elkringo Reviews

Chocolat (2000)

Excellent film

[8/10 · 7 May 2001]

As previously stated, a superb film with excellent performances and extremely enjoyable. Only quibbles are that at times the story seemed to slow somewhat, and also some character's motivations were a little hard to follow.

One thing I did want to mention was the excellent performance of Alfred Molina in particular. Most people mention the usual excellent acting of Juliette Binoche (and shes georgeous looking too !), but I think Molina's portrayal of the mayor was top-notch, and did most to keep the story on-track .... 10/10 for him !

Kevin & Perry Go Large (2000)

The worst comedy of the year ?

[1/10 · 7 May 2001]

I used to be a hugh fan of the original Harry Enfield show on english television, but after seeing the apalling excuse for a movie of "Kevin and Perry" last night, I'm definitely having second thoughts. The usually hilarious characters are too over-worked, and simply don't have enough depth to move from a 5 minute TV sketch to a 2 hour movie. The erection jokes weren't funny the second time, and got decidedly boring after the 20th attempt. The film often turned to toilet humour for no conceivable reason other than to make the audience cringe, without actually providing the neccessary laughs to make it bearable. Continuity, originality and direction were terrible. I can't think of single reason why I could recommend anyone to see this ... save your pennys, don't go to see this, put it towards a holiday .... ibiza maybe ?

0/10 ... can we give negative numbers ?

8MM (1999)

Overhyped on the violence angle, works best as a murder/thriller story

[7 May 1999]

This is really the kind of film you would only go to see once. Although what you've probably heard most about it is the violence, this really acts as a driving force behind the main story, which is essentially Nicolas Cage's character seeking to find the truth behind a so-called 'snuff movie'. During this investigation, he comes face to face with the very worst side of sleeze, and the sex industry in America. I think it portrays very well the reactions and emotions of a 'normal' guy, ( Cage plays a family man, and often portrayed in the movie talking to his wife and baby daughter ) when faced with this kind of violence. Cage does pull this off very well, and the acting is always good, if a little 'over-cooked' in parts. The comparisons with the film '7' I think are misplaced, I never felt the same sense of shock or fear in '8MM', and the motivations and forces which drive the characters are entirely different.

The one failing I found was the final scene, which I thought was hammily acted and entirely predictable. If you go see this movie, don't bring you Mom, but don't expect to see something you never have before either.

I'd give a 6/10.

The General (1998)

Excellent movie, well acted but perhaps which serves perhaps to glorify an otherwise utterly contemptable character

[7 May 1999]

In terms of acting, direction and entertainment value, the general certainly delivers. Its is well paced, humorous and the performances of all the main actors, in particular Brendan Gleeson and Jon Voight, are excellent. I'm not sure why the film is shot in black and white, I don't think this adds particularly to the film.

My one reservation about the film is the portrayal of the main character, Martin Cahill, whom I think is overly glamorised. I remember before Cahills death his exploits as I saw them in the newspapers and television, and from the many stories which circulated around Dublin at that time of his criminal activity. This was no latter day Robin Hood. He was an unusually successful thief, no doubt, but with none of the charitable spirit. He was also extremely cruel, at one time breaking into the home of a social welfare officer and torturing him for hours simply because he had refused Cahill welfare payments.

I would recommend people to see this film, but at all times remember that the man it portrays was no one to be admired, but an example of the most vile thugs that Ireland has had the shame to produce in recent years. But then they say, "The devil has the best tales".