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/

Film Review: DANCES WITH WOLVES (1990)

Director: Kevin Costner
Running time: 173 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): 15

UK release date: 8th February 1991

Watched on Sky+ Friday 31st December 2010.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

I have only seen this film once before, it was on a commercial station and (with commercials) it was so long they had to split it over two nights. The BBC finally got the rights and we get it over one afternoon (thank you BBC!). The trouble is, because it’s shown in the afternoon, we get a slightly tamed down version, not that I’m complaining. But more of my nonsense later, here’s a very brief summary first (summary haters please wait back at fort Hays while I write the next paragraph).

Having fought and been decorated in the American Civil War, Lt. John Dunbar is offered any posting he would like. He decides to go and see the frontier, in his words, “Before it’s gone.” He gets a posting to Fort Hays where the commander, clearly insane, posts him on to a far-flung outpost, which he finds deserted. Finding himself alone, he is befriended by a lone wolf he calls “Two-Socks”. Eventually he attracts the attention of a tribe of Sioux Indians. After a rather faltering start the two sides slowly learn to trust one another. Dunbar makes friends, including, Kicking Bird and Wind In His Hair who show him the ways of the Plains people. There is also a white woman among the tribe, Stands With a Fist; she was taken in when she lost her family at a very young age. She acts as interpreter and, eventually, she becomes very close to the young Lieutenant. There is a cloud on the horizon, however, Dunbar knows that the white men are coming and this cannot be good for the tribe.

This is an epic film with some tremendous vistas; I would love to have seen it on the big screen. I love the way that Costner made all of the white people in the picture particularly loathsome (with two notable exceptions). Decent performances all round, so honourable mentions go to; Kevin Costner as Lieutenant Dunbar, Mary McDonnell as Stands With A Fist, Graham Greene as Kicking Bird, Rodney A. Grant as Wind In His Hair and Floyd 'Red Crow' Westerman as Ten Bears.

I think you have to be prepared beforehand to watch this film… Three hours is a long time so plenty of refreshments and control of the remote is always good (for bathroom breaks). There is a pretty slow pace to the way the story unveils, but it’s worth sticking with. The final chapter does go on a little and I feel could have been cut slightly. Apart from that, it’s an epic film that is well worth a viewing… Recommended.

My score: 8.3/10

LINKS:
IMDb Page: http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0099348/
Official Site: http://www.mgm.com/view/Movie/480/Dances-with-Wolves/
Trailer: http://uk.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK/video/screenplay/vi2341967897/

Film Review: PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES (1987)

Writer/Director: John Hughes
Running time: 93 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): 15

UK release date: 14th February 1988

Watched on Sky+ Thursday 30th December 2010.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

This is one of those films that I could watch time and time again without getting bored with it. There is just something about the comic timing of Steve Martin and John Candy that I will never tire of. We don’t celebrate Thanksgiving here in the UK and judging by this, it’s probably a good thing. Travelling here is problematic at the best of times! But enough of my nonsense, here’s a brief summary before I tell you what I really think (summary haters please return the rental car that should be in space V5; you’ve had your fun now!).

Neal Page is a successful businessman who is working in New York just before the Thanksgiving holidays. He plans to get the 6PM flight back to Chicago, but from the off things don’t go according to plan. He finds himself befriended by Del Griffith, a shower curtain ring salesman who is headed to Chicago also. It is clear that Neal finds Del very irritating and, when they are diverted to Wichita; his mood doesn’t improve when they’re forced to share a hotel room. They next try the train, but that breaks down and they’re forced to get the bus to St Louis. I won’t tell you the whole of their trip, but needless to say this odd couple’s adventures are just beginning.

This is a really well made film with, just about, the best actors possible chosen for the starring roles. I cannot imagine this film being made with anyone else playing those parts (probably why I won’t watch ‘Due Date’ (2010)). Steve Martin plays the uptight Neal Page so well and John Candy is at his brilliant best as the really annoying Del Griffith. Oh, and look out for a non speaking role for Kevin Bacon, racing Steve Martin for a cab at the beginning of the film.

As I may have already intimated, I think the casting for this one is perfect. Add to that a superb script by John Hughes and you have a classic American comedy. I just wish filmmakers today had the skill to write and produce more films of this type; maybe I would like comedies more if they did! It’s always welcome on my TV screen and so, highly recommended.

My score: 8.5/10

LINKS:
IMDb Page: http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0093748/
Trailer: http://uk.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK/video/screenplay/vi3548381465/

Film Review: SCROOGED (1988)

Director: Richard Donner
Running time: 98 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): PG

UK release date: 25th November 1988

Watched on Sky+ Thursday 30th December 2010.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

Back in my youth I used to love this film, it had such great comic moments for me and I loved watching it every chance I got. It has now been quite a number of years since I last saw it and it seems I’ve changed my view somewhat. I’m not sure if it’s because I’ve got older (& wiser), or it’s because it has become dated, but I certainly didn’t enjoy it as much as I used to. But more of that later, here’s a brief summary first (summary haters please find a humane way of fitting those tiny antlers to that mouse… thank you).

Frank Cross is a young and ambitious TV executive. He has risen through the ranks to the position of President of the Network at the expense of his relationships with his family and his girl, Claire Phillips. They are to put on a live production of Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’, but they call it ‘Scrooge’ for some reason. This means everyone has to work on Christmas Eve... Not popular as you might guess. When Frank is visited by the ghost of his former boss, he is told he must change his ways. To this end he will be visited by three ghosts. These ghosts, The Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future show Frank the error of his ways… But it’s up to him to change.

Although it’s a pretty well produced film I did find it a little dated by today’s standards. Yes, Bill Murray really pulled them in back in the day, but today I find him a little bit irritating. Having said that, he played the part of Frank Cross with great professionalism. It was the actors in the smaller parts I found more interesting; Carol Kane really gave her all as the Ghost of Christmas Present, Bobcat Goldthwait was great (as ever) as the unfortunate Eliot Loudermilk and it as nice to see Robert Mitchum as Studio owner, Preston Rhinelander. Oh, and I should also give an honourable mention to Karen Allen as Claire Phillips.

I think part of the problem I have with this film is the Frank Cross character is so obnoxious that I find it really hard to have any empathy for him when he finally has his revelation. Maybe they took it a bit too far (for me), but having said that, there is still something about this film… or am I reliving my youth again? Still, it’s a bit of Christmas fun, if a little dated, so, recommended… but only if you’re in the mood.

My score: 6.2/10

LINKS:
IMDb Page: http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0096061/
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxykefLvdZI

Film Review: STATEN ISLAND (2009) [a.k.a. LITTLE NEW YORK]

Writer/Director: James DeMonaco
Running time: 93 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): 15

France release date: 5th August 2009

Watched on Sky+ Wednesday 29th December 2010.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

I hadn’t heard much about this film before viewing it, but I do remember seeing a clip somewhere or other. It follows the lives of three people living on the island and shows what happens when their lives intersect. It is made in a very interesting style, almost what I would expect to see from a French studio, but when I saw that one of the producers was none other than Luc Besson, I was less than surprised. But more of my thoughts later, here’s a brief summary first (summary haters please protect this small forest while I write the next paragraph).

Sully Halverson cleans septic tanks for a living. He’s not the sharpest blade in the box, but when he and his wife, Mary, decide to have a baby, he begins to get ideas. He sees a treatment program they are running at the hospital that genetically changes an embryo so the resultant child will be smarter. Now, if only he could get some money to pay for it… Parmie Tarzo is an ambitious mob boss. He lives alone with his mother and wants, more than anything, to be famous. His mother was recently shot during a robbery at his house and Tarzo and his gang are after the perpetrators. After he decides to take over the entire Staten Island operation and an attempted hit by a rival gang fails, he kind of loses the plot a little. He is found on a platform up a tree, trying to protect an area of forest due for demolition… Jasper Sabiano is a deaf mute who works in a deli and does ‘disposal’ jobs on the side for Tarzo. He has a liking for gambling on the horses and when he wins big he feels he might be able to help his friend Sully… These three characters are about to collide and things will never be that same for any of them.

As I said at the beginning, this film has very much the feel of a French art house film, but its set in New York. It’s kind of strange to watch if you’re not used to that sort of thing, but if you stick with it, it will pay off in the end. Great performances from all of the main cast; Ethan Hawke plays the dumb Sully Halverson with great aplomb, Vincent D'Onofrio is perfect as Parmie Tarzo and Seymour Cassel is superb as Jasper Sabiano. Oh, and an honourable mention must go to Julianne Nicholson as Mary Halverson.

Over all, I really enjoyed this film. It has quite a gentle pace that I found quite fitted the style adopted by the director. I loved the way the characters at some point all look wistfully across towards Manhattan, as if wishing they could be over there. It’s not perfect by any means, but enjoyable none the less… Recommended.

My score: 6.9/10

LINKS:
IMDb Page: http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0976246/
Official Site: http://www.statenislandnymovie.com/
Trailer: http://uk.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK/video/screenplay/vi770442265/

Film Review: UP IN THE AIR (2009)

Co-Writer/Director: Jason Reitman
Running time: 105 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): 15

UK release date: 15th January 2010

Watched on Sky+ Tuesday 28th December 2010.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

I remember this film being critically acclaimed earlier this year, even winning some important nominations and picking up one or two awards. I hadn’t realised that the director, Jason Reitman, also directed Juno, a favourite of mine from 2007. With all these coincidences, I had to give it a viewing when it came up on TV. I wasn’t disappointed, it’s pretty good… but more of that later, here’s a brief summary first (summary haters please wait in the VIP Executive Lounge while I write the next paragraph).

Ryan Bingham has a job that means he is on the road a lot, well, when I say ‘on the road’ I mean up in the air, of course. He spends most of the year travelling from place to place terminating people’s employment. Not the nicest job, I know, but one that he is very competent at. On the side, he also gives motivational lectures. During one of his trips he meets Alex Goran, an attractive woman who also has a job that entails a lot of air travel. Having compared notes, they get together and find there is some attraction there. Later, Ryan is called into the office and is told that the company he works for is looking at taking everyone off the road and replacing them with an impersonal internet-linked screen. He argues against it and ends up taking the inventor of the system, Natalie Keener, on the road so she can experience exactly how it works. The pair don’t exactly hit it off at first, but soon develop a respect for each other. Ryan and Alex meet at various places across America and eventually Ryan asks her to accompany him to his sister’s wedding. Will she go, and, more importantly, will this bring them closer? Well, I’m not going to tell you here I’m afraid, can’t give too much away.

This is a really well made gentle comedy that I found both endearing and quite engrossing to watch. All three of the main characters were very good, but I must pick out George Clooney, as Ryan Bingham, for particular praise. I thought he fitted the role perfectly! Vera Farmiga as Alex Goran and Anna Kendrick as Natalie Keener were also both excellent.

I really enjoyed this film, it made a nice change to see a modern film with characters that are so easy to relate to. I love the style that Jason Reitman uses; I find it quite relaxing with some great visuals and a tremendous script. Over all, it’s one I will watch again and so, definitely recommended.

My score: 8.4/10

LINKS:
IMDb Page: http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt1193138/
Official Site: http://www.theupintheairmovie.com/
Trailer: http://uk.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK/video/imdb/vi3344040473/