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Reviews
Banlieue 13 (2004)
Great Action
Wasn't too sure about this at first until the action began. Then ...wow... it was non stop. I couldn't have left my seat. Slightly futuristic. Good guys bad guys' drugs. Nothing really new there. But it was the way it was done. But great interaction between the main stars. A French Vin Diesel lookalike. The main baddie was very credible and his sidekick played his part well too. Action scenes reminiscent of Ong Bak! Particularly early on when he leaps up and crashes through a narrow doorlight. brilliant stuff. And played with humorous bits too. Thoroughly enjoyable. Don't be put off by the sub titles they are well done.
The Life and Death of Peter Sellers (2004)
Funny and Sad
I didn't know anything about Peter Sellers before I saw this film. Of course I knew him as Clouseau and Dr Strangelove, I even remembered him from the Goons. But I knew nothing of the man behind the funny characters. I found this film absolutely eye opening and most interesting. It was funny and sad in equal measures. Geoffrey Rush is superb as the main character. An award winning performance if I ever saw one. Also the switching from colour to black and white is very effective. The film was selective in its material but certainly portrays the man behind the funny jokes to make you laugh and cry. I gave it an 8.
The Polar Express (2004)
Polar 3D WOW
Went to see this film at Imax cinema Bristol in 3D. My comments are probably biased but the visual experience was just wonderful. Particularly the runaway train sequences. Gosh you were right in there. But apart from the visuals, the story was good and the characters were well defined. There was also some effective humour adult style.Tom Hanks provided the perfect voices. This is a children's film that is magical for adults too. The CGI effects were brilliant. It wasn't cutesy cutesy but made you feel that there is a better world out there that we can all find. Yes there was a tear in my eye by the end. I would recommend this film to anyone.
Lost in Translation (2003)
the Emperor's Clothes?
Am I the only one not to have been mesmerised by this film? I spent the whole time watching it wondering when something was going to happen! Who is kidding who here? All this talk of 'sublety' etc. just disguises the fact that nothing actually happens! This film is a BIG WASTE OF SPACE. As a travel program on Japan it works well, fair enough. It makes you feel that you've really been there, very well photographed. But... I want a story, some acting, something to happen, some kind of sensation. Not slow, slow, dull, deary, boring nothingness. Excuse me this is just an unbeliebvably hyped up pile of rubbish.
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003)
Great in parts
I wish I'd known more about the thinking behind this film which was extraordinary. Sadly it didn't carry over to the screen. So it had loads going for it, great idea, great cast, great visuals, but somehow it just didn't work. It was not boring but all those marvellous scenes and sounds were hung on too flimsy a story at the end of the day.
Dead Silence (1997)
Treat for Deaver lovers
If you're a fan of Jeffery Deaver novels then you will have read 'A Maiden's Grave'.
And you will not be dissappointed by this screen interpretation of the novel.
It sticks closely to the plot.
The screenplay is crisp and clear and the characters well portrayed.
A group of deaf students and their teacher have their bus highjacked by three escaped criminals and they are then held hostage in an old slaughterhouse.
The duel between the seasoned hostage negotiator (played by James Garner) and the hostage takers is superbly crafted.
There is an added twist at the end.
If you've read the book you will love every minute, if you haven't then you will still enjoy an excellent thriller.
Well done.
Gangs of New York (2002)
film without a soul
This was the worst film I have ever seen, I would have given it a zero score if there were one. It was even worse than Battlefield Earth and thats saying something. There was not one character I liked and the overacting by DDL was just a joke. Actually if there had been a joke we'd have had some relief from the relentless monotony of this film without a soul. Over three hours of watching Irish people fighting Irish people is not enjoyable. Who could think so ? Who would care?