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Reviews
Into the Blue (2005)
Overall, not a bad film at all! Worth a watch!
I'd read about this film and seen the trailer and knew I would see it even after I read all the damning reviews people have written.
For the first hour, it's easy to see why people might get bored, there's a lot of character and story building going on and besides the diving there isn't a lot else going on action-wise. Personally, I am quite into diving so for me the appeal was there. It was quite odd for me as after an hour I had found myself totally immensed in the story and unaware of anything else happening in the cinema around me! After the first hour things really start hotting up and the action begins. Without giving too much away the climax is just about right in terms of time although Jared's summary of who is crossing or double-crossing who was rather too brief and quick for me. Never mind, we all knew who was the bad guy anyway. And so after the climax is the finale and it's predictable stuff sure, but I'm all for a happy ending (hey, who isn't?!).
I summary, I would recommend this to anyone 25 or under really. The story is solid enough to keep you interested and the diving scenes are pretty spectacular (as is Jessica Alba!). As long as you aren't expecting an Oscar winner you'll do fine!
The Aviator (2004)
Overall, a good introductory biography to a great man
I saw a TV spot with the director Martin Scorcese a few months ago and the idea of the film grabbed me. I went into the cinema knowing nothing about Howard Hughes but came out knowing a lot more. The story documents the main part of his career as a film director and aviator and the transition into mental illness. The film does well in portraying Hughes as the underdog against the big boys, desperate to share his pioneering dreams with the world and succeeding.
The film also shows the 'playboy' side of his lifestyle as he woos some of the biggest names in showbiz at the time, including his big love Catherine Hepburn, well played by Blanchett.
Effects-wise the big plane scene was well executed and used CGI to aid rather than substitute the action which looked great.
The only negative thing I'd have to comment on, is the length of the film. Personally, I start losing interest around the 2 and a quarter hour mark and this film came in another half an hour longer. If you're prepared for the length though, there's no reason not to go and see this great film. Others have said it doesn't go into the depth of Hughes' life as much as they'd like which is fair enough but to the average cinema-goer who has no previous knowledge of Hughes and his life's-work, it will definitely leave you thirsty for more!
The Terminal (2004)
A Great All Rounder Film
I saw this film last night and I always enjoy Steven Spielberg films so I knew this wouldn't let me down. The storyline of the film based on the real life situation of a traveler stuck in an airport interested me and this film uses that idea and creates an easy going, light-hearted story. The were over a dozen occasions in the cinema where the whole audience was laughing out loud so it really has something for everybody, comedy for the guys, romance for the gals...
There's even the old goodies vs baddies plot going on. Hanks, upon realising he can't leave the airport gradually establishes a routine, much to the disappointment of the head of immigration who wants him to escape and become someone else's problem. Hanks even ends up with a better paid job than the office as a building contractor!
Gupta the cleaner at the airport was on many occasions the star of the show. Hanks does a great job at playing a foreigner and is quite believable. Maybe not an Oscar winner but a damn good film and worth watching!