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Reviews
Van Helsing (2004)
Not as Bad as I thought.
While my interest in this film waned a bit thanks to Kate's other "genre" piece, the lukewarm UNDERWORLD, I was pleasantly surprised with this enjoyable little romp. The acting was uniformly good, the special effects weren't as annoying as in most CGI films, and thanks mainly to (the always brilliant) David Wenham there were some funny moments. Kate Beckinsale was as beautiful as always, but this time she was upstaged by Elena Anaya. I really hope this young woman, surpassing the "stardom" achieved by her Countrywoman Penelope Cruz. She is infinitely more attractive and more talented than Miss Cruz. VAN HELSING maybe a little long, and the ending a little weak, but generally I enjoyed the film greatly. 8/10.
Troy (2004)
Hollywood re-writing History again.
Another great moment in World History will be forgotten as future American Generations (and eventually the world's) take this garbage as gospel. Instead of the battle for Troy taking 20-25 years, the history books will have it ending in 20-25 days. According to History, Helen was supposed to be the great beauty, but the Helen in this picture was barely passable. I would have traveled the high seas to fight for Hector's wife or cousin, but Troy could have "that" Helen. I could go on, but I really can't be bothered, the film isn't worth it.
0.5 point for the scenery. 1 point each for Eric Bana and Rose Byrne who are the only two actors who can hold their heads high.
2.5/10
The New Guy (2002)
Pathetic and embarrassing
What a truly pathetic film this is. I'm embarrassed at having sat through it, so imagine how humiliating it must be for the people who starred in it. Very unimaginative, and nothing we havn't seen before. The one highlight was the swimsuit scene, or more to the point the "America's Finest" wearing them. When is Eliza Dushku going to get away from the mindless teen garbage that seems to spewing endlessly from the minds of Hollywood's most idiotic screenwriters. What a waste of talent. Finally, a little plea to the Aging Alternate Icon. Hank (Henry Rollins) stick with your music and your spoken word tours, cause you can't act. Not that you can sing either.
Les démoniaques (1974)
Not Rollin's Best
This is not one Jean Rollin's greatest works, but it does have one shinning light, Joelle Coeur, the gorgeous female wrecker. Like all of Rollin's films (that I have seen) this one is full of all his artistic visions, but for some reason the film still seems slower in it's pace and is a little more difficult to get into. Like all Rollin's film it's worth watching, but in this instance, only for the gorgeous Joelle Coeur.
Memento (2000)
Very Good, But...
'Memento' is a very good film, but I made the mistake of watching it after I had gone to see 'Lantana'. While they are both very different films, they have some very obvious similarities, and I'm sorry to say 'Lantana' blows it away. 'Memento' is very well acted, is original in style and probably very memorable. It's definitely worth watching. 7/10
The Incredible Torture Show (1976)
Unforgettable... unfortunately
When a film contains the line "When you have finished your ride, take her to the toilet. Her mouth will make an interesting urinal" you know you are in for something totally unbelievable. And you get it with Blood Sucking Freaks. I guarantee you will not forget it, but whether you enjoy it is another thing entirely. 3/10
Die Büchse der Pandora (1929)
The Greatest Silent
"There is no Garbo, There is no Deitrich there is only LOUISE BROOKS" - Henri Langlois.
Never has a quote been more apt, Louise Brooks is the greatest silent film star, and possibly the greatest actress of all time (I think so). And after watching Pandora's Box (and Diary) you'll understand why. Her performance is faultless, in fact better than faultless, her performance is so amazing it's timeless.
I have seen two versions, a 105 minute version and a 135 minute version which was shown on SBS Television a year or so ago, and I believe this is as close to G.W Pabst's original that we can get. If you get the chance, check out the 135, because the extra footage just adds to Louise's performance, and fills in a few holes left by the censors tearing this film apart.
I hope that as many people as possible get the opportunity to see this film, and Diary of a Lost Girl, because they will leave you speechless.
11 out of 10.