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The Man from Earth (2007)
Believe or Not to Believe...
Well, well, well, where to start.
I could rate this film anywhere between a 5 and an 8, that is how enthralled I was by it, and yet... am still so critical.
It could have been fantastic but unfortunately it failed to deliver on such a good premise.
I am, personally, a reluctant Atheist (ie. Faith is comfort and Atheism is pessimistic, I wish I were the former) so 'The Man From Earth' should appeal to me and support my rejection of traditional religious ideology. It does, but in a slightly insulting and naive manner. The debate between Faith/Religion and a lack of, shouldn't be analogized (in my opinion) by some immortal caveman who supposedly proves Religious text as inaccurate. Balderdash!
In summary however, 'The Man From Earth' is an interesting take on anthropology and its association with religion. Possibly had slightly poor casting and in my opinion a poor choice of metaphor but probably still worth a watch.
Ps. If I met an immortal, in all likelihood I'd start to believe in a higher being. It would, in my opinion, confirm that there is more to our current understanding of life, soul and purpose on this Earth.
A Simple Plan (1998)
Fargo, it is not!
I've seen multiple comparisons to Fargo in the comments section, which I do understand but in a very simplistic level. Tbh, I reckon the Coen Brothers would run into the icey wilderness of Minnesota than attach their name to this.
Bill Paxton seems terribly wooden, Billy Bob Thornton is just slightly silly. I cannot work out if he is playing someone who is simply uneducated or is supposed to have a mental health condition. Bridget Fonda's character is not necessarily unbelievable but I just don't believe how readily she turns. I don't know much about Brent Briscoe's work but I found him the most compelling.
Apparently, this is a book adaptation. The story has serious promise. This is the only reason it gets a 5 from me. Maybe check that out instead.
Le cercle rouge (1970)
Near perfect!
I'm pretty sure I have just watched the best heist film I've ever seen.
Smart, suave and engaging, Le Cercle Rouge epitomised everything I want from a slow burn cop/crime film.
The film manages to build the relationship with both sides of the law, although you will probably end up rooting for the robbers most of the time. I certainly did anyway.
Le Cercle Rouge may well go down as an unknown classic but I for one, shall be recommending it to all that shall listen. Unfortunately, most of my friends are philistines and it will likely go unheeded.
The Void (2016)
80s Horror Revisited
I'm not a fan of 'stuck in a building and can't escape until they've killed the evil doers' type film and still not after this, however that shouldn't stop you watching. What The Void does well, is hark back to classic Horror films that you wouldn't be surprised if Carpenter or Cronenberg had made. The Void gets better as it goes on and the special effects are excellent.
I'm slightly surprised I'm giving a 7 rating but I guess I enjoyed the special effects and atmosphere despite the plot and acting. I would've preferred both but sometimes you should just praise what is done well.
A Private War (2018)
Tough subject but good film
I have read a number of reviews criticising this film because they believe it to be biased. Fine. That is, to an extent, true. I would like to highlight that every film, newspaper, TV show and book will alway be. They are based on the authors view point. Left, center, right wing.
I have my views on the world and I would like to think it won't be changed by any one single film.
A Private War succeeds as a film in so many ways. Beautifully shot, well acted and 'attempts!' to highlight issues facing so much of the World.
I believe it is well worth a watch ('Shooting dogs' and 'Last King of Scotland' etc were more thought provoking).
Van Helsing (2004)
Just a bit silly!
Hugh Jackman and Kate Beckinsale CAN act, so why do they keep choosing cheap monster roles? I like Xmen but... you know... It is, what it is and then there is Underworld. Fun but not great. Van Helsing is the worst of both. Xmen and Underworld are bit silly but they are fun! V H is just a bit ridiculous.
The Wicker Man (2006)
Very boring
I love the original. It is unlike any other film I have ever seen so I knew the remake just would not be any good. How can you recreate it? But because it is so different a film, I had to watch the remake, simply because I was interested. I went in with very low expectations and came away even more disappointed than I thought I'd be. I thought it would just be aweful and would be able to laugh at its attempt but unfortunately, I actually came away bored. This film is just a bit meek. The acting was fine, the production was fine and the film was just fine. I wanted it to be aweful or brilliant and what I got was, entirely average. Surprised I didn't fall asleep. Just not worth the bother.
Lord of War (2005)
Nic Cage's best!!!
Lord of War is excellent! Turns out Nic Cage can actually act! I've enjoyed his films before but... not really respected them. LoW however, is well acted, well produced and well directed. It is subtlety funny, desperately brutal and simply honest about humanity. The film tackles a tough subject without depressing you, while still making you think.
Well worth a watch.
Nightbreed (1990)
Close but no cigar
Ahhh. I so want to love it but just can't. It's the kind of Special Effects that draw me in, but something is missing. Is it the actors or story, I'm not sure. If you like Demons in Dreams Horror. Try it and make your own decision but for me, can't give it more than a 5 stars.