Introduction
My quest to see 100 films that I've never seen before by the end of 2007 rolls on into its second half. I've done really pathetically in the last couple of months -- my average number of films per week has dropped from 2.7 for weeks 1 to 18 to just 1.5 for weeks 19 to 26! I ain't gonna get to the end that way... actually, I'd hit exactly 100 by the end of the year if I carried on that way! But still, reaching 'only' 100 when I was more on track to hit 150 does seem like a slight disappointment.
Anyway, things do continue, and I think I've seen a pretty respectable number of films for these two weeks. Will the giddy heights of six films each in weeks 8, 12, 13 and 14 ever be reproduced? (And, by-the-by, that's six films on average across 12 and 13 -- the exact number from 13 was higher, but I can't remember what it was. Though I'm sure no one else cares for such boring information...)
So, that said:
Weeks Twenty-Seven and Twenty-Eight
A couple of Oscar-winners crop up this time round, as we move through the first few weeks of July (the 2nd to the 15th, to be precise).
61) Capote (2005, Bennett Miller, DVD) 4/5
It is, unsurprisingly, Philip Seymour Hoffman's Oscar-winning lead performance that dominates this movie. While the title might suggest a biopic, the film actually concentrates on the five year period in which Truman Capote researched and wrote his non-fiction novel In Cold Blood. While this process forms the structure of the plot, the title gives away what the movie is actually 'about' -- in and around the mechanics of the murder investigation and Capote's work process, it's the character of the man, and how it's affected, that is really revealed to the viewer (in a subtler way than my blatant highlighting of it here would suggest).
62) Ocean's Twelve (2004, Steven Soderbergh, DVD) 3/5
This all-star sequel to the 2001 Rat Pack re-make received a thorough slating from critics on release, mainly thanks to its New Wave influences (which are only clear if you're familiar with said cinematic trend), grittier approach (it's less shiny-glossy more grainy-film-stock -- hardly Bourne-compared-to-Bond gritty) and the feeling that the cast are having more fun than the audience (this one I'll allow). Aside from a few steps too far in the final act (such as Julia Roberts playing Tess playing Julia Roberts (funnier if it hadn't been so specified) and the frankly irritating twist denouement) it's still a pretty enjoyable film. But it's true that the first is better.
63) Monster (2003, Patty Jenkins, TV) 4/5
Charlize Theron uglies up (and wins an Oscar) portraying Aileen Wuornos, one of America's first female serial killers, in this 'true crime' biopic. The film focuses on her 9-month relationship with Selby, played by Christina Ricci, which is also the period in which she killed several men (many of them, especially initially, not undeserving of their fate). Theron gives a truly transformative performance that, with the obvious aid of the script, helps you understand Aileen, her actions and her motivations, and reveals a lot about her character without resorting to tacky flashbacks or unwieldy info-dumps.
64) Ringers: Lord of the Fans (2005, Carlene Cordova, DVD) 3/5
Made by the people behind the large Lord of the Rings fansite TheOneRing.net, you'd expect this documentary to focus itself on Lord of the Rings fandom. To a degree it does, but it also encompasses a history of the books and their popularity, as well as various thematic issues contained within them, and also takes in the various adaptations (though, criminally, doesn't even mention the BBC radio version). It's a bit unfocussed, sometimes coming across as a selection of featurettes strung together with occasionally random linking interviews. There's stuff of interest in here, but certainly not to everyone -- only fans need apply.
65) The Woodsman (2004, Nicole Kassell, DVD) 4/5
Kevin Bacon stars in this compelling drama. If anyone saw Channel 4's recent Secret Life, this treads very similar ground -- recently released paedophile struggles to fit back into the world and avoid recommitting former crimes. But whereas C4's drama was issue-driven this is character-based; it doesn't necessarily make it better, but it does make it different. Bacon manages the tricky task of eliciting sympathy and understanding as the paedophile (though perhaps not as much as Matthew Macfadyen did). A relatively intelligent look at what is usually a mindlessly treated subject.
Monday, 16 July 2007
Wednesday, 4 July 2007
Weeks 24-26
Introduction
In case you've forgotten, and can't work it out from the title, I'm trying to see at least 100 films that I've never seen before by the end of 2007. That's an average of eight per month, donchaknow; or two per week. I'm well on target.
And, I'm halfway through! For anyone who can't remember how many weeks there are in a year... well, there's 52; and half of 52 is 26; and the week of June 25th is week 26 of 2007, meaning that July 1st is just about halfway through the year (though, to be precise, there's actually 52 weeks and one day in a year... well, actually, 52 weeks, one day and a quarter day... anyway...)
I passed the numerical halfway point (i.e. 50 films) way back in week 19 -- clearly I've not been doing as well in the past 7 weeks! At all. Oh dear oh dear...
Weeks Twenty-Four to Twenty-Six
Exams may be long over and holidays may be on, but combine the odd bits of good TV filling days and evenings with a commitment to completing Script Frenzy and you wind up seeing less films than you might expect. A lot less, as it turns out -- just three in three whole weeks! Still, I'm currently well on track to pass 100 by the end of the year anyway. Shiny.
And as has become standard practice, I'll handily remind you that this entry is covering films seen between 11th June and 1st July.
58) Sense and Sensibility (1995, Ang Lee, DVD) 4/5
A host of familiar British faces turn up in this Oscar-winning adaptation of the Austen-novel-with-the-name-like-Pride-and-Prejudice-only-not. Fans of any of the following will love this film: Jane Austen, costume drama in general, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Hugh Grant, Kate Winslet. For the rest of us, there's still lots of enjoyment to be had. Austen's plots may be virtually identical and you might be able to spy the endings almost from the start, but there's fun to be had getting there. Hugh Laurie's small supporting role is particularly worthy of mention.
59) Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007, Gore Verbinski, cinema) 3/5
Curse of the Black Pearl was a surprisingly great film. Dead Man's Chest was a lacking attempt to recapture that glory. At World's End is the worst subtitle of all three, but mixed in quality. The first half hour is great fun, but then it gets weird, adds in hefty doses of over-complex plotting, and drags along fairly slowly until it finds an exciting climax a little late on. It's not all bad -- beautiful to look at, with some of the most impressive CGI ever, and there're some good action scenes. In the end it's the attempts to drag what was an entertaining fantasy action film to the mythological levels of Lord of the Rings that has made both sequels inferior to the first offering.
60) Kramer vs. Kramer (1979, Robert Benton, TV) 5/5
The acting is what shines in this multiple-Oscar-winning custody drama. Troubled wife Meryl Streep leaves husband Dustin Hoffman within the first five or so minutes (today she probably wouldn't leave til the end of the first act) and suddenly busy, work-driven daddy has to look after their young son all on his lonesome. I personally didn't find the later courtroom scenes quite as edge-of-your-seat intense as some have, but you can't fault the abilities of the actors. Perhaps particularly noteworthy is the kid, played by Justin Henry, though clearly it wasn't good enough to launch a decent career for him!
In case you've forgotten, and can't work it out from the title, I'm trying to see at least 100 films that I've never seen before by the end of 2007. That's an average of eight per month, donchaknow; or two per week. I'm well on target.
And, I'm halfway through! For anyone who can't remember how many weeks there are in a year... well, there's 52; and half of 52 is 26; and the week of June 25th is week 26 of 2007, meaning that July 1st is just about halfway through the year (though, to be precise, there's actually 52 weeks and one day in a year... well, actually, 52 weeks, one day and a quarter day... anyway...)
I passed the numerical halfway point (i.e. 50 films) way back in week 19 -- clearly I've not been doing as well in the past 7 weeks! At all. Oh dear oh dear...
Weeks Twenty-Four to Twenty-Six
Exams may be long over and holidays may be on, but combine the odd bits of good TV filling days and evenings with a commitment to completing Script Frenzy and you wind up seeing less films than you might expect. A lot less, as it turns out -- just three in three whole weeks! Still, I'm currently well on track to pass 100 by the end of the year anyway. Shiny.
And as has become standard practice, I'll handily remind you that this entry is covering films seen between 11th June and 1st July.
58) Sense and Sensibility (1995, Ang Lee, DVD) 4/5
A host of familiar British faces turn up in this Oscar-winning adaptation of the Austen-novel-with-the-name-like-Pride-and-Prejudice-only-not. Fans of any of the following will love this film: Jane Austen, costume drama in general, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Hugh Grant, Kate Winslet. For the rest of us, there's still lots of enjoyment to be had. Austen's plots may be virtually identical and you might be able to spy the endings almost from the start, but there's fun to be had getting there. Hugh Laurie's small supporting role is particularly worthy of mention.
59) Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007, Gore Verbinski, cinema) 3/5
Curse of the Black Pearl was a surprisingly great film. Dead Man's Chest was a lacking attempt to recapture that glory. At World's End is the worst subtitle of all three, but mixed in quality. The first half hour is great fun, but then it gets weird, adds in hefty doses of over-complex plotting, and drags along fairly slowly until it finds an exciting climax a little late on. It's not all bad -- beautiful to look at, with some of the most impressive CGI ever, and there're some good action scenes. In the end it's the attempts to drag what was an entertaining fantasy action film to the mythological levels of Lord of the Rings that has made both sequels inferior to the first offering.
60) Kramer vs. Kramer (1979, Robert Benton, TV) 5/5
The acting is what shines in this multiple-Oscar-winning custody drama. Troubled wife Meryl Streep leaves husband Dustin Hoffman within the first five or so minutes (today she probably wouldn't leave til the end of the first act) and suddenly busy, work-driven daddy has to look after their young son all on his lonesome. I personally didn't find the later courtroom scenes quite as edge-of-your-seat intense as some have, but you can't fault the abilities of the actors. Perhaps particularly noteworthy is the kid, played by Justin Henry, though clearly it wasn't good enough to launch a decent career for him!
Monday, 11 June 2007
Weeks 21-23
Introduction
This time I do see Spider-Man 3! But not Zodiac, mainly because I can't be bothered and I'm quite happy to catch it on DVD. Plus, Pirates 3 is long out now, and if you think I'm going to be foolish enough to brave the cinema to see a film of that popularity in its opening week when that week is also half term then you've got another thing coming! This period is also affected by exams and the beginning of Script Frenzy.
Talking of exams, I had my film exam on May 30th, which should in theory have meant a glut of films from the course or related to the course just before that. Well, there's Chinatown... and there would've been Only You but the sound wouldn't play... on my Mac anyway... and how about Die Hard and Once Upon a Time in the West (seen them before)... or connected films such as The Conversation, Dog Day Afternoon, Easy Rider, The French Connection, The Godfather, Jurassic Park, Predator, Dirty Dancing, The Fifth Element, Raging Bull, Taxi Driver, Star Wars or Once Upon a Time in America? Well, I can tell you for nothing that I've seen some of them before. As for the others... you'll just have to see... or not...
Actually, this entry has wound up covering a longer than I initially thought (though not as long as it nearly did). Mainly cos it turned out I didn't (and haven't) watched many films since those pesky exams finished. I'm not sure why, to be honest.
Weeks Twenty-One to Twenty-Four
Films films films, and more films. I'm slowly making my way past the halfway mark in numbers, and slowly heading towards it in time. This period covers the three weeks from May 21st to June 10th.
53) West Side Story (1961, Robert Wise & Jerome Robbins, DVD) 4/5
"Everything's free in America," goes the famous line; but this film is probably more accurately summed up in its following line: "For a small fee in America". For, surprisingly, underneath the song and dance numbers (some impressive, some embarrassing), the Shakespearian romance story, and the vibrant and beautiful cinematography, beats the heart of a gritty, political, social drama about gangs, racism, immigration, and more -- issues that seem as pertinent today as ever. It's a brilliant film, which falls short of full marks only thanks to some of those weaker song & dance bits (and I might be being a tad unfair there).
54) Spider-Man 3 (2007, Sam Raimi, cinema) 3/5
Spider-Man 3 carries the distinct air of a group of people trying to recapture former glories, and the fun they had achieving them, and failing on both counts. There are hints at the things that made the first two (especially the second) movies so good, but they're relatively poorly executed. The pacing is shot to shreds, scenes and plot points need rearranging, the villains are less engaging, Venom is shockingly underused, the climax virtually comes out of the blue, and emo-Parker is just plain embarrassing (at first people at least laughed at him in the street, but then there's the jazz club sequence...) I also spend much of it wondering where most of the massive budget had gone. Yes, there's the odd action sequence (often with not-that-impressive CGI, it must be said), but much of the film focusses on the 'human drama' side of things, much more so than the first two (which were relatively heavy on it for summer movies) and with much less effect. It's only really in the finale that the budget shows, as if they saved it all up to pour out then. I've wittered on again, in a way I haven't since Hidden, and all with complaints... but here's why: the Spider-Man movies were great and, while this one has a relatively ambiguous ending in some respects, this is in so many ways clearly designed as a trilogy-ender. And it disappoints; and it disappoints in the worst possible way, because there are some great germs of ideas here... it just feels like they've filmed the second draft instead of letting it be fully polished. It's a huge shame.
55) Chinatown (1974, Roman Polanski, download) 5/5
Polanski's post-noir thriller follows J.J. Gittes, a private eye who begins investigating another cheating husband case but ends up drawn into a conspiracy that he can't hope to beat. It's often held up as an example of a perfectly structured screenplay, and the carefully considered reveal of character and plot throughout makes it easy to see why. It's also packed with imagery and subtext for those who want it, but if that's not your thing it still makes for a darn good thriller with a few neat twists.
56) Road to Morocco (1942, David Butler, VHS) 3/5
Gentle, silly humour abound in this comedy, the third in the Road to... series. If you remember those plays that Morecambe & Wise used to do you'll have a fair idea what this feels like, although with a couple of added musical numbers (and pretty good ones at that). It's not 'great cinema' and it won't be to everyone's taste, but it makes for a light, fun way to spend not much more than an hour.
57) It's All Gone Pete Tong (2004, Michael Dowse, DVD) 3/5
If you're into dance music/clubbing/Ibiza/etc, then this film is definitely aimed at you. As for the rest of us normal folk... well, to be honest, it's actually a fair bit better than I was expecting! The main reason I wanted to see it was because I'd heard it had interesting sound design; other than that, I thought a clubbing-based 'comedy' really wasn't for me. Turns out it's not as much of a 'comedy' as I expected, though there are some funny bits (and some mere attempts at funny bits). By the end, there's an odd feeling of having seen something a great deal better than expected, but still with a certain oddness that somehow holds it back.
This time I do see Spider-Man 3! But not Zodiac, mainly because I can't be bothered and I'm quite happy to catch it on DVD. Plus, Pirates 3 is long out now, and if you think I'm going to be foolish enough to brave the cinema to see a film of that popularity in its opening week when that week is also half term then you've got another thing coming! This period is also affected by exams and the beginning of Script Frenzy.
Talking of exams, I had my film exam on May 30th, which should in theory have meant a glut of films from the course or related to the course just before that. Well, there's Chinatown... and there would've been Only You but the sound wouldn't play... on my Mac anyway... and how about Die Hard and Once Upon a Time in the West (seen them before)... or connected films such as The Conversation, Dog Day Afternoon, Easy Rider, The French Connection, The Godfather, Jurassic Park, Predator, Dirty Dancing, The Fifth Element, Raging Bull, Taxi Driver, Star Wars or Once Upon a Time in America? Well, I can tell you for nothing that I've seen some of them before. As for the others... you'll just have to see... or not...
Actually, this entry has wound up covering a longer than I initially thought (though not as long as it nearly did). Mainly cos it turned out I didn't (and haven't) watched many films since those pesky exams finished. I'm not sure why, to be honest.
Weeks Twenty-One to Twenty-Four
Films films films, and more films. I'm slowly making my way past the halfway mark in numbers, and slowly heading towards it in time. This period covers the three weeks from May 21st to June 10th.
53) West Side Story (1961, Robert Wise & Jerome Robbins, DVD) 4/5
"Everything's free in America," goes the famous line; but this film is probably more accurately summed up in its following line: "For a small fee in America". For, surprisingly, underneath the song and dance numbers (some impressive, some embarrassing), the Shakespearian romance story, and the vibrant and beautiful cinematography, beats the heart of a gritty, political, social drama about gangs, racism, immigration, and more -- issues that seem as pertinent today as ever. It's a brilliant film, which falls short of full marks only thanks to some of those weaker song & dance bits (and I might be being a tad unfair there).
54) Spider-Man 3 (2007, Sam Raimi, cinema) 3/5
Spider-Man 3 carries the distinct air of a group of people trying to recapture former glories, and the fun they had achieving them, and failing on both counts. There are hints at the things that made the first two (especially the second) movies so good, but they're relatively poorly executed. The pacing is shot to shreds, scenes and plot points need rearranging, the villains are less engaging, Venom is shockingly underused, the climax virtually comes out of the blue, and emo-Parker is just plain embarrassing (at first people at least laughed at him in the street, but then there's the jazz club sequence...) I also spend much of it wondering where most of the massive budget had gone. Yes, there's the odd action sequence (often with not-that-impressive CGI, it must be said), but much of the film focusses on the 'human drama' side of things, much more so than the first two (which were relatively heavy on it for summer movies) and with much less effect. It's only really in the finale that the budget shows, as if they saved it all up to pour out then. I've wittered on again, in a way I haven't since Hidden, and all with complaints... but here's why: the Spider-Man movies were great and, while this one has a relatively ambiguous ending in some respects, this is in so many ways clearly designed as a trilogy-ender. And it disappoints; and it disappoints in the worst possible way, because there are some great germs of ideas here... it just feels like they've filmed the second draft instead of letting it be fully polished. It's a huge shame.
55) Chinatown (1974, Roman Polanski, download) 5/5
Polanski's post-noir thriller follows J.J. Gittes, a private eye who begins investigating another cheating husband case but ends up drawn into a conspiracy that he can't hope to beat. It's often held up as an example of a perfectly structured screenplay, and the carefully considered reveal of character and plot throughout makes it easy to see why. It's also packed with imagery and subtext for those who want it, but if that's not your thing it still makes for a darn good thriller with a few neat twists.
56) Road to Morocco (1942, David Butler, VHS) 3/5
Gentle, silly humour abound in this comedy, the third in the Road to... series. If you remember those plays that Morecambe & Wise used to do you'll have a fair idea what this feels like, although with a couple of added musical numbers (and pretty good ones at that). It's not 'great cinema' and it won't be to everyone's taste, but it makes for a light, fun way to spend not much more than an hour.
57) It's All Gone Pete Tong (2004, Michael Dowse, DVD) 3/5
If you're into dance music/clubbing/Ibiza/etc, then this film is definitely aimed at you. As for the rest of us normal folk... well, to be honest, it's actually a fair bit better than I was expecting! The main reason I wanted to see it was because I'd heard it had interesting sound design; other than that, I thought a clubbing-based 'comedy' really wasn't for me. Turns out it's not as much of a 'comedy' as I expected, though there are some funny bits (and some mere attempts at funny bits). By the end, there's an odd feeling of having seen something a great deal better than expected, but still with a certain oddness that somehow holds it back.
Monday, 21 May 2007
Weeks 19-20
Introduction
In which I don't see Spider-Man 3, because I don't care enough to brave the huge opening weekend crowds (and it's not meant to be very good anyway). Just one in a list of films I've missed at the cinema this year anyway (300, Sunshine, The Fountain, The Illusionist, Ghost Rider, Shooter, TMNT...), though I do intend to see it there soon. And Zodiac's out now too! And Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End is surprisingly close! And...
Oh, summer. How you sequelise us. Now there's a new word for you.
Also this month, I watch some stuff via free downloads -- legal ones too! Check out LOVEFiLM for those, including proper features such as Super Size Me and The Cooler (as well as many more... if you pay). I'll mention which they are, with a link, as we progress. I'm not getting commission from clicks, by the way. Maybe I ought to be...
Weeks Nineteen and Twenty
In which I come up with a way of listing Extended-Cuts-That-Aren't-Much-Different without adversely affecting my numbering system. (And have retrospectively applied it to Crash and all since.)
I also begin to use the same system to list short films that I watch.
As usual, before we embark on the reviews, I shall inform you that this period covers the middle of May, from the 7th to the 20th.
49) March of the Penguins (2005, Luc Jacquet, DVD) 4/5
One of the most surprising hits at the box office in 2005, as you're probably aware this is a documentary about penguins. Specifically, it's about their mating cycle -- there's little information outside of that. It does manage to touch on the sex, death and violence inherent in most nature things though, albeit in a family-friendly U-rated kind of way. In fact, it's a film very much about the story of the mating cycle, rather than about information-giving. Along with beautiful shots of Antarctica and cute shots of baby penguins, I suspect this is why it was more of a hit than a straight-up informative documentary would have been.
49a) Spider-Man 2.1 (2004/2007, Sam Raimi, DVD) 5/5
Shortly before the release of the new threequel, Spider-Man 2 returns to DVD in this newly extended form. What's there? Not much. There are bits so little you'll think "I don't remember that bit" (and it may just be a bit you've forgotten); there's a new scene with MJ that's OK but not mind-blowing; some added bits to fights; and an alternate version of The Lift Scene that is funny and (very) notably different, but just not as good as the original. It's still a 5-star film because it doesn't ruin the original -- but it's not at all essential. The DVD has new extras, mind, so if that's your thing (like me) it may be worth it.
50) Ray (2004, Taylor Hackford, TV) 4/5
It's easy to see why Walk the Line has been described as "Ray with white people"; but Ray has also been described as being an outstanding performance in an average film, and I'd pretty much agree with this too. Jamie Foxx is indeed an amazingly accurate Ray Charles (based on the little I know of the man, anyway) and deserving of his Oscar. It would be unfair to say such a performance is wasted in this film, but it is true that no other element is quite up to the same level. While Ray is good, I personally thought Walk the Line was a better film.
51) Over the Hedge (2006, Tim Johnson & Karey Kirkpatrick, DVD) 3/5
CGI movies are far too common these days, meaning that the quality is dropping (demonstrated by the fact that the number produced has increased massively but the number of Oscar nominations in that category has remained at three). Over the Hedge is certainly derivative -- its character arc is almost directly lifted from Toy Story, for example -- but it is beautifully animated and does have some laugh-worthy moments, even if they are almost entirely in the last half hour. There are better examples of the genre, but it passes the time entertainingly enough. (Stay with it til the end of the credits for a little bit more, although if you bother you may agree with Hammy's assessment of things.)
52) Hello, Dolly! (1969, Gene Kelly, DVD) 3/5
Comedians Walter Matthau and Michael Crawford (yes, Frank Spencer!) star alongside Barbra Streisand in this comedy musical directed by Gene Kelly (yes, the star of many a musical himself!) which flopped at the box office but did well at the Oscars, and has gained in popularity since. The best bits are the very impressive dancing waiters at Harmonia Gardens, although some of the more amusing songs are worth seeing. It's this tongue-in-cheek, sometimes-silly tone that stops it seeming too dated, although other elements of its style (and the running time) don't help. Surely a must-see for musical fans, though others may not be as engaged.
52a) The End (2002, Tim Clayton & Rob Crowther, download) 2/5
A very brief film with a slightly silly, slightly amusing idea at its core. It doesn't outstay its welcome, but it does lose something in that you can see the end coming almost from the start. Currently available for free at LOVEFiLM.
52b) Bus Stop (2004, Matt Abbiss, download) 2/5
An animated, somewhat bizarre short about two people waiting at a bus stop. Done in a very simple style with sparse sound, but it's competently executed and often effective. It has some amusing moments. Not bad, but mainly for people who like this kind of thing anyway. Currently available for free at LOVEFiLM.
52c) Park (2005, Andy Pearson, download) 3/5
"Some humans in a park act like dogs" is essentially the premise of this film. It's a decent enough concept for a short really, and is well executed with some nice little moments. Prettily shot in the Autumn, too. Currently available for free at LOVEFiLM.
52d) Nine 1/2 Minutes (2002, Josh Appignanesi & Misha Manson-Smith, download) 4/5
David Tennant (yes, David Tennant!) and Zoe Telford (she's been in a variety of TV stuff) star in this comedic short about two people on an uncomfortable blind date that lasts just about as long as you might suspect. Genuinely funny for the most part, and easily the most professionally executed of these four shorts, but it does have a somewhat confounding conclusion. Currently available for free at LOVEFiLM.
In which I don't see Spider-Man 3, because I don't care enough to brave the huge opening weekend crowds (and it's not meant to be very good anyway). Just one in a list of films I've missed at the cinema this year anyway (300, Sunshine, The Fountain, The Illusionist, Ghost Rider, Shooter, TMNT...), though I do intend to see it there soon. And Zodiac's out now too! And Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End is surprisingly close! And...
Oh, summer. How you sequelise us. Now there's a new word for you.
Also this month, I watch some stuff via free downloads -- legal ones too! Check out LOVEFiLM for those, including proper features such as Super Size Me and The Cooler (as well as many more... if you pay). I'll mention which they are, with a link, as we progress. I'm not getting commission from clicks, by the way. Maybe I ought to be...
Weeks Nineteen and Twenty
In which I come up with a way of listing Extended-Cuts-That-Aren't-Much-Different without adversely affecting my numbering system. (And have retrospectively applied it to Crash and all since.)
I also begin to use the same system to list short films that I watch.
As usual, before we embark on the reviews, I shall inform you that this period covers the middle of May, from the 7th to the 20th.
49) March of the Penguins (2005, Luc Jacquet, DVD) 4/5
One of the most surprising hits at the box office in 2005, as you're probably aware this is a documentary about penguins. Specifically, it's about their mating cycle -- there's little information outside of that. It does manage to touch on the sex, death and violence inherent in most nature things though, albeit in a family-friendly U-rated kind of way. In fact, it's a film very much about the story of the mating cycle, rather than about information-giving. Along with beautiful shots of Antarctica and cute shots of baby penguins, I suspect this is why it was more of a hit than a straight-up informative documentary would have been.
49a) Spider-Man 2.1 (2004/2007, Sam Raimi, DVD) 5/5
Shortly before the release of the new threequel, Spider-Man 2 returns to DVD in this newly extended form. What's there? Not much. There are bits so little you'll think "I don't remember that bit" (and it may just be a bit you've forgotten); there's a new scene with MJ that's OK but not mind-blowing; some added bits to fights; and an alternate version of The Lift Scene that is funny and (very) notably different, but just not as good as the original. It's still a 5-star film because it doesn't ruin the original -- but it's not at all essential. The DVD has new extras, mind, so if that's your thing (like me) it may be worth it.
50) Ray (2004, Taylor Hackford, TV) 4/5
It's easy to see why Walk the Line has been described as "Ray with white people"; but Ray has also been described as being an outstanding performance in an average film, and I'd pretty much agree with this too. Jamie Foxx is indeed an amazingly accurate Ray Charles (based on the little I know of the man, anyway) and deserving of his Oscar. It would be unfair to say such a performance is wasted in this film, but it is true that no other element is quite up to the same level. While Ray is good, I personally thought Walk the Line was a better film.
51) Over the Hedge (2006, Tim Johnson & Karey Kirkpatrick, DVD) 3/5
CGI movies are far too common these days, meaning that the quality is dropping (demonstrated by the fact that the number produced has increased massively but the number of Oscar nominations in that category has remained at three). Over the Hedge is certainly derivative -- its character arc is almost directly lifted from Toy Story, for example -- but it is beautifully animated and does have some laugh-worthy moments, even if they are almost entirely in the last half hour. There are better examples of the genre, but it passes the time entertainingly enough. (Stay with it til the end of the credits for a little bit more, although if you bother you may agree with Hammy's assessment of things.)
52) Hello, Dolly! (1969, Gene Kelly, DVD) 3/5
Comedians Walter Matthau and Michael Crawford (yes, Frank Spencer!) star alongside Barbra Streisand in this comedy musical directed by Gene Kelly (yes, the star of many a musical himself!) which flopped at the box office but did well at the Oscars, and has gained in popularity since. The best bits are the very impressive dancing waiters at Harmonia Gardens, although some of the more amusing songs are worth seeing. It's this tongue-in-cheek, sometimes-silly tone that stops it seeming too dated, although other elements of its style (and the running time) don't help. Surely a must-see for musical fans, though others may not be as engaged.
52a) The End (2002, Tim Clayton & Rob Crowther, download) 2/5
A very brief film with a slightly silly, slightly amusing idea at its core. It doesn't outstay its welcome, but it does lose something in that you can see the end coming almost from the start. Currently available for free at LOVEFiLM.
52b) Bus Stop (2004, Matt Abbiss, download) 2/5
An animated, somewhat bizarre short about two people waiting at a bus stop. Done in a very simple style with sparse sound, but it's competently executed and often effective. It has some amusing moments. Not bad, but mainly for people who like this kind of thing anyway. Currently available for free at LOVEFiLM.
52c) Park (2005, Andy Pearson, download) 3/5
"Some humans in a park act like dogs" is essentially the premise of this film. It's a decent enough concept for a short really, and is well executed with some nice little moments. Prettily shot in the Autumn, too. Currently available for free at LOVEFiLM.
52d) Nine 1/2 Minutes (2002, Josh Appignanesi & Misha Manson-Smith, download) 4/5
David Tennant (yes, David Tennant!) and Zoe Telford (she's been in a variety of TV stuff) star in this comedic short about two people on an uncomfortable blind date that lasts just about as long as you might suspect. Genuinely funny for the most part, and easily the most professionally executed of these four shorts, but it does have a somewhat confounding conclusion. Currently available for free at LOVEFiLM.
Tuesday, 8 May 2007
Weeks 15-18
Introduction
After a glut of movies during the middle of the holiday things have slowed down a tad again. I say "a tad" -- you can see how much by the sheer volume of weeks included in this entry and the relatively sparse number of films! (To be technical, the average-films-per-week in this entry is 1.75, compared to 2.72 overall and 6 (yes, 6!) last time.)
Nonetheless, things are progressing, and overall I'm still on track to make it well past the 100 mark. That's from the overall average mind, not from the one for this period. From that I'll make it to about 90. Maybe I should worry... except that summer movie season is on the way! Plenty of new films there. Plus all the ones I've recently missed out on DVD.
Well, that sure is shiny.
Weeks Fifteen to Eighteen
In which I break my self-imposed rule about the length of reviews to witter on about Hidden for double the time. I also didn't watch a single new film in week sixteen (Three Colours Red fell right at the end of week fifteen, Hidden a little way into week seventeen!) And I've nearly hit the halfway point, a third of the way through the year. Oh my!
For anyone who may be trying to keep track, this period covers nearly all of April -- from the 9th to the 30th, in fact -- plus pretty much the first week of May (up to the 6th). That's basically a month. Well well well...
42) Three Colours Red (1994, Krzysztof Kieslowski, DVD) 5/5
The final film in the trilogy takes on the theme of fraternité/brotherhood, in a relatively obvious way: Irene Jacob befriends a lonesome old man who spies on his neighbour's telephone calls. There's much more to it than that, all on broadly the same theme, but I'm sure to say too much would be to ruin what is an excellent film. Best of all, in my mind, is the intriguing and oddly satisfying conclusion to the trilogy as a whole. I'm sure it's not for everyone, but I still recommend it.
43) Hidden (2005, Michael Haneke, DVD) 4/5
Empire's 15th best film of 2006 is very European. How so, you may ask. Well, firstly, it is French (and its original title is Caché, by the by); but it certainly feels it: it takes a very good concept/plot for a thriller and then stretches it out a little thin, with a notably slow pace, and a concentration on the dramatic impact on characters rather than plot movements. Not necessarily bad things, and it walks a fine line somewhere between them working and them failing (that is to say, it's not wholly successful). There's an irritating apparent lack of resolution, though reading one theory in an online review has suggested maybe I missed (or misinterpreted) it. The performances also deserve mention -- as with everything else they teeter between excellent (mostly) and a bit unbelievable (see: the rather muted 'arguments', or the unusual order of reactions to the son going missing). Some also might argue the direction is flat, with many long shots and relatively few cuts. You could argue this reflects the theme/plot, but on the other hand it is somewhat symptomatic of some areas of European cinema.
44) Casanova (2005, Lasse Hallstrom, DVD) 2/5
As expected, this film pales in comparison to the Russell T Davies-scripted, David Tennant-starring BBC production from the same year. Where that version is witty, clever, entertaining and actually does something with the characters, this film is silly, predictable and only occasionally graced with an amusing moment. Heath Ledger isn't in the same league as Tennant as Casanova-in-his-prime, and obviously few could compare to Peter O'Toole as old Casanova (in the BBC one, that is). Basically: avoid this, but be sure to see the BBC one.
45) Garden State (2004, Zach Braff, DVD) 4/5
Zach Braff of Scrubs fame writes, directs and stars in this coming-of-age-style comedy-drama, his first feature as writer and director. While it's not devoid of predictable elements there are some good scenes and performances along the way, as well as a few laughs (only a handful of them in any way marred by the trailer). It's probably the directing that really stands out, so it'll be interesting to see what his next film (2008's Open Hearts) is like.
46) Breathless (1960, Jean-Luc Godard, download) 4/5
Or A Bout de Souffle, Godard's first and most famous film; part of the beginning of the Nouvelle Vague, a French movement defining a particular youth culture at the time. OK, loose history lesson over. This is definitely what most people would call an 'arthouse' film, though is decidedly less so than the one other Godard film I've seen (1959's Vivre Sa Vie, which goes by various translated titles); this might be down to it drawing inspiration from American movies, most obviously those starring Humphrey Bogart. Undoubtedly not for everyone, but an obvious must for anyone with an interest in art / international cinema.
47) Bonnie and Clyde (1967, Arthur Penn, download) 4/5
"You've heard the story of Jesse James, of how he lived and died; If you're still in need of something to read, here's the story of Bonnie and Clyde". Bonnie and Clyde is a significant film for several reasons, but I'm not going to give another film history lesson! It brings together several well-executed elements to create a compelling whole -- good performances, showcased in at least one key scene for every actor; merging Hollywood feature and New Wave influences; themes of media influence, Robin Hood-esque antiheroism, what family is, and no doubt several more; plus a few exciting action sequences just to round things out.
48) Stormbreaker (2006, Geoffrey Sax, DVD) 4/5
An adaptation of the first in Anthony Horowitz's bestselling series of Alex Rider novels. It does a good job of translating the book, aided by an extensive cast of recognisable Brits (and some Yanks) and some entertaining action sequences. It occasionally lets itself down in its choices of which bits to adapt and which to leave out, especially in the third act -- some of the best action sequences are swapped for lesser ones (quad bikes for a horse in central London? Maybe a good idea on paper, but it doesn't work), and the climax isn't as fulfilling as the apparent one that happens just before it. Not a bad effort, especially for kids.
After a glut of movies during the middle of the holiday things have slowed down a tad again. I say "a tad" -- you can see how much by the sheer volume of weeks included in this entry and the relatively sparse number of films! (To be technical, the average-films-per-week in this entry is 1.75, compared to 2.72 overall and 6 (yes, 6!) last time.)
Nonetheless, things are progressing, and overall I'm still on track to make it well past the 100 mark. That's from the overall average mind, not from the one for this period. From that I'll make it to about 90. Maybe I should worry... except that summer movie season is on the way! Plenty of new films there. Plus all the ones I've recently missed out on DVD.
Well, that sure is shiny.
Weeks Fifteen to Eighteen
In which I break my self-imposed rule about the length of reviews to witter on about Hidden for double the time. I also didn't watch a single new film in week sixteen (Three Colours Red fell right at the end of week fifteen, Hidden a little way into week seventeen!) And I've nearly hit the halfway point, a third of the way through the year. Oh my!
For anyone who may be trying to keep track, this period covers nearly all of April -- from the 9th to the 30th, in fact -- plus pretty much the first week of May (up to the 6th). That's basically a month. Well well well...
42) Three Colours Red (1994, Krzysztof Kieslowski, DVD) 5/5
The final film in the trilogy takes on the theme of fraternité/brotherhood, in a relatively obvious way: Irene Jacob befriends a lonesome old man who spies on his neighbour's telephone calls. There's much more to it than that, all on broadly the same theme, but I'm sure to say too much would be to ruin what is an excellent film. Best of all, in my mind, is the intriguing and oddly satisfying conclusion to the trilogy as a whole. I'm sure it's not for everyone, but I still recommend it.
43) Hidden (2005, Michael Haneke, DVD) 4/5
Empire's 15th best film of 2006 is very European. How so, you may ask. Well, firstly, it is French (and its original title is Caché, by the by); but it certainly feels it: it takes a very good concept/plot for a thriller and then stretches it out a little thin, with a notably slow pace, and a concentration on the dramatic impact on characters rather than plot movements. Not necessarily bad things, and it walks a fine line somewhere between them working and them failing (that is to say, it's not wholly successful). There's an irritating apparent lack of resolution, though reading one theory in an online review has suggested maybe I missed (or misinterpreted) it. The performances also deserve mention -- as with everything else they teeter between excellent (mostly) and a bit unbelievable (see: the rather muted 'arguments', or the unusual order of reactions to the son going missing). Some also might argue the direction is flat, with many long shots and relatively few cuts. You could argue this reflects the theme/plot, but on the other hand it is somewhat symptomatic of some areas of European cinema.
44) Casanova (2005, Lasse Hallstrom, DVD) 2/5
As expected, this film pales in comparison to the Russell T Davies-scripted, David Tennant-starring BBC production from the same year. Where that version is witty, clever, entertaining and actually does something with the characters, this film is silly, predictable and only occasionally graced with an amusing moment. Heath Ledger isn't in the same league as Tennant as Casanova-in-his-prime, and obviously few could compare to Peter O'Toole as old Casanova (in the BBC one, that is). Basically: avoid this, but be sure to see the BBC one.
45) Garden State (2004, Zach Braff, DVD) 4/5
Zach Braff of Scrubs fame writes, directs and stars in this coming-of-age-style comedy-drama, his first feature as writer and director. While it's not devoid of predictable elements there are some good scenes and performances along the way, as well as a few laughs (only a handful of them in any way marred by the trailer). It's probably the directing that really stands out, so it'll be interesting to see what his next film (2008's Open Hearts) is like.
46) Breathless (1960, Jean-Luc Godard, download) 4/5
Or A Bout de Souffle, Godard's first and most famous film; part of the beginning of the Nouvelle Vague, a French movement defining a particular youth culture at the time. OK, loose history lesson over. This is definitely what most people would call an 'arthouse' film, though is decidedly less so than the one other Godard film I've seen (1959's Vivre Sa Vie, which goes by various translated titles); this might be down to it drawing inspiration from American movies, most obviously those starring Humphrey Bogart. Undoubtedly not for everyone, but an obvious must for anyone with an interest in art / international cinema.
47) Bonnie and Clyde (1967, Arthur Penn, download) 4/5
"You've heard the story of Jesse James, of how he lived and died; If you're still in need of something to read, here's the story of Bonnie and Clyde". Bonnie and Clyde is a significant film for several reasons, but I'm not going to give another film history lesson! It brings together several well-executed elements to create a compelling whole -- good performances, showcased in at least one key scene for every actor; merging Hollywood feature and New Wave influences; themes of media influence, Robin Hood-esque antiheroism, what family is, and no doubt several more; plus a few exciting action sequences just to round things out.
48) Stormbreaker (2006, Geoffrey Sax, DVD) 4/5
An adaptation of the first in Anthony Horowitz's bestselling series of Alex Rider novels. It does a good job of translating the book, aided by an extensive cast of recognisable Brits (and some Yanks) and some entertaining action sequences. It occasionally lets itself down in its choices of which bits to adapt and which to leave out, especially in the third act -- some of the best action sequences are swapped for lesser ones (quad bikes for a horse in central London? Maybe a good idea on paper, but it doesn't work), and the climax isn't as fulfilling as the apparent one that happens just before it. Not a bad effort, especially for kids.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)