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Dave Evans
Reviews
True Romance (1993)
WOW - what a film, what a cast!
Undoubtedly Tarantino's best, although that sells the film short. This is *not* a Tarantino film - it's a film *written* by Tarantino. That's the main difference, and as I've always thought that his main talent is for writing, rather than direction (and definitely not acting!) that's a plus for a start. What can i say about this film though? It's superbly put together, the characters are so real that they're almost tangible and the film just flows effortlessly from one scene to another. If you still have any doubts about seeing it, just check out that cast list one more time...
Dave
Reservoir Dogs (1992)
Simple formula = Brilliant film
At first glance the film seems simplistic - too simplistic, but that's just not the case. The plot is a tad 'similar' to the Ringo Lam film 'City on Fire' - there are undeniable connections between the two films, from the phrase "Let's go to work" to the scene with Harvey Keitel firing two guns into a car, and the near identical scene in City. But I think Tarantino does it better. The whole approach to the film means it has a very different style to City, in which we know who the cop is right from the start. Reservoir Dogs begins by inspiring empathy with the criminals, which then leads on to the horror of Mr Blonde's actions, and the tragic relationship Mr White and Mr Orange develop. Quite simply, Reservoir Dogs is a very good film, not very complex perhaps, and scratch beneath the surface and you'll find very little substance, but it has a very impressive surface indeed... Dave
Night of the Living Dead (1968)
Classic horror
Despite being a bit of a horror fan, I only saw this recently. The first thing I thought afterwards was that I wish I had seen it earlier - this is one awesome film from a master of suspenseful horror. Certain people I've watched it with find it a little slow moving in places but I think that this just adds to the film, building tension but also creating a feeling of realism. The characters are amongst the most 'real' I've seen in any genre, never mind horror, and the ending is superb. I can't think of any reason for people to dislike this, as it really has no flaws.
Dèmoni (1985)
Absolutely Awesome
I first saw Demons when I was at the tender age of 8, and it scared the pants off me (as well as scarring me for life - thanks to my older brother for this and other similar experiences...). The surprising thing is, that when I finally got round to seeing it again, I was still scared by it (admittedly not as much, but enough). But Demons has much more going for it than just the simple horror element, it can be classed along with 'The Breakfast Club' as a defining 80s film, and is incredibly funny (admittedly the English Language version is especially funny because of the Dubbing, the voice for Tony is absolutely perfect), and the characters are all well defined (if a little clichéd in places, like 'Tony' the black pimp and his two prostitutes one of which is called 'Rosemary'), and it all adds up to one awesome film, which keeps you entertained from start to finish.
Demons is a brilliant italian horror film, but more than that, it's simply a brilliant film.
Guest House Paradiso (1999)
Classic slapstick comedy
That's what you should expect going into this film if you don't want to be disappointed. Anyone who has seen the TV series 'Bottom' will be familiar with the characters of Richie and Eddie (despite the surname changes, still the same characters, and to be honest the surname changes provide some of the funnier gags - I mean a hotel manager called Richard Twat (pronounced 'Thwaite', of course...) can hardly fail to raise a smile).
If you are unlucky enough to have never seen the series, then you've missed out on a gem of British comedy - now is the perfect time to see what you've been missing. OK so the film definitely won't have universal appeal, but if you can still laugh at toilet humour then you'll be right at home with this.
Near enough from beginning to end I was in stitches, in fact I can't recall the last time a cinema was so full of laughter (no mean feat considering there were only about 8 people at the screening). So there you have it - a simple slapstick comedy that should have you laughing most of the way through. If you are in any doubt, watch the trailer - if you laugh, you'll love the film, if you don't then it's best to steer clear.
Vampires (1998)
JC does it again
Can Carpenter do no wrong? Vampires is another classic film from the man himself. OK so maybe it isn't really that scary, but something tells me that it wasn't intended to be - more of an action horror than anything else. Although the lead villain is scary enough, judging from his actions at the start of the film, he's one lethal vampire. Despite not having much screen time, the team of hunters are brilliantly introduced, and given plenty of character considering. Even 'Chubby' Baldwin puts in a sterling performance. The only niggle I have is with the slightly corny ending, but I can let that slide when the rest of the film is absolutely brilliant.
The Game (1997)
A Twisted Masterpiece
Well what can I say about The Game? Watching it is just bizarre - Fincher takes us on an insane journey, twisting our perceptions of what is going on every few minutes. The amount of conclusions I jumped to and then abandoned, only to later return to is astounding.The ending, which in retrospect should have made me feel cheated (but somehow doesn't), is awesome. An almost flawless film, and I defy anyone to figure out what is *really* happening before the last 5 minutes. This film is twisted on a level I never even thought possible! A brilliant, brilliant job by Fincher. Even Douglas (who I dislike as an actor) performed well, and aside from the odd plot hole (which is to be expected wit ha plot as interlaced as this) I cannot fault it. Wow.
The Terminator (1984)
The defining film of our generation
Well, my generation at least. Terminator is referenced in so many films it becomes impossible to list, it can be held responsible for a deluge of 'robot from the future' films, and yet its memory remains untarnished. Why? Because this is where it all began (yes I know there were similar films before Terminator, but how many can *you* name? And how many were this influential?) As well as launching the careers of most of the actors, it catapulted James Cameron into the limelight. The plot, which seems so simple (robot from the future comes to kill someone) is incredibly complex, depending on how far you wish to analyze it. There is so much material in the Terminator world that even the sequel barely scratched the surface, and although it is only hinted at in this, the background history (future?) gives the story unparalleled depth. I can't think of another film that has ever had me thinking about the possibilities for so long (and then you start thinking about temporal paradoxes and go insane...) or that has captivated me so completely. The Terminator is the only film that I could even think of describing as flawless, and it still remains my fervent wish to see it on the big screen (sadly I was 4 when it was released) So in case I'm being too subtle for you, I absolutely love this film.
Fight Club (1999)
Wow - An Unexpected Masterpiece
I was expecting an unintelligent, violent action film based on the trailers (not necessarily bad, but not the sort of thing I'd pay money to see), but I was persuaded to go and see it - and I'm glad I did. This is one amazing film, totally misadvertised (although if it *was* advertised differently, it could spoil the film). This is a clever, witty, brilliant film. The direction and casting could not be better, and the script is sheer genius.
Throw away your preconceptions of Fight Club, and go and see it - you'll be treated to something rare.
They Live (1988)
Classic film, with the best fight scene ever
Not that I'm a fan of ultra-violence or anything, it's just that it *is* the best fight scene I've ever scene, it's just so realistic. Anyone who has seen this knows the scene I'm referring to, and anyone who hasn't will recognise it when they do.
But onto the rest of the film, the overall plot (Aliens are taking over the world) doesn't sound too hot, but good old JC pulls it off brilliantly, and the casting of Roddy Piper as the hero is a stroke of genius. The film is a bit corny in places, but what do you expect? Overall, a really good film, provided you aren't taking it too seriously.