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tim-downie
Reviews
Phoenix (2014)
See it.
The only weak aspect of this film is that the central idea is just not quite believable (albeit easily more believable than most mainstream films). Everything else was quite brilliant. There are plenty of films about Jews in Nazi Germany and a good few films set in the aftermath of world war 2. This is however the first film I have seen exploring the lives and emotions of Jews in post war Germany trying to reclaim their lost monies and contemplating where to spend their future lives. In this respect the film portrays two opposing views very powerfully. The acting, screen play, cinematography and direction is superb. I predicted aspects of the climax but the subtleties were a surprise (no spoilers here). Two of the three main roles are played by women, are strong characters and passes the Bechdel Test with in the first few minutes.
The Merchant of Venice (2004)
Boring and predictable
I have long tried to understand why people like Shakespeare so much and every few years I give him another go. I was hoping that this play/film (my 6th different Shakespeare play) would unlock the lucky casket and marry me to the riches of this literary Demigod. Bah, I clearly chose the wrong key.
Once the phrase "pound of flesh" had been uttered 10 minutes into the film, the main parts of the plot were transparent, which grinds along with a languid script and lifeless acting. At every step, the plot is laid bare two scenes in advance. The concept that a dying aristocrat would persuade his daughter to choose her future husband by means of a lottery is incredulous. It is no surprise who wins the matrimonial jackpot because Bassanio's a main protagonist in the play.... and he's the third man to try .... and there are three caskets to choose from ... and his friend risks his life to pay the dowry. The only genuine surprise that I had watching this film is that it did not end immediately after the resolution of the court case. However as soon as the ring treachery began it was immediately apparent what would transpire.
OK so I know that millions of you love Shakespeare not for the surprise in the well known stories but for the depth and passion of the characters. But I felt nothing for the characters. Rather than gripped with suspense and admiration during the court scene I sat there impassionately hoping that it would be over, soon, please.
One day, I might just find a Shakespeare play that does something other than bore me.
Johnny English (2003)
very weak film
This film took the idea a set of one-joke adverts featuring Rowan Atkinson for a British credit card. Predictably the film seems like a sequence of one joke adverts stitched together. The comedy is of poor quality far worse than most of Atkinson's work. Forget Blackadder and forget Not the Nine O'clock News and even the Tall Guy. This takes the worst bits of Mr Bean and the worst bits of the Thin Blue Line. Poor script and weak slapstick jokes. I think that Atkinson is a great comedian, but this film is a big disservice to him and all the Film's actors.
This kind of film is always going to be a difficult to pull off. It is a parody of a James Bond film, but James Bond films are a self-parody.
Un banco en el parque (1999)
Great film
Don't waste your time reading the other review, go and see it!
This is a film which is funny and charming in an original way, but don't expect fast action or a twisty plot, go and watch a Hollywood movie if that's what you want.
The main character sits at the came bench every day and the same café table every evening to see what happens and whom he meets. The point of the film is not simply to see if he can find love and live happily ever after but to get to know the characters he meets and follow the discussions that develop throughout the film. The characters are very strong backed up by good acting, and has a very Spanish feel to it.