Reviews

If you like visually stunning movies Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is one of the finest I have ever seen. This stunning film, directed by the esteemed Ang Lee is a work of art. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, which is based on an early 20th century novel by Wang Du Lu, unfolds much like a comic book, with the characters and their circumstances being painted using wide brush stokes. Subtlety is not part of Lee's palette; he is going for something grand and melodramatic, and that's what he gets. The hallmark of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is its standout action sequences, of which there are five or six (depending on how you count). All of them are eye-popping and spectacularly choreographed (by Yuen Wo-Ping, who worked on The Matrix - a connection that is immediately identifiable) with special effects being used to enhance the natural athleticism of the participants. Must watch

This is a fantastic documentary which provides a window into the technical elements of the way an image is captured by cameras for motion pictures. Most of us are aware that there are two mediums- film, - which has been the method of application up until the last decade or two, and digital- which is trying to supplant film. It is an interesting look at the junction of art and science to create a feature film and the kind of hurdles these mediums, and the people using them have to overcome. Keanu Reeves is an excellent host and the usually drab actor seems full of energy here, asking furtive questions and giving feedback and opinion. There are a host of subjects interviewed here, from legendary filmmakers and cinematographers to producers and movie moguls. I prefer the look of film stock and will side with it, but there is no denying the strides digital cameras have made in recent years. And perhaps the greatest takeaway from this documentary is that it doesn't really matter what medium you shoot on- it is the person behind the camera that matters.

Todd Haynes is an acquired taste but nobody can deny his gifted approach to filmmaking. Far from heaven is an interesting film starring Julianne Moore and with a look that evokes the films of the 50s. Everything about Far from Heaven playfully yet reverently alludes to the 1950s as a movie genre. The rich and digitally enhanced autumn leaves feature as tableaux, and as a discreet and tasteful design for the opening and closing credits. Elmer Bernstein's score imitates the lush foliage with its extravagantly emotional strings, later arranged with much emphasis on brooding keyboard and woodwind, dotting and crossing the drama's every "i" and "t". Mark Friedberg's production design is outstanding, surpassing his period work on Pollock and The Ice Storm. Sandy Powell's costumes are superb, especially for Moore herself who is allowed noticeably fuller skirts as the queen bee of her daiquiri-sipping ladies' circle, and some truly show stopping elbow-length gloves for a party scene.

Michael Almereida has decided to adapt Shakeshpheare's famous play in a NYC setting. while the director has succeeded in creating a visually interesting film, he has also lost the play's soul, and the number of cuts employed render the final product virtually incoherent. Almereyda's style is low-key, and this approach saps the play of its energy. This interpretation has a few strengths, but, on par, the weaknesses outweigh those. Anyone with a real interest in seeing a filmed version of the play can go to their video store and rent Branagh's version - nothing before or since has topped it.

Great collaboration between Eastwood and heir apparent(It seemed so when the film released) to the western crown Kevin Costner. Eastwood's direction is, as usual crisp and the movie dives deep in the emotions of an escaped convict and his choices in life. Every shot is meticulously thought out, as Eastwood presents what some would say a Kubrick style film. The message of life through this dark movie slows the pacing at times, but is rewarded by Costner's acting. Kevin's films have been all but impressive over the last few years, but this performance stands out in my mind as his best. The ending is a tad bit off key with the rest of the film, but I understand why it was ended that way, it just could have been rewritten a few times. This is a good film to watch if you are looking for a heartfelt story.

This neo-noir crime film reeks of atmosphere. Directed by the legendary Frenchman Jean Pierre Melville and starring the French heartthrob Alain Delon as the main character Le Samourai is a great classic of world cinema. Delon is an contractual assassin and his latest hit gets him in some soup. The style is minimalist and the cinematography is bleak on purpose. Though there are some plot holes which can be found if studied deeply I feel that the film is meant to be a stylish take on a philosophy and in that capacity it works perfectly. If you wish to get into French films than this is a straightforward flick full of fedora wearing assassins and nightclub singers that can be helpful.

Blowout is a very engaging film starring a young John Travolta who plays a sound recordist who accidently records a murder and is suddenly embroiled in a bigger conspiracy. Blow Out has bits of the conversation and Blow up and whole lot of early 80s atmosphere. When the legendary critic Pauline Kael says "This is the best American conspiracy movie" you should take note. Oh, this also involves a whole lot of movie making and even Travolta considers this one of his best films. A bleak ending only adds to its legacy.

Contact will make you think, ponder and be fortunate that filmmaking was borne so such films can be made. Contact is incredible drama with more than a healthy dose of science- and correct science at that, which has proved to have achieved a good outcome from computer technology and CGI. The opening shot which pans back into space, quietly humbling us by reminding our insignificance, the transmission and receiving of the signal, the machine and teleportation of Jodie Foster in it to meet the "makers", this film is filled with such scenes and joining them together is a fantastic story with an excellent pacing. Contact polarized critics but this is a very good film and features some great performances by Jodie Foster, Mathew Mcconaughey and others.

Soylent Green starring Charleston Heston is a very good action science fiction film, although slightly dated in my opinion. Charleston Heston plays a non-stoic character for once- he plays a detective in a crime ridden overpopulated New York City of 2022, and lives with an older man and they spend their hours talking nostalgically of the past. A company called Soylent Corporations processes a food product from the Oceans called Soylent Green which is nutritious plankton but in short supply. When a board member of this company is killed Heston goes on an investigative journey which concludes with one of the most shocking endings of all time. This is a good film to watch from the early 70s.

Roadtrip is a good road movie. Unlike most other teenage comedy films out there this one actually has some heart and the characters- whilst typical sex obsessed pot smokers- have good personalities. The stand out apart from the cast is Tom Green as the creepy roommate who has a pet python. If you liked American Pie you'll enjoy Road trip. Not just because of the presence of Sean William "stifler" Scott but also nice campuses, hot chicks and lot of beer and pot.

I like Arachnophobia for different reasons than usual- I love its setting. Small town western coastal town, bathed in sunlight suddenly gets invaded by poisonous spiders from South America. This is a good enough film and Jeff Daniels is more than adequate as the lead everyday guy. Frank Marshall has an affinity with nature- He also directed Congo and Eight Below and this film suits his sensibility. I doubt if anyone except extreme arachnophobiacs would be scared. Go watch it for a good ride.