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carolineggordon
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Speed Racer (2008)
Looks fabulous, story great - loved it!
What a refreshing change to see some family entertainment totally free of wisecracking animals, loose plots and popular culture back references. This movie just looks so fabulous, they have actually created a future that is just on the cusp of real and unreal, just on the edge of life and computer games, car racing and Nintendo racing, comic books and movies - and the plot does actually have you on the end of your seat. Finally, a movie that breaks the well worn mould and does it with absolute confidence, totally into a future world rich with colour, technology but still ticking by the same old clocks of big business versus the little person. I loved so many details I just can't list them all, but I have to mention the mix of accents, really the world is flat and getting flatter, in the future maybe not everyone has an American accent! The styling was just fabulous, I want to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe of bright red, blue and green. Emile Hersch is just great, finally an actor who can act. Mathew Fox was probably the only weak link in the cast, and with a minor part wearing a mask most of the time it mattered little. I loved the computer game references, especially the A, B, C etc buttons in the car (just like your Wii remote) and all the special weapons they had, straight from Mario Cart! You have to see it on the big screen, now!
Hollywoodland (2006)
Reasonable diversion from a boring evening
This movie is pretty good and worth seeing if you've completed all the 1001 Movies and are looking for another one to fill your evening. Actually it's better than that, the characters do ring true (well they should as they are real people!) and you can really feel for George (Ben Afleck). They stayed true to the real facts and thankfully didn't go in for conspiracy theories, sometimes people do just kill themselves. I don't think we really saw or felt the despair that must have led George to do it, but then we were feeling it how the other people in his life did, I don't think any of them knew the depths that he had descended to.
Beowulf (2007)
Pretty good
Unfortunately I didn't realise this was an animated movie when I hired it from the video shop, you'd think they'd make that clear on the cover. In any case, it was a fairly enjoyable movie and there were a few moments where you could forget it was animated. But mostly the people had that other-worldly quality to them that made them look more animated than real. Apparently this is only very loosely based on the original Beowulf story, which I think is a real shame. Sticking to the original story would have really added to the experience for me even if it made it less of a traditional movie plot with some kind of resolution and retribution within it. In any case, if you like fantasy movies this is worth seeing.
Cloverfield (2008)
Thrilling with a slow start
It looks like Manhattan is the source of all evil and unspeakable things, on screen and off. I wonder how this feels when you actually live there? This movie starts pretty slowly and you find your mind really wandering during the warm up section but all goes to plan when their world is ripped apart by a god awful beast. It was refreshing to see some "real" camera work where the monster itself was shown in fleeting glimpses and for the most part they had very little idea what was going on. It would have been nice to get a little more at the end, but actually nice to be left to wonder how the future panned out and what that thing actually was. The spider like creatures were a masterful piece of horror, who wouldn't shudder and recoil at the site of Labrador sized beauties sticking their fangs in. After the slow start you spend the next 90 minutes on the edge of your seat totally engrossed and grossed out. Great!
No Country for Old Men (2007)
Perfect Movie
Something about this movie makes me want to call it perfect, the characters, the cinematography, the tension. The opening scenes set a beautiful canvas on which to draw out the rest of the movie, the hunting, the searching, the finding and the killing. What a perfect adversary for Anton in Llewelyn Moss. And how wonderfully his girlfriend says "Llewelyn", you've got to see it just for that. The wild west is eerily evoked in the modern day with the same characters as always; the goody, the baddie and the sheriff. The blood and guts are pretty gruesome but you can always avert your eyes for that, I did. The end is thankfully a little less than you are pining for, which is exactly what the movie needed.
Independence Day (1996)
Shocker
I have no idea why I gave up a Saturday night to watch this movie, again... Somehow the memory of the first viewing slipped from my mind, probably a good thing, that is until I got to the clincher of the movie, how could I forget that ridiculous plot twist ...uploading a computer virus to the alien spacecraft. OMG! But wait, I've forgotten the fact that we figured out how to fly their spacecraft, that it was all built on the premise of "secret" labs run by the omnipresent US government, investigating the technology of aliens - of course, how plausible. But really, it's not a documentary I know but when they present completely IMPOSSIBLE events such as loading a computer virus to an alien spacecraft they've lost me forever. Do not waste 2 hours of your precious time here in this world on this movie, please.
Rear Window (1954)
Classic Mystery Thriller with Class
Such a joy to see this classic movie again, suspense, intrigue, romance, glamor, it has it all! It's worth watching just for Grace Kelly's divine outfits, what has happened to the world that we can't dress like that any more. And that overnight bag with the satin but so modest nightie inside, I want one! I also want my very own James Stewart, the man of action temporarily laid low in the wheelchair with the nurse and girlfriend at his beck and call. Everyone living their life with their windows wide open and James just sitting and soaking it all in. Will Hitchcock movies actually ever age, they seem to be as present as ever, just the dress sense and manners may have changed but the characters remain as true as ever.
Into the Wild (2007)
Engaging and moving performances
Who hasn't considered the banality of our existence and wondered what it would be like to go wild, living on the land like our ancestors thousands of years ago. This true story of Christopher McCandless and his escape from a life of double standards and lies into the truth of the wilds of Alaska is a sad and moving tribute to his life. I was pondering my own children and whether my feelings to hope to see them succeed and become everything I think they can be would ever push them too hard and they would just walk away like Christopher did. Well I sure hope not, but like all these things they can happen to the most well intentioned people. Though honestly their lives did sound pretty mixed up, you can understand how a someone with a delicate soul simply couldn't survive in it. You are really hooked in to Christopher and his life, like those of his parents. Everyone is portrayed in such a sensitive and real way that you really feel everyone's perspective. A good follow up will be to read the book and see how they pieced together the story from the brief snippets in his diary, how much of the movie by necessity was conjecture and how much really happened.
Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi (2001)
Excellent Family Movie for over 9's
This movie reminds us just how rich and involved family movies can be, and should be. You get the feeling it is full of Japanese cultural references but even without an understanding of these you are blown away by the majesty and symbolism. It gave our sleep over guest nightmares and the two eight year olds elected not to watch till the end, so it's not recommended for any delicate souls. On the other hand my 3 year old was entranced, I think by the imagery as much as anything else. The train traveling on tracks seemingly over the ocean but actually just a few feet under water is just one absorbing image I won't forget easily.
The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008)
Not as good as Nania
I had fairly high hopes for this movie after seeing the trailer. I was hoping for repeat of the Wonderful Chronicles of Narnia, but I guess I forgot just how good that book is, and, having read it to several children how magic it is to see that translated to the screen. Spiderwick Chronicles is a very nice family movie but just doesn't have the depth I was hoping for. I wonder if they have actually mangled the story in adapting it for the screen, I'll have to go back to the source to find out. But unfortunately after the movie I'm just not inspired to follow up with the book. Still it is reasonable entertainment, just not as good as some.
Nim's Island (2008)
Great Family Movie for Kids under 10
I wasn't expecting too much from this American kids movie but I was pleasantly surprised to be really moved by it. The main characters played by Jodie Foster and child actor Abigail Breslin make all the difference. Such a relief to see Jodie playing a real looking middle aged women, pity the only actress not to succumb to the knife bats for the other side, but anyway good on Jodie. It's your classic story of messed up adult must come to the aid of needy child, paired up with he really needs a wife / younger she needs a mother / older she needs a husband. And turns out just beautifully with the dutiful walk hand in hand down the beach, I had tears in my eyes anyway. Definitely one for the Mothers and daughters to see together.
The Ipcress File (1965)
60's Spy Thriller that doesn't show it's age
Michael Caine stars in this spy thriller set in the cold war days of the sixties. The plot is just the right amount of intricate and unexpected, but not at all the 'Bourne Identity' kind of ridiculously entwined storyline. It doesn't need the hot stunts or hot star of Bourne either, Michael Caine is just smoldering enough as the rouge spy who smashes open a traitor in the midst of the British secret service. He is definitely a rouge, having qualified for the secret service only in exchange for time that would have been served in a military prison. To see how women are treated and portrayed in the 60s is quite an eye opener, they are in the secret service, but are quite willing to serve "fix me a scotch will you" doesn't even raise an eyebrow. That's from the token female spy hired "because her husband was in it", after he passed on she evidently needed something to fill her days. Still that doesn't detract from a great spy thriller in the British tradition.
Blood Diamond (2006)
OK action drama with Leonardo Dicaprio
I'm rethinking the decision to buy a nice diamond ring, or at the least thinking I better research the actual state of affairs with diamonds after seeing this one. It is pretty heart wrenching seeing those news stories brought to life in their tragic details, you thinking how worthless you are for worrying about the state of your bathroom when so many people are out there living through this. But still I did enjoy it as the good guys triumph, well at least the good guys we got to know did, many thousands of others didn't. Leonardo is pretty convincing as the hardened soldier who so needs someone to love him, the ending is overdone of course, if only it had been an English film we may have got a poetic ending befitting the subject of this film.
Bratz (2007)
Only for the under 10's
I saw this with my 8 year old daughter who absolutely loved it, in fact she watched it 3 times in two days. Once was enough for me. Luckily I agreed with the decision to cover the Bratz's midriffs and not display quite so much thigh as the little Bratz at the toy store do. It was full of heartful messages about being yourself, standing up to bullies and choosing your own friends, all a la High School Musical; devotees of which will be in heaven. It's good clean wholesome fun for the little girls in your life, just don't try to inflict this on any males in the house, they won't appreciate it! Now if only the actual store Bratz could be half as wholesome as their movie namesakes, I may not wretch every time I spot one of their merchandised products.
Transformers (2007)
9 year old boys will love it, their Mums might like it too!
I was pretty surprised sitting through the first few minutes of this to find it actually had a plot, and wait some characters, and wait some pretty cool special effects. Not only was I sharing a quality moment with my boys, but enjoying it too... I guess 8 to 9 nine year olds will be in heaven, but I can tell you 3 year olds are transfixed, 11 year olds think it's 'pretty good' and their Mum's are rushing back from the toilet breaks. The action is really something, look of course it's all a bit corny but somehow it drags you right on in there. The good old US of A cleaning up the world, taking on the aliens and just nice as punch as they do it. Hell, by the end of this even I wanted to join the Marines, or at least marry one. If you spot this at the video store, you know what you gotta do.
Flightplan (2005)
Formulaic but well done - Great cliffhanger
Jodie Foster holds the movie together with her portrayal of Kyle Plat. Any parent will be in total suspense feeling the desperation of Kyle to find her daughter - lost on a plane, gone without a trace. It's a tried and true formula of the innocent wronged, the twist to find out the real culprit isn't who you suspect it is, and the end where the good and true win out. If only life was like that. I was on the edge of my seat for much of it, especially the ending, you so want it turn out and luckily it does reward you for your torture; imagining - what if it was me? It's so nice to see a female actor actually aging gracefully, Jodie is as gorgeous as ever and not afraid to show the odd wrinkle, good on you Jodie.
This Is England (2006)
12 year old joins the local Skinheads is touching and realistic
Thomas Turgoose leads a great cast as the 12 year old adopted by a local skinhead gang. It shows the mindless violence but also the supportive side of gang life, the members are all empowered by their asociation with the local gang. Thomas is fatherless, as is the newly self appointed gang leader Stephen Graham. They team up and both get a great deal out of the friendship. The ending was really great, it could have so easily been spoiled by an overdose of sentimentality. In the typical British manner we are left hanging to play out the whole ending in our heads. For me he gives up on the skin head life as he saw that Stephen was in fact not such a well rounded human being after almost murdering his good friend Milk. The kissing scenes between 12 year old Thomas and his "girlfriend" of unknown age (guess to be 16),are a little disturbing, but add to the overall realism.
Clubland (2007)
Down to earth and touching Aussie drama
Brenda Blenthyn and Khan Chittenden stole the show in this touching and down to earth drama. It's so great to see movies set in everyday Australian suburbs, just a shame we had to import the main character, I would have loved to see an Australian in that role. A few points in the plot were a little stretched, the wedding scene is so nice but are real people actually so deconstructed and aware of themselves to make such insightful comments at weddings - I've never seen it really happen. If you're scratching your head I'm talking about where she declares Emma Booth to be her always longed for daughter, after what has passed between them and her issues with Khan.
The Golden Compass (2007)
A must see for families
We really enjoyed the Golden Compass. The special effects are truly outstanding, the characters have some real depth and are portrayed beautifully. It's a must see family movie. After reading a lot of the press about Phillip Pullman I've now got it on my must read list, even though it's a young adult fiction I'm quite intrigued after reading the themes of religion and god that he explores. I have to agree with the reviewers who are disappointed these didn't get an airing in the movie. How sad is it that our entertainment is blighted like this in name of the American religious masses. The rest of the world is out here and we are quite able to discuss these topics in a rational manner, even with young people. Still, I'm looking forward to the sequels and will definitely catch them at the movies.
The Usual Suspects (1995)
Engaging with plenty of plot twists
After noticing this in 1001 Movies to See Before You Die, thought it was worth catching it, that will at least take it down to 1000 on the list. It does the genre very well, with an intriguing set of characters, interesting plot twists and final doosie that leaves you with the "I didn't see that coming" kind of aha at the end. You can see the influences in the later Bourne Identity, but without the action; and also Oceans Thirteen, but without the glamour. This one doesn't need those icings to complete it. Kevin Spacey is very good, but actually the whole cast is good, thankfully without the token A list celeb who usually stand out in ensemble movies like this as being the least capable actor. Overall a great movie for unwinding in front of after a hard week, engaging and surprising.
Hairspray (2007)
Loved it!
I watched this movie with 8 and 9 year old girls and we all absolutely loved it. It is pure escapism fun, with all the requisite components of the underdog triumphing, beating the baddies and getting the guy. Zac Efron proves he looks almost as good as a brunette and he can actually act, Nikki Blonski was so good as the pure hearted and determined Tracy. It seems that teenagers would especially love seeing the characters break out of the bounds their parents and society are setting them, but actually I wonder it wouldn't be a little too formulaic for them lacking in emotional depth. It is interesting to contrast the social situation with today, with a women and a African American heading towards the White House for the first time it seems we haven't reached the utopia just yet. But 40 years on breaking the bounds of social norms can still attract the ire of the government, just the labels used may differ from communist to terrorist. But you won't spend long pondering that while you watch this, enjoying the score, fabulous dancing and even more fabulous sixties frocks.
Spider-Man 3 (2007)
Truly awful
If you want a quick guide to various mechanisms employed in popular movies to contrive the plot, go see Spiderman and you'll get an absolute feast of them. The top prize must go to the totally unexplained and unrelated black stuff that took over Spiderman and others to turn them mean, I believe it is "deux de machine" - the hand of god, which refers to this kind of interference from without in order to move the plot in one direction or another. Then you have the more standard "got hit on the head and forgot I was your enemy now we can be friends again, until...it all comes back in a blinding flash" but then don't forget the butler who saw it all and convinces him his Daddy was a baddie after all - why didn't he tell me that before I turned myself into the next Goblin for goodness sake. Okay, maybe its not such a feast but those few are enough to completely ruin it for me. I was also drawn, by the lack of plot probably, to the fact that Toby Maguire simply can't act. I hadn't really noticed in the first two Spidermen (which incidentally I did like), but it becomes painfully obvious when Peter Piper loses his fiancé and has a slightly comical wry expression when he should be simply devastated. Why did they bother with this one, if they can't come up with a decent plot just leave it alone. And how did Toby Maguire ever get this gig? Surely there are actors who can actually act pouring into Hollywood on any given day, finding one with that combination of slightly geeky with his hair parted but bit of alright in a tight suit can't be too hard. Stay at home, and if at home, leave this one in the video shop.
Becoming Jane (2007)
Worthwhile for Austen Fans
This is a lovely account of Jane Austen's life and provides a nice insight into her romantic nature. You do wonder if it is a simple remake of Pride and Prejudice, but things turn out rather differently in the end. Personally I found the language a little overwrought at times, where they were trying a little too hard to convince us this is the 18th century. Though it does remind you when you read older literature and in particular diaries that our language has changed so much and actually our vocabularies have reduced by just as much. It is a joy to hear how beautifully they express themselves compared with your like average like teenager today not. James McAvoy is just as striking as in Atonement, that perfect blend of larrikin and cute little puppy that must be trained. Anna Martin as Cassandra (Jane's sister) has her every present slightly vulnerable and very sweet presence as I remember from Bleak House. Overall I recommend it for Austen fans or anyone who enjoys quality period drama.
Atonement (2007)
Worth seeing but not a masterpiece
I really enjoyed this but the rather grandiose production did detract from the focus of the inner lives of the characters. As an Ian McEwan fan I did expect a bit better, though I hadn't read Atonement before seeing it. I'm thinking this is not one of his better novels, but then again any sort of translation of stories that focus around characters and not plot is difficult. I suppose my disappointment was the plot was the winner over the characters. It has a nice twist at the end that saves it from being too formulaic. Kiera Knightly is superb. The beach scenes I was reminded by my friend are rather reminiscent of Titanic, as is the whole plot, and that's not a compliment I'm afraid. But still, you do care about them and really want them to succeed in coming together in the end, which they do in a way.