269 replies to this topic

[Captain Scumbag]

50 First Dates (2004)

Starring: Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore and Rob Schneider
Genre: Romantic comedy

The plot?

It's essentially a love story in which two people are stuck in the same day. Lucy (Drew Barrymore) suffers from a mental condition that prohibits her for retaining memories for more than 24 hours. In love with her and undeterred Henry (Sandler) decides that he'll simply woo her day after day, knowing she'll never remember him in the morning. Sort of like 'Groundhog Day' meets Memento, meets 'The Wedding Singer.'

Any good?

A mixed bag. I will start with the good stuff.

First, I would say that the character Sandler plays in this movie is perhaps the least annoying he has ever played. Rather than trade on the 'obnoxious man-child' shtick that made him so successful, he plays this one reasonably straight. It's not a great performance (he still equates whispering with profundity) but definitely less annoying than something like 'Billy Madison' or 'Little Nicky', and that's good.

Drew Barrymore is also well cast here. I don't think she's a particularly great actress but she works well in this sort of role - i.e ones which requires her to do little more than play a slightly clueless girl with decent tits. Her and Sandler do have a certain chemisty; chemistry that relies on both sharring a sense of stupidty, perhaps, but chemistry nonetheless. Every romantic comedy needs this.

So what went wrong?

The problem here is that the filmmakers seem unsure what to do with the material. The premise is a little derivative, maybe, but it's an interesting one that could be used in a number of different ways. The Farrely's, for example, would use this premise for crude humour. Woody Allen would play it for tragicomedy. Most directors would just play it as a fluffy rom-com. Any of these approaches would have been fine with me but it goes for a mish-mash of all three and ends up messy and confused.

There are scenes that belong in your typical date movie, others that belong in a bittersweet drama and a few that involve Rob Schneider and a barfing walrus. I doubt anyone could meld all these into a cohesive film. This unevenness is most jarring in the ending. I won't spoil it for others but suffice to say that the movie ends on a 'solution' that, though clearly intended to be sweet and romantic, actually struck me as a little cruel and selfish.

Overall

With tighter focus and an a great consistency of tone this would have been pretty good but, as it is, I can't really recommend it.

5/10

[LeedsSalute]

Hotel Rwanda (2004)

Genre:Drama

The plot?

A true story of Paul Rusesabagina, A hotel manager nicknamed "The Rwandan Schindler" who housed over a thousand Tutsis refugees during their struggle against the Hutu militia in Rwanda.

Any good?

Not knowing much about the story it explained in detail the war from what really happened and how the world stood back unoticed. It involved politics, culture, family, religion, race, and many other questions of ethics.

An Incredible performance by Don Cheadle (Oceans 11) which made you stand back and admire how to play a role.

Overall, Hotel Rwanda is a truly moving, stunning and inspirational masterpiece.

Rating 9/10 (A must see)

[watty]

Mission Impossible 3

I wouldn't recommend this. I saw this two days ago, and I am having trouble remembering what the plot line was. It was bland and boring. The only good bits was seeing things burst up in flame - the special effects were good - there wasn't anything else really commendable.
The only bit I understood was the opening 30 minutes, where Ethan Hunt [Cruise] is enjoying a normal life, and is then given what seems to be a simple task. This simple task takes the best part of 2 hours.

Unless you fancy the pants off Cruisey, avoid this.

3/10

[Doddie]

Curious George

First things first
1) i am not gay
2) i am 3 years old

ok? good

Right dont really know how i got talked into watching this...but i did and enjoyed it too(i refer you to point 2 before making jokes)

Plot

A museum worker (ted) embarks on a trip to africa to find an idol to save the museum, where he mets a monkey...god this sounds sad....

Any good?

Well theres a question, i quite enjoyed it but i get the feeling most people wont, its fairly childish and doesnt have any of the jokes adults will appreicete(like shrek for example) but still a few bits did amuse me. The animation is very good and i dont believe it was CGI'd which makes it better

Rating

5 and a half out of ten six and a half out of ten(one extra for the soundtrack by Jack Johnson)

the quality of the animation is good and is fairly amusing, but (suprising ) one for the kids....



Ill make myself seem more of a man by reviewing a big scary horror movie next time....

[CymraegJanner]

St Elmo's Fire (1985)
Starring: Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Andrew McCarthy, Demi Moore, Judd Nelson, Ally Sheedy, Mare Winningham
Drama

Starring most of the 80s 'Brat Pack,.........................

As Ive said, I think it appeals to people of a certain age, and I liked it.

7/10

Yeah rock on!!!



Love this film, Mr Scumbag doesnt though, so he sent me his copy. I think everyone can find some sort of relation to the carachters in this.



Thanks for that, by the way Scumbag, gonna go home and watch it again tonight!

[lcfc_durnerz]

The Fast and the Furious - Tokyo Drift

Genre: Action

The plot?

Shaun, a guy from America is sent to Tokyo to live with his Father after crashing his car in a Race, he then gets involved with a group of Racers in Tokyo that have connections to the Yakuza's (Japanese Mafia).

Any good?

After the first film which was brilliant with a superb cast and superb action scenes it was going to be hard to live up to. The second film was not as good at all and was quite predictable. This film however is a breath of fresh air with a new cast and still members of the first film cast popping up here and there adding a twist to it.

The different setting as well adds variation to the action scenes and the cars used are stunning, plus the girls arn't bad either. Top viewing!

Rating 8/10 - A great film but not quite up to the standard of the first.

[bronte33]

The Fast and the Furious - Tokyo Drift

Genre: Action

The plot?

Shaun, a guy from America is sent to Tokyo to live with his Father after crashing his car in a Race, he then gets involved with a group of Racers in Tokyo that have connections to the Yakuza's (Japanese Mafia).

Any good?

After the first film which was brilliant with a superb cast and superb action scenes it was going to be hard to live up to. The second film was not as good at all and was quite predictable. This film however is a breath of fresh air with a new cast and still members of the first film cast popping up here and there adding a twist to it.

The different setting as well adds variation to the action scenes and the cars used are stunning, plus the girls arn't bad either. Top viewing!

Rating 8/10 - A great film but not quite up to the standard of the first.

Oh.

I heard it was a "god-awful pile of shit". But hey, each to their own.

[Renegade]

Oh.

I heard it was a "god-awful pile of shit". But hey, each to their own.

I can confirm that it is a "god-awful pile of shit." The movies released this year, on a whole have been, well......shit.

[BlueSmudge]

Superman II (1980)

Starring: Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, Terence Stamp, Gene Hackman, Sarah Douglas, Jack O'Halloran

Plot:
After saving Paris from a powerful hydrogen bomb, Superman inadvertently releases Krypton outlaws General Zod (Stamp) and his followers Ursa (Douglas) and Non (O'Halloran) from their prison in the Phantom Zone, and they head to Erath to take over. Meanwhile, Lex Luthor (Hackman) has escaped from prison and discovered Superman's Fortress of Solitude, and intends to find the Kryptonians and use Superman as a bargaining tool to get what he wants, and keep himself alive.

All this is unknown to Clark Kent (Reeve) but after Lois (Kidder) discovers who he really is, he offers to give up his Krytponian powers and live with her as a mortal. However, Zod's conquest forces him to reconsider what is more important, his own happiness with Lois, or keeping his powers for the sake of saving the world.

Any good?
Much better than the first one I thought. The first one had to spend time establishing characters and setting the scene, while this one (which was filmed at the same time but released 2 years later) spends five minutes during the opening credits recapping the events of the first film and then flies straight into the story. While the special effects are a bit dated these days, the action is good, some comical moments, and good characterisation from the main actors. Good film I thought, and a big improvement on the first one, which I think had a great start and a great end, but the middle 3rd was a bit slow.

Overall: 8/10

[Beatle]

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Went to my cousin's house and she really wanted to watch this. So we did.

Actors
Jonny Depp, the Gran from the Royle Family and a few other morons.

Plot
I think everybody knows what it's about.

I won't bore you with what it's about. Throughout the film you can't help but constantly compare this film with the original one. They missed out quite a bit of stuff, had characters in it with the children in the factory who weren't in it originally, e.g Mike Tv's dad was with him this time whereas it was with his mum.

Seemed to be more with Wonka and his childhood with these flashbacks. The ending isn't what I expected at all, can't really say I was impressed but funny in little bits and entertaining if you've got young kids etc.

5/10

[pl6pilgrim]

Superman Returns (2006)

Starring: Brandon Routh, Kate Bosworth, Kevin Spacey, James Marsden .....

Plot: Years after disappearing, Superman returns to completely new surroundings. Everything he had left many years ago was now a distant memory. The world was moving on without him and Lois Lane had also moved on, now married with one child.

Lex Luthor is up to his old tricks, and attepmts to finally beat Superman, by growing an island (yes growing) with the use of crystals, and more importantly kryptonite. The use of kryptonite prevents Superman from having any real power on the island.

Superman does however, attempt to destroy the island but its at his own risk as he ends up in hospital. Dead or Alive? You'll have to see that for yourself.

Any good?

To be perfectly honest I was quite disappointed. The film was far too disjointed for my liking, and seemed to drag on for a very long time. Not as good as the older ones, but there is apparently going to definatley be another one, possibly another 2 films in the Superman series, so hopefully they will improve.

I was very surprised to see the film get rave ratings as I thought it was far from a big hit. The action parts in the film IMO were few and far between, and there were times in the film where I simply lost interest.

Overall: 6/10

Edited by pl6pilgrim, 17 July 2006 - 10:02 AM.

[Toyah]

Just My Luck (2006)

Starring: Lindsay Lohan, Chris Pine, McFly.

Plot: Ashley (Lohan) is a PR junior who is really lucky, she gets promoted and is left in charge to organise a party for a big record boss.
At the party she meets a guy (Pine) who is renowed for having bad luck, they share a kiss and he ends up getting her luck.

While Ashley loses her job and gets arrested, he manages to get the band he manages (McFly) signed up to a big record company and they end up playing a sell-out gig in Times Square.

Ashley discovers that he is the guy who stole her luck but decides it's not worth the hassle as she loves him.

Any Good Actually, yes. It's very funny. The black guy who plays the record company boss is hilarious and has some one liners which are funny.
It's not as predictable as I though and McFly were great in it.
The little girl who plays Katie reminded me of Dakota Fanning, good actress.

Overall 7/10
Nice freshing change from movies which take themselves way too seriously.

[bronte33]

You gave a Lindsay Lohan movie a 7? Were you high or something?

[Kaawaterloo]

Film: Hard Candy

Starring: Patrick Wilson, Ellen Page, Sandra Oh

Plot:

Jeff (Wilson)is a photographer and lures young girls on the internet for fun. He finds witty and intelligent Hayley (Page), and after meeting in a local coffee bar, he takes her back to his home.

Any good ?

This film starts so promising, which good camara work and a nice strady plotline. The subject matter of kiddy fiddlers is rather used more as a marketing tool rather than of any great purpose, and this disaapoints. Although there are stunning debuts from Page as Hayley, and from Wilson as Jeff throughout, you can't help feel that the end product is rather an empty exercise in hot button pushing.

Most usettling is that an hour in there is a feeling in this film that it is cobbled together in large aspects. As the plot developes between the two at a good pace, we are lost in scenes which frankly make no sense whatsoever, but the inevitable clash is played out for the camara's anyway.

Great if you've got nothing better to do, but you won't want to watch this film ever again once you've seen it.

Out of Ten = 5

[Ablur]

The Hills Have Eyes (2006)

It's about a family who are on their way to California to celebrate the parents 25th anniversary, but decide to take a short cut on the way through the desert, behind the hills.

They have been lured into a trap where they will face the task of survival from these somewhat surreal human beings.

Stuck in the middle of the desert, some of the people seperate to try and find safety, but safety is not an option with these mentalists who are spying on them... They begin to kills off the travellers one by one, then also kidknap the baby in the film. The father of the baby will then go on a mission to hunt down the baby's kidknappers and destroy them 1 by 1 with help from the family's dog. The other survivors so far try and stay safe by coming up with a plan to kill the freaks.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This isn't a film for the easily disturbed as it's very gory and detailed, with extra scenes in the film on DVD which aren't on the cinema version.

It was a film that I very much enjoyed, and one that I could watch happily again.

Rating - 9/10

[Max]

Bowling for Columbine

Ordered this off the TV the other day, as I'd always wanted to see it.

It's a fascinating look at gun culture in America, as Michael Moore tries to find the answer to why exactly Americans seem so much more prone to shooting each other than any other people round the world. Interviews with actor/chairman of the National Rifle Association Charlton Heston show an eery glimpse into the debate that will surely rage on about gun control, with the interview focusing on Heston's timing of NRA rallies in cities soon after fatal shootings had occured. There is a moment when Moore tries to present Heston with a photo of a small girl, a victim of gun crime who had been shot not long before the movie was being filmed (as was my understanding). While some may see it as an emotionally charged cheapshot by Moore, it really brought the necessary emotions to the forefront of my mind and would force any member of the NRA to question their views.

Overall the film is bold, intelligent, and has started some of the best conversations I've had in weeks.

Despite this, the cold hard facts manage to be hardhitting yet also amusing, and the film raises many laughs, without needing to add written-in gags. Then again, maybe, looking at American gun culture, if we didn't laugh we'd cry?

After reading this film's page on Rotten Tomatoes, I saw that it has been accused of being the "cinematic equivilant of tabloid journalism", but personally I think this issue is dealt with in the appropriate manner by Moore, and I would thoroughly recommend this film.

[Emmet]

The Insider 1999

Whos In It? Al Pacino, Russell Crowe, Gina Gershon, Michael Gambon

Whats It About? Russell Crowe's character gets fired because he has a morale conscience about what he does for a living (he works in a Tobacco company). Pacino's character works as a producer for 60 minutes in America, Pacino wants Crowe to do a interview about nicotine and is it addictive, Crowe dwells on the idea as he signed a confidentiality agreement with the company that fired him. After getting death threats from the company he finally loses his head and does the interview. However CBS coporate wont allow the segment to air fearing they will get sued, they run a edited version of the segment in which you dont see Crowe on screen, by which time he has lost literally everything, his wife, his house, his kids. Pacino then fights for the segment to be aired (the first one), he eventually does get it aired and in the end up 49 states of America sue the tobacco industry and wins over 200 billion dollars.

Any Good? Simply brillant, any Michael Mann film is a good showing but this is a brillant film from start to finish, Crowe especially is brillant in his role as a scared man just looking to protect his family. Pacino as usual gives a 5 star performance as the producer whos goes running after Crowe's character throughout the film. Very underrated film

Bad Points? There are none

Rating: 9.5/10

[Guapo]

About five years ago I got to live out a lifelong dream (on a small scale) by reviewing films for the newspaper that employed me at the time. I've got several on my computer somewhere, so I thought I'd post the reviews here one at a time (as I find them!). So here's one....

Chocolat (2000)

Have you ever heard someone say “Oh, that’s sinful!” after they’ve bitten into something made of chocolate? Or wondered why they call it “devil’s food” cake?

It’s that equation of the sensual pleasures of chocolate with the concept of original sin that provides the backdrop for “Chocolat,” director Lasse Hallstrom’s sweetly crafted fable about the conflicts that arise when a beautiful pagan wanderer opens a chocolate shop just before Lent in a repressed (and very Catholic) 1950s French mountain village.

Vianne (Juliette Binoche) and her young daughter, Anouk (Victoire Thivisol), blow into town on the chilly north wind garbed in vivid red capes that provide stark contrast to the village’s muted pastels. She renovates a run-down former pastry shop and her tempting treats immediately earn the disapproval of the Comte de Reynaud (Alfred Molina), the town’s mayor and moral arbiter.

The count wields his religious piety like a sword over the heads of his townspeople, even going so far as to rewrite the sermons of the church’s young priest (Hugh O’Conor), a greenhorn who struggles to suppress his inner Elvis. Taking great pains to assure that everyone knows that Vianne is an unwed mother, the count conveys his desire that the chocolaterie be avoided.

But Vianne is descended from a line of Mayan priestesses and her traditional recipes seem to have a magical effect on the villagers. A concoction of hot chocolate sprinkled with chili pepper begins to warm the cold heart of her cantankerous old landlady (Judi Dench), who has long been at odds with her daughter (Carrie-Anne Moss) over her sheltered grandson (Aurelien Parent Koenig). Vianne’s chocolates also give a shy old dog lover (John Wood) the gumption to approach a widow (Leslie Caron) he has admired for decades, and they inspire the courage for an abused woman (Lena Olin) to leave her tavern-keeper husband (Peter Stormare).

Before long, Johnny Depp (memorable as the title character in Hallstrom’s “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?”) shows up as the roguish Roux, the leader of a band of river gypsies who have docked their barge on the town’s riverbank. Roux not only fuels the count’s sanctimonious fires, but also provides a romantic interest for Vianne.

It’s important to note that the Comte de Reynaud is not portrayed as an evil man. He’s someone who believes he is doing the right thing, but (as do many) practices a religion that condemns, rather than one that forgives and tolerates. His is a religion rooted in the traditions and rituals of the church, forgetting the higher concepts behind it.

The casting of this film could not have been better. Binoche is magnificent as Vianne, portraying her as both alluring and mysterious, yet letting just a touch of her inner loneliness seep through. Thivisol, who won the best actress award at the 1996 Venice Film Festival for her role as the four-year-old “Ponette,” proves once again that she is more than just a “child” actor, bringing depth to a role in which she bears the burden of her mother’s vagabond lifestyle.

Anyone familiar with Dench’s work knows she can act rings around almost anyone alive and her role here as Armande, the irascible landlady, is one of her best yet. She’s simply marvelous. Particular note should also be made of Olin’s performance as Josephine, the tavern-keeper’s wife. Under Vianne’s tutelage, Josephine blossoms from a frightened, battered thief into a beautiful, vibrant and courageous woman. The lovely Olin, director Hallstrom’s real-life wife, is virtually unrecognizable in early scenes.

Molina is perfectly cast as the self-righteous count, bringing dimension to a character who also suffers from loneliness and refuses to face the reality that his wife has no intention of returning from her “extended vacation.”

Depp turns in his usual fine performance as Roux, and Moss is terrific as Armande’s daughter, a woman who -- much like the count -- lets her religious pride shadow her from the truth. Koenig is excellent as her overprotected son and, in fact, the entire supporting cast is outstanding from top to bottom.

Hallstrom provides the same subtle directorial touch that was so successful in “The Cider House Rules,” but with an added measure of whimsy and humor. And, just as he brought to life the Maine backwoods of the 1940s in that film, here he transports us into the world of rural France, circa 1959. The director has always had a knack for portraying people as they are in their everyday lives -- something he did successfully as far back as his debut film, “My Life as a Dog,” in the mid-1980s -- and his craftsmanship is again apparent here as he brings this group of colorful and interesting characters to life.

“Chocolat” is a tantalizing treat well worth savoring.

Rating: ***½ (out of four)

[Kaawaterloo]

Film: We Were Soldiers

Starring: Mel Gibson

Plot:

Ia Drang in Vitenam is the sight of the first real battle of the Vitenam War. This film tells the story of the build up, story and aftermath of this particular battle.

Any good ?

I'd been meaning to watch this film for ages, and then here it was on telly tonight and I'm seriously wondering why I bothered. Whats good about it ? Effects wise it's not bad - there's plenty of blood and guts, and plenty of good camara action. There are some touching idea's, especially with the women of the film being used to break the news of soldiers who had died in battle. Also there is a little bit of empathy for the other side to those US soldiers, and that was refreshing to see.

Emotionally, however, it feels like it has all the heart of a Rambo film. Gibson at times seemingly invincible, firing at will and somehow surviving against all odds really reminds you of Scarface rather then of an actual battle where real people died. This film excentuates its core plot rather than developing any real understanding for the characters in the film, and indeed, there is no actor who's performance particularly stands out.

The result is an film that feels very empty when compared to other great war films. Coupled with some poor direction and a real feeling of missed opportunity, you feel that if those men died so heroically at Ia Dranga, then they deserved a better film than this to tell thier story.

A real dissapointment.

Out of Ten = 5

Edited by Kaawaterloo, 06 August 2006 - 11:58 PM.

[Kaawaterloo]

Film: Harry Potter & The Goblet of Fire

Starring: Danieal Radcliffe, Alan Rickman etc (like you don't know)

Plot: Harrys name appears in the Triwizards cup, but as Harry battles through that he uncovers a much more sinister battle against Voldermort, the Death Eaters and the the dark side in general

Any good ?

Having read all the books, this is a rather dissapointing rushed affair. There are some very nice scenes, like the opening scene's of the Quidditch World Cup, and the Dark Mark is quite a dauting sight, but it is the break neck speed and the huge missing chunks of this film that grate the most. The viewer is time and time again given big scene after big scene, with little reasoning on what the scenes are actually about.

The big scene's that attention grabbing are all still great, yet it is the lack of tenderess and the inability to develope characters which leave the Potter novice feeling quite lost in this film. Dumbledore's character in particular, is a long way from the books desription as an almost father figure who is looking after the young wizard. Mad Eye Moody gives an acceptable performance, but it's not stand out and even the appearance of the Dark Lord himself cannot raise the average bar. However, the lack of tenderness in a crucial scene with Harry's parents is possibly the worst omission as it is absolutely crucial to the rest of the books.

All along though is the thought that it is the writing of Rowling that means that no film will ever do Potter justice, but in truth I still expected more. The Goblet of Fire is a crucial point in the Potter series. Sadly this film has all the brawn, but is missing the heart that makes the books enjoybale in the first place.

A empty shell wrapped in Hollywood glitz - watch if you must, read you definantly should.....

Out of Ten: 5 and a half

[BlueLion]

Stormbreaker

Alex Rider, you're never too young to die...

Well, after the long wait, the firstinstallment of the Alex Rider series has hit cinemas worldwide. Commonly referred to as a "Young James Bond" series, the films proves to be a hit with people of all age ranges, as per the books.

The truth is, that the casting is frankly superb. Alex Pettyfer, a debutant to big-screen acting, is excellent as main character Alex Rider. Bill Nighy, almost unrecognisable as Alan Blunt is also excellent, though it is not his lines which make him enjoyable to watch, it is the small actions and guestures he makes and the profanity of his posture. However, despite having not even half as much screentime as Pettyfer, the star of the show is most definately Damian Lewis. He is brilliant as Yassen Gregorovich; a relentless Russian assassain who murdered Alex's uncle, Ian Rider. Throughout the film, Lewis makes the character cool, calm and professional. Mickey Rourke is also one of the brighter bulbs of the acting pack, as Darrius Sayle. The ruthless villain was portrayed excellently, and on the whole, the acting was top notch. Alicia Silverstone provded some much needed comic relief throughout the movie, an was great as Jack Starbright.



Above: Damian Lewis, as Yassen Gregorovich. Lewis steals the show with an excellent performance.

Overall, the acting was top notch.
Acting: 9/10

*Spoiler Warning* If you have not read the book or sen the movie, scroll down!*

The plot was heavily based on the book and was very close to its book equalivant. The story begins with Ian Rider, uncle and guardian of main character Alex, outriding a group of assassains hell-bent on killing him. As he escapes in his stylish BMW Z4, with the number plate reading "RI D3R," a helicopter appeas overhead. Ian is surprised when he looks out of the window. He sees a man, definately foreign, suspended upside down outside. Transfixed by the man's cold gaze, Ian loses focus as the mian draws two pistol. He shoots through the glass and kills Rider. This man is no-one but Yassen Gregorovich, a man wanted in the United States, Italy and Bulgaria.
The plot thickens as Alex Rider learns of the tragedy. He sets off for Liverpool Station after Ian's funeral, where he inadvertantly finds himself transported to the headquarters of MI6. Here, he is convinced by the hea dof Intelligence, Mr Alan Blunt, to work for MI6. He sets off for Cornwall, posing as a computer expert, to meet with Darrius Sayle, and test out the new Stormbreaker computers.
Over the subsequent weekend at Sayle's headquarters, he learns that each computer has been infected with a deadly virus, and upon the activation of each computer, the occupant of every room a Stormbreaker is in will become infected.
It is during this part of the film where Alex meets Yassen Gregorovich, the very man who killed his uncle.
He then learns that th first Stormbreaker is to be tested out in the National Science Museum of England in London by the Prime-minister. Alex hitches a ride via helicopter to London, where he foils Sayle's plans of infecting everyone at the Museum. However, Sayle retreats back to his hotel in central London, where he has a back-up device so he can manually launch the Stormbreakers himself.
Alex cuts the power after he is handed a lift through the busy streets of London via horseback by his love interest Sabina Pleasure. He and Sayle fight it out on the roof, but Alex loses his footing and falls. Hanging on to the power cables with dear life, he sees Sabina attempt to push Sayle as he tries to shoot Alex. Sabina too falls, but Alex grabs her hand. He swings her to safety on a small balcony n the upper floor of the building.
Alex looks up to see a helicopter overhead. A man abseils from the chopper, upside down. He smiles and draws two pistols. He fires three shots into Sayle's heart. As Sayle's lifeless body falls from the top of the hotel onto the concrete pavement below, his murderer is no other by Gregorovich. Alex thinks that Yassen is here to kill him, but as the power cable supporting Alex breaks, Gregorovich grabs his arm, and winches him to safety at the top of another building.
Alex and Yassen then confront each other. Alex calls Gregorovic his enemy despite the Russian saving his life. Yassen smiles. He tells Alex that it is best for him to forget his uncle's killer, and go back to ordinary life. Alesx responds, choking as his eyes well with tears. "I will never forget you," he says. Yassen simply shrugs and flies off, feeling sympathetic for the boy. He tells him he has many enemies, but Alex is still adamant of avenging his Uncle.
The film finshes with Alex and Sabina back at school. He promises her that he has quit being a secret agent, and that everything is back to normal. But he looks back, and behind the trees, he sees Mr. Blunt, the hea dof Intelligence at MI6 looking at him through a camera. Alex smiles, and the screen fades to blackness....

*Spoilers End*

Overall, the film was excellent. The acting is the ace card, and the plot was mainly true to the book.

I'd rate this film 9.5/10, and for all James Bond enthusiasts, this is a great film and quells your thirst and desire for the next 007 movie.

Stormbreaker is the fist of a series of seven Alex Rider books, with the 7th installment set for release in novel form during 2007. However, this may be rumour as Horowitz the author of the series has yet to clarify this claim.
The 4th book, Eagle Strike has been confirmed to be filmed, and looks likely to be the next film, despite Point Blanc and Skeleton Key preceeding it in events. This is due to the fact that Yassen Gregorovich is central to Alex's life at the end of Stormbreaker, and Alex promises to himself he will kill the Russian some day. If Eagle Strike is the next film, Scorpia will be a definate also, as it follows on immeaditaley from Eagle Strike. It is therefore likely that Ark Angel will be filmed too.

[TheOwlOnTheProwl]

The Da Vinci Code

Starring: Tom Hanks

Directed By: Ron Howard

I'd only read around 1/3 of Dan Brown's the Vinci Code, before going to see this film, however I was sat with people who had read the book and bar one scene when Silas should've used a candlestick instead of a book/religious trophy, the film was very close to the book, but that doesn't mean it'll be a great film. The film is just full of dull "oh my god it's/that/he/she/they..." type moments, but Howard doesn't embrace that. Instead he makes them dull, better Cinematography could've made a lot of the scenes in the film better instead of boring and mind-numbingly boring. Ron Howard (Apollo 13), is a great director that knows how to exploit the audience for the reactions he wants, however this is quite hard when the suspense and tension dies down before the final 'clue' has been given to Langdon.

Tom Hanks (Langdon) and Tattou (Neveu) had no 'chemistry' what-so-ever, whether or not Ron intended to create 'passion' between Tattou and Hanks, who knows, because the scenes between the two characters look like a half-hearted job at romantic sequence with neither actor caring, nothing is there and it's clear as hell. On top of this you had a stale, yet highly amusing performance from Sir Ian McKellen. It felt at times he was lecturing the audience on the history of the times rather than carrying on the story and with the plot already all over the place, this wasn't needed. The only actor which I enjoyed in the film was Paul Bettany as the religious Opus Dei monk Silas. He fit the psychotic, yet lonely role of lost man perfectly. Jean Reno was same ol', same ol' as yet another detective. Nothing new.

The ending of the film dragged on, was hugely predictable and failed in so many ways that it killed my enjoyment of the film and ultimately was an important factor to why I gave it such a mediocre score. The 'key' scenes were impeded by stone-cold acting that didn't help such a predictable and clichéd script. I hadn't even read the book yet at one point I was able to recreate the script before Hanks had even spoken a word. Following on from this, no tension or suspense, it probably will leave many in a confused state of "oh so that was the twist." It was met with a cold silence as it was forwarded to the audience so poorly, Hanks and Tattou didn't connect on any level needed for such an ending and it was something that could've been covered in 10mins and better.

All in all, from somebody that hadn't read the novel all the way through, I thought it was a mediocre film at best. Remove Ron Howard, Tom Hanks, Audrey Tattou, Jean Reno, Sir Ian McKellen and re-shoot the ending, then you'll have a slightly better film. See Brick instead, it's a lot better film that cost nowhere near what Howard spent (and I'm honestly wondering where the $160 million went?).

6/10

[Sir Nik]

The Skeleton Key

Staring Kate Hudson

PLOT

Caroline(Kate Hudson) is a nurse who looks after adults with a cronic illness and decides she wants to change paths and applies for a job to look after a ill old man, (dunno name) She then notices how strange the couple are and gets a Skeleton key so she decides to go and exsplore the attic after hearing wierd noises and thumps in the night. But she opens a very deadly and terrifying secret........................

RATING

I realy liked this film it was brilliant, welll acted out and the ambiance was just right. A good supernatural thriller for fans of this genre

8/10

[Sir Nik]

I.D.

Staring Sean Pertwel, Warren Clarke

Plot

The plo0t revolves around John a up and coming young copper who has been given a big assignment to infiltrate the world of football gangs, and find out who the general is of a made up team the shagwell town fc, but slowly john finds that he is turning into one of the gang members he has been sent into distroy.

Rating

Well I enjoyed this film as this genre intrests me alot, I thought the acting and actions sequences were much beter than say Footy Factory. A must for any one that liked Football Factory or Green Street

8/10

[BlueSmudge]

Mystic Pizza (1988)
Starring: Annabeth Gish, Julia Roberts, Lili Taylor, Vincent D'Onofrio, William R. Moses, Adam Storke
Romantic Comedy/ Drama

The Plot
Two sisters and their friend work in a pizza parlour in a small town, while trying to find their respective way out. Kat (Gish) is a straight A student on her way to Yale, who after taking another part time job babysitting falls for her employer (Moses). Her wilder sister Daisy (Roberts) is usually a bit of a player, but then meets Charlie (Storke), while Jojo has been engaged to Bill (D'Onofrio) forever, but has doubts if marrying him is the right thing to do.

Any good?
Yes! Its billed as romantic comedy, Id say it was more of a drama with some funny moments thrown in, but its done pretty well. The chemistry between the 3 main characters carries it through a lot, as well as the chemistry between the 3 girls and each of the 3 men.

Its not what everybodys looking for, but if you like this kind of genre, its a good watch, funny and sensitive.

8/10

[Beatle]

Miami Vice

Jamie Foxx and Colin Farrell and others are in it.

I wanted to see Da Vinci Code, but everyone wanted to see this. God was it rubbish. A lot of shooting at the beginning and the end and not a lot happened in the middle.

DO NOT SEE THIS, very predictable as well and everyone admitted it was rubbish.

World Trade Center

You all know what this is about.

Nicholas Cage is in it.

My cousins wanted to see this for some reason, basically about these Policeman who were trapped under the rubble for over a day and what they went through.

I couldn't watch some parts of it as it was horrible, I couldn't. A few people were crying in the audience as at times it was awful to watch.

Other than that, not a lot. But not the best film to see either


Hotel Rwanda

Starring
Don Cheadle

I was told to watch this as I was told it was a very good film. I wasn't dissapointed.

Based on a true story years ago, Robert Rusesabagina is a hotel manager and allows over a 1000 Rwandan refugees to stay in his hotel so they weren't brutally killed by the other tribe, can't spell the name, sorry. What they must have gone through was horrible, Rusesabagina's wife especially in the film I thought played her role very well.

Amazing how the West ignored it, very good film, I knew that this sort of stuff had gone in parts of Africa but not to the extent that it has, worth watching definitely.

8/10

Edited by Beatle, 24 August 2006 - 09:36 PM.

[BlueSmudge]

Memento (2000)
Starring: Guy Pearce, Carrie-Ann Moss, Joe Pantoliano
Thriller

The Plot
The film opens with a murder played in reverse. Guy Pearce is a man who suffers from short term memory loss, and ever since the death of his wife, cant remember anything for more than a few minutes, and pieces his life together through a series of photographs, tattoos and notes to himself. By doing this, he tries to figure out the murderer of his wife, and take his revenge. But can he trust his notes, and the people around him giving him his information?

Any good?
Brilliant. Pearce's memories are played out backwards, starting with his most recent, the murder. His memories are then shown backwards, following the trail to what led him to believe who murdered his wife, and whether he made the right decision. Its brilliant, just like Leonard (Pearce) we dont know who to trust and what to believe. Natalie (Moss) is a brilliant character, who seems to complicate the trail in every flashback!

Just watch it. I love twisty thrillers, and with this one, you keep thinking you've got it figured out, only for another flashback to change your mind!

9/10

Edited by BlueSmudge, 04 October 2006 - 06:22 PM.

[bronte33]

You might want to edit that, in case someone decides to watch the film on the strength of your review.

Edited by bronte33, 05 October 2006 - 03:15 AM.

[BlueSmudge]

Done, Id edit yours now, since it shows what I wrote first!

[Spireite_UK]

I.D.

Staring Sean Pertwel, Warren Clarke

Plot

The plo0t revolves around John a up and coming young copper who has been given a big assignment to infiltrate the world of football gangs, and find out who the general is of a made up team the shagwell town fc, but slowly john finds that he is turning into one of the gang members he has been sent into distroy.

Rating

Well I enjoyed this film as this genre intrests me alot, I thought the acting and actions sequences were much beter than say Footy Factory. A must for any one that liked Football Factory or Green Street

8/10

Awesome film! You can keep your Football Factory and your Green Street, this is a real 'hooligan' film - quality.

[Lucretia]

Evil Aliens

Cast: A load of people I've never heard of

Plot: Some aliens land in Wales and turn out to be evil. Some people go there to make a film and lots of gratuitous sex and violence ensues.

Any good: NOOOOOO!!!! I quite like shlock horror but this was so dire it was dire. The ONLY funny bit was a new take on "I've got a brand new combine harvester". Apart from that it was pants with a capital P.

[Mr Billy]

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

I watched this last night on BBC Three, even though i already have it on DVD, the first time i saw this film i thought it was a bit strange, but it is such a touching story and well worth a watch. Many would call it an adult and modern version of Pinocchio, a young robot boy wants to turn into a real live boy so that his human "mother" will accept him again in their family. In a time difficult for robots with a backlash against their kind, "David" has to fight away from the difficulties and goes in search of the blue fairy in hope she can turn him into a real boy.

He hitches up with a Jigalow robot (dont laugh ) and off they go in pursuit off David's dreams. However when they arrive at the end of the world, Manhatten they find that David is not one of a kind at all, he is the start of a kind, numerous protypes have been made of him and he is the new child robot for those who do not have children, this breaks Davids heart and after an attempted suicide attempt, he finds his blue fairy, deep, deep under the sea.

When he makes his way down there he sits, calling to her wishing quietly "Blue Fairy, please make me a real boy?" But unfortunately she can never hear him, and he can never become a real boy. 2000 years later, after the ice has frozen the sea and humans have been replaced by aliens, he is found under the sea, still calling out to the fairy he can see through the ice.

The aliens bring him round, and finally give him his wish, the chance to see a real blue fairy, she cannot make him a real boy, this can never happen, but she can give him a day on his own with his mum, and thats all he wants. In an emotional day, in which he knows he can only have here until sunset, when she will die once more, David has the best day of his life. And in a brilliant ending, the little robot boy, for the first time in his life is told that someone loves him. His mum says, "I love you David, I ahve always loved you David."

Superb Film.

10/10

[BlueSmudge]

El Laberinto del Fauno (Pan's Labyrinth) 2006

Starring: Ivana Baquero, Sergi López, Maribel Verdú, Álex Angulo
Drama/ Horror/ Fantasy

The Plot
A young girl goes to live with the tyrannical Captain Vidal (López), her pregnant mother's new husband in Civil War torn Spain. On the way, Ofelia (Baquero) meets a fairy, who in the night shows her the Labyrinth, and introduces her to the Faun. The Faun tells her they believe she is the essence of the princess of their underground world, who left their world for the world of the humans, and died many years ago. He sets her 3 tasks to complete before the full moon, in order to prove her true identity, and take her away from the misery of her life.

Any Good?
Very. I was a bit put off by the fact its in Spanish and subtitled, but you barely notice, its that good. The film seems to be mostly based on the darkness and horro of the fairy tales Ofelia loves. And it certainly is dark and horrific! The Pale Man is a scary b*stard! Considering the film has a big mix of the realism of the war, and the fantasy of the undergroiund world, you never disbelieve it. Vidal's character is fantastic as well, truly fearsome.

Basically, its very dark and very good. If you're not the type for subtitled films, dont let that put you off a great film. Ive never watched a subtitled film in my life before tonight, but it has only made me want to see more.

8/10

[roversgirl]

Apocolypto

Just seen this tonight and one word...amazing!

Its really long, but the action makes up for it. If you don't like blood and gore then don't go to this one! Its literally ripping peoples hearts out, chopping their heads of etc every minute. There are subtitles throughout because its a fight between 2 tribes who speak in a different language, but the action is so good you don't even notice or need them. Its got a really good chase too which is one of the best in history and its very unpredictable. Its also funny too, especially at the start so it has something for everyone I think, but like I said if you don't like blood or gore then please don't go because its 2 hrs 15 mins of that

Would recommend anyone over 18 to go to this one as soon as possible. If you liked Passion of the Christ then you'll like this one, but the gore is 10 times worse

10/10

[effinbox]

Over The Top (1987)

Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Robert Loggia

The plot is the usual thing, humble man with heart does good.

Lincoln Hawk is a man who has to win two battles of his life...

The Arm Wrestling World Championship, and the love of his son.

As you would expect from an early Stallone movie, the acting is not great but to be honest who cares. You soon begin to feel for Hawk as he gets to know his son after twelve years apart, a decision that appears to have been made for him.

Can he put right the wrongs? Can he be the best? Can he be the one?

Well worth a watch!

[effinbox]

Tenacious D - The Pick Of Destiny

Starring: Jack Black, Kyle Gass

Appearances by: Ronnie James Dio, Tim Robbins, Dave Grohl and Ben Stiller

This is an acquired taste film. If you like Tenacious D music, you will love the film... otherwise avoid it.

This is basically a film made by mates having a laugh, you cannot begin to take it seriously or write a serious review.

KG and JB yearn to be superstar rock gods but need one thing 'The Pick of Destiny', so off they go to get it. That is basically the plot, but it is a riot of stupidity and laughs.

Great tunes and as mad as a Jack Black!

[effinbox]

Employee Of The Month (2004)

Starring: Matt Dillon, Steve Zahn and Christina Applegate

This was downloaded in error, but quite a nice error.

I sat watching it thinking this is just a run of the mill 'Guy has a bad day and goes on a rampage' type of film, but I was wrong.

The highlight I thought was Jack, a goofy but funny character, but I was wrong.

If you like a twist or three, this is worth a watch!

[Ste]

Employee Of The Month only came out last year, in America, and it stars Dane Cook, Jessica Simpson and Dax Shepard.

[effinbox]

Employee Of The Month only came out last year, in America, and it stars Dane Cook, Jessica Simpson and Dax Shepard.

I suggest you look up Employee of the Month 2004 on imdb, like I say, I downloaded it in error, same name, different film

[effinbox]

The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

Starring: Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway

This is exactly what it says on the tin, well might as well say on the tin, a chick-flick!

That said, it is a very good film.

I think it was Prêt-à-Porter that mocked the fashion industry and the shallowness of the whole industry...
...Prêt-à-Porter was pretty unwatchable though to be honest.

The Devil Wears Prada approaches the subject in a very enjoyable way, using an every day 'normal' woman as the comparison between what is manufactured and what is real.

Another film well worth watching, so long as you can cope with the subject matter.

I love weekends, no work means I can watch movies!

Why can't there be a political party who propose a seven day weekend?!