Reviews

This is a solidly entertaining disaster movie. It's nothing memorable to be sure but works very well, and the action scenes remain effective.

Although packed with stars, the main reason to see the film is really the impressive fire sequences.

Newman is dependable as usual. Dunaway manages to rise above her role. Almost everyone else plays a cardboard cutout.

The bad guy is insufferably bad and the viewer takes perverse pleasure in watching him get his comeuppance.

Bottomline: Cheesy but a decent watch.

7/10

I found this film a fascinating watch. It's hardly dated (despite the 80s fashion) and compels you to think about concepts like competition, corporate ethics and profits.

Stone clearly has a viewpoint- "Create, instead of living off the buying and selling of others". But, he and Michael Douglas also succeed in presenting a individual (Gecko) who, despite being all about personal profit at other peoples expense, is a simply magnetic personality

Douglas give the role everything and makes it more multi layered than it is scripted. Indeed, despite Stone's best efforts, I couldn't help but feel that America was created by people like Gordon Gecko not Carl Fox (Martin Sheen)!

Charlie Sheen is alright and his scenes with Martin Sheen work very well.

Bottomline: Impressive viewing with a brilliant Michael Douglas

10/10

I found this a competently made film with good production values.

The script is really weak, but to Peterson's credit, he keeps the film moving at a fast clip and the action never flags.

There's a surprising amount of tension generated in the film as our hapless survivors struggle to find a way out.

Despite the odd clunky one liner that falls flat, the film managed to keep me interested throughout its running time. To its credit, it also clocks in under ninety minutes.

The acting is mediocre with no stand outs. Bottomline: a reasonable watch provided you realize this is no Titanic!

7/10

The only reason this film gets a positive comment from me is Amy Adams. Without her sparkling performance, this would have been basic cable fare, albeit with good production values.

The plot works like clockwork and everyone except Adams seems on autopilot. I feel at least Stiller could have made more of an effort.

There are very few laughs until half way through the movie. There's some clever stuff with paintings and photos, and a better script could have done something truly magical with the idea.

Bottomline: an improvement over the first film but not by much.

6/10

This is a superbly crafted film and I raised my rating to 10 after a second viewing.

Unlike others, I believe the film expertly balanced humor with the dark stuff.

Broadbent was memorable as a haunted old professor, and I can't forget the look in the eyes (MINOR SPOILER) as he finally helps Harry.

Gambon does well and to be fair, he gets a lot more screen time as well. Rickman is suitably understated and NEVER overplays his character.

The photography and CGI is used beautifully, and many scenes seem straight out of a painting. After Cuaron's Azkaban, this is the most effective visualization of Hogwarts yet.

The ending is bleak, as the film is after all a tragedy. Bottomline: Highly recommended by me.

10/10

I'll be honest folks. This film simply blew me over. Yes, it has some niggling faults, but it remains HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Ledger is mesmerizing as the Joker. A weaker actor would have hurt the film as the plot isn't airtight, but you simply can't tear your eyes away from him while he's on screen.

Bale takes some getting used to as Batman is completely in the Joker's shadow in this film. It's a competent performance from him.

Everyone else does a reasonable job and there are no weak links in the cast. I thought Eckhart did very well with a difficult role.

The last hour is slower than the preceding two but the film manages to hold your attention completely. Unlike the uplifting end of Batman Begins, this film ends on a downer. Impressive!

10/10

OK, here are a few reasons why I disliked (note: NOT hated) this film.

Chan looks bored and his action scenes simply do not impress.

Tucker gets a few decent one-liners but surprisingly, his comic timing is off.

Storyline is simultaneously boring and unbelievable, and the ending a massive letdown.

Everyone seems to be in simply for the money, and there's clearly ZERO imagination or honesty visible. Patrons have a right to be annoyed.

Avoid this film as it is simply a "paycheck" movie.

3/10

This was a reasonably entertaining watch but it's hard for me to be overly excited by this movie, and here's why.

The script is weak (there's simply NO getting around that, folks) but the actors do well with what they have. Ford is clearly game for the task.

Shia is alright although I did get the feeling he was trying too hard at times.

The fight scenes are OK. the motorcycle chase was fun but the action did become progressively less exciting as the film wore on.

I was disappointed with Cate's bland portrayal.

Clearly, the film isn't a ringing success, but does succeed as reasonable family entertainment. Indeed, the final feel-good scene in the film left me with a smile on my face.

Still, no more sequels please!

7/10