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Museum Hours (2012)
90 Minutes too long
Museum Hours follows Anne, who goes to Vienna to be by the side of a dying relative in a coma. Whilst she is there, she meets and befriends Johann, a security guard at the Kunsthistorisches Art Museum. That's the story
nothing more, nothing less. The problem I have with the film is that I do get what it is trying to do, I get it, I really do, but why oh why spend an hour and 47 minutes telling a tale that could easily be told in 10 minutes. Never have I wished a film to end as much as this one. I found the film overly self-indulgent, bloated with nothing, and as empty as the shots it miss-frames. I was astounded at how much I disliked this film when it was done, I immediately went online to see if I wasn't a lonely voice on the film, but it would appear I might be! The film is getting rave reviews from around the world, yet I still cannot fathom out why?! As I said, I do get what the film was trying to do, but it was just 90 mins longer than it needed to be! During the screening of the film I attended, a number of people walked out, which speaks volumes to me. I stayed in the hope that something might happen and I will be rewarded for enduring the torturously slow pacing and lack of storytelling
I was wrong! The only positive aspect I found in the film, is it's a good anaesthetic! I nearly nodded off on a large number of occasions.
Hot Fuzz (2007)
The Wicker Man meets Die Hard
I've just got home from seeing an advance preview of the 'eagerly awaited film 'Hot Fuzz'. I've been waiting to see this film ever since I first watched 'Shaun of the Dead', and whilst reading a film magazine in the foyer, I read an article saying they would be making the ultimate English action movie next.
Well... did they? Not 'arf!!!
Its no hidden secret, but I am a Simon Pegg groupie! I think he is a genius. Along side the talents of Edgar Wright and Nick Frost... this team can do no wrong. Having brought to us the unbeatably funny TV Sitcom 'Spaced', and the hilarious and cult hit 'Shaun of the Dead', these guys are just the dogs!
'Hot Fuzz' is about a super city cop (Simon Pegg as Nick Angel), who gets promoted to a quiet little village in the middle of nowhere because his amazing track record is making the rest of the department look bad. Often used to car chases, and the use of fire arms, Nick gets frustrated having to handle this quiet little village... but not all is what it seems.
The story rolls along at a really nice pace, utilising the beautiful mix of editing and sound effects that have become common place in Edgar Wright/Simon Pegg collaborations. The plot is set out in a very similar way to their previous film 'SOTD', and has similar plot twists, but what ain't broken doesn't need fixing! The script is laden with beautiful one liners to tell your mates about, and are real crowd pleaser's. I guarantee you'll be quoting this film to death!
The technical side to this film is all what you would expect from the team, good cinematography, great special f/x, unbelievable sound effects, fast and beautifully handled editing. The score by David Arnold is just fantastic, and does this film some real good!
The acting is, as always, spot on from the two leads Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. Simon plays it cold and tough, whilst Nick basically recreates a similar character to that of 'SOTD', whom he was born to play. The rest of the film is crammed full of the best of British comedy acting including Jim Broadbent, Paddy Considine, and Adam Buxton. In the same breath you also have some fantastic actors like Timothy Dalton, Billy Whitelaw, and Edward Woodward all playing wonderful roles.
This film has just so much going on! Its teeming with homage's to some of the greatest action movies ever made, and will need repeat viewing to find them all. They especially love to lampoon their previous film 'SOTD', and these are some of the films funniest moments. You also have some really tense and exciting chase sequences, as well gun battles! The sound effects are just so spot on! You will feel every bullet! What also surprised me about this film was the level of violence and gore! These guys don't hold back! In some cases... this film is gorier than their previous film, and certainly contains more guns!
I can't stop grinning as I write this... its been a long time since a film 'hit the spot' for me, and these boys have done it! Its also been a long time that I have seen a film where everyone laughed, whooped and cheered! It even got a standing ovation at the end! I cant believe I have to wait a whole ten days before I can get back in line to see this again when it opens on the 16th Feb! I would say this film is a cross between 'The Wicker Man' and 'Die Hard', so if that appeals in a weird way... then you can do no wrong seeing this movie.
This really is the film of the year for me, I know that's a little premature... but I would also say it's one of the best films I have ever seen! Don't believe me? Go see this for yourself to decide! This really is the Ultimate English Action Movie!
Smokin' Aces (2006)
Oceans 11 crossed with Reservoir Dogs
Thoroughly enjoyed this film.
Even though the story on the surface is really simple... i found the over complication regarding the FBI back story was a bit crap, and really could have been dropped. I found myself spending too much time trying to figure out what was going on outside of the main story line to the point of distraction. Especially whenever Andy Garcia was on the screen... not only did i not understand what he was going on about, i also found his accent difficult to understand.
The only other moan i have about the film is the Clint Mansell score... it is indeed fantastic... but in some moments (and one crucial moment) the music is almost note for note the same as his score to 'Requiem for a Dream'. No real problem with that, because i love that music... but i just hope Clint wont do this for the rest of his scores! LOL.
On the positives... this film is full of fun and interesting characters, played by tons of great actors. Alicia Keys was fantastic in her role, as was Ryan Reynolds. There are also a series of cameos and supporting roles that were fun to watch too... especially Matthew Fox's (Jack from TV's LOST) part.
The editing is fun (very Oceans 11) with some good cinematography. The script is fun, but its so desperate to be a Quentin Tarantino wannabe script.
The one thing to note here... is this film is violent! Very violent! Not a date movie as i found out! The lady was not impressed! LMAO! As i've said in my summary... this film plays like Oceans 11 crossed with Reservoir Dogs... and if that is your bag, then this is the film for you!
Inside I'm Dancing (2004)
To sum up... Emotional!
I got some free tickets via the Times to see this little know Irish movie called 'Inside I'm Dancing'... i didn't know a thing about it, so had no preconceptions before i went in.
The film is about two guys who are confined to their wheel chairs, and live in a home. Michael (Steven Robertson) suffers from Cerabal Palsy and Rory (James McAvoy) suffers from Muscular Dystrophy (please excuse any spelling mistakes!). They form a bond, as Rory seems to be the only person who can understand what Michael is saying. They eventually leave the home to live in a flat in Carrigmore by themselves. They immediately employ the help of an attractive girl (Romola Garai) to look after them. The two friends eventually both fall in love with the same woman. Thats the story in a nutshell, but there are lots of laughs and tears along the way... in fact... being unprepared as i was.. i found the tears were flowing way too often! In fact! I don't think i've cried so much watching a movie since The Elephant Man!!! This film is a HUGE drain on the emotions... both in the fun stuff, and the sad stuff. The acting is absolutely spot on! James McAvoy is my tip for greatness... he's a great Irish actor and i think he has a great future ahead of him. Steven Robertson who plays Michael was superb too... and it wasn't until today that i found out that he doesn't suffer from Cerabal Palsy and it was just some superb acting! Brenda Fricker is also in this film, and plays the part of the Home's Manager very well. The other great part has to be Romola Garai, she was wonderful as the love interest, and i reckon we'll be seeing more of her on the big screen in the near future!
The thing that makes this film work, is not only the synergies between the two leads, but the script... which is just so #### witty it literally is on fire! I still can't help repeating some of the lines in my head even now.
The photography is good, although very bleak, but then it is capturing a certain type of area of Ireland. The music is great in this film too, as well as the choice in Songs... the use of the Johnny Cash cover of the Nine Inch Nails track 'Hurt' is inspired!!
If i had to sum this film up in one word... it would be 'emotional'. This film is very very funny... and then on the turn of a coin its very very sad! I still can't believe that still two days after seeing the film, looking back on it i both laugh and almost cry! This film is amazing... and i hope it goes far! Although i can't see that, as its advertising budget is probably very small!
So go see it! I urge you... you wont regret it...