moviebuff Reviews

Planet of the Apes (2001)

I'll be seeing this one again.

[3 August 2001]

This was my most anticipated film of the year and I was not disappointed. Like many others, I have been a huge fan of the original Planet of the Apes since I first saw it in 1968 and had great misgivings about a remake. Once I learned that Tim Burton was to direct I knew that I would be seeing something wonderful. There isn't any other director around today that I would have picked to make this film. I was also delighted to learn that he was not just remaking but re-imagining the entire story which opened up huge possibilities. The result is an exciting, rousing adventure with thought-provoking ideals that set it apart most of the bang and blow-up action films put out today. It manages to keep many of the elements of the original that made it so enduring while adding new twists to the story. The make-up by Rick Baker is astounding. Certainly his best work to date. The cast is uniformly excellent with special kudos to Helena Bonham-Carter, Tim Roth and Paul Giamatti. This film must be seen on the big screen. I'll certainly be seeing it again at least once if not more.

A Walk in the Clouds (1995)

A charming romance for a more cynical time

[17 February 2001]

You often hear people lament:"they don't make them like they used to". This film is one of those magical examples where they really do. Alfonso Arau has given us one of the most poignant, old-fashioned romance films in many a year. Set in the Napa Valley shortly after the end of World War II, Keanu Reeves and Aitana Sanchez-Gijon play two people searching for their futures. Reeves as an ex-GI in a pointless job with a wife he hardly knows and Sanchez-Gijon as a pregnant and abandoned woman afraid to face the shame she will bring to her family. They agree to pose as a married couple in order for her to save face and placate the anticipated anger of her stern father. What follows is a lovingly realized story of family, love and understanding played out against the beauty of the northern California wine country. The vineyard owned by Sanchez-Gijon's family is pure fantasy created by some wonderful visual effects but it provides the perfect setting for the film. There are moments in this film of sensual beauty every bit as breathtaking as the vineyard itself. One of the great joys of this film is the performance of Anthony Quinn as Don Pedro, Sanchez-Gijon's grandfather. He steals every scene he's in. His performance is funny and charming and his character always has a knowing twinkle in his eye. A pure delight to watch. For those with unjaded hearts, settle down with the one you love and share a glass of wine as you watch this film and relish it's pure heart and the exquisite joy of it's touching romance.

Dark City (1998)

One of the best sci-fi films you'll ever see!

[10/10 · 5 February 2001]

I have always been disappointed that this film never received the recognition it deserved when it was first released (except of course by Roger Ebert). Having just seen it again I am still stunned by it's originality and intelligence. Finally a science fiction film that requires you to think (and pay close attention)! One that does not assume that the audience needs every aspect of the story to be explained to them at every moment or whose plot is so transparent there are no surprises. I dare anyone watching this film for the first time to try and guess the plot as it unfolds. And not just a sci-fi film but an amazing blend of sci-fi and film noir that hasn't been seen since Blade Runner although this film is far superior in every way. All the performances are excellent especially that of Keifer Sutherland in probably his best and most original role to date. And the look of this film has not been seen before. Yes there have been other "dark" cities in similar films (Blade Runner and Batman to mention two recent ones) and this one certainly uses elements from those as well as Metropolis but in doing so the result is something wonderfully original. Just spend some time and look at the backgrounds and set elements and try to place them. Futuristic structures, 1940's art-deco, modern accents. One would think that such diverse elements would look out of place but the set designers make it all work to give this film it's special feel. It was also great fun to see Richard O'Brien once again. With his wonderfully creepy and menacing turn as Mr. Hand it is surprising that we don't see him in more films. For those who have not seen this film, add it to your must-see list. You will not be disappointed.