Garyswordz

A Superhero Tour De Force, 30 July 2008

Author: gary-444 from United Kingdom

Over history, literature has constantly reassessed and reshaped heroes and villains. Batman is a relatively contemporary creation, born of the much derided Cartoon Book genre, yet in this film, Director Christopher Nolan creates a gravitas and purpose only hinted at in those early drawings, building on the success of “Batman Begins”. Aided by a top cast, this film reaches past the obvious niche audiences and finds a resonance far beyond.

Heath Ledger gives a role defining performance as the Joker. He exudes, paranoia, psychosis and cruelty with humour almost an afterthought. Given Ledger’s alleged battles with depression it is unnerving to witness so convincing a display of an unhinged mind, but utterly compelling. The British 12A Certification is tested to the limit by the sadistic use of knives, totally in context, but hardly easily dismissed as “Comic book violence”.

Christian Bale is a convincing Batman, playing the action sequences with an aggressive, vicious detachment, yet perfectly at home as the anonymous Bruce Wayne. Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman revel in their character roles as Alfred the Butler, and Head of R&D Lucius Fox , respectively. Both deliver understated, but perfectly observed performances.

Never short of outrageous action sequences, explosions and ensemble set pieces, what lifts this picture is its preparedness to seriously consider the role of the hero, villain, good and evil, chaos, and the impotence, but decency, of the ordinary citizen. When two hordes of hostages fail to meet the Jokers fiendish plan he rails that “You cant rely on anyone these days “and” if you want a job doing you have to do it yourself”. Equally he hints that there is evil out there purely for evil’s sake – a chilling touchstone for the curse of modern mass terrorism.

The Cinematography is consistently beautiful and the production values a fine mix of the real and CGI. With actors Gary Oldman and my old school friend Colin MacFarlane also making valuable contributions, it is curious how such a strong British contingent have redrawn an all-American hero. Perhaps it is because Nolan displays such consummate skill in examining themes, and attitudes which transcend time and place, and as such is an outrageous bedfellow with the Coen Bothers “No Country For Old Men”.

Delightful Light Entertainment, 14 July 2008

Author: gary-444 from United Kingdom

In recent years the success of TV shows like X Factor, Pop/American Idol and Britain / America’s Got Talent have reminded everyone of the simple pleasures of singing, dancing and having a good time. Curiously, the Musical genre, which epitomises this, has been slow to reflect this interest on our cinema screens. However with the success of Hairspray, High School Musical and now Mama Mia, I suspect there will be many more to follow.

Mama Mia starts from a strong base. A fine musical catalogue, a successful stage production, the co-operation of songwriters Benny and Bjorn and a well known cast are a good start.But then it pretty much overwhelms the audience with it’s sheer “joie de vivre”. Don’t listen to the curmudgeonly doubters, if you want to find fault with this production of course you can. But thats not really the point. This film is for enjoying the music, laughing at the slapstick comedy, having a good time and perhaps even kicking off those heels and having a dance.

Meryl Streep successfully dominates this film with all the enthusiasm of an Aunt visiting for Christmas and determined to have a good time. Ably assisted by Julie Walters, and a particularly good Christine Baranski the three of them laugh, dance and cry themselves through a plot which is frankly only there to allow everyone to enjoy themselves.

Amanda Seyfried as Streep’s daughter is the right mix of innocence and verve and the three prospective “fathers”,Brosnan, Firth and Skarsgard ham up their scenes monstrously.The only real query on the film is Brosnan’s singing. It is terrible. I hope that it was left in as a joke because it does cause you to literally laugh out loud. Which is in marked contrast to Streep who sings admirably, giving Madonna a run for her money in the latter’s starring role in Evita.

The sun of course always shines, the buildings look rustic and welcoming, and the sea is blue.The “set pieces”, Voulez Vous, Dancing Queen and a raucous Does Your Mother Know always entertain, Chiquitita is an unexpected delight! The Fifties and Sixties produced a run of popular musicals making the likes of Diana Dors stars in the process. The Musical is back for the 21st century!

Woeful Drivel, 5 July 2008

Author: gary-444 from United Kingdom

Like many, i was seduced by the trailers for this movie, the reality left me mind numbingly disappointed. Lead actors Will Smith and Charlize Theron, a big budget and a good idea should give any Director a good head start, Peter Berg squanders it all in an unimaginative disaster.

The script is cliché ridden and formulaic,and the “happy moon” ending vomit inducing. In trying to straddle the comedy, action and superhero genres it falls flatly on its “ass” (sic). The “action” sequences are occasionally quite disturbing for a uk 12a certificate.Now I enjoy my Peckinpah and Tarrantino along with the best. however the convention for this certificate film is that the violence is “comic book”.

The opening sequence of hoodlums spraying a busy freeway, among which are chasing cops, with Uzi sub-machine gun rounds (several hundred a minute)is not Comic strip.The same is true when a Bank is held up and the robbers sprays the busy street with Uzi, heavy calibre machine gun and what looks like an RPG fire.Equally is having women and children wired up to Hamas style explosive vests funny? America has a serious problem with lone young gunmen and random massacres. The naive sanitization of these sequences helps no-one.

Supporting actor Jason Bateman looks as uncomfortable as the part is, as part of the “triangle” between himself,Theron and Smith. The use of the formers “child” for the most excruciating “kid” moments are frankly excruciating.

The cinema was pretty full, I heard no-one laugh out loud once. the idea of a “flawed” superhero is a good one. In the future it has the basis for a good film in the hands of some capable writers and a talented Director.

Don’t Believe the (adverse) hype, 22 June 2008

Author: gary-444 from United Kingdom

*** This review may contain spoilers ***

The critical kicking that this picture received upon release was such that I almost gave it a “swerve”. I am glad that I didn’t.If you want the bad news read pretty much every other review,if you want the good news read on.

The premise of this film, a natural “event” that causes humans to kill themselves is compelling and intriguing.A 91 minute running time makes for a pacey, if inevitably compressed storyline, which hooks the viewer from start to finish.The combination of an “unseen killer”, the natural “Rush and rustle of leaves and branches” and the human carnage that results is genuinely spooky.

Lead actor Mark Wahlberg guides us perfectly competently through the story with Betty Buckley playing a genuinely disturbing cameo as hermit Mrs Jones.The plot does require “suspension of disbelief” in several respects, but hey this is a story not a history.

Not a classic, but a good yarn nonetheless let down by an absurd, frustrating, corny, commercial “ending” which had me howling in disapproval

An Enjoyable Piece of Light Froth, 20 June 2008
Author: gary-444 from United Kingdom

Sometimes you have to approach a story in the spirit it is offered. This film makes no grand claims, and although it purports to be about three women, it is actually about two,Amanda Nelson,played by Meredith Baxter and Joan Bixler, played by Swoosie Kurtz.At 106 minutes the running time is a quarter of an hour longer than the classic 90 which permits plot anomalies in the interests of pace. Nonetheless the double hander that the two women frequently play works.

Amanda’s stereotypical upper middle class world and family is an unambitious setting, understandably she is not impressed when her best friend, Joan’s, daughter beds her husband.However there is a chemistry and dynamic which works between the two of them “Cagney and Lacey” style.The third woman, Joan’s daughter Dana, has a curiously underwritten part much of which i suspect was left on the cutting room floor. Amanda’s two sons have some cleverly written cameo roles and the erring husband Paul Nelson has almost a walk on part.

So what makes this film work? Its not about marital infidelity, it is about the loyalty between two women as friends.the message that friendship is important and that sometimes people let you down resonates throughout the tale.There are some fairly corny set pieces, but the film always lifts when Amanda and Joan are on screen together. there is even an elegiac moment in the “kitchen scene” at the end when Joan implores Amanda to discard the hopes and dreams of the past for the reality of today.Too few films these days are narrative driven,and this deserves praise for a solid effort in that regard.

Gripping,Quirky and Fun., 8 June 2008

Author: gary-444 from United Kingdom

I am not a particular fan of Vampire movies, nor of graphic novels generally, let alone the one upon which this was apparently based.My high rating does not acknowledge a cinematic masterpiece, but a genre piece well made, well told.

Much has been made about so called “factual” errors and plot “holes” ‘which totally miss the point.You are invited to suspend disbelief. If you, do you will have a ball, if you don’t it is a nonsense.

Josh Hartnett, as Sheriff Eban Oleson, is the fulcrum of the tale and does a fine job carrying the film for a full 113 minutes, about twenty minutes longer than a film like this normally demands.Although generously strewn with verbal and situational clichés the stylish presentation and pacey editing keeps things moving.

The vampires themselves owe more to the Zombies genre, than the Vampire one.Their sub titled incomprehensible language adding to a sense of mystery and menace.Producer Sam Raimi’s hand looms large here. The core of the story plays on our fears of what happens when it gets dark, and we are all alone and our mind starts to run away with primitive fears, which is why it works so well. it is an Everyman story well delivered.

I suspect that hardcore “Vampiristas” may be disappointed by this film which occupies a large chunk of the conventional horror/ Zombie/ slasher genres, which is of course what makes it successful. For there is enough for fans of all of these to thoroughly enjoy.

Competent Horror Fare, 23 May 2008

Author: gary-444 from United Kingdom

I watched this film aware of the critical kicking it had received at the hands of the UK Press. It wasn’t nearly as bad as I feared it might be .It is Director Tony Giglio’s mainstream debut, and you can see the films he enjoyed watching at Film School. The “Hills Have Eyes”. “Deliverance”, “Misery” “Friday The 13th” all have thematic or visual references .Those who have enjoyed those films will not be disappointed by this .However, therein lies the rub, in terms of originality it is 0/10, as an homage my 6/10 stands.

Aficianados will enjoy the horror staples. Brianna Brown, as toned, wavy haired blonde victim Sheryl is perfect. She screams and moans a lot, and gives us a very enjoyable white lacy underwear moment before some embarrassingly soft porn shots. Heroic boyfriend Mike, played by Josh Randall, is able to take beatings, whippings, brandings, Bear trap entrapment and various other indignities whilst still coming out at the other end as manfully as a hero should. Interestingly although this film has been caught up in the “torture porn” debate, it is Josh who is shown bare chested and writhing much more provocatively than his female heroine.

The cinematography is strong, and the mountain setting in West Virginia beautiful. Although essentially a “painting by numbers” horror plot, the story is lifted by the intelligent performance of Beth Broderick as Ida, the religious fanatic unable to carry a baby full term. One of the problems of the horror genre is that it is impossible to churn out stories each more gory, more horrifying or more titillating than what has gone before. This neither attempts , nor achieves, any of those objectives. That should not disqualify the likes of “Timber Falls” though for a picture soundly made, and well executed.

Literate,Bloody Crime Caper, 6 May 2008

Author: gary-444 from United Kingdom

In an era when script tends to play a poor second fiddle to visuals, this fine story restores your faith in storytelling. Writer and producer Martin McDonagh already has a distinguished pedigree as a playwright, “The Lieutenant of Inishmore” being perhaps his finest work to date. When some playwrights bring their craft to the big screen they fail to grasp the possibilities that a space beyond a stage offers them. With McDonagh, he brings the best of the intensity of the stage to the screen.

The storyline is simple, two hit men flee London after a job to Bruges, and await instructions.Played by Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson, the first hour is an absolute joy.They talk, they reflect they discuss in a manner very reminiscent of Travolta and Jackson in Pulp Fiction.Intermittently very violent the film oozes restraint making the bloody outbursts even more shocking.A perverse gunman’s morality also underpins everything which passes.

Ralph Fiennes has great fun as “Godfather”, Harry in a role which acknowledges that played by Ben Kingsley in “Sexy Beast”.As is the hallmark of most playwrights, the story has a “proper” end and is all the more satisfying for it.With Tarrantino and Ritchie seemingly spent forces at the moment the field is open for the likes of McDonagh and the Coen brothers to blaze a trail for 21st Century crime capers.

At just over an hour and a half the film also displays a rare discipline as the viewer quickly learns to soak in each setting and each exchange of “badinage” , so little is wasted.As of early May, my favourite film of 2008.

A Big Little Film, 5 May 2008
Author: gary-444 from United Kingdom

Director and writer, Garth Jennings, previously handling the same roles in “Hitch Hikers Guide To the Galaxy” has made a wonderful, warm, quirky teenage picture which challenges yet soothes at the same time.It is a timeless tale of imagination, where as a child anything is possible and it is the adult world which is “unreal”.

Debut child actors Neil Dudgeon, as bold and brash Joshua, and Bill Milner as repressed Will Proudfoot play an “Artful Dodger/Oliver” style double hander with intelligence, wit and conviction.The central premise is simple, to enter a teenage film short continuing the “Rambo” series.

Will is stultified in a widowed household where his mother has joined a religious cult which forbids access to televisions and watches.Joshua runs free without his parents, looked after by his elder brother, but finds an emotional bond with the quixotic Will.

A sharp script, wittily observed is stronger on smiles than belly laughs but is none the weaker for it.Joshias declaration of love for his elder brother and his saving of Will from life threatening scrapes are genuinely poignant, whilst a sub plot involving a party of French exchange students provides a light counterpoint to the main story.

A classically British offering, and a little gem at that.

Irritatingly Short of Excellent., 5 May 2008

Author: gary-444 from United Kingdom

*** This review may contain spoilers ***

Few films have elicited such contradictory emotions from me.Jerry Bruckheimer and Tony Scott have put together a visually sumptuous and exciting story. Denzil Washington delivers a strong lead performance as Agent Doug Carlin, Val Kilmer,FBI Agent Paul Pryzwarra, actually shows he can do restraint, and Claire Kuchever, as love interest Paula Patton flounces, entertains and is credible as well.

So where does it go wrong? The basis of the story, a time “envelope” allowing us to go backwards in time is fine.However the key question, “can we alter history by going back in time? ” is ultimately fudged amongst a series of gaping plot holes.

Now I am not one to go looking for trouble, and firmly believe that sometimes you should just “enjoy the ride” of the story that IS being told.But perversely one of the strengths of telling a story backwards is the power of fate, you KNOW how its going to end. This way that power is weakened because your question is “how is fate going to be distorted?” For me the “twist” doesn’t work, but that does not undermine a good yarn, well told, and brilliantly realised on screen.

The critics, and aficionados of this picture are both right. Which side of the fence you end up on is really dependent upon how convincingly the plot grabs you.Irrespective of that, a decent effort by all concerned