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Reviews
Murder by Numbers (2002)
Good acting, flawed script, worse direction
I like Sandra Bullock, but this film, whilst shows her to be a fine actress, is not beyond 'reasonable'. In fact, all the acting was good. The script though just tried too hard. It's as if someone was afraid that a film of two boys wasn't enough, and so threw more in.
In short, two boys decided to outwit the law, and commit murder. They have a complex relationship with each other. So far, so good. Except, that we then get not just one or two sub plots, but a few others plots that almost dwarf the original idea. In the end the plots are not properly expanded, and even trip over each other. Throw in too many twists (again, I suspect fear that the original idea was too bland), and what we are left with are good actors being made to look inept.
At one point near the begining of the film the boys drink 'Absinthe', and talk about how it is illegal in America. Well, whatever it is they are supposed to be drinking, it is not Absinthe! Drinking it the way they are shown is physically impossible, and it is the wrong colour too (Absinthe happens to be my drink of choice).
In short, watch the film if you like Bullock. That is about the only reason to do so. If nothing else this film proves that good actors alone cannot save a film.
Tom's Midnight Garden (1999)
A beautiful film, subtle and thought-provoking
Unlike many films of this nature, this film does not spend ages character building before launching into the story. The pre-story is short, with the film being plot driven. The characters are not explored in depth, instead it is the relationship between Tom and Hatty that is the focus.
That is not to say that you do not feel for the characters, the empathy is there. Like the best films, not everything is explained, and it is for you to discover it for yourself, leaving you with the desire to say your discovery to the characters. Slowly you become drawn into Tom's world.
The settings are beautiful, the characters are generally well acted, and the ending, whilst obvious, is still wonderful. Warning: may lead to tears !
I would, without question, recommend this film. It appeals to everyone from children to adults, and works on a few different levels.
The War Zone (1999)
Outstanding film, if you can escape from Hollywood
Sometimes the best films are slow, but powerful. The War Zone certainly is. It never punches you, but subtly hits you. A film about a family in England, and the secret it has. The casting is excellent, none of them are over-played. Freddie Cunliffe and Lara Belmont as the children are both excellent.
There is some full-frontal nudity, but it fits in well with the film, and is almost unsexual. There is some violence, but again, it fits in well with the film. The good-looking in a next-door-neighbour way Lara Belmont now has a few fan clubs, and does have a sulky sexuality about her in the film. Tim Roth has done well to bring this out, whilst dropping hints about secrets.
Don't expect action, or titilation, or humour even. From the titles onwards there is little light, most of the film seems to be shot on rainy days. The characters seem to be miserable most of the time, and the gloom of the weather only makes this worse.
Yet, the respite from the high emotions of a Hollywood film are welcome, and this is a film that you will think about for a long time to come.
Con Air (1997)
Top notch cast, good idea, but tries too hard, and too PC
If you are after a mindless action film, which is especially good after a few drinks, then Con Air is for you. The film is full of cliche, which is not always a bad thing, and leads you nicely on to the obvious end.
The film centres on Cameron Poe an 'innocent' murderer and ex-soldier. Now being released he finds himself on an aircraft hi-jacked by the worst criminals in America, nicknamed 'Con Air'. The inevitable happens, of course.
John Malkovich, John Cusack, plus many others, are excellent actors, and steal the show. They, unfortunately, make Nicholas Cage look wooden, and encourage support for the 'baddies'.
Worse, still, the script tries too hard to involve 'comedy' ala Die Hard. Whilst the 'running gag' does tie the film together a bit, it is really quite risible. The script also is hampered by Political Correctness, and some of it's assertions on rape are just laughable. In short, don't think about the film too much, it'll turn you off it
Zulu (1964)
Great film, stirring, good sound, excellent
Although the film makes a few historical errors, and changes a few characters, the essence of the film is correct. One feels very moved after watching the film, and it one of the best films ever made.
Essentially a little over a hundred British soldiers, plus a few others, hold off 4000 Zulu. These Zulu have just massacred a force of 1,200 British soldier, plus others, at Isandelwana.
The film does not, rightly, discuss the reasons for the British being there (circumstance really), or why they lost Isandelwana (error of judgement), or what happens next (British revenge at Ulundi). Instead it focuses on the British soldiers themselves, and just hints, quite nicely, at the outside world.
The acting is superb, the scenery is breath-taking, and the viewer is not shown too much, but gradually drawn in, as someone there would have been. Like Star Wars, emphasis is placed on the sound, and it pays off, from Burton's excellent narration, to the Zulu chants and the 'steam train'.
Yes, there are major flaws in the film. Chard and Bromhead were older than in the film, Hook was teatotal, there was only one major Zulu attack, and Ardendorff was probably a coward not a hero. Yet.....despite all this, the film gave me a flavour of life then, and induced me to read more about Rorke's Drift. If I am ever in need of inspiration, then this film has by the bucket-load.