Garyswordz

Overlong, predictable, but enjoyable fare, 9 September 2006

Author: gary-444 from United Kingdom

Owen Wilson is in danger of being typecast for his laconic, laid back style of humour. But ultimately, who cares ? When he can trot out this sort of likable role on autopilot.

Strongly cast, Kate Hudson is gorgeous, immaculately dressed and is a joy to watch as the understated foil to Wilson. Matt Dillon, playing her husband, gives a strangely muted and one dimensional performance as her husband with zero chemistry between them. The plot demands that he is emotionless and the strong and silent type. This he delivers absolutely, but with no hint of the light and shade that the character needs to display later on in the story.

Michael Douglas revels in his supporting role as the autocratic, clingy father. The ensemble child supporting roles are clichéd, lazy, and nauseating.

There is a hugely enjoyable 60 minute film in here, but the rest is just padding. Dip in and enjoy, but set your expectations at half power.

Venomous Fun, 28 August 2006

Author: gary-444 from United Kingdom

This is no classic. It is a hugely enjoyable slice of well edited, fast paced action which veers between shlock horror, buddy movie, thriller, and slapstick comedy at a lightning pace.

Samuel L Jackson rightly wins the plaudits as FBI agent Neville Flynn.His performance nods to his previous incarnations in Shaft in particular, but also Jackie Brown, Kill Bill Vol 2 and Pulp Fiction giving the film a depth and integrity beyond the immediate storyline.

The formula is standard, but works. The ageing stewardess who could have retired, the young stewardess who is on her last flight, the two young children flying on their own for the first time (Don’t do it kids!),the little dog just oozing “eat me” appeal for hungry snakes,the gratuitous bare breast shots, the impossibly short skirt of the tastiest air hostess,and the steward who Isn’t gay ! (the biggest shock of them all).

Sometimes we want to see a film which just entertains us , and makes us laugh, squirm and cheer. If you fancy some of that – then you will love this.

Amongst The Best Ever Gangster Films, 18 August 2006

Author: gary-444 from United Kingdom

I am not prone to hyperbole.The gangster pic genre has a long, distinguished history. The classic ingredients are often imitate, but rarely improved upon.Then came The Usual Suspects.

Singer shoots for the stars in the opening sequence, and hits the target.The sweeping classical music, the incessant rain, the unexplained bodycount, an unfolding picture of catastrophe – all draw the viewer into this compelling and outstanding film.Cliché is bypassed and fine storytelling unfolds.

The ensemble cast are brilliant.Giancarlo Esposito is outstanding as Jack Baer, the deadpan FBI agent determined to get his man. The Suspects themselves give bravura character performances each of which colour the question, Who, or what, is Keyser Soze? Where this film scores is that although it is firmly in the Gangster genre, it is narrative and plot driven. The gritty violence is incidental and all the more powerful for it. The Twist is a bodyblow at the end, but this story bears watching again and again for its’ quality alone.Reminiscent of Cagney at his finest, Singer combines the inevitability of “Carlitos Way” with the literacy of “Heat”. 106 minutes, and every second counts. Unmissable

Bloated Action Pic For Devotees Only, 17 August 2006

Author: gary-444 from United Kingdom

Firstly, my credentials. I enjoy an action pic along with the best of them. X men 3, XXX, etc, I can lie back and just enjoy them.Also, I am a huge Singer fan. but this is a messy, overlong, overbudgetted juggernaut that needed the studio to say; “sometimes Bryan, less is more.” Undoubtedly there is a pretty good film in here. Brandon Routh is faithful to the Superman legend and pays homage to the Reeve legacy well. Kate Bosworth plays a straight, if distinctly unsexy Lois Lane, whilst Kevin Spacey steals every scene he is in as a brilliant Lex Luther. Oh, and also have fun looking out for a cameo performance by Sir Richard Branson “in flight”.

So what’s wrong? The simple plot is overlong and about an hour “fat”. Singer is brilliant at dramatic tension and layered plot, as is evidenced by “The Usual Suspects”.Here, he replaces plot and narrative with special effects and set pieces. The tightness and pace of the brilliant “X men 3” is missing, resulting in long tracts which are, quite frankly ,boring.

Afficianados of the Superman genre will feel well sated.Children will lose interest. The curious will find other more worthy projects for their attention in other films.

Volume Two Does Not Disappoint, 5 August 2006

Author: gary-444 from United Kingdom

Like many others I was riveted by the original Saw from start to finish.The hallmarks of gore, sadism, horror, innovation and tight storytelling are back with a vengeance, although the physical setting lacks some credibility, this is more than compensated for by another ripping yarn.

It is difficult to believe that the Director, Darren Bousman, is only 27 years old. My only concern is that he should have the courage to walk away after the forthcoming Saw 3 to develop his talents outside of this stunning formula, and not become bogged down by it.

There are not many films which have me closing my eyes and recoiling in revulsion whilst still being compelled to watch. This is such a film. Like Final Destination on heavy drugs Bousman finds ever more ingenious ways to kill and maim people, whilst just teetering on the right side of entertainment The denouement cleverly leaves the door ajar for Saw 3, I cannot wait!

Author: gary-444 from United Kingdom

I am a huge Jodie Foster (and Sean Bean) fan. As such I was thoroughly looking forward to this film. Fosters’ range is her strength, whether it be in a straightforward thriller like Panic Room, a comedy like Maverick, or a classic like Anna and the King. Sadly, this effort is a huge misfire in an otherwise impressive career.

To be fair, the first hour shapes up well. The atmospheric introduction in Berlin is promising. When the action switches to the plane, the claustrophobic intensity of Panic Room is briefly reprised. Well edited, and tightly scripted, the mystery surrounding her childs’ disappearance is a faithful homage to Hitchcock.Then, out of nowhere, comes one of the most preposterous and risible plot twists that I have seen for a long time.

Sean Bean does his best in a non action role as a responsible jumbo jet pilot. But I bet that he, as much as the audience, wishes he had been given something heroic, or nasty to do, instead he has to character act a wet lettuce, to his obvious discomfort.

Greta Scacchi has a cameo role as a dowdy Therapist which she plays so hammily that Dads everywhere will scream “just get your clothes off” at the screen,sadly no such respite is offered.

The final reel plot twist stinks of formula film making and ruins an essentially promising story.The style demonstrated at the start of the film evaporates as the flight goes on and genuinely makes you just want to laugh at the unbelievability of it all.This flightplan should have been rerouted.

Strong new character- same plot shortcomings, 18 November 2006

Author: gary-444 from United Kingdom

I have seen every new Bond film since the late – 60’s and seen every one made.Like many, i was disappointed with the demise of Pierce Brosnan as Bond, and nervous about Daniel Craig’s appointment. I needn’thave been.

Craig brings an icy steeliness to the character not really seen since Connery. I loved Brosnan as Bond, but accept that he lacked menace.In Casino Royale, Bond is probably the most convincing menacing character, on screen. The opening post title chase sequence is not only one of the best Bond chases ever- it ranks with the best full stop.In itself it makes the film worth seeing. So, after these plaudits , whats wrong? The film is too long, and the last third lacks pace.The Card game sequence lacks power because we don’t know enough about the players, and goes on for too long. the traditional female glamour associated with bond films is largely absent.Apart from Bonds’ girl, and the baddies’girl, there is hardly a female in sight.What there is , is copiously clothed. By contrast, the interest in Bonds body is almost homo-erotic.Wehave the “Dr No” Ursula Andress cloned Bond emerging from the water,and close ups of his bare chest and nipples on several occasions apart from his nude torture scene. The girls by contrast are firmly robed.

The new Bond theme and incidental music is awful.I am all for contemporising themes.The “Mission Impossible” and British TV “Dr Who” themes are universally loved, but haveboth een given successful makeovers.This failed dismally.

The Venice finale is risible and anti climactic, and little effort is made to capitalise on the dramatic opening fifteen minutes – the film gradually losing momentum thereafter.

The overall verdict is that the Bond franchise is safe in the capable, and different hands of Craig. But how i long for a convincing, well paced, well written story line.

An above average 50’s yarn, 31 July 2006

Author: gary-444 from United Kingdom

These types off film were being hammered out weekly in the 1950’s. Superficially, there is little to distinguish this from the rest. However as it progresses, there is much to admire and enjoy. I love the format of an a hour and a quarter running time. Long enough to tell a simple tale, but without any time for padding, every frame counts.

Mickey Rooney is a fine character actor. One of the minor amusements here is watching a diminutive Rooney playing the lead, being dwarfed by everyone apart from his leading lady, Sally Forrest, who is probably the only actor on screen smaller than him! The premise of the loser/little guy who stands up for himself works well with several acutely observed scenes. The tragic denouement is a genuine surprise and is well told with clever editing keeping the tale skimming along at a brisk pace.

The musical,and song and dance interludes provide pleasing pauses in the action resulting in a film that ultimately delivers because it works so conspicuously within it’s boundaries, rather than trying to push them.

A superb, classy, tragic comedy, 21 May 2006

Author: gary-444 from United Kingdom

This film is one of those wonderful hidden gems that restore your faith in both film making and storytelling.The opening premise is that a mans’wife is soon to die from an incurable disease and that her last wish is to be buried in the village church graveyard. Unfortunately there is just one plot left!

Naturally there are a number of other villagers even closer to deaths’ door.The husband, Marcello,is brilliantly played by Jean Reno. He delivers a virtuoso performance which carries the film dashing around saving the lives of other villagers in order that his wife can secure the last plot! Part romantic comedy, part farce, part love story, part tragedy, this superbly crafted tale had me laughing and holding back a tear in equal measure.

The farce scenes rival Feydeau at his best in the likes of ‘Hotel Paradiso’, slapstick with style. Yet Reno as Marcelo, ably assisted by his comic “sraight” partner, Mercedes Ruehl as his wife Roseanna, also produces a pathos for the tragic circumstances which underscore his credentials as a very fine actor.Unmissable. A real treat