Broken Flowers - Don Johnston receives an anonymous letter from a woman informing him that he has a son. Don decides go on a road trip across the country to try and find the mystery letter writer among his ex-girlfriends.
I really really wanted to like this film. It had all the right ingredients - Bill Murray, a journey of discovery, cameos by some great actresses but in the end it just bored me. On another day I might have loved it. Perhaps it's a film to be revisited when I'm in the right mood.
Brokeback Mountain - As a fan of Ang Lee I was really looking forward to this film and I was not disappointed at all. It's a wonderful film, heart-breaking and extremely moving.
The cinematography is perfect. First in the depiction of the free, wide open space of the mountain and then in the small, drab prison of a town where Ennis lives.
The two actors put in very committed performances and they really made you care for them. The film rested on their shoulders and they truly delivered. I feel a bit tearful just thinking about it.
The Incredibles - I really liked the idea of the Superheroes who had been forced to retire because of political correctness. Very modern.
A very entertaining film, exciting and fast-paced. I thought the villain (voiced by Jason Lee) was ace and I also liked Frozone (Samuel L Jackson). There's lots of cute little references to other superhero/villain films and characters. Clever but also very charming.
Not as good as Finding Nemo but what is ?
Everything Is Illuminated - A Jewish American travels to Ukraine to trace the woman who saved his grandfather's life during WW2.
The first half of the film is rather amusing but then it all turns quite dark and sombre as Jonfen reaches his final destination and learns the fate of his grandfather's village.
As a whole I don't think it entirely worked but it is an enjoyable film nevertheless. I think the culture clash stuff worked very well. Sammy Davis Jnr Jnr is also priceless.
I shall have to get on and read the book. It's been on my 'to read' pile for years.
The Family Stone - Meredith (Sarah Jessica Parker) accompanies her boyfriend to his family's Christmas celebration and has a terrible time.
I felt nothing but pity for the character of Meredith in this film. She is treated very shabbily by her boyfriend's family. They never give her a chance. It is a bitchy, rude and horrid film. The end is totally unbelieveable and contrived. I really hated it.
Fantastic Four - It feels like you've barely begun to watch before this is over.
It seems they miss out the middle and go straight to the end.
It's not a bad film just severely undercooked.
Me & You & Everyone We Know - A hard film to describe. There's a guy, Richard, who is separting from his wife, His two kids, a performance artist who likes Richard and a bunch of other people milling around.
To me the film seemed to be about what you do to fill the time. It's very quirky but not in an obvious or self-concious way. I haven't decided how I feel about it yet.
The Brothers Grimm - The Grimm Brothers are con artists who invent evil so they can banish it. However they soon encounter a very real evil.
This film is a mess. It's rushed but it also feels like it drags, it's noisy but without a reason for it. I just didn't get into it at all. Monica Bellucci is very beautiful as the evil witch. They should have had more of her instead of the embarrassing Cavaldi.
Lena Headey was also badly miscast. Very disappointing.
Hero - No, not the Yhang Zimou epic but a Hong Kong shoot 'em up. Pretty poor. It was made in 1997 but looks like it was made in 1987.
It's nonsensical and muddled. The Hero of the title gets hit with an axe in the chest about 5 times but still lives. I know you have to suspend disbelief and certain standards in these films but this was just pants.
Lady Vengeance - The third and final part of Park Chan-wook's revenge trilogy.
Geum-ja is sent to prison for a murder she didn't commit and is determined to get her revenge when she gets out.
This film has its share of effed up moments but to me it was more about Geum-ja's attempt at redemption than revenge.
The film requires concentration and patience and a very strong stomach. I think it is a hard film to like and it doesn't push my buttons the way that Sympathy For Mr Vengeance did. I admire Park for not just making an Oldboy retread as it seems so many were eager for. The whole part with the kid and the Australians could have been cut but I did enjoy seeing the alumni from the other vengeance films.
A more contemplative film then but still with all the brutality you might expect.
Forza Milan
Champions of Europe 2007
and the ending was interesting
,went with my 3 year old
