the last film i watched was the english patient, i missed the beginning part. i had a tear in my eye at the end.

Equilibrium - Seen it many times before. Gets better with age. I love the look and feel of this move

Pan's Labyrinth - I said it once and i''l say it again. A masterpiece from a atelented director. Brilliant

Letters from Iwo Jima
While I really liked Flags of our Fathers, 'Letters' is far superior in almost every regard.
What disappointed me with 'Flags' was it focused too much on the war bonds effort and not enough on the island and I found it difficult to bond with the characters because we didn't get the chance to get acquainted with them.
In 'Letters' however it all takes place on the island and is much better for it.
A harrowing, brave, human tale of soldiers fighting a lost battle.
With stunningly beautiful cinematography and the ever watchable Ken Watanabe, it honestly portrays the brutality of war and shows that the Japanese GI was as much a victim as that of his US counterpart.


The Number 23
This is one of those films that doesn't deserve the lambasting it's getting by critics.
The film centers around a man whose life begins to unravel as he reads a book, called the number 23, and starts to find similarites bewteen himself and the main character in the novel.
Okay, it's nothing new, nothing we haven't seen before, but a fine performance from Jim Carrey. After a prominsing start, the film does fall apart in the last act and gives us a far too tidy ending.
Could and should have been much darker and it would have been the better for it.

I Am Cuba
Hailed as a masterpiece, a classic of modern cinema this is nothing more than communist propoganda. The film portrays the 'horrible' world of Cuba when it was under democratic rule and shows how the people will be saved by the wonders of communism.
I could barely contain my annoyance watching this bile. It's laughable watching Castro promise the people a new world via his speeches. Yeah, its such a wonderful place to live, that's why half the population try to flee to Florida each year.
In fairness to it though the camera work is quite stylish and some applause must go to it for its photography but it's just so bad in every other aspect that you just want to forget the experience.
Besides if you want to see real cinematography, watch Letters from Iwo Jima or Pan's Labyrinth.

The Good Shepherd 9/10 second viewing

It's finally upon us. The second film directed by the greatest actor of all time, and what a magnificent job he did! Robert De Niro's epic drama about the birth of the CIA told through the eyes of Edward Wilson as masterly played by the brilliant Matt Damon. The story is very complex and frequently moves back and forth in time to give a deep insight into how Wilson devotes his time to his family and the espionage and interrogation work he does for the CIA, combine this with real footage of actual events and this makes for a pretty accurate account into the history of one of the most secret agencies on the planet. Superb supporting performances from Angelina Jolie, Alec Baldwin, William Hurt, John Turturro, Tammy Blanchard, and of course the king himself, makes The Good Shepherd one of the finest films I've seen this year. Direction, photography, editing and acting of the highest quality... what else would you expect from De Niro! Not as good as The Departed however.

Orange County 8/10

Very good film about teenage life and the perils of deciding what you want to do with your future. Colin Hanks puts in a good performance and there's a great cameo from Ben Stiller. Much better teen film than some of the most recent attempts.

quote:

Originally posted by RobbieJess:
The Good Shepherd 9/10 second viewing

I said to myself if anyone has seen this its going to be RobbieJess

So it's good? Unfortunately I didn't get to it yet, deintiely this weekend though.

quote:

Originally posted by Old No.7:
So it's good? Unfortunately I didn't get to it yet, definately this weekend though.

It's not a masterpiece Old No.7, but it's not far off Absolutely first class acting from Damon and De Niro and the story will keep you engrossed throughout it's 3 hour duration, and unlike some films of a similar time frame, The Good Shepherd doesn't feel like 3 hours at all! You know your films so you should enjoy this, but I won't spoil it by saying anything more than what I've said already. I'm a big admirer of De Niro so I had to see it at least twice ha ha!

Good review on Letters from Iwo Jima, that's a film I can't wait to see.

The Devils Backbone - Very good film from a talented director. Welldone

Eragon - Rubbish

Sherrybaby, I really liked it. I've never been a great fan of Maggie Gyllenhaal but she did a grand job.

Walk The Line - Great film, both stars done a fantastic job and were amazing singers.

Oldboy - Always a pleasure when i watch this.

Underworld Evolution - Seen it before and always enjoy it

A Guide to Recognizing your Saints
A tough and sometimes brutal coming of age tale about a group of kids growing up in Queens, New York in the mid 80's. Based on Dito Montiel's autobiographical book and directed by the author himself the film boasts stellar performances from the cast, in particular Chazz Palminteri as the father.
While the ending is a little disappointing, I wanted to know more about the strained family relationship, this is really a powerful film and deserves alot more attention than it received.

Ghost Rider
Corny and disjointed, another misfire film version of a Marvel character. Completely mis- cast and with ham acting, terrible lines and poor CGI, there is very little that can redeem this dud. One saving grace is Nicolas Cage, he tries to take the script seriously and his Johnny Blaze with his love for The Carpenters does bring a little warmth to the film.
The film is just too cartoon-like to be taken anyway seriously, I was half expecting the Mystery Machine to turn up at the end.

The Illusionist
Although you'll see the surprise twist coming a mile away and the dialect coaching sounds like it was done by Schwarzenegger, this is a thoroughly enjoyable and intriguing film.
Set in 19th Century Vienna (although it was filmed in Prague) it tells of Eisenheim the illusionist, and his love for a Duchess. With excellent performances from Edward Norton and Paul Giamatta, The Illusionist is a fine example of simple story telling done with maximum effectivness. Beautifully photographed and well crafted, it is a magical tale of mystery and intrigue. Is it better than The Prestige...Yes.

Venus
A warm, funny but ultimately sad story about an ageing Thespian who gets a new zest for life when he meets Jessie, the niece of his friend. Peter O'Toole is really quite wonderful in the role and suits it perectly. Newcomer Jodie Whitaker does a terrific job too but the best moments are when the story revolves around Peter O'Toole and his two friends, Richard Griffiths and Leslie Phillips, in the local cafe.
This is a love story quite like no other and it could have come across as cringeworthy but it doesn't. It's tender and poignant but doesn't overdo it as it's quite harshly filmed in natural light with very colourful obsenities thrown in along the way.
Did he deserve an Oscar? Yes, but not as much as Forrest Whitaker.

Freedom Writers
The fact that it is an MTV production did set off warning bells so I wasn't too surprised by the outcome.
Supposedly based on a true story this film comes across as one of the most unrealistic films I've seen in a while. Ridiculously predictable farce that we've seen so many times before.
Hilary Swank looks uncomfortable in the role, the kids in the school are stereotypical and it's far too preachy.
However a couple of moments that do warrant a mention is when the kids start to learn about the Holocaust and major plaudits to the filmmakers for getting Miep Gies herself in a cameo.
Ultimately though we've seen this too many times before and done alot better.

The Good Shepherd
While it is a little long, and the film does suffer from it, this is really a fine piece of filmmaking. Excellent performances from the fine ensemble cast with a totally engrossing script. Following Edward Wilson in 30 years of CIA service this film is completely engaging from start to finish.
One question that kept coming to mind was why isn't Matt Damon ageing? I can only imagine it was intentional on the part of the filmmakers as if to say the CIA doesnt age.
As aforementioned, I did feel that it could have been a bit shorter. Some scenes that lasted ten minutes could easily have been explained away with a couple of lines of dialogue, the Joe Pesci scene for example. But this is just a small detail as the film really is superb with an intricate, yet easily followed, plot. Wonderful.

saw "howl's moving castle" for the first
time last night. absolutely spectacular.

Knew you'd enjoy The Good Shepherd Old No.7

The Illusionist 8/10

Very good film about the magician know as Eisenheim, played superbly by Edward Norton. His accent differentiates from time to time but overall he's very good. The story is about him winning back the girl he befriended as a child, who is now romantically involved with prince Leopold. Eisenheim meets her again as an adult while performing his show and sets on being with her again, despite Leopold's efforts to break Eisenheim's operation with the chief of police, who have become to dislike his illusions. Very well made film.

Once Upon a Time in China and America 4/10

Dreadful film starring Jet Li. The fight sequences are superb, what else would you expect from a 7 time Wu Shu world champion, but the direction is amatuerish at best. The subtitles are so small I chose to watch the film with the over-dub which I despise but it was either that or purely read through the whole film and miss the action.

Starman 10/10

Perhaps the most beautiful love story ever told. John Carpenter's amazing film starring Jeff Bridges who is exceptional as Starman, an advanced intelligent life form who comes to earth after encountering the Voyager probe which was blasted into space in the 70's, encrypted with a welcoming message and greetings in 54 languages. I love this film so much and never get tired of watching it. Excellent soundtrack, acting of the highest quality, magnificent photography and special effects... perfect!

quote:

Originally posted by RobbieJess:
Knew you'd enjoy The Good Shepherd Old No.7

Yeah RobbieJess, loved it. It was worth having to wait the extra week. I hope Robert DeNiro does make another two like he plans to.
I'd be interested to know what you think the reason for Matt Damon not ageing throughout the 30 years was?
I think it was the filmmakers getting the 'CIA doesn't age' point across.

Starman, there's a film I haven't seen in years. Must rent that out and take a look again.

quote:

Originally posted by Old No.7:
Yeah RobbieJess, loved it. It was worth having to wait the extra week. I hope Robert DeNiro does make another two like he plans to.
I'd be interested to know what you think the reason for Matt Damon not ageing throughout the 30 years was?
I think it was the filmmakers getting the 'CIA doesn't age' point across.

Your point is very interesting. As the film flipped back and forth in time, I was wondering that myself. I thought they must have forgot to make Damon appear older with grey hair and wrinkles as the film went forward in time to show Wilson at the CIA 30 years later, but it couldn't possibly be something that obvious to have not included in the film. It's a good point and one worth thinking about, but I like your suggestion that the CIA doesn't age. Being a secret government agency, they must project an image of invincibility.

Gone
There was a very good psychological thriller begging to get out here but never quite manages to.
The story follows two backpackers travelling Australia with a third companion who initally appears very charismatic but turns deadly sinister as the film progresses.
The film starts out very promising but unfortunately the weakness of the script turns the latter half into the usual, formulaic silliness. A pity too as it really could have been good.
There is some beautiful scenery and some nice photography with a soundtrack including Mark Kozelek, so applause for that, but this is one that is gone and most certainly forgotten.

Outlaw
An accomplished cast, the director of The Football Factory and a script commenting on social disorder should add up to a good film.
It doesn't.
while the idea was good the film spirals into the ridiculous culminating with the most nonsensical shootout in the woods.
The camera work, while intentionally shakey, looks amateur.
Instead of focusing on the social commentary that I can only assume was the point of the film, instead we're treated to the most foulest language and over the top violence. This immediately nullifies any point that the filmmakers were trying to get across and makes the whole journey into the characters pointless.

Amelie - french film. not really sure what to make of it. I enjoyed though.

isolation. british/irish made creature feature. pretty good considering the limited cast and budget.

'The Cat Returns 'I've just discovered the studio Ghibli its lovely and adorable ( sorry to be kitsch)

Cidade de Deus (City of God) 5/10

Very overrated film in my opinion. I'd wanted to see this for a long time as it's been hyped about everywhere and by everyone, but personally, I didn't see what all the fuss was about. The camera work was of an amateurish quality and the acting was non existent... just a bunch if kids running around! I think because it's a foreign language film, people automatically assume it's good but it's merely average at best.

Farewell, My Lovely 9/10

Now this is what film-making is all about, great story, excellent witty script, great direction and acting of the highest quality. I've not seen the Edward Dmytryk original to compare the two films, but this is a great film nonetheless. Robert Mitchum is Philip Marlowe, a private-dick working the city from small job to small job. He's hired by a mountain of a man called Moose Malloy who wants Marlowe to find his Velma. Malloy has been in the can for robbery and is desperate to find his Velma again, the love of his life. What follows is a funny, complex story with a great finale. Mitchum is superb, as is the rest of the cast.

Toy Soldiers (1984) 8/10

A bunch of high school kids are on holiday in central America when a few of them are kidnapped by terrorists who demand $3million for their release. One of the girls who got kidnapped manages to escape and organises a rescue mission to free her friends. Great 80's teen film, the middle is quite boring as nothing really happens but once the rescue mission is put into operation, that's when the fun really starts. Tim Robbins stars in one his earliest roles and his first feature film I think.

Premonition
It could have been good but the loopholes and inconsistencies in the plot are just too much to ignore.
For the whole film we have Sandra Bullock runing around trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together but ultimately you find yourself not caring.
The film doesn't focus on the message its trying to convey and this gets frustrating as we get everything thrown at us, even the local priest giving a 'Faith' speech. And that's where I tuned out. Premonition? you'll wish you had one telling you to avoid this turkey.

Sleeping Dogs
Directed by Bobcat Goldwhaite (Zed from the Police Academy films), this tells the story of a yound engaged couple who decide to be totally honest with each other and share their darkest secrets.
When Amy tells her shocker to John this sets up the theme for the film. And therein lies the problem I had with this, the joke falls flat very soon into the film and its not funny anymore. However, the consequences for telling the truth are explored and whether sometimes it's better to lie to protect someone you love. Also the film doesn't turn out the way you'd expect and for this I give kudos to the director.

Factory Girl
The true story of Edie Sedgwick and her rise to underground stardom with Andy Warhol and ultimately her downfall into alcohol and Heroin.
While Sienna Miller plays her very well, the most interesting portrayal in the film is Guy Pearce's Andy Warhol. I found it to be very convincing and he really fitted into the role well.
So bascially the part I enjoyed about the film is the probelm with it. Shouldn't all eyes have beeen on the main character? Well of course but the script is too weak and we never get to know who she really was.
I had been looking forward to this for quite some time and unfortunately was rather disappointed with it.

Becoming Jane
Charming film about the early life of Jane Austen. I do love period dramas and this one was no exception. The set and costume design was superb.
The acting from the support cast was impeccable, Julie Walters and James Cromwell were, as always, perfect. James McAvoy fitted the role as Lefroy as if it was made for him. Anne Hathaway as the title character? that's the only problem I had with the film. I didn't feel she put the weight behind her portrayal. The scenes where real passion was called for, she missed the cue completely.
In general though, the film is very enjoyable but it is a little dull and the script could have done with some of the celebrated wit that Austen herself was renowned for.