which it has many. Whilst it may never break out of the shadow of its predecessor, Wright’s Pride and Prejudice is an enchantingly romantic movie which will make you smile, laugh and if you’re honest, shed a tear or two.
One of my faves to get started
My review of Wolf Creek from September 2005
With horror movies of late providing more laughs than actual scares, the release of Wolf Creek (18) should be good news to fans of the genre. The story sees two British girls. Liz and Kristy join Ben, an Australian on a road trip Down-Under, their trip, however, turns out to be far from the perfect as they find themselves victims of a psychotic bushman played by John Jarratt. By opting for a more realistic look for the film, writer and director Greg McLean has produced a truly disturbing movie with images which will linger in your mind long after you have left the cinema.
Viewers are required to be patient at the start of the film as a long time is spent establishing the characters and showcasing the breathtaking Australian landscape, however, this is where the advert for the Australian Tourist Board ends as the atmosphere is suddenly replaced by truly horrific images and a real sense of helplessness which is exacerbated by the light hearted beginning. Whilst seasoned horror fans may have seen worse, there is no denying that Wolf Creek is a truly unsettling horror film, one which the fainthearted may find challenging. Despite its running time only clocking in at 99 minutes, the film actually feels a great deal longer as the pressure is applied following the initial setting of the scene and the terror is unrelenting till the sigh of relief which comes with the closing credits.
Wolf Creek proudly displays its ‘based upon a true story’ credentials, however, these claims begin to fall apart when investigated as it is actually based loosely upon a number of cases in Australia, however the claims do add a further unsettling aspect to the movie.
Whilst not for the faint hearted, Wolf Creek is a welcome addition to the horror genre, shaming the Hollywood attempts of late.
With horror movies of late providing more laughs than actual scares, the release of Wolf Creek (18) should be good news to fans of the genre. The story sees two British girls. Liz and Kristy join Ben, an Australian on a road trip Down-Under, their trip, however, turns out to be far from the perfect as they find themselves victims of a psychotic bushman played by John Jarratt. By opting for a more realistic look for the film, writer and director Greg McLean has produced a truly disturbing movie with images which will linger in your mind long after you have left the cinema.
Viewers are required to be patient at the start of the film as a long time is spent establishing the characters and showcasing the breathtaking Australian landscape, however, this is where the advert for the Australian Tourist Board ends as the atmosphere is suddenly replaced by truly horrific images and a real sense of helplessness which is exacerbated by the light hearted beginning. Whilst seasoned horror fans may have seen worse, there is no denying that Wolf Creek is a truly unsettling horror film, one which the fainthearted may find challenging. Despite its running time only clocking in at 99 minutes, the film actually feels a great deal longer as the pressure is applied following the initial setting of the scene and the terror is unrelenting till the sigh of relief which comes with the closing credits.
Wolf Creek proudly displays its ‘based upon a true story’ credentials, however, these claims begin to fall apart when investigated as it is actually based loosely upon a number of cases in Australia, however the claims do add a further unsettling aspect to the movie.
Whilst not for the faint hearted, Wolf Creek is a welcome addition to the horror genre, shaming the Hollywood attempts of late.
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