What a thrill this film turned out to be! Like the three or four other Noyce films I've seen there isn't much grounding in plausibility. But then if it was we'd be watching a biography, not a to-the-wall action flick. So forgive the forced plot (like CIA HQ security only working when it serves a plot function) and get ready for an adventure that never slows down enough for you to care. The set pieces are very well done. I especially thought a certain scene with a taser was fantastic and funny, but that poor cops heart! This is a round about way of saying; you know Phillip Noyce, you know the genre, Jolie suits short hair, just enjoy it. I'm pretty certain you will.
Reviews
4 Reviews
I Spit on Your Grave
(2010)
More brutal, less shocking
21 March 2011
Warning: Spoilers
I'm going to assume that most people have watched the 1978 version before they wanted to see this one, or maybe some of you haven't seen either? This film looks clean and professional, some of the acting is quite good. Ms. Butler and Mr. Branson especially. Effects are very good. What made the original so effectual was the sunshine, the playful music, and the way the men talking about Jennifer started so much more innocently than it ended. They seemed like they hadn't done this before. Here the film is dark from the get go. The atmosphere, the music, the boys, are all screaming, 'bad things happens here'. These boys torture here methodically (psychologically) before touching her, and they look very well practiced. For me that detracted. Then Jennifer gets her own back. She is creepy, yes. Violent fulfillment, yes. But it's unrealistic for such a realistic film. It becomes exploitative in a way the original didn't. Any way around it. Highly recommend for those with nerve, but the original is altogether a darker, more meaningful piece.
Zombieland
(2009)
Funny, but Flat
8 December 2010
I must admit, I did laugh quite a few times throughout this film, I'll give it that.
Unfortunately what I can't say for it is that it has; interesting characters, a solid plot, characterization, or any deeper theme than than the shallowest of teen Rom-Com's.
The characters are four clichés, none are ever believably challenged. The Twinkie finding plot is weak, and throughout the movie there is no real build up towards a satisfying pay-off, except for interludes between jokes. Basically all characterization occurs through an over-used and highly expository voice over, with no effort put into to bringing out drama actually on screen.
Watch it to have a laugh and don't want to really pay attention, but it is a 6, not a 7.8.
Unfortunately what I can't say for it is that it has; interesting characters, a solid plot, characterization, or any deeper theme than than the shallowest of teen Rom-Com's.
The characters are four clichés, none are ever believably challenged. The Twinkie finding plot is weak, and throughout the movie there is no real build up towards a satisfying pay-off, except for interludes between jokes. Basically all characterization occurs through an over-used and highly expository voice over, with no effort put into to bringing out drama actually on screen.
Watch it to have a laugh and don't want to really pay attention, but it is a 6, not a 7.8.
A mature Harry Potter for a mature audience.
18 November 2010
I saw this at the Sydney premiere and was highly impressed, Yates has done a terrific job here after the let downs of the last two films.
Now I've just read some reviews and there are many complaints about it being too long, action-less and boring. I must protest. One of the brilliant things about splitting the story into two films is to give each the time to fill out more than just non-stop action.
The acting here is much better than previously, with much of the story conveyed without the cramped, emotionless, talk-too-fast dialog of the other films. the characters are given the time to be still, to fill the emotional space around them and create a strong sense of the lost and crumbling world they are feeling their lonely way through. The three mains especially give fulfilling and nuanced performances, backed up by a strong show elsewhere.
Whilst everyone has their own tastes in films, I think some people need to let the films grow out of action-film-for-young-teen land and turn into the young adult drama the books ended up becoming.
This is a highly entertaining watch, but - somewhat redundant of this post - everyone who's seen the other films will watch this one even if it was horrible, and I can't see many people starting with this one even if it's brilliant. Harry Potter is coming to a fitting and spectacular close - but only for those that have been with him along.
Now I've just read some reviews and there are many complaints about it being too long, action-less and boring. I must protest. One of the brilliant things about splitting the story into two films is to give each the time to fill out more than just non-stop action.
The acting here is much better than previously, with much of the story conveyed without the cramped, emotionless, talk-too-fast dialog of the other films. the characters are given the time to be still, to fill the emotional space around them and create a strong sense of the lost and crumbling world they are feeling their lonely way through. The three mains especially give fulfilling and nuanced performances, backed up by a strong show elsewhere.
Whilst everyone has their own tastes in films, I think some people need to let the films grow out of action-film-for-young-teen land and turn into the young adult drama the books ended up becoming.
This is a highly entertaining watch, but - somewhat redundant of this post - everyone who's seen the other films will watch this one even if it was horrible, and I can't see many people starting with this one even if it's brilliant. Harry Potter is coming to a fitting and spectacular close - but only for those that have been with him along.
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