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Reviews
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
A beautifully crafted tale that underlines subjects that have been forgotten in modern films- friendship,hope, freedom
This film is a modern classic. Why? Because it simply includes everything which builds a great story, and that is all films really are, storytelling.
The concept of story telling can very easily be lost and forgotten in an industry that can sell cinema tickets by using special effects and employing world super stars like Tom Cruise. That may well be the easy option, but films that rely on pretty faces and big budgets will never be remembered. It is films like Shawshank that will lodge themselves into people hearts, and will be passed down by many generations.
This is because everyone that watches this film becomes a part of it. You are there, in that prison, suffering when Andy does, smiling when Andy does. Tim Robbins plays this part so well it could be classed in one of the best lead parts in a film ever. He is simply superb. Plus, Morgan Freeman, well, would we expect anything less from a man with such talent?
It is this relationship, between Andy(Robbins) and Red(Freeman) which really strikes me as a breathe of fresh air, as if i had been hit in the face by a strong wind. We are trapped in a society where relationships only seem meaningful and deep when the two people involved are having sex. Hollywood have molded this preconception that characters with a relationship must sleep together. Shawshank, for once, tells the tale of two men, who by the end of the film have a very strong relationship, but have not gone down the Brokeback mountain road of madness. Their friendship is portrayed free of sex, yet is portrayed so powerfully that you are emotionally taken back by the ending. Personally i nearly cried at a friendship so pure yet so meaningful.
The plot is also perfectly timed. I am someone that is usually quite critical if the speed of a film moves too fast or if it drags on. Shawshank gives you a mixture of paces, but also keeps the story turning and turning, as if it has a heart beat, pumping more and more of the story line, unwinding the plot before your open jaw.
Another subject i would like to comment on is the swearing. Again, i am normally quite critical of films that have swearing in, just to look cool, or higher the rating. Swearing in that context seems unnatural, and therefore disjointed. However the swearing in Shawshank seemed totally natural, and all part of the atmosphere of the prison.
Finally, i think everyone should see this film. This is a pure, yet thrilling tale of hope, friendship and belief. The story is executed brilliantly, with intense characteriztion from both sides of the spectrum- you become Andy, and go through his struggles with him, and you hate the warden and his captain with a passion.
I guarantee, by the time those credits gracefully slide up the screen, you jaw will be open, your mind will be blown, and your heart will be broken into pieces. This is a truly unforgettable masterpiece.
King Arthur (2004)
War, Gore, and not much More!
The acting was poor, weak, and Arthur never came across as a leader, never mind a king! The friendship between the knights was laughable, and not convincing, meaning you didn't actually care if all of them were killed.
None of the actors did themselves any favours being in this.
However, King Arthur was not ALL bad. Some of the photography was quite stunning, and demanded credit. The fight scenes were also well-done. However, what is the point of having a fight scene with no story behind it. They had a chance to make King Arthur interesting, but no, they decide to go for an ALL ACTION film, the reaction- not good. pure trash.
it was as if it was trying to be lord of the rings, or troy. It was an excuse to make money by naming the film king Arthur.
disappointing. do not bother with this film. the people that made it were not interested in plot, just action. king Arthur is a perfect example of why cinema ticket sales are going down.
Not good. Had potential, did not fulfil it.
Hustle (2004)
Smart, clever and dripping with genius.
Hustle raises the standards of television; television that has recently sunk into the depths of reality shows, repeats, and more reality shows. Hustle also shows that originality goes a long way.
This program contains three essential legs that keep it upright. Firstly, the idea. The idea of the show is so brilliant that it feels as if a breath of fresh air hits you in the face every time you watch it. It is produced superbly and the atmosphere of the program is modern, original, smooth and sophisticated.
Secondly, the script. Week in, week out, Hustle delivers something new and exciting. The writing is witty and gives the juxtaposition of characterization freedom to move around, while being tied down by the umbrella that is the genre and idea for the program. The dialogue is also good, by the second series the writers seemed to have let characterization seep over the wall of initial curiosity about the acceptance of the program.
The third point is the acting. Everyone plays their character perfectly, as if they are straight out of a jigsaw puzzle, everyone fits brilliantly. The actors gel well on camera and give a positive atmosphere when all together.
The only real thing i can say negatively about the show is that sometimes you have to take a step back and say, wait a minute, they are stealing. That is the greatest con on the program, they completely cover up the fact their stealing and rename their actions as HUSTLING.
But still, this program uplifts BBC's reputation and actually produces some healthy viewing. 99% of todays television is copied, processed and dragged out to the death, It is junk . Hustle is new, original, fresh, smart, packed with twists, and good entertainment. If reality TV shows are fast food, Hustle is an exotic fruit.
Final Destination 3 (2006)
Far from good
Not the worst film i have ever seen. But close.
The plot is flat and linear. The acting is poor. There is no characterization what so ever, and in a story with constant death it is amazing to think the writer nor the actors cannot convey any sense of sadness, or grief of what they have lost.
The deaths are not creepy. No, they are disgusting. Foul and revolting. However blood thirsty you are i am sure you will agree.
The worst thing was i went to see this film at the cinema. What a waste of £5! I also think this film sunk to a new low when they compared the stupidity of the plot with the tragic day of 9/11. Whoes ever idea this was, they should be ashamed.
I think you will struggle to find someone who really enjoyed this film.
Reservoir Dogs (1992)
what an incredible masterpiece!
Before watching this film i had no previous expectation on the genre nor the plot of the film. People occasionally spoke comments about it, mostly praising it, but other than that i was in the dark.
My first reaction seeing the cover was that it would be another action movie. However, when i began to watch the film i was very interested as it began to hook me. The dialogue is brilliant. Simply superb. The only other film that matches this sort of witty, catchy and super cool dialogue is pulp fiction.
The whole film is brilliant from start to finish, showing that multi million dollar explosions and car chases are no match for dynamic acting and excellent writing.
As for the story, well, i wont ruin it, but it is simply brilliant.
Tarintino shows off all the skills and tricks he wanted to show off all the years he dreamed of becoming an director.
If you are passionate about films, you Must see this.
The actors in this film do not get enough credit, nor does the genius behind the film, the director.