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Reviews
Mean Machine (2001)
Entertaining, but unbalanced and poorly directed
Vinnie Jones' first starring role was chosen perfectly. Like the man himself, the film is about a football player who gets himself into trouble.
Unfortunately, that's about all that is perfect about this film. I had great trouble trying to work out if this was a gritty, violent prison movie or a comedy. One second you'll be watching a prisoner being butchered by another - then you'll be given a visual gag and some funny lines... then left to wonder if the violence had any relevance at all.
If your a Vinnie Jones or footy fan, then you will probably enjoy the last segment of the film. The football match is actually quite entertaining, with some great moments from Jason Statham.
Jones actually does very well in his first major role, being the only thing that made Mean Machine watchable. I'd go as far as saying that he is a better actor than he is a footballer (which probably isn't saying much). Jones is a talent to look out for, but first-time director Barry Skolnick isn't.
Swiri (1999)
A daring action film that would never be made in America
Shiri is an action film with a difference, its clearly too bold a film to come from the West. Despite the huge box-office success the film has made, it saddens me to think that there are still people outside of Asia who are not aware of this film.
If you want to see a film with incredible action, brutal violence, and plot twists that will draw you into the film like no other action film could, see Shiri.
Shiri has exceptional production value, the use of visual effects is subtle and extremely effective. This really shows what a creative mind can do to a blockbuster movie when given the chance. A breath of fresh air to say the least.
Le fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain (2001)
Simply beautiful
Amelie is a stunning example of European cinema and one of the most wonderful films I have ever seen. Ignore what you hear about Amelie being an idealistic view of Montmartre - it is, but it's proud of it. Amelie is a fantasy film, it isn't trying to be an accurate portrayal of life in Montmartre, instead we follow the life of Amelie and her efforts to bring happiness to others. I think its a shame that some people will shy away from Amelie because it is in French with subtitles, but this really is a film that can be enjoyed by all film lovers. Amelie is a visual treat, in fact I'd imagine it could be enjoyed without following the dialogue at all (although I wouldn't recommend it!). If you haven't seen a foreign film before, make Amelie your first. It truly is a unique experience that you can't afford to miss out on.
Batoru rowaiaru (2000)
A very dark comedy
I'll be honest - during the first 20 minutes of this movie I didn't have a clue what I was watching. Upon watching the entire film I came to the conclusion that it takes about this long to get used to the film's horrific, dark sense of humour. The elements of comedy are there from the start, with the ridiculous opening, introducing the 'Battle Royale' with film footage of the last battle and shots of the sole survivor, a little girl.
In fact, by the time you've settled down you'll be having a ball. This is an incredibly unique experience and it's great fun too. Beat Takeshi manages to steal the show with a performance as wry as you would usually expect, despite not getting much screen time.
The plot has some neat subplots and mini-twists with character backgrounds giving hints and red herrings on who is trustable in the group and who is willing to go all the way and kill the remaining children.
If you don't have the stomach for violence and gore, then this certainly isn't for you, but if you can pick up on when the film is trying to be funny and over the top, you'll have a great time.