Change Your Image
domadilla
Reviews
Water for Elephants (2011)
Storytelling at its finest
I was fortunate enough to see Water for Elephants this morning in a free preview screening. My gut instinct before going into the cinema was telling me that I wouldn't like this film. I wasn't entirely sure what the film was about but my favourite genre is somewhere between drama/thriller to give you some context. I was under the impression, purely based on the trailer and poster, that this was going to be quite a slow-paced, mushy flick. Also, I only know of Robert Pattinson from the Twilight Saga, which I have never watched but associate with teeny boppers.
I am pleased to report that Water for Elephants is not an overly mushy film. It's a well- rounded offering and has elements of action, suspense, excitement and a dollop of wonderment to boot. The film had me gripped from the start, there was never a dull moment and it irks me to say that it was a really great cinematic experience.
Afterward, upon leaving the auditorium, I realised that I appreciated the casting of Robert Pattinson, as the lead actor, for two reasons:
1) The guy can actually act and unbeknownst to me he is also quite talented - he made the Oscar-winning Reese Witherspoon look dazzlingly ordinary in my humble opinion.
2) As a British actor he acquits himself with an American accent far better than any recent attempts in the reverse direction (see Russel Crowe in Robin Hood for example - OK he's not a Yank but you get the gist). Nothing gets to me more than actors failing with a fundamental tool of their craft - their voice.
Finally, without spoiling any of the plot I am compelled to point out that the villain (another Oscar winner no less) Mr. Christoph Waltz was the real star of the show. His part will definitely draw comparisons, as well as plaudits, with his Inglorious Basterds outing. But I think it would be a faux pas to lumber his performance with that tag. He plays a far more nuanced baddie, one that is tormented by demons and is feeling the pressure, as many in society currently are, of an economic recession (The Great Depression) forcing his hand.
This film undoubtedly works well as a choice for couples as there is a romantic undercurrent carrying much of the plot so that one could crudely confine it to the romance category. But there is so much more reason to see this as a dramatic adventure, a leap back in time to a period when the circus was the pinnacle of entertainment and as a spectacular specimen of spellbinding storytelling :-)
District 9 (2009)
Noteworthy attempt at something different but still left seeking asylum
I watched District 9 last night in a brimming auditorium in London on the second night of its general release and to be totally honest the audience reaction was mixed. I speculate about half the attendees went home satisfied - these would have been science fiction fans mainly but anyone who has a taste for the alternative will certainly have got a kick out of it (I categorize myself as the latter).
In my humble opinion District 9 is a solid attempt to create an original sci-fi film and it deserves credit for approaching a somewhat stale 'Alien Invasion' genre and inoculating it with some innovative ideas.
District 9 is not without its faults however, and there are more than a few. In my opinion the film falls down in a few key areas...
1) Narrative/direction: This is not consistent throughout the film i.e. the style of storytelling alters as the film progresses but this is not done in a smooth or convincing manner and does more to confound than impress. To elucidate on one annoyance - part of the film is shot with shoddy hand-held cameras and then suddenly it switches to standard camera type.
2) Plot: Laden with holes to be honest! OK so I don't expect any sci-fi film to be backed up by rigorous science or even governed by moderate rationality. But there is only so much you can expect the average audience member to buy... There are several inexplicable plot holes in the film. For instance, the earth-bound aliens appear to harbour highly advanced weaponry, which for some bizarre reason they choose not utilise. Instead they accept their impoverished circumstances and choose to trade their over-sized weaponry for cat food. Meanwhile the alien mother ship has been hovering above Johannesburg for 20 years, languishing in wait, seemingly unperturbed by either alien or human intervention - this is a ridiculous scenario if you stop and think about it. There would be a global response to alien invasion and there would no doubt be hordes of scientists up there investigating it.
3) Acting: The protagonist, Vikus, is highly entertaining and I'm not criticizing his performance at all by mentioning the acting. The rest of the cast were quite woeful. Sometimes I agree that its good to get fresh faces onto the big screen but in all honesty I think a lot of the actors in this film were promoted above their station - This probably has something to do with trying to use a 100% South African cast.
Apart from the distended asides this film really is worth watching if you fancy a turn away from the polished but predictable and usually tame Hollywood efforts at science fiction.
7/10
Serenity (2005)
Bitterly disappointing
That's it. I've lost all faith in the IMDb users. How did over 3000 users manage to get this film a score of 8.6? I'm guessing most of them were fans of the TV series Firefly - the TV series on which this film is based. I must point out that I have never watched an episode of Firefly, furthermore I don't believe it's ever been aired in the UK (on terrestrial channels). I am of course familiar with Buffy the Vampire Slayer Joss Whedon's most famous creation and whilst I am not a fan of Buffy I do not find the series entirely unwatchable.
I attended a preview screening of 'Serenity' yesterday and was anticipating a great spectacle (to justify its audaciously high rating). It started brightly with some fast-paced scenes fading in and out between story lines. However, the film went downhill rapidly after the introduction. The main storyline slowed considerably and in fact became rather basic, and then somewhat stupid. My biggest qualm with this film is the script - it was suffocatingly poor and I must say it made me think I was watching a TV show. The actors (most of whom are relative unknowns) are all terrible and there was not one noteworthy performance.
The only redeeming feature was the special effects. Of course all the latest CGI techniques were put into use and the scenes in space are beautifully detailed. However, CGI alone does not make a good film ipso facto just watch any of the new Star Wars atrocities. The characters in this film were cardboard-like and lacked any substance, as did the storyline. The best way to describe this film is simply to brand it as a good Television Movie (damning with faint praise).
In the Bedroom (2001)
More than just your average drama.
I really enjoyed this film. Despite the fact that it is quite slow-going in places it really gripped me. The story is compelling and the best thing about the film are the performances of the actors who play Frank's parents.
The storyline is pretty straight-forward but it does has some eventful twists, and these were really well scripted and they took me by surprise totally. I won't say anymore about the story, except, when you watch this film try and understand the emotions of the parents.
I would recommend this film to anyone who likes dramas where there is in-depth characterisation. You have to be patient with this film, but i really feel its worth the effort.
8/10
The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things (2004)
one kid goes through hell and back
I'll be honest, this film is severely depressing, so if you're having a bad day you might end up on the brink of suicide after viewing this sordid tale.
Basically, there's this little innocent kid right... and then he gets the sh*t abused out of him after being returned to his crazy birth mother (from foster care). Asia Argento (the director and lead actress) must have had a hard time directing in this and playing a screwball mother at the same time - so credit to her for making it watchable. However, I must point out that there are many disturbing scenes, the worst of which is where the little kid gets ass-raped and needs his ass stitched back together, OK it doesn't show it graphically, but still... sickening. Another bad one is where the boy dresses like a girl to copy his mum and tries to satisfy a grown man (Manson no less).
Only watch this is you want to see how f*cked up life can be, oh and also to see Marilyn Manson without make up.. thats it.
Dogville (2003)
The human soul bares its teeth and exclaims, "woof woof"!
WOW what an amazing film...
I've just finished watching Dogville for the first time. I have to say that is the most shocking film I have seen in my lifetime. Considering I watched 'Oldboy' merely a week ago that is saying A lot. This film wasn't graphically gut-wrenching, but it's the actions of the characters and the finale of the film that really made me think.
The film is shot entirely on one 'stage' and has sporadic narration. Some people may find this theatre-like atmosphere off-putting, but I think this is an ingenious, not to mention unique, idea. The point of having the whole film shot on this one stage is that it helps to illustrate how close-knit a community Dogville is. There are no walls on the set only props, it's as if the film is baring its heart and soul (the characters) to the audience. All i can say is patience is a virtue, so if you can sit through the first few scenes and get used to this 'universal stage' idea the story will soon engulf you and compulsion to watch the whole 9 chapters is certain (not sure if there is a relevance in the number 9).
The basic plot (no spoilers): Tom is an aspiring intellectual/philosopher, he daydreams about morales and the ideals of right and wrong one day hoping write a successful paper on this. He is fed up with the narrow-minded people of Dogville, accusing them of non-acceptance in regards to outsiders and the world in general. When Nicole Kidman's character Grace stumbles upon Dogville by chance, Tom sees this as an opportunity to test the town's people. Grace takes up residence in Dogville and the story takes flight....
The cast is absolutely superb, Nicole Kidman puts in a first-rate performance. I think all the actors and actresses really got to grips with their roles and this makes the film all the more special. I would recommend this film to anyone who likes a gripping, meaningful story as well as a shock or two. This film is simply enthralling. 9/10 from me.
The Incredibles (2004)
Quite simply the best super-hero movie yet!
After a second a viewing, I am still in awe of the spectacle that is 'The Incredibles'. The animation is awesome (as can be expected of Pixar these days) and sets the benchmark for animation involving human characters. But graphics aside, it is the witty script and lively voice acting that make this film a joy to watch. Not to mention fabulous the way the 'supers' (lingo in the film for one with super powers) abilities are employed. Never before has a super-hero movie been able to show how the 'supers' can use their powers in arange of ways and in coordination with other 'supers'. It makes the actions so much more engaging and meaningful - the X-men producers and script writers should be taking notes.
I would recommend this film to anyone, simply, anyone. There is something in it for everyone. Kids will laugh at the slap-stick comedy, whilst adults will chuckle along at the meticulously formulated innuendos. The action is slick and the plot fast-paced. Grab the popcorn and enjoy the ride!
8/10
Finding Neverland (2004)
Top notch
As someone who didn't know the story of how the playwright J.M.Barrie came to write Peter Pan I found this story very interesting and thoroughly engrossing. I'm not sure to what extent the director has dramatised it, but I'm pretty sure J.M.Barrie wasn't as good-looking as his on-screen counter-part. Nonetheless this film has a sense of authenticity from start to finish. The film really captures the feel of Old England and J.M.Barries soft Scottish accent is finely tuned unlike his pseudo-cockney accent in Pirates of the Caribbean. The script is well-written, with only a few questionable lines, but the delivery of all the children in the film (bar the youngest one) is convincing. The main child actor in the film shines, and actually looks like I think Peter Pan would.
I think this film has something in it for everyone who has the patience to watch it and would definitely recommend it to people who enjoy drama/family film genres.
9/10
Donnie Darko (2001)
Mind-boggling
After my first viewing of this film I must say I was baffled (but in a good way). A further five successive viewings over the following weeks and I was still baffled. I searched in vein for someone to fathom a viable explanation for the disjointed finale of the film.
Donnie Darko is a perturbed, sordid tale about a boy who is doomed (i won't elaborate on this, so as not to spoil the film). The film is interspersed with light humour throughout, this makes it enjoyable viewing time and again (although I don't recommend more than five sittings in under one month). The problem with this film, in a similar was to 'Mullholland Drive' by David Lynch, is that it is mysterious and misleading. On one hand 'Donnie Darko' is seemingly science fiction and geared towards time-travel. On the other hand it seems that the film is exploring the religious insight regarding life and death.
This is what i loved about the film - you never really know what the theme is, but all the same it is intriguing due to the classy direction of Richard Kelly. The cast all put in excellent performances, so convincing in fact that i believed that none of them really knew what the theme of the film was. I have never seen a film like this before. It blew me away and made me want to watch it over and over. I don't usually watch a film more than once, so that must mean something.
9/10