richard-810 Reviews

Interstellar (2014)

Nolans 'not quite' 2001

[6/10 · 2 April 2015]

This movie has achieved a very high rating on IMDb and so I had a very high level of expectation before seeing it. My one concern was that I've found Nolan's recent work (particularly Inception) to contain some excellent ideas and cinematography but to be overlong and rambling in places. I found Interstellar to suffer from the same faults. Very interesting ideas, great cinematography, solid cast (although I wish Matthew McConaughey would deliver his dialogue more clearly and not mumble so much. He doesn't seem to have fully recovered from his role in True Detective and I couldn't understand what he was saying much of the time and I was not alone in this. A number of reviewers have used the word 'epic' to describe this movie. I'd be more blunt and say it could have done with some more effective editing. A friend of mind made the comment that it may take several years to get from Earth to Saturn and when you see Interstellar, it feels like you're making the same trip! An exaggeration maybe but the movie is very long and lacks pace at some points. Not all bad news however - some sections are very impressive and visually spectacular, although some ideas have been borrowed from other sources - obviously 2001/ 2010 and Arthur C Clarkes story 'Rendezvous with Rama'. Definitely worth seeing but I don't share the 'masterpiece' line of some reviewers. Good but not great.

Margin Call (2011)

Accurate and Gripping Account of the Financial Services Disaster

[8/10 · 15 February 2013]

This for me is the best film yet made dealing with the workings of Wall Street/City of London type financial institutions and particularly the financial crash of 2008. One thing to stress immediately is please don't imagine that is a worthy, educational type of movie. It is educational (or will be to some people) but there is a real sense of tension and impending doom comparable to the best film noir thrillers. 'Wall Street' 1 and 2 were decent enough films but this has an edge to it that almost feels documentary in tone. The cast are uniformly excellent, Paul Bettany, Jeremy Irons and Stanley Tucci in particular, to which you can add Kevin Spacey and (always a pleasure to see her these days) Demi Moore. Newcomer to me, Zachary Quinto was particularly good. One thing I must mention; one IMDb reviewer was concerned that those unfamiliar with the financial markets might not understand what is going on. I've worked in financial services for some years myself and I couldn't disagree more. This idea that this business is complicated is all part of the great myth – it's actually very simple. You buy something – a batch of mortgages, gold, shares in a company – you sit on the purchase for ten minutes, a day or (very long term this) a week or two and then you sell. If your risk assessment is right, you sell for more than you paid and congratulations, you've just earned your million dollar bonus! If the assessment was wrong, quickly find some idiot to sell on to and minimise your losses (in which case no bonus but almost certainly 'goodbye old chap, we'll miss you'). It's as simple as that. An excellent and entertaining movie of our times, highly recommended.

The Millionaire Tour (2012)

Slick, Taut Thriller

[7/10 · 2 April 2012]

Like the other IMDb reviewers, I spotted this on a UK satellite channel and gave it a try. I really enjoyed it and highly recommend it (if you can see it). An excellent cast - only four main characters - but is a very tense thriller, fast paced, good direction and featuring a confidence trick plot. I'll not say any more as I certainly don't want to spoil it for anyone but it has some really good twists right to the end. One of those movies that you know is going to have a surprise at the end but when it came was not the one that I had guessed or was expecting.

The only problem then is how and where to see it? I've already said it's available on UK satellite channels and I see that it is 'Internet release only'. I assume this is the US? If so, it's real shame that a well made movie like this with a good cast and excellent story is not more widely available. I'm no expert on the economics of the movie industry but this deserves to be seen and enjoyed by a wider audience.

Kill List (2011)

A 'Marmite' Movie - I loved it!

[8/10 · 17 March 2012]

For the benefit of those readers from countries where Marmite is unknown, it's a yeast based savoury spread with a strong flavour and people tend to love it or hate it. This phrase has now become something of a cliché in the UK, the 'love or hate' judgement being applied to anything from food, music or people that sharply divide opinion. And so it appears to be with this movie and I was surprised to see the number of reviewers who hated it, thought it was trash etc. I have to choose my words very carefully as I don't want to spoil it for those yet to see it, but suffice to say that it starts as a dark, tough 'Hitman' type of thriller. The controversy is centres on the climax, where the story takes a twist which is totally unpredictable and unexpected, at least was to me. This alone gives the movie merit as an unpredictable and surprise ending is relatively unusual but very welcome. I accept that it might be considered contrived and implausible by some, designed to startle and shock but I was startled and shocked and this completed my enjoyment of the movie. Regarding the other aspects of the production, the cast (mostly unknown to most people I suspect) I thought was excellent, low key and convincing. The direction moves the plot at a brisk pace. The slightly bland suburban British setting absolutely right and contrasting well with the shocking events that unfold. I thought that this was a haunting, original thriller (although thriller/horror is a more accurate description) and one of the best of the genre that I've seen recently. One word of warning – it does contain some very violent scenes so be prepared for this.

Never Let Me Go (2010)

Gentle, haunting, beautiful and poignant

[8/10 · 20 January 2012]

I have to admit to knowing nothing about this movie when I caught it yesterday and was so impressed that I felt the need to look it up on IMDb and add my own comments. I see from other reviews that I am not alone in my reaction. Without wishing to spoil the latter stages of the tale for any readers, the main story gets underway at an idyllic rural British private school for boys and girls, the time being around 50 years ago. It becomes apparent that something is not quite right, why no parents, why are the children banned from ever leaving the school grounds and why are they taught basic skills like asking for tea or coffee, something they would surely have known by their age of 10 or 12? It soon becomes apparent when a renegade teacher explains that they have been bred as 'donors' for spare part surgery, they will be allowed to grow to healthy early adulthood and then donate organs two or three times until the process brings about their 'completion', their death. The story then follows three friends as they move through the various stages of the awful process.

Strictly speaking, the story could be classified as sci-fi but what makes this so original is it being set in an alternative past, a kind of parallel world. It is the atmosphere of the film which really made it memorable for me, gentle, beautiful rural landscapes, the innocence of the subjects. It would have been so easy to have changed this to a more uplifting story, the 'donors' fighting the system and resisting the authorities who have created them for a specific doomed purpose. There is some attempt by couples to gain a 'deferral', a postponement as they are in love and seek a couple of years to enjoy the relationship but it is ultimately their quiet acceptance of their fate, their resignation as their bodies are pillaged stage by stage which haunts the horrified viewer.

I appreciate that the melancholy atmosphere of this film might not be to everyone's taste but I strongly recommend it to anyone with an interest in serious cinema. I can't stop thinking about it and that for me is the best tribute to any work of art.

Cherry Tree Lane (2010)

Unpleasant, Violent and Pointless

[5 September 2011]

I don't criticise films easily, particularly a Brit thriller as I believe that the home movie industry should be supported whenever possible. I'm writing this however because I found this film completely pointless and it left a bad taste in my mouth. Once the plot gets underway, the developments lack any suspense and are predictable. The violence (which is significant) distasteful and although you don't see the rape (thank goodness) you see the ghastly aftermath and the condition of the brutalised victim. I found the whole thing rather revolting and it taught me nothing new, no new or original insights, no unexpected twists, no meaningful character analysis.

What is more important is that many people watching this movie will feel uneasy and threatened at the thought of young criminals breaking into their homes and causing similar suffering to innocent victims. I'm not saying that such things don't happen but they happen very rarely and are a truly exceptional occurrence. Even during the recent London riots, there was not a single report of anything like this happening. I was born in a multi-cultural part of central London and lived there (mostly in local authority housing) for over 40 years. Not once did I have a remotely similar experience, nor did any of my friends or family and I was proud to have known all sections of the community. Sorry but I found this film devoid of any merit and an ugly waste of time.

Winter's Bone (2010)

An Unusual and Gripping Thriller – Excellent

[23 August 2011]

This is one of those 'small' Hollywood films that at their best can surprise and delight. It has no major stars, a modest budget, no CGI but excels by having a gripping story, excellent direction and first rate cast who convince totally. Interesting for me was that it is set in a place that as a Brit, I know little about (I suspect the same is probably true of most US readers also). The whole story takes place in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri, portrayed as an area of Badlands that apart from cars, appears little changed from the 19th century. People living in tough conditions, ground down and weary from the harshness of the environment and the tedium of their daily lives, scratching a living from mostly illegal activities, in this case dealing in drugs. You could say that the movie is bleak - certainly the setting is not glamorous but the overall quality and most of all, an excellent and original plot line makes for a rewarding and enjoyable experience. As stated previously, the cast are excellent, the two main leads, Jennifer Lawrence and John Hawkes in particular very impressive. A really good and unusual thriller, worth going out of your way to see.

The Joneses (2009)

A Modest Gem, Intelligent and Original

[8 August 2011]

I knew nothing about this movie but saw it listed on the British cable channels, read the reviews on IMDb and gave it a try. I was really pleased that I did. It is well made, a quality professional cast (great to see Demi Moore again, she can really act and shows a true screen presence) but best of all, this is an intelligent, thought provoking and original movie. I'm one of those who complain about the endless remakes, movies based on TV series and movies based on comic books that Hollywood churns out but I really welcome it when an original script and story comes along. Movies such as this demonstrate to me that there is real talent still around which can produce a movie that surprises you and gives real entertainment for those of us older than 14. No CGI, no car chases, no gun battles. I'll not describe the plot as I don't want to spoil this for potential viewers but please trust me, it's clever and thought provoking. Give it a try. I hope that like me, you'll really enjoy it.

Chinatown (1974)

One of the great films of all time

[25 July 2011]

It may sound a little dramatic to call this one of the great films but I genuinely believe it to be true. I have been going to the movies for over 40 years and I can't think of any way that Chinatown could be improved or made better. I first saw it 25 years ago but watched it yesterday on TV and was again overwhelmed by how good it is. The other thing worth mentioning is that it has hardly dated at all. Certainly Jack Nicholson looks younger than we're all used to seeing him these days (me and him both!) but because the story is set in the 1930s, it could have been made yesterday. The cast, the locations, the script, the direction, the dialogue, the photography and that evocative score are all pretty much perfect. Above all, the great fast paced story with an ending that hits you right in the stomach has as much power today as ever. I'm sure that anyone reading this will have seen Chinatown but if not, go out of your way to see it. A true cinematic masterpiece.

The Scouting Book for Boys (2009)

Poignant, Powerful and Haunting Little Movie

[7/10 · 30 April 2011]

I have to say that I was very impressed with this low budget Brit movie. When I say 'low budget' incidentally, please don't take this the wrong way and imagine an amateur production with game but low quality cast and poor production values. The cast I thought was excellent, a couple of faces I recognised but otherwise largely unknown to me. The two young leads put in top class performances. The storyline unfolds at a fair pace and the setting – a coastal caravan park/holiday camp – convincing and authentic. I have stayed in such places in my childhood and the movie catches the slightly unreal 'every day a holiday' atmosphere convincingly. One reviewer felt that the movie insulted residents of such places but I didn't see this at all – the people came across to me as pretty much ordinary people for better and worse, which is what they are. The plot develops in a way that was unexpected to me with a shocking twist in the tail. Implausible? Some of the stories that you read in the newspapers are far more bizarre and unlikely, shocking things do happen sadly.

Something I find really gratifying about such films is that they prove again that you don't need to spend massive amounts of money on high profile stars and CGI effects to create a really good film. If you get the basics right – talented cast, competent direction and photography and above all else, a decent script/storyline – you can create a memorable and entertaining movie. This is something that French cinema has shown us many times but Brit and US movie makers can pull this off also. Of course a problem with movies such as this is that they don't get the distribution of the big movies, so you'll probably have trouble tracking it down. Keep an eye on the satellite/cable schedules and hope it appears!

Skyline (2010)

Enjoyed it much more than I was expecting

[7/10 · 27 March 2011]

I took the trouble to write this because I can't really understand why Skyline got such low ratings from some reviewers. I do enjoy good sci-fi but not to the extent that anything with a spaceship will do. The CGI special effects are very good, the acting (by a cast largely unknown to me at least) pretty good, competent, convincing. In many respects, I preferred it to War of the Worlds or Independence Day. Why? Both of those films were spoilt for me with cloying sentimentality and corny aspects to the plot (was I the only one who couldn't wait for the Martians in War of the Worlds to blast the two kids? OK, so I'm at the grumpy old man stage of life!). Skyline by contrast is rather bleak but plausible. Maybe the absence of a happy ending put some people off but I thought this was a decent movie, it certainly held my attention for the duration. Not a masterpiece but I suggest you give it a try, particularly if you like sci-fi. Like me, I suspect you'll be pleasantly surprised.

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009)

Another Minor Masterpiece from Gilliam

[8/10 · 18 March 2011]

I appreciate that Terry Gilliam's movies are not to everyone's taste but I really admire him for daring to be original. Not that original is enough in itself, there obviously has to be something gripping, entertaining or wonderful on the screen to justify the investment of time and money (mine and yours) but for me, this movie typically has those magic ingredients. It has an amazing cast (obviously including the late Heath Ledger), a plot that makes sense (but you have to concentrate a little at times) and some ravishing fantasy scenes. Gilliam paints on a large, colourful canvas and his imagination is skilfully translated on to the screen. I'm sure that anyone with a real interest in the cinema will find this movie as impressive as I did, please give it a try if you get the chance.

Inception (2010)

Very clever idea but over-long and over-complicated

[6/10 · 3 January 2011]

We have a phrase in the UK about 'too many eggs spoiling the pudding' and my view against the majority of reviewers, is that Nolan had committed the same sin with Inception. On the positive side, the story has an intriguing and largely original premise. The cast are all pretty much excellent – DiCaprio and Page and but Tom Hardy and Cillian Murphy also and great to see Tom Berenger again. Also a brief cameo by Pete Postlethwaite who I heard only today has sadly passed away – a great actor who appeared in some really interesting movies. Inception clearly had a big budget – masses of CGI (maybe a little too much?). All the ingredients are there but I felt that the script was a layer or two overdone. The 'arctic' section for example was largely unnecessary and didn't add anything to the story, other than dubious justification for extended gun play and James Bond style explosions with people flying through the air. Make no mistake, the story is very clever and bold but the plot lacked tightness and tried to be too clever, to the extent that my attention wandered as did that of those with me (all 'serious' movie fans). I really felt that 30 minutes or so could have been shaved off the running time and that the momentum of the story would have greatly benefited as a result. I know that Inception has achieved cult status and that this review will be considered blasphemy by some but I really feel that this thriller could have been so much better with tighter editing and direction.

Tideland (2005)

One of the most haunting and darkest films I've seen

[8/10 · 3 August 2010]

I really admire Terry Gilliam. True, his strange films can be a little hit or miss but he paints a very broad canvas and is a true original - his films are unlike those from any other director that I can think of, apart from possibly Marc Caro (Delicatessen etc). Regarding Tideland, there are some very dark and disturbing aspects to the story. The characters reminded me of a Dickens tale in many respects, some grotesque and threatening, others sad and vulnerable. Although there are references to Alice in Wonderland, this is definitely not a movie for children. No doubt many who wander across this by accident will be bored/confused/horrified but I found it one of the most powerful and original movies I've ever seen. If you really enjoy cinema (and highly unlikely you read the IMDb otherwise) go out of your way to see it. This is something special but you've been warned!

Heartless (I) (2009)

Dark and Spooky, Not Your Typical Slasher Horror Movie

[7/10 · 1 June 2010]

The story takes place in a very dark, threatening and violent London, more fantasy than reality but nevertheless, the environment serves its cinematic purpose as it makes the viewer feel unsettled. The photography is excellent with extended shots of the city at night and in the early hours. This fits well given the photography theme that runs through the movie. As others have observed, the key question is what is real and what is in the central characters mind - is he suffering from a terrible mental illness that gives him visions and voices in the head? Some elements of this reminded me of the Clive Barker stories with (possibly?) horrible demons lurking beneath the surface of our lives but the uncertainty ensures the plot has an edge that keeps you guessing to the end. This is an original and unusual film, more thought provoking than is typical of the genre, well made with a cast that all put in quality performances. It held my attention for the duration, neither me nor my partner spoke while we watched, which is always a good sign. Recommended if you're in the mood for a gripping journey to the dark side.

District 9 (2009)

A very clever and unusual film, not just for Sci-Fi Fans

[22 February 2010]

To say that this is 'more than a sci-fi movie' is disrespectful to the (relatively modest) number of excellent sci-fi pictures over the years – those that transgress the genre - but I'd like to stress that those readers who are not great fans of sci-fi should see this. It is by any standards a well-made, original drama that entertains and holds the viewers attention for almost two hours. Yes, there is a spaceship and funny-looking aliens but above all, this is a significant film with strong elements of excitement, humour and pathos. I'd read the mostly very positive reviews before seeing it so my expectations were high. Even so, it actually exceeded my hopes (a rare pleasure).and both myself and my partner agreed that it was better then we expected. I genuinely believe that it will very soon be regarded as something of a classic. If you enjoy well made, quality cinema, I'd be very surprised if you are disappointed. Without wishing to labour the point, a word of warning to those possibly junior movie fans who see the spaceship in the poster and like a video-game type of picture with killing and explosions from beginning to end - there are some of both but you'll be largely disappointed!

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007)

Give it a try - you'll be pleased that you did

[7/10 · 15 January 2010]

Confession: I didn't much fancy this film. I'd read the rave reviews and was pretty sure that it would be a worthy and moving piece of work but being completely honest, did I really want to spend an evening watching a movie about some poor fellow who was paralysed and unable to walk, talk or move anything other than an eyelid? It may be a true (ish) story but it doesn't exactly sound like two hours of entertainment, does it? I finally gave it a try - nothing much better to do - and I was really pleased that I did. It is obviously a moving and emotional story but more than that, it is funny, entertaining, sometimes beautiful to watch and has that charm of the best French cinema. Like many fine films from around the world, it features fairly ordinary people in situations which the likes of you and I can identify with - real people in a beautiful but sometimes cruel world. OK, our man did have a pretty good job and a glamorous lifestyle and did have the money to do things that a poor/working class person wouldn't. Let's face it however, this may contribute to a better looking and more interesting film but wouldn't make a whole lot of difference to the quality of your life following such a horrible trauma. Great cinema but a really rewarding and memorable evening. Don't be like me and form a prejudice view of what to expect before you've seen it.

Inglourious Basterds (2009)

Good and Bad WW2 Comic Book Fantasy

[7/10 · 14 January 2010]

I'm a big fan of Tarantino movies, or at least the best of them such as Pulp Fiction and Jackie Brown. I believe him to be a man who genuinely loves cinema, which is a pretty good start. So how does this stack up? Well, I guess that it left me with mixed feelings. The acting is actually pretty good and the interesting cast give a good account of themselves. The story is obviously ridiculous. I don't believe that QT expects it to be taken seriously. This is comic book cinema with comic book characters, good guys and bad guys. There is a fair amount of graphic violence, maybe a little more than was necessary to make the point. I think the problem I had was that the whole thing was too much of a joke, the kind that sounds good fun after a night out with friends but which usually you realise isn't going to that funny when you review it in the cold (sober) light of day. This may sound pretentious but given that we know QT can make outstanding memorable movies, is this elaborate joke a little over the top and a waste of time and resources? On the other hand, it kept me glued to the screen for almost two and half hours, which is no mean feat. Also, I find it interesting to speculate - what if this was a new low budget movie by a director that no one had heard of previously? Answer I suspect - instant cult classic. Maybe I'm foolish not to join in and enjoy the joke more but I have a nagging feeling this will be forgotten quite quickly.

Wind Chill (2007)

Not a masterpiece but better than expected if you like 'spooky'

[7/10 · 12 January 2010]

I saw this with very modest expectations but as can often be the case if you're not expecting too much, came away having enjoyed it. The opening is not promising - the girl is acutely irritating and had I been the poor guy giving her a ride, I'd have flung her out of the car pretty early on - OK, I'd have stopped and asked her to get out. Once you get past the early stages and the plot proper gets underway, I have to admit to being quite impressed. OK, I'm a sucker for ghost stories and spooky movies generally but this I did find quite spooky. I also liked the way that the movie avoided a 'cop out' happy ending. Not a great film maybe, but better than much of the recent genre and certainly worth catching for some jolts on a dark evening.

The Savages (2007)

Another outstanding 'little' film from the US

[8/10 · 9 March 2009]

I have a theory that the most interesting movies made in the US are not the high profile blockbusters but some of the modest budget 'little' films, of which this gem is a perfect example. Real people in a plausible real life situation with which the viewer can identify, but really entertaining rather than worthy and dull. It tells the story of a middle aged brother and sister coping with the fact that their father suffers from advanced dementia and following the death of his long-term partner, has to be re-homed in a facility designed to cope with people with this horrible condition. The film struck a particular cord with me as I have been in exactly this situation – I have relatives, including my mother, who suffer with advanced dementia. One thing that I need to stress is that any reader unfamiliar with the movie might think at this point that viewing it will be a humourless, bleak if worthy experience. Nothing could be further from the truth. The film is entertaining and amusing, even funny in parts. It strikes an excellent balance between telling a touching and very humane story and being an enjoyable cinematic experience. It is warm and fun, highly unlikely given the subject matter. The cast is excellent, particularly Hoffman (yet another top-class performance) and Linney, the direction unobtrusive and of the highest quality. Viewing this is a really rewarding way to spend an afternoon or evening and I really recommend the reader to give it a try. One thing did occur to me – I wonder if anyone browsing the listings for their local cinema or cable channels might be put off by the title, perhaps imagining that the film is some horrible slasher movie or similar? I was surfing the listings and only picked up on The Savages because it received a top quality review. I can't overstate how pleased I am to have given it a try. .

Rescue Dawn (2006)

Fantastic Story, Curiously Disappointing and Forgettable Film

[5/10 · 15 December 2008]

The story of Dieter Dengler, his capture by the communists in Laos during the Vietnam war, his imprisonment, his escape and his epic journey through the jungle is a truly magnificent story. Regardless of my lack of knowledge as to his real character or the fact that he admitted that some aspects of his book on which this film was based were 'dramatised', I salute him as an exceptionally brave and courageous person. Christian Bale is an actor that I respect, not only for the quality of his performances but for the intelligence has he displayed in his choice of movies, which I think are never less than interesting. So why was I not taken with this? Mainly I found the macho gung-ho stuff irritating and implausible. As well as knowing numerous ex-service personnel, mostly of my parent's generation, I believe that once the real killing starts, the jokey 'high-five' mentality disappears pretty quickly. Training was fun but this is serious! I also have an uncle who was a prisoner of the Japanese during the World War 2. No-one ever shouted aggressively at a guard. The prospect of them murdering you without a second thought was a constant dread. A cough at the wrong time could result in your death. You kept you head down, avoided eye contact and hoped not to be noticed. Anyone who showed any fight or aggression would be subject to terrible, often fatal beatings. So Bale plays it as all mostly good fun, a game. He jokes at the briefing, whoops as he takes off on his fateful flight, continues to be irritating and full of testosterone during captivity. And how often have we seen prisoners play 'imagine that meal back home' game in confinement?. Then the escape and epic journey through the jungle. Actually this section was for me probably the best of the film, Bale being more subdued than previously and in all fairness, the photography is very good. A temporary increase in perception of the films quality soon disappears when following rescue, Bale/Dengler is spirited away from the CIA by four suitably macho colleagues and flown back to his aircraft carrier, where the entire crew (including Admiral) have a good whooping and hollering session. When asked what he would most like, Bale/Dengler joyously shouts 'a big steak!' into the microphone. A miraculous recovery indeed with just a few scratches on his face remaining from his ordeal. Dengler actually weighed 6 stone when he was rescued. Having considered why I was so disappointed (and yes, mildly irritated by this film) is that I realise it is a throwback to the John Wayne days. Life was simpler then but in the 21st century, we ask more questions and expect a more thoughtful and accurate approach than can be found here.

.

Juno (2007)

Enjoyable, charming but everyone just too nice and sensible to be real

[7/10 · 24 August 2008]

The bottom line is that I really enjoyed this film, despite the feeling of having been manipulated. A well made movie with mostly terrific cast and a story about real people facing a human crisis in their everyday lives of the type that many of us are familiar with, a 16 year old schoolgirl from a 'respectable' middle class background getting pregnant. The reaction and behaviour of the characters is sensible, humane and comforting. What a better world it would be if everyone were as wise, kind and practical as the characters. This really is the issue that gave me (and other reviewers) significant reservations – people are not for the most part like this in real life. Sure, some major problems do have a happy outcome but very often they do not and things rarely go as smoothly as they do in this story. Ellen Page has received major plaudits for her undoubted acting ability but I found her a little too wise and articulate for her age, her performance and spiky charm too polished to be authentic. The star for me was Michael Cera, his characters discomfort, awkwardness and lack of confidence was far more convincing and closer to people of that age that I know. I think probably best to regard this movie as a modern fantasy rather than a snapshot of reality. But the movie does have a warmth and charm and certainly provides an enjoyable evenings entertainment. One further plus for me incidentally was the soundtrack, brilliant quirky little tracks that provide a perfect accompaniment to the story. Overall, see it and enjoy being manipulated.

No Country for Old Men (2007)

Great expectations, but left me slightly disappointed

[7/10 · 13 August 2008]

I'm a huge fans of the Coens and have enjoyed every one of their films, going back to Blood Simple. Having read rave reviews which referred to this as 'their masterpiece', my expectations were very high, and possibly this is why I was disappointed – maybe I was expecting too much. Make no mistake, this is a very good film, in a different league from the majority of thrillers. The cast selection is very interesting and the performances excellent. Tommy Lee Jones is at his best, and Javier Bardem is a truly memorable villain, something really special. The cinematography is excellent, typical Coen standard. The story starts well, a tense mystery and sure enough the suspense builds. So why my disappointment? Well, as others have said, the latter part of the movie doesn't quite live up to the promise of the first half and the ending is something of an anti-climax. The movie doesn't quite fulfil initial expectations. It seems to finish rather than end. Other critical comments are that Woody Harrelson is rather wasted, a relatively brief 'walk on' appearance. Some of the dialogue I found very difficult to understand. The characters have a tendency to mumble – OK, I'm a Brit and maybe my problem in not understanding 'Texan'. On reflection, the ingredient I missed most was the (black) humour, found in Fargo for example. See this film by all means and you're hopefully enjoy it but I don't believe it to be quite the masterpiece that many have said, just very good, which is better than most productions manage.

Munich (2005)

Typical Spielberg, for Better and for Worse

[6/10 · 18 July 2008]

On the plus side, the cinematography is as good as it gets. Spielberg is an undoubted master of the field and as a lover of cinema, I regard him as one of the truly great exponents, a genius. On the downside, his stories tend to feature a cloying sentimentality (AI, Saving Private Ryan etc) and this aspect inevitably detracts (at best) or ruins (at worst) the overall experience. And so with Munich, we get the standard Spielberg package. I strongly feel that if a movie is to feature a series of historical events, particularly a recent tragedy such as the events portrayed in this film, then it should be factually accurate and this film is not. There is no mention of the innocent waiter who was murdered by the Israeli squad as a result of mistaken identity for example. Now I'm not trying to make a political point here. As far as I am concerned, those responsible for the murder (that word again which I use intentionally) of the Israelis at Munich (or the murderers of innocent unarmed civilians in any circumstances) deserve everything they get. The suggestion that a series of unlikely methods of killing the perpetrators was used – exploding beds and so forth – each different from the previous, is complete fiction. Without wishing to sound too pedantic, the danger with this approach is that many people believe that what they are watching on the screen is fact. One IMDb reviewer comments that 'Spielberg gives us one hell of a history lesson'. He does not. Overall then, a decent action thriller, no more and no less.

The Woodsman (2004)

Brave, but I felt not without faults

[7/10 · 28 December 2007]

How to start with a movie with this subject matter? Believe it or not, I had the DVD of this movie for over a year before watching it. I avoided it, not I think because I knew that I would find it disturbing but because I feared I would find it bleak and depressing. And this indeed was how I felt after watching it. It is obviously not a movie for a laugh on a Saturday night. It is well made, the acting is superb and I really admire Bacon for doing it. You can imagine the reaction of most Hollywood actors if asked to play the lead in a film with this subject matter. So a brave film for all concerned to be involved with. So what left me with reservations? I felt that the relationship between the central character and the (very attractive) lady that he meets at his gloomy workplace was implausible. My understanding is that paedophiles tend not to have successful relationships with other adults, even though many are married. The beating of the 'bad' predatory paedophile by the 'good' paedophile was unnecessary, even though I appreciate that the latter was partially exorcising his own demons. But the main aspect that gave me concern was that although you see the main character struggling to control his desires, the only victim (as far as we know) was a family member, rather than some innocent kid wandering the streets. The intention then is to suggest that this criminal is, on a scale of 1 to 10 not too bad really, a decent guy who strayed into the twilight zone when younger. Is this of great significance? It would have been an even braver film to feature a 'typical' paedophile who stalks and preys upon children without remorse. But then I guess the film would have been so horrible that it would be unwatchable. And so a brave and courageous film and one that I'm pleased that I finally got the courage together to watch. Did I learn anything from it? I'm not too sure and this I think is the main problem that I had with it.