Reviews

So very, very well written. I've never given a 10 out 10 before but this was so well done I just had too. No spoilers, not going to offer clues. Just watch and enjoy.

I did not have high expectations going into this movie but still came out unfulfilled... and it wasn't because I didn't get enough popcorn. Richard Donner is obviously in his element when directing action sequences. The attack by the French on the hilltop castle was thrilling and visually stunning. There were also a few fun 'jump outa your seat' moments. Good cinematography, quality costumes coupled with beautiful scenery shots were certainly pleasing to the eye. But without a strong lead actor and the writing to accompany him/her, this movie just didn't have what it takes to entertain fully. Paul Walker just can't shake that surfer dude persona from "The Fast and Furious"... unless he masterfully succeeded portraying the awkward California son? Naw, it was just bad acting or poor casting. I just couldn't warm up to his character. Combine that with a rushed plot and untapped actor talents (Anna Friel) and you have a movie that just doesn't fully entertain. Perhaps someone who read the book would feel more informed but I came out with too many unanswered questions and a feeling of apathy.

Likable quirky characters, a story line that rarely falls away, good acting. This is one of those movies that you thoroughly enjoy when diving right in without seeing too many trailers (As it almost SHOULD be with most movies... but enough about my Hollywood pet peeves). Based on a true story about the largest radio telescope in the southern hemisphere providing communications support for the moon landing. A thoughtful, warm comedy that leaves you satisfied and entertained.

Incredible series, the acting, the special effects, the direction and the stories from the veterans prefacing each episode touched me. I can't imagine being a young man of eighteen or nineteen and subjected to those kinds of situations. I found myself horrified in parts, wondering 'how did they cope?' Damian Lewis did an outstanding job portraying Captain Winters. David Schwimmer pleasantly surprised me. Normally it's hard to see a typecast actor anything else than the character he played for years. But much to my surprise, he played a great 'prick', an instructor you learned to hate. Excellent performances by Matthew Settle, Ron Livingston and Donnie Wahlberg....the whole cast.

I went into watching this film with no expectations whatsoever (sometimes the best way to watch a film) but was left with a feeling of unfulfillment. I didn't realize this was from the same director that guided Shallow Grave and Trainspotting to two of the best films I've ever seen, I think he could have done better. Still, the acting was good, the format and cinematography great. The second shark scene was terrifying and the repercussions afterwards equally disturbing. Unlike others, I liked the video game immersion scene but I get the impression the book did a better job in explaining his infatuation with video games. I was left shaking my head of Richard's final emotion when reminiscing. I'd have the complete opposite reaction. 6/10

Some of the movies I get to see on movie channels that play older movies are well worth the extra few dollars a month to the cable company. This was one of those movies. Not the greatest movie I've ever seen, but very entertaining, funny in a quirky way, well worth a look.

In a word....awesome. Had to watch it twice for the experience. The cinematography, acting and of course the writing make it one of the best movies I've seen in a long time. The director was able to pull me into the world of a heroin addict's lifestyle and make me happy I was only there for two hours.

I'm usually an enthusiastic movie viewer but this one left me wondering if I could have spent two hours working on my golf game rather than watching this movie. The plot was so apparent and predictable that it left me disappointed. Great special effects but good acting was curtailed by a poor script.