Reviews

I happen to think this is a movie well worth watching. The historical aspect isn't so boring as a viewer might suspect (and unlike some believe, there is actually quite a bit of historical fact). This film has a way of making it fun and exciting, even with the politics of the day playing a prominent role. Another thing I really liked about it, was the amazing, and I do mean amazing, visual style. The film is chock full of style and pinache. The costumes are incredible, the music is excellent (particularly if you're a fan of the Baroque), and the theatrics are just... beautiful! It's a beautifully crafted film, well acted, and wonderful to look at. I'd almost say it's the kind of film that's less of a movie and more of an experience. I could actually see this being performed on stage, if that helps to describe it. Truly a neat movie and I feel lucky to have seen it. I'd have to give it ****1/2 out of *****, just on visuals alone.

I am going to echo most reviewers' sentiments about "The Dish" by saying it is a great, wonderfully refreshing film. Don't get me wrong; I love car chases, explosions, gunplay, and gore, but this film is every bit as good without it. In fact, I found myself driving 114 miles to see this film, only to end up in a very small, very cramped, and non-airconditioned theater. It was an experience indeed, and one I would endure again! The film is simply wonderful! It's wonderful BECAUSE of its simplicity, because it is a character driven film, and because of its refreshingly "clean" quality. We rarely get the opportunity to see such character driven cinema, and because this film is such, we see some truly great acting. The cast is superb, the script well written, and Edmund Choi's screenscore is moving yet, not overbearing. A wonderful work of film... truly.

Okay, where to start! This move was a BIG, and I do mean BIG disappointment! Nevil Shute would be rolling in his grave if he saw what a fine mess they made of his classic story. There was no need for improvement (of Shute's novel). I can understand modernizing the story, to create a greater impact on today's audience, but this was ridiculous! Only remnants of the original story are present. It says "based on the novel by Nevil Shute," but rather, it should have said "the screenwriter simply borrowed Shute's premise, and generated his own story!" Utter tripe! Plain and simply, a travesty of novel adaptation. The nuances of Nevil's book that lent it charm and effectiveness were completely lacking in the movie. I felt little for the characters, as there was no true development. We see a peek here and there of each person, and with the exception of Peter, I didn't like ANY of them! It's not supposed to be like that! If we take a peek at the book, we find that Commander Towers is an overwhelmingly faithful man who pledges his life to his wife and country, to the very end. He could not fathom being with another woman. But, in the movie, what do we have? Torrid love affairs, innuendoes galore, and a Commander who seems to get past that "spot in {his} brain" awful easy! There was no struggle to come to terms with the fact that his family is gone, as in the novel AND the 1959 version. No, instead they just portray Dwight as a much more unscrupulous fellow than in the book. It's not just that, though. The character of Dwight Towers is a noble one, in the book. He has depth, character, feeling, and a soft touch with people. Not so, in this movie. I wanted to smack Armand's character so many times, I was annoyed. He was a boisterous, obnoxious, and blunt captain, and nothing like the original character. I didn't care for him at all. I even like Armand, but his acting was part of it. He craned his neck too much, talked with his lips pursed together, and generally looked like he was sucking a lemon throughout. NOT his best work! Let's see, what else? There are so many things! If you've read this far and are intrigued, I'll tell you more! The character of Julian Osborne (who was actually "John Seymour Osborne" in the book) was never on an island. I have yet to figure out what that had to do with anything!

Moira was NOT related to anyone in the story, and in fact lived with her parents on a farm. The race scene in the book was completely alleviated, although there is a hint of it in the end. The way "Julian" died in the film was MUCH different from the book, and I thought this was a big mistake. The book's portrayal was a very poignant telling, and should have been included. If you haven't had the honor of reading it, it may be tough to understand, but let's just say it was a much more powerful scene. The scenes in the streets were not in the novel, other than the garbage. The rioting, violence, sex, and so forth, are a figment of the screenwriter's imagination. I don't think it added anything. I guess they felt like they had to have violence and hatefulness somewhere.

The helicopter in the film complicated things, and made the story even MORE different. It wasn't necessary either. In fact, because of its inclusion, the departure scene had to be changed. Not NEARLY as effective!

And of course, the big kicker that angered me more than anything else? The fact that they changed the ending!!!!!! What's up with that?! Wasn't Nevil Shute's version good enough, or was it "too outdated?!" How lame is that?! HELLO! I know I keep talking about "the book said this," or "the book had that," but I'm tellin' ya'... the ending of the book almost made me cry, while this made me think "Good riddance!" It was SO insipid! Nothing like the power the book had. NOTHING! It was a bad move on the part of the filmmakers. If nothing else, they could have salvaged the ending and made at least THAT scene a poignant one. It's not that I am basing my review solely on comparison with the book; it's just that it's not even a good film. When I do think back to the book, or even the old movie, this movie just stinks! It doesn't have the potency of either. Perhaps if I hadn't read the book, I wouldn't be so harsh. It's hard to get that book out of my brain, though. I have to compare just for the simple fact that this movie is supposed to be based on the book. I'll tell you that if you see this movie, you have no idea what the original story was. Very little of Nevil Shute's ideas exist. I know; you can't include everything from the book, in a movie. But, you'd think they could include SOME of it! Sheesh! The 2 hour, 1959 version with Gregory Peck and Ava Gardner was FAR more accurate in its portrayal, than this! They had 4 hours to do this movie justice, and instead chose to make it meaningless drivel!

I just watched this movie, and was moved to tears. The big deal is, I haven't cried at a movie since I was 9 years old, and I'm considerably older than that now! This movie was just that powerful. It wasn't so much the plot, but the people that evoked such emotion. The guards and the kindness they showed to people who had committed heinous crimes, really made me well up. The acting was superb by everyone. I especially liked the performance of the highly underrated David Morse. When this stoic character cried, I did also. Just something about his performance I found striking. I also found Duncan's performance to be outstanding. He was so believable and REAL. Wonderful movie all 'round. Kudos to everyone who made it what it was... a fantastic film with a fantastic cast!

When I wasn't clutching at my stomach or peering through tears in my eyes, all because I was laughing so hard, I was actually able to watch the film. What great fun! There are some classic moments that truly epitomize humor in the film industry. The New Zealand team that produced this film should be proud of such a silly accomplishment. Great film, lots of laughs. This is one that I will enjoy over and over!

This movie was not immediately something I found great. In fact, as I watched the beginning, I began to find myself laughing at the absurdity of some of the scenes... a reaction not sought after, I am sure. It wasn't awful, and it did have some good parts, but it was something out of a Harlequin romance novel, it seemed. But, as time rolled on, the movie began to unveil its value as a serious, thought-provoking, and often moving portrayal of a time when the human condition outshined the laws of the day. In the end, what made this movie work -- and it worked quite well once it got past the poorly written first scenes -- were the performances of Sam Neill, and Carmen Ejogo. It was not a surprise that Sam Neill made bad lines sound so good -- he's an extremely talented actor -- but it was a surprise to see Carmen Ejogo, a virtual unknown, act so beautifully and eloquently. She is going to be an actress to watch. Not only is she gorgeous to look at, she's talented, as well. Both actors were brilliant in their roles, and that alone makes the movie worth watching. They should be proud of the work they did.

Okay, I have some real positive enthusiasm for this film. It was wonderful to see a film that focuses on the characters and pays close attention to plot, rather than "how high" they can blow up a skyscraper! This movie has much more meaning than that, and Isaac Asimov's beautiful story was treated with great respect. Robin Williams was excellent as the robot Andrew. He brought a wonderful side to this "man of steel". Despite the fact Mr. Williams is concealed behind his metal facade, he still has a "presence" that lets a viewer know it really is him. It's wonderful. The supporting cast is also fantastic, with moving performances by the ever-reliable Sam Neill (Sir), and the adult "Little Miss" played by Embeth Davidtz. Great stuff, and I am PROUD to say, I enjoyed it! As far as the film being too long, I felt it was too short! I couldn't believe it when it was over, and I had NOT ONCE looked at my watch! Wonderful, wonderful piece of work! Kudos!

I watched this movie expecting to be bored stiff, but was pleasantly surprised! This genre of film-making I usually find no interest in, but this one proved to be different. It was well written, well directed, very well acted, and the chemistry between the players was incredible! Very rarely do I view a movie that has a perfect combination of actors, and this was one. Judy Davis and Sam Neill were incredible together, and I'm happy to say they would be in two other films together after this one. Everything about this movie was wonderful. It's just too bad it ends when it does. I found myself very interested in the characters, and wanted to know what became of each. My only qualm with the movie is that it ended too fast! I would definitely have to call this a favorite! That's how good this movie is!

It's not philosophical, or moving, or insightful. Then again, that was never the goal of this movie. It is fun, however. The special effects are okay, but nothing spectacular. I found the characters to be the most fun. Chevy Chase is great as the lazy, work-dodging, overly confident clod that later becomes the invisible man. Sam Neill puts in a great performance as the corrupt, and off-kilter CIA agent that pursues Chevy at any cost. These two were fun to watch. There were many scenes in this movie that made me laugh uncontrollably, while others had me on the edge of my seat. It's not perfect, nor is it the most intense movie I've ever seen. It's just pure fun.

Few movies leave me reeling, and this was one of those few. I could not believe what I had just seen when I first viewed it. It was like nothing I have ever experienced before. That's just what this movie does, too... provide the viewer with an experience. The plot was like nothing I've ever seen. It was fresh, intelligent, and a bit philosophical. The characters were complex human beings with realistic thoughts and emotions. Not everything that occurs does so for good reason... just as life really is. Thoughts and fears that human beings share are presented in this movie in a truly unique manner. It often plays out in a metaphorical way (i.e. "You're on your own, Claire" = aloneness), allowing us to feel like intelligent viewers, instead of viewers that need our hands held. Every character has his or her flaws, and motivations. The movie does bog down a bit in the middle, and jumps around in an alarmingly chaotic way, but it's too realistic to fault. I found it both enjoyable, and thought-provoking. The idea of addiction to our thoughts and dreams, chasing an infatuation without knowing why, and waiting for the final curtain to fall, are aspects of the movie that fascinated me. I am not saying this as a fan of Wim Wenders, since I had never heard of him before this. I most certainly know who he is now! I had to find out after viewing this movie, which unfortunately cannot be seen in its entirety. It's brilliant, interesting, and intelligent. Great acting, haunting soundtrack, and fresh plot make this movie a real winner.

This was a film that, because it is based on fact, is thought-provoking and a bit unnerving. While not fantastic, this film still enters a realm of human behavior and politics that makes it interesting. I found Jon Voight's character a bit annoying (perhaps I am being a bit harsh... I've never been a huge fan of his), but one who stood for what he believed. Sam Neill does indeed put in a good performance (no surprise there), and I found myself rooting for his character. On the whole, the movie was good, and made me rethink everything I ever thought about government, civil defense, and politics. It is a film that will open your eyes, and you may not like what you see. Thank God there are people out there who really do seek the truth, and demand justice!

Quite possibly the worst film I have ever seen! This coming from a HUGE Sam Neill fan! I tracked down the uncut edition, and that proved to be a big mistake! It only prolonged the torture! The special effects... oh, I'm sorry... did I say special effects? I meant the FEEBLE ATTEMPT at special effects! They were so pathetic, I couldn't even laugh at them. The plot had holes to make the Grand Canyon look like a ditch, the dialogue was so poor... the term "non-sequitor" does not even BEGIN to describe this flick! Somebody please tell me what Sam was doing in this film? He's so much better than this! (Please tell me rent was due, Sam!)

I never have been a big fan of westerns, but this movie quickly became a favorite! The fact that it is presented from the point-of-view of the "bad" guy, creates an interesting perspective. I do enjoy this movie immensely, and this is partly why. By the end of the film, I found myself sympathizing with the "bad" characters, despite the fact that they were thieves and cheaters. The plot was simple, but didn't need more. I did find some parts of the film unique. This is refreshing in a time when movies are so often alike. If you are looking for a movie that's good fun, and solidly acted, this is the movie for you! Even if you don't like westerns!

I truly love this flick! It is so terribly funny, I find myself laughing until I cry! Very few movies have this effect on me. It's not a deep, or thought-provoking film, but that's not its purpose, either. I enjoy this movie for its subtle and not-so-subtle humor. The plot is simple, yet feasible and perfect. I really cannot say much, except that it is a fun ride, and worth a look! If you're having a glum day, this is a great "pick-me-up!"

Okay, so I'm not a big fan of romance movies. I did, however, like the movie okay. It is a bit slow to start, but after a while, it picks up the pace. For the hopeless romantic, it will be an enjoyable movie. For those that like action and adventure, this is not the movie for you! The characters are interesting, and I did find myself sympathizing with them. It made for an interesting motivational study. Not the best movie ever made, but good.