Film Review: THE MEN WHO STARE AT GOATS (2009)

Director: Grant Heslov
Running time: 94 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): 15

UK release date: 6th November 2009

Watched on Sky+ Monday 10th January 2011.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

Having heard the journalist, Jon Ronson, who wrote the book on which this film is based interviewed a couple of times I was intrigued to see this one. Unfortunately, these interviews were all broadcast around the time of the cinema release and I never got the opportunity to see it. Fortunately, it arrived on the BBC just over a year later and so my curiosity was finally satisfied. My thoughts later, but here’s a short summary first (summary haters please stare at those goats over there while I write the next paragraph… sorry, I couldn’t resist that one).

When journalist, Bob Wilton, is separated from his wife in 2002, he decides to go to Iraq to prove himself to her. Here he meets Lyn Skip Cassady, an ex-member of the U.S. Army’s New Earth Army. What’s that I hear you say, well, it’s a special unit set up in the 1980’s to look into using psychic powers as a means of winning a war. The unit was headed by Bill Django who had spent many years studying the ways of the more free-spirited Americans. As Bob and Lyn travel through Iraq Bob learns more about the work of the unit and how he may be involved in the secret mission Lyn is currently on. In flashback we learn that Lyn had a nemesis back at the unit, Larry Hooper, who was to turn up again before the end of the mission.

Although I did find a lot of the humour in this one quite funny, I did find the story a little weak. It’s a pretty well made film with some good performances but I felt a little let down by the plot, particularly the end. Performance wise, George Clooney never missed a beat as Lyn Skip Cassady, Ewan McGregor was ok as Bob Wilton, but he wasn’t really stretched, Jeff Bridges did a great impression of ‘The Dude’ as Bill Django and Kevin Spacey again wasn’t at all stretched as Larry Hooper.

I found it funny that a film starring Ewan McGregor featured an Army unit that called itself ‘The Jedi’. And there are plenty of other little jokes like this throughout the film. If it wasn’t for George Clooney and Jeff Bridges I guess I would have given a lower score, but they just about pushed it to a 6.5 for me. So, over all, if slightly unsatisfying, it’s still worth seeing for Messer’s Clooney and Bridges alone… Recommended (just).

My score: 6.5/10

LINKS:
IMDb Page: http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt1234548/
Official Site: http://www.themenwhostareatgoatsmovie.com/#home
Trailer: http://uk.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK/video/imdb/vi309003545/

Film Review: TRAINSPOTTING (1996)

Director: Danny Boyle
Running time: 94 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): 18

UK release date: 23rd February 1996

Watched on Sky+ Sunday 9th January 2011.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

This is Danny Boyle’s second feature film and I must admit that by the time I’d seen this one I was convinced he was Scottish. Fortunately I know better now. This one’s all about drug addiction and the consequences of it. Sounds a drag, but believe me, it’s one of the most entertaining films you’ll ever see! But more on my thoughts later, here’s a very brief summary first (summary haters please go cold turkey in the back room while I write the next paragraph).

Set, for the main part, in Scotland, this film tells the story of Renton and his friends, Spud, Sick Boy, Tommy and Begbie. It tells of their flirtations with heroin and all that brings. How they rip each other off, ruin each other’s relationships, get high, get low, get sick, get off the drug, get back on it again… it’s all here. Eventually Renton decides to get off it entirely and moves to London, but that is far from the end of it. I’m going to leave it deliberately brief and vague because this is a dish best served without too much prior knowledge my friend.

First of all, it’s a great script by John Hodge based on the novel by Irvine Welsh; add to that the directorial skill of Danny Boyle and you have a bit of a masterpiece on your hands. There are times where things do get a bit surreal, but I think it all adds to the brilliant execution of this tale. Really great performances all round, particularly from; Ewan McGregor as Renton, Ewen Bremner as Spud, Jonny Lee Miller as Sick Boy, Kevin McKidd as Tommy and Robert Carlyle as the psycho, Begbie.

There are scenes in this film that are quite hard to watch but I believe it is all included to show just how real the effects of drug addiction are. There is also a lot of humour in this film which, kind of, plays against the grain in a couple of places, but it didn’t detract from my enjoyment too much. Over all, with an iconic soundtrack, some great performances, a tremendous script and some brilliant filmmaking, this one is very, very highly recommended.

My score: 9.2/10

LINKS:
IMDb Page: http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0117951/
Trailer: http://uk.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK/video/screenplay/vi596088857/

Film Review: SHERLOCK HOLMES (2009)

Director: Guy Ritchie
Running time: 123 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): 12A

UK Release Date: 26th December 2009

Watched on Sky+ Sunday 9th January 2011.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

I originally saw this one at the cinema in early 2010; it was a small room, packed out and not much of an enjoyable viewing experience. It has now made it to the small screen and I am able to watch it in comfort… so much better! Now, I don’t know if it was the better viewing conditions, or the fact I have a better sound system than my local cinema, but I enjoyed this one a tad more second time around. But more of my thoughts later, here’s a brief summary first (summary haters please walk Gladstone, the dog, while I write the next paragraph).

Holmes and Watson occupy rooms at 221b Baker Street, however, their idyll is soon to be disturbed because Watson has got engaged and plans to move out to be with his new bride. It’s Victorian London and they currently have more pressing matters, the game’s afoot! We begin with Holmes and Watson closing in on Lord Blackwood, who is in the throws of performing a satanic ritual in the catacombs below London. They successfully apprehend him and he is arrested by Inspector Lestrade. Sentenced to death, Lord Blackwood calls for Holmes and warns him that there will be four more murders. Having been hanged and pronounced dead, by Watson, his body is interred. The following day his tomb has been opened from the inside and he has been seen wandering about the graveyard. It seems Holmes and Watson have another mystery to solve. At this point, Irene Adler, a former adversary of Holmes appears on the scene and commissions him to find a man involved in the Blackwood case. This will lead them to a conspiracy that threatens the bedrock of British society. She is in the employ of a very mysterious stranger, a professor of some kind. I think that’s enough to whet you appetite… I don’t want to give the game away.

A very well made film with plenty of action and some really great comedic moments. I loved the interplay between Holmes and Watson; they were almost like an old married couple at times, which was really amusing. Great performances from all of the leading cast, Robert Downey Jr. as Sherlock Holmes, Jude Law as Dr. John Watson, Rachel McAdams as Irene Adler, Mark Strong as Lord Blackwood, Eddie Marsan as Inspector Lastrade and Robert Maillet as Derdger, Holmes’s fighting nemesis.

I found this a most enjoyable film to watch second time around. The score, by Hans Zimmer was spot on and fitted the action on screen perfectly. Although the dialogue does get a little bogged down at times, there was still plenty to keep the viewer’s attention. The fight scenes, and one scene in particular featuring an explosion in slow motion were all excellent… hats off to the stunt and technical guys for those! Over all, very entertaining and well worth a viewing!... Recommended.

My score: 7.8/10

LINKS:
IMDb Site: http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0988045/
Official Site: http://sherlock-holmes-movie.warnerbros.com/
Trailer: http://uk.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK/video/imdb/vi781780249/

Film Review: SHALLOW GRAVE (1994)

Director: Danny Boyle
Running time: 92 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): 18

UK release date: 6th January 1995

Watched on Sky+ Saturday 8th January 2011.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

This is the first feature film directed by Danny Boyle and I have seen it a few times now. I find it funny that when an artist becomes famous, people always look back at their early work, as if looking for the beginnings of that spark of genius. Me, well I just enjoy a well made film with some good performances and a decent plot. But more about my thoughts later, here’s a brief summary first (summary haters please hide in the attic and guard the cash).

Three young flatmates, Juliet Miller, a doctor, David Stephens, an accountant and Alex Law, a journalist, have a spare room and are looking for a new tenant. Having interviewed, and callously rejected, several applicants they finally settle on Hugo, a writer. He moves in and locks his door and that’s that last the trio see of him… alive that is. After a couple of days they break into his room to find him lying dead on his bed. Searching the room, Alex comes across a suitcase stuffed full of cash. After much debate it is decided to keep the cash and dispose of the body. At this point I’ll have to stop or I will give too much away, but needless to say, things don’t go exactly to plan.

Unfortunately this film was made in the nineties and the three main characters personify everything I hated about that era. They are greedy, arrogant and just about the most loathsome trio I would wish to meet. However, the story that’s played out on the screen is pretty good, so I stuck with it. Great performances all round, particularly from Christopher Eccleston who is brilliant as David, Ewan McGregor is particularly lithesome as Alex and Kerry Fox put in a good effort as Juliet.

As we’ve come to expect from Danny Boyle, this is a very well made film with great attention to detail. The star performance for me came from Christopher Eccleston; he gave us the full range of emotions here which made him stand out. If the three main characters weren’t quite so loathsome then maybe I would have given a higher score, but it’s definitely worth watching nonetheless… Recommended.

My score: 7.4/10

LINKS:
IMDb Page: http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0111149/
Trailer: http://uk.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK/video/screenplay/vi1328349977/

Film Review: FORBIDDEN PLANET (1956)

Director: Fred M. Wilcox
Running time: 98 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): PG

USA release date: 15th March 1956

Watched on DVD Wednesday 5th January 2011.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

Having been laid up with flu for a few days I have been unable to watch any films. I had bought the 50th Anniversary Special Edition DVD as a gift to myself for Christmas. Having started watching it yesterday, it was clear I wasn’t going to be able to concentrate on it. This afternoon I felt slightly better and so decided to watch the rest. This old classic didn’t disappoint, I have seen it many times before and it’s always a pleasure to watch. But more of my thoughts later, here’s a brief summary first (summary haters please help those guys out and shoot at that monster thing attacking the spacecraft).

Late in the 22nd Century United Planet cruiser C57D is a year out from Earth base on the way to Altair for a special mission. They are to look for survivors from the Bellerophon expedition 20 years earlier. As they approach they are warned by Dr. Morbius, the last surviving member of the Bellerophon, to turn back. Of course they land and are met by Robbie the Robot, who takes Commander J. J. Adams, Lt. ‘Doc’ Ostrow M.D. and Lt. Jerry Farman to the residence. Here they meet Dr. Morbius and his daughter, the innocent ‘Alta’. Morbius explains that the crew of the Bellerophon had all met with a gruesome end and he and his daughter seemed immune to whatever it was that killed them. They later find out that an ancient civilisation, the Krell, had once inhabited the planet. They had left vast machines buried deep underground that Morbius was trying to unravel the secrets of. But there’s one vital bit of information, related to the Krell, Morbius is unaware of… I won’t say any more, don’t want to give too much away.

Although dated by today’s standards, I love the special effects in this film. It’s clear that a lot of time and thought went into them and it shows on the screen. I also love that big clunky robot, Robbie, an iconic figure from the era (which is before my time, by the way). Great performances all round; Walter Pidgeon is melodramatic as ever as Dr. Edward Morbius, Anne Francis as the naive Altaira ‘Alta’ Morbius, Leslie Nielsen reminded me of what a very good actor he was back then as Commander J. J. Adams, Warren Stevens as Lt. ‘Doc’ Ostrow M.D., Jack Kelly as Lt. Jerry Farman and not forgetting Robby the Robot as himself.

One problem with Science Fiction is that you always have to explain the advances in technology, society, science…etc before you can begin to tell the story. This film is no exception, a great deal of time is taken to explain how mankind has advanced and the things Morbius had discovered about the Krell, but I don’t mind all that. At the end of the day the purpose is to entertain and I think they struck just about the right balance here. The comic relief is provided by a little sub-plot involving the cook, who likes the odd Bourbon, and Robbie the Robot. Over all, it’s quite an intellectual film but one that is also very entertaining. Yes, the music is all futuristic and weird, but I’m sure you can forgive that… Highly recommended.

My score: 8.8/10

LINKS:
IMDb Page: http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0049223/
Trailer: http://uk.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK/video/screenplay/vi463995161/

Film Review: DISTRICT 13 (2004) [a.k.a. DISTRICT B13]

Director: Pierre Morel
Running time: 84 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): 15

UK release date: 7th July 2006

Watched on Sky+ Monday 3rd January 2011.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

I reviewed the sequel to this, Banlieue 13 - Ultimatum (2009) (a.k.a. District 13 – Ultimatum), back in June 2010 (you can find that review here: film-review-district-13-ultimatum-2009). Funnily enough, this film is very similar, with just as much action as in the sequel. But more of that later, here’s a very brief summary first (summary haters please wait outside the walls of District 13 while I write the next paragraph).

The French government have walled off a section of Paris to contain lawless elements within. A vigilante who lives there, Leïto, is in a dispute with a drug lord, Taha, when Taha kidnaps his sister. Taking revenge, Leïto captures Taha and takes him to the police, only for the corrupt cops to release Taha and lock up Leïto. Some time later, a straight-up cop, Tomaso, is tasked with retrieving a bomb that has been stolen in District 13. He takes Leïto to help him, on the promise that they will also rescue his sister. The bomb will explode in just a few hours and Leïto has a plan. I won’t say any more, don’t want to give too much away.

This is a very well made film that has some great fight sequences and some brilliant free-running segments also. Performances were also pretty good, although it’s quite hard to judge with an action film in a foreign language. But honourable mentions must go to; Cyril Raffaelli as Capt. Damien Tomaso, David Belle as Leïto, Tony D'Amario as K2, Bibi Naceri as Taha Bemamud and Dany Verissimo as Lola.

Like the sequel, I found the plot a little simplistic, although there were some nice little twists in this one that were missing from the second. As I said, the fight sequences and free-running were excellent; I just felt there could have been a little more of them. The film did get a little too bogged down in dialogue from time to time which, I felt, didn’t help the flow of the action. Having said that, it’s still worth seeing for the action sequences, and so, recommended.

My score: 6.8/10

LINKS:
IMDb Page: http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0414852/
Trailer: http://uk.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK/video/screenplay/vi446824729/

Film Review: RUN LOLA RUN (1998) [a.k.a. LOLA RENNT]

Director: Tom Tykwer
Running time: 80 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): 15

UK release date: 22nd October 1999

Watched on Sky+ Sunday 2nd January 2011.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

I had heard some good things about this one before I watched it. It seems well liked amongst film writers and so I was pleased when I found it coming up on TV this week. You’ll be glad to know that they are indeed correct; it’s a great film with some very interesting ideas. But more of my drivel later, here’s a brief summary first (summary haters please just take a jog around the block while I write the next paragraph).

Lola gets a phone call from her boyfriend Manni. She was supposed to pick him up but was late because her scooter was stolen. He had to get the subway and accidentally left a bag containing 100,000 Deutschmarks on the train! The trouble is he owes this money to Ronnie, a really nasty character. Lola must raise the money and get it to him in just twenty minutes, and the clock is ticking! If she doesn’t get there in time, he says he will rob the store across the street… and she doesn’t want that.

This is a very inventive film with many techniques used to tell the story; even animation is employed to great effect. Add to that a great soundtrack and a very clever story and you have a rather good film. As far as performances go, both Franka Potente as Lola and Moritz Bleibtreu were excellent.

I love the way a possible future is played out every time Lola bumps into someone, a great idea brilliantly executed. A little trivia I noticed in the credits; some of the songs used have vocals by Franka Potente… talented girl! I should point out that the film is in German with subtitles, so if you’re put off by that I would still watch it, trust me, it’s worth it. Over all, it’s easily the best film I’ve seen (so far) this year… Highly Recommended.

My score: 8.8/10

LINKS:
IMDb Page: http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0130827/
Trailer: http://www.zuguide.com/#Run-Lola-Run

Film Review: CONAN THE DESTROYER (1984)

Director: Richard Fleischer
Running time: 103 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): 15

UK release date: 19th October 1984

Watched on Sky+ Sunday 2nd January 2011.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

I remember this film from my youth and I remember it being a much more fulfilling experience than the one I just had. I guess I’ve seen so many better films by now that it just doesn’t cut the mustard like it did back then. But more of my thoughts later, here’s a brief summary first (summary haters please wait outside the fortress and guard the horses).

Conan is grieving for his lost Valeria (from the first movie) and, when he’s offered a chance to bring her back from the dead, he jumps at it. Queen Taramis needs him, by now a skilled warrior, to take Princess Jehnna, who has been gifted with special sight and her bodyguard, Bombaata, on a mission to retrieve a magic crystal from an enchanted fortress. He also takes Zula (a skilled fighter), Akiro (The Wizard) and Malak (a thief). This mission proves very perilous and Conan has enemies all around him. I don’t want to say any more, just on the off chance I might give too much away.

Although this film had a bigger budget than the first one, I think it fails to hit the mark by quite a long way. The script is terrible and some of the effects look very dated by today’s standards. Although nobody stood out, performance-wise, I will give honourable mentions to; Arnold Schwarzenegger as Conan, Grace Jones as Zula, Wilt Chamberlain as Bombaata, Mako as Akiro, Tracey Walter as Malak, Sarah Douglas as Queen Taramis and Olivia d'Abo as Princess Jehnna.

I guess all fantasy adventure films will be weighed against the ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy and older films, like this, are never going to come out well. It’s clear that the filmmakers put most of the money into the effects and forgot about the script, unfortunately. It’s a shame because the first Conan film, Conan the Barbarian (1982), and the subsequent one, Red Sonja (1985), were so much better. I just hope the new Conan film, out later this year, doesn’t fall into the same trap. This one, unfortunately, is NOT recommended.

My score: 5.2/10

LINKS:
IMDb Page: http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0087078/
Trailer: http://uk.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK/video/screenplay/vi650051865/

Film Review: DEDICATION (2007)

Director: Justin Theroux
Running time: 95 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): 15

Mexico release date: 10th October 2008

Watched on Sky+ Saturday 1st January 2011.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

I can’t say I knew anything about this movie before it came up on TV this week. With only a very brief description to go on, it looked kind of interesting, so I thought I’d give it a go. It’s one of those that’s almost there, but not quite, like it just needed a little bit extra to make it a great movie. But more of my thoughts later, here’s a very brief summary first (summary haters please comb the beach for that pebble that Henry threw away).

Henry Roth and his partner, Rudy Holt hit the jackpot when they write a children’s book about a character called Marty the Beaver. Henry wrote the words and Rudy did the illustrations. Unfortunately, Rudy is taken ill and dies just before their publisher, Arthur Planck, gives Henry the deadline for the next book. A replacement artist, Lucy Reilly, is found, but it is going to be a struggle working with Henry. She is heartbroken after her boyfriend left her and Henry, apart from grieving for his friend, has many quirks that make his awkward to be around, let alone work with. Lucy’s ex-boyfriend, Jeremy, appears on the scene, again, just to spice things up a little. Having discovered the penalties for not fulfilling his contract and after Lucy is offered a substantial bonus; the pair decides to work together. Moving out to Arthur’s beach house to get away from the distractions of city life, they begin to be drawn together. You know something’s about to go wrong with this budding romance, but I’m not going to tell you what it is here.

This is a very quirky film with a very quirky soundtrack, some of which is by the band Deerhoof. It’s pretty well made, but you can tell they had a limited budget to work with. Decent performances all round, so honourable mentions go to; Billy Crudup as Henry Roth, Tom Wilkinson was excellent as Rudy Holt, Mandy Moore as Lucy Reilly, Bob Balaban as Arthur Planck, Martin Freeman as Jeremy and Dianne Wiest as Carol (Lucy’s mother).

Although the tale it tell is quite endearing, I found it hard to empathise with any of the characters. I also found the attraction between Henry and Lucy a little far fetched (although stranger things have been known to happen in real life). Over all, it’s worth a viewing for Tom Wilkinson, but I didn’t find a lot else in it for me.

My score: 5.7/10

LINKS:
IMDb Page: http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0490579/
Official Site: http://www.dedicationmovie.net/
Trailer: http://uk.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK/video/screenplay/vi1889599769/

Film Review: ALICE IN WONDERLAND (2010)

Director: Tim Burton
Running time: 105 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): PG

UK release date: 5th March 2010

Watched on Sky+ Saturday 1st January 2011.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

I have never seen the 1951 Disney animated feature which tells the story of Alice’s first trip to Wonderland. You see, she has grown up now and this film tells the story of her second set of adventures in Wonderland. I’ll give you a brief summary before I tell you my thoughts (summary haters please tell me why A Raven is like a Writing Desk… It’s been bothering me all day…).

Alice is now nineteen and it has been arranged that she shall marry Hamish, the son of a Lord, but she is not really interested in marriage. It is decided that he will propose to her publicly at a party thrown by his family. The unpretentious Alice is distracted as the big moment arrives and finds herself compelled to follow a white rabbit just as he comes out with the words. As you might guess, the rabbit disappears down a hole and is soon followed by Alice. Having made herself the right size by drinking a potion, she enters Wonderland, a place that looks kind of familiar, but she can’t place from where. Here she meets many characters, including the Mad Hatter, The Cheshire Cat and the Red Queen. At first there is some debate as to whether she is the right Alice, and she has reservations herself. You see, if she is the right Alice, then she must perform a very heroic task and she’s not sure she’s up to doing that. I really don’t want to give it away, so I’ll leave Alice down the rabbit hole for now.

This is unmistakably a Tim Burton film. All the quirks and outlandishness that mark his style of filmmaking in abundance. It is beautifully made with great attention to detail. I saw the 2D version which, I’m told by those who know about these things, is better than the 3D cut. Great performances all round, particularly from; Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter, Mia Wasikowska as Alice, Helena Bonham Carter as the Red Queen and Anne Hathaway as the White Queen. I should also give honourable mentions to Crispin Glover as Stayne - Knave of Hearts, Matt Lucas as Tweedledee and Tweedledum, and the voice talents of; Michael Sheen as the White Rabbit, Stephen Fry as the Cheshire Cat, Alan Rickman as the Blue Caterpillar, Barbara Windsor as the Dormouse, Paul Whitehouse as the March Hare and Timothy Spall as Bayard.

Although this film is beautifully made with some great performances, I found it ultimately unsatisfying. I think because I know the story quite well the awe and wonder of seeing it for the first time is lost and that detracts from the viewer’s enjoyment. There are some great comic moments and some truly magical scenes, but as a whole it kind of lacked something for me. It’s worth seeing, but I wouldn’t rush to buy the DVD… even so, recommended.

My score: 6.4/10

LINKS:
IMDb Page: http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt1014759/
Official Site: http://adisney.go.com/disneypictures/aliceinwonderland/
Trailer: http://uk.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK/video/imdb/vi975438873/