Stunning production design, a brooding James Mason as antihero Nemo,, the awe inspiring early steampunk Nautilus, a good anti war and anti colonialism stance, wondrous underwater photography and a great story, it all works, except Kirk Douglas and his Ned Land character, it spoils most of the scenes he is in, played for comedic effect, it clashes with the rest of a thoughtful, beautifully directed film. I can't stand his everyman, working idiotic schlub, the adults are talking! Apart from Ned, it still stands the test of time, and then Mason got to do 'Journey to the Center of the Earth' a film I love even more. Take out Ned and it gets 10 stars.
Reviews
34 Reviews
Ad Astra
(2019)
I just got suckered.BIGTIME.
28 September 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I love space movies, sci-fi is my life's blood, I take it very seriously, which is why I'm also really disappointed with this on. 'In the near Future' it says. Ok. What's going on with Climate Change? The most serious challenge in human history is avoided? That's alarm #1 The Navy just said UFOs are real, so for the sake of it, let's presume they are human. Why are we using chemical rockets to fly into space when we have antigravity technology, people are taking video of it every day, the navy have patents online, it's as real as the sun, what the hell? ? #2. When Pitt meets his Dad, Tommy tells us that Science says there is no life out there,we are alone. No it does not, it says the complete opposite, it actually says that it's statistically impossible for us to be alone. #3 the film's conclusion is that humans are all there is, and you had better be a family man, stay at home, and not think about what's out there #4 Brad Pitt is feeling guilty about his personal real life family situation, here is a chance to literally apologize to his family for his lack of awareness on a giant screen and guess what, he's feeling a bit religious recently #5 THE PENNY DROPS. This is nothing more that a stealth Christian movie,don't look behind the curtain, all the answers are here, curiosity killed the cat, science knows nothing, no such thing as aliens, we are all there is, read your Bible not textbooks, have more kids and stay at home.
The Guardians
(2017)
Silly instead of kickass.
7 December 2018
It's always great to see some practical FX, some live action makeup instead of overly used CGI, but obviously the makeup artist responsible for the baddie has never studied human anatomy before, the guys abs went down past his groin, and his face and entire body looks as if it was made of silly putty , I've never seen foam rubber or silicone look like that, a new low point for the industry. The robot drones were not bad, but the Russians sure love their tanks don't they? Tanks everywhere, everyone loves tanks! I'm not sure if any warrior on the planet would find those round swords useful, but hey, it's superheroes, right? The Invisible girl looked unmistakably Russian, as if she was wearing all the makeup from Instagram all at once, so nothing surprising there, a shame, as she didn't need to,obviously lovely enough. One thing is for sure, they are a whole lot better than the Turkish superheroes, so Marvel need not worry just yet.
Island Zero
(2018)
Good story,great atmosphere,with some budget limitations
16 May 2018
A group of people living on a small island in New England find themselves cut off from the mainland,no ferry,no supplies,no power,no internet. At first,the obvious limitations of the budget was a little worrying,but the cast,the story,and the writing really made up for it,and I found myself absorbed in the lives of these people,and the lurking horror out of sight. The first 45 minutes are very effective,and I do wish they had stuck to this instead of the later attempts at sci-fi action,which is rarely possible on such a small budget. There are a few bits of gore,which seemed to be the wrong color to me,next time up the red and shiny! The second half was OK, and with a larger budget I could see this movie doing very well,I really liked the setup and the atmosphere and paranoia of the first half was very well done indeed. So,a mixed bag,I was hoping that the apocalyptic Lovecraftian feel of the first half would continue through the whole film,perhaps the filmmakers would go that route on another movie? Because there's lots of promise here,a damn fine effort. The doctor's identity drove me nuts,until I realized she was in Planes Trains and Automobiles!! She was fantastic,a great character,I liked the film and would watch it again.
The Passion of Joan of Arc
(1928)
Leaves you speechless,an emotional wreck.
7 April 2018
It's Falconetti's face,somehow Dreyer managed to capture on film what seems impossible,such raw human emotion,a soul if you will,and the viewer is left drained at what they had just seen. I recommend the 24 frames a second with the 'Voices of Light' score,and watch it on the biggest screen you can find,because this is a life changing experience,transcendent even.Falconetti gives the greatest performance I've ever seen on film,and the director uses closeups for much of the movie,it's confrontational and brilliant,there is nowhere to look but at Joan,what she is going through,it's powerful stuff,your life will be elevated by just watching it.
Annihilation
(I) (2018)
Garland does it again.
23 February 2018
I saw Annihilation last night on its preview,wasn't sure what to expect,and I walked out at the end in a daze. I have not read the books,I went in because of Garland and Portman,a combo for the ages,and I was very happy with what I saw,and felt. It starts out fairly simply,but by the end your head has been truly screwed with,in the best possible ways,for the most part the visuals are stunning, with a couple of ghastly gory bits that keep you on the edge. The film meanders about,the journey being as important as the finale and you are left with lots of unanswered questions,which I don't mind at all,this is thought provoking stuff. At several points I found myself slack jawed in awe, creeped out and mostly weirded out,WTF was that? It's more 2001 and Stalker than Blade Runner,if that is your thing? Then this is the movie for you.
Brilliant,often jaw dropping.
25 November 2017
I don't know where these one star reviews come from,have you lot never seen Battlefield Earth or Baby Geniuses? I get it,you didn't like the film,but one or two stars? It just trivializes the ratings,how childish. The film was the best of the new trilogy,it often surprised me with its thoughtfulness,you don't usually see this kind of story,acting and pacing in a summer blockbuster,what a shame. Caesar has developed into an outstanding character,Serkis really deserves an Academy nomination for his work,as do the technicians backing him up,as the effect is now flawless and utterly compelling,apes,talking,thinking and running about as convincing as any human performer. I see lots of complaints about "Where was the War?" ,not everything has to have constant explosions and action,'War' can be about different things,it's rather complex,and that is perhaps the problem for many viewers,they don't want complexity,just some fun and explosions for their money,well,there's not much of either here,which makes for some very thoughtful viewing that stays with you for days. Brilliant movie,I loved it.
Brawl in Cell Block 99
(2017)
Unapologetically brutal.
24 November 2017
Wow,Vince Vaughn! I always knew you had it in you,it's great to see that imposing physicality unleashed at last. I loved Bone Tomahawk too,this director knows how to handle actors and original scenes of bone crushing violence,Brawl just shows how it's done. I was captivated from the start,it's slow paced,but the journey is worth it,you either love these kinds of films or you don't,and by the reviews here you can see how such a film can split an audience,it's pure grindhouse,beautiful in its simplicity and intensely brutal in its execution,what a great movie! I can't wait to see what both the director and Vaughn does next,I hope they work together again soon.
Monsters University
(2013)
Wonderful,with some surprising conclusions
14 July 2017
This movie really makes me laugh,I've never been into the college films,they usually leave me wanting but this really is an exception. The film is bursting with color and lots of amusing sight gags,the monster designs are mouth watering eye candy,every bright color,shape and texture is here,amazingly rendered,a true cartoon reality that's a joy to view. But best of all is a story with unexpected conclusions,which shows that really wanting something does not mean you will get it as you imagined,there are other ways to get your dreams. Endlessly entertaining,one of my favorite Pixar movies.
Creepy!
4 June 2017
Warning: Spoilers
One of my favorite episodes,in tone it stands alone from the rest as it is creepy,weird and unsettling. Members of the crew are having difficulty in sleeping,and after a terrific scene in the holodeck,manage to recreate an alien abduction table,and then find that Riker has had his arm surgically amputated and then reattached! *shudder* very effective,great writing and conclusion. It's pretty wonderful and is one of the many I love to watch over and over.
Man Vs.
(2015)
Nice little surprise.
1 June 2017
I thought the basic concept of Mr TV Survivalist out in the woods facing something unknown was effective. The main actor was believable and surprisingly watchable,he pretty much carries the movie and I loved the Tom Hanks Easter eggs. The reveal would have been a lot more effective practically done and in the dark,I did find the epilogue also effective. A good effort hampered by budget,had a few terrific little scenes,and the script,concept and lead were all rather good.
Alien: Covenant
(2017)
Very disappointed
22 May 2017
I first saw Alien at the age of 15 back in 79, it changed my life,it was my Star Wars. I greatly admire and respect Ridley Scott as an artist,Blade Runner is now considered a classic,I knew that back in 82, I've gone to see all his movies,varying in quality,but always visually distinctive,he has such a great eye. I was one of those that loved Prometheus,every frame was filled with ideas,both visually and in its storytelling,it's such a beautiful film,and was my favorite of all the Alien sequels. So Covenant. I could tell right away that this was not the film he had wanted to make,it has very few of his flourishes,it looked as though it could have been made by anyone. The Engineers of Prometheus were wondrous in their practical,silicone glory,Scott loves practical, and reserves CGI it for Fx only, 80% of the creatures and gore are CGI,as his dislike for this technique is well known,that should tell you what he thought of yet more Xenomorphs,it's dismissive,and you can tell on the screen. He and I wanted more practical Engineers,but the Transformers crowd wanted bugs in corridors,Scott had rightly said they were done,we had 3 sequels and 2 AVP movies,they are done! So Scott said " You want bugs?! Here they are,knock yourselves out!" And we end up with this mess. I wanted Prometheus 2 but thanks to 'Fans' I got Alien and the Furious 6. Brawn instead of brain,AGAIN.
Dr. Cyclops
(1940)
Underrated,fantastic SciFi.
5 February 2017
Right from the start this film has a unique visual style,Art Deco and jungle film,the opening scene is visually stunning,a dark room strobing light and a mysterious figure,it grabbed me right away,and then the striking appearance of Dr Thorkel and his cold,calculating,even murderous intent,all in the name of science,with no boundaries ,it had me interested in the first few minutes. Once the other Biologists arrive in their mistaken belief that Thorkel needed their help in his experiments,their indignation at their mistreatment,it's a great set up for what s to come. I love the scenes of Thorkel in his radiation suit,metallic silver,with that green radiation glow ? I find it visually compelling,a joy to watch,unlike anything else at that time apart from those Fleisher Superman Cartoons... The story is interesting enough,I'm not bored for a second,but it is Thorkel,his character,and the beautiful visuals that surround his actions that I find so enjoyable,and will watch time and time again,he s easily one of the greatest mad scientists on film,I never tire of this movie,entertaining right from the start to the last frame. Fantastic film.
The Fly
(1986)
Emotional and horrific.
1 December 2016
I remember clearly seeing The Fly on it's original release,I was a lot younger then,and love had not played it's part in my life at that point,I had seen it a few times since and liked it,I love horror Sci/fi, but after seeing it again recently,I realized just what a masterpiece it was. Goldblum and Davis are very likable believable people,excellent performances from both,and this just adds to the devastating heartbreak and horror of the films second half,the movie really packs an emotional punch,combined with the brilliant makeup design and a genuinely creepy performance from Goldblum,it leaves me drained and shocked by the events on screen. This is very much a Cronenberg film,and along with The Dead Zone,is the most accessible of his earlier films,which basically means you are in for something thought provoking and original. The Fly is amazing,give it a second look,it deserves to be watched over and over.
Tron: Legacy
(2010)
Visually stunning.
30 November 2016
Tron Legacy is one of my favorite visual movies,along with films like 2001, Alien, Blade Runner,Fury Road and Barbarella,I'm an artist and it's one of my 'go to' flicks for inspiration. The story is OK,as are the performances,the standouts being Michael Sheen and Olivia Wilde,but this film is all about the visuals,and they are truly spectacular,and make up for any of the films faults and weaker points. The costumes,makeup,production design and FX are just jaw dropping,they fill the screen,and combined with the movies other great quality,the incredible score by Daft Punk,I often find myself slack jawed at the awe of it all,it doesn't hurt that it has one of the hottest Sci-Fi chicks ever,the stunning Jem,walking around in light up latex,it's friggin awesome!! The light cycle and club scene are my two favorite bits,and kicks up the visuals to an 11, if that was even possible. So,if you like far out beautifully filmed cinema,and don't mind a weak story,then this is the film for you,I love it,always will,it's fantastic.
My favorite piece of TV ever.
27 November 2016
Star Trek is the best that TV has ever had to offer,the 3 people of Kirk,Spock and McCoy make one perfect human being,in all it's complexities,so it's already above most other TV. 'Devil' remains my favorite episode and sums up what Star Trek is all about,the underlining theme here is 'Don't judge a book by it's cover' and it carries that idea into something complex and ultimately moving. Kirk's character arc is strongest of all here,it's no surprise to find that Shatener regards it as one of the best,and indeed, his "first to touch her,dies" moment is my favorite moment in all TV,it shows how compassion and common sense can win the argument,just brilliant.
Inglourious Basterds
(2009)
Supremely dark fun
13 November 2016
Warning: Spoilers
My second favorite Tarantino flick,my fave being Kill Bill,I'm crazy for Samurai flicks,so it will probably always remain my favorite,but I can see why anyone would think Inglorious is his best film,it's certainly his best written. I see lots of people here complaining about historical inaccuracy and extreme violence,and they are correct,but this is clearly a fantasy,and if I was a member of the Jewish faith I could certainly see myself indulging in such a dark wish fulfillment tale,after millions of my faith have been gassed and roasted in ovens by Nazis. And as far as that subject goes,Nazis are like robots,you can chop em up,shoot them,do anything,because the real ones are no longer human,but empty shells,ripe for destruction. So no,I don't feel bad,just as I don't feel bad seeing pedophiles or serial killers getting done in,same thing to me. As to the ending,the killing of Hitler and the rest of his staff,I felt this film was attempting to be the last word on WW2 flicks,where else could you go but into surreal violent fantasy?, I'm sure it was meant to be cathartic,it certainly felt that way to me,and my family was not hunted down and tortured for no reason at all. I loved all the characters,Waltz does indeed steal the movie,but I loved Pitt too,amazing score,and to hear Cat People again on the big screen was a giant delight,icing on the cake,just brilliant. Well done Tarantino,keep em coming!
Frankenweenie
(2012)
It captures real feelings
23 September 2016
Tim Burton has been a very hit or miss director for me,for the most part I prefer his earlier films,but then this comes along and changes all my expectations. I'm a giant fan of monster and universal classic horror flicks, and also an animal lover,so this film just hits all the marks for me,like nothing else he has done. I adore all the characters,the Science teacher in particular just lights up the screen,but Sparky overwhelms them all,in the best way possible. Few films have managed to truly capture the sense of love and family between a dog and owner,this beautiful film just nails it. The wonderful,awe inspiring climax left my jaw on the floor,which is then combined with genuine emotions,it really is hugely satisfying,I truly love it.
Dragonslayer
(1981)
Still remarkable.
14 August 2016
Warning: Spoilers
I saw this 3 times at the theater back in 81, I was 17 years old,and it made a giant impression on me,and here I am,36 years later,still finding myself utterly captivated by this amazing underrated film. Apart from Peter Nichols,who seems a little miscast,everything about this film works,watching it you can see it has aged really well,it's impossible to tell when exactly it was made,everything just feels right. Ralph Richardson is of course fantastic in his role as the sorcerer,the locations are marvelous,dark,misty dank,thick with atmosphere, and the score is Alex North's best work,his Dragon theme and scenes of it flying high in the atmosphere add an epic value to it all,just breathtaking. And of course,as so many have mentioned,Verminthrax Perjoritive,the Dragon,he is a terrifying awe inspiring sight to behold,the scene where you first get a good look at him,rising up from the side in the cave must be one of the best special FX I've ever seen,magnificent,then to see him crawling through the cave has an eerie believable look to it,like some fantastic documentary,it still leaves me slack jawed in awe. Even with all the amazing CGI out there,his design and movements still reign supreme,that's some achievement,worthy of recognition. One of a handful of truly great Fantasy films,Dragonslayer is a must see for any with even a casual interest in the genre.I think it's a wonderful film,that has grown in my eyes over the years.
Remarkable creepy debut
4 May 2016
I can see why many dislike the film,the historically accurate language,the lack of violence,jump scares and all the other usual culprits of a horror film,but I see this as a strength,not a weakness. The film,to me,like Kubrick's The Shining before it,seems to be dripping with dread and anxiety,no easy feat,and I've been watching horror flicks for 40 years,forget The Conjuring,as fun as that flick is,this goes far deeper into the dark. The performances are all incredible in their realism,and their actions seem organic in nature,thanks to a believable scenario. There are a few truly startling scenes,you are suddenly confronted with things that have a primal weight behind them,and if you are tuned to those scares,this flick will scare the living crap out of you. I loved it,can't wait to see the directors next work.
Throne of Blood
(1957)
Awe inspiring!
4 October 2015
I love Kurosawa' flicks,and with Mifune in the mix,you are guaranteed a good time for the next 90 minutes. If the words 'Shakespeare' and 'Macbeth' put you off,then you will be happy to know this is easily the most comprehensible of all the bards transition to screen,what's more,thus flick ups the creepy,weird,madness and evil,it's terrific stuff,intriguing and easy to follow. It is very theatrical in parts,which actually adds to the strangeness,it looks very much like those amazing block prints you see in tattoo shops,amazing to look at. But for me,it's all about Mifune's incredible performance and the last 10 minutes,which has enough jaw dropping sights and eerieness to keep any horror fan happy. I love this flick,you should give it a go.
The Core
(2003)
Awesome rubbish.
19 September 2015
I love this flick,not boring for a second,moves along at a fair clip,no long drawn out boring scenes.But boy,is it stupid,oozes out of every frame but not for a second does that get in the way of doing it's job,which is to entertain,which it does in spades. The science is at the same level as 'Journey to the Center of the Earth' with James Mason,no giant mushrooms here,but we do get giant diamonds and a geode the size of New York. The actors are all having a blast,playing it straight for the most part,their fun translates to the audience,but never over the top.The effects are capable,the story ridiculous,but who cares,a more fun disaster movie is not too easy to find,it certainly is a 'guilty pleasure' type of flick,and some days,that's all you want to see.
Mad Max: Fury Road
(2015)
Glorious mayhem.
14 August 2015
I love Cinema,and Fury Road is an undiluted example of the form,pure visual language,like a painting. I see here there are plenty that argue "there's no story!", sure there is, but it's a sentence long,which is just perfect for me,I also love silent movies and one of the reasons I love this flick so much is that you do not need to know what anyone is saying,the direction does it all for you,much like Kubrick and Hitchcock. This is pure action cinema,it's rare that the genre gets turned into Art,but make no mistake,that's what is going on here,the color choices,framing,layers of costuming,vehicle detailing,every facet of the production is pure art,beautiful and astounding. This story is not about Max,but about an adventure he was caught up in,I loved this approach,really refreshing,why can't Furiosa be the star? Max is still there,what's the big deal? I see the negative reviews and feel sad for those that were unable to get behind George Miller's vision,I think it's a masterpiece,arguably the greatest pure Action movie in history,no talking,just movement,pure 100% cinema, and it's F****** glorious!
Jodorowsky's Dune
(2013)
Best documentary on film or art in general ever.
4 March 2015
I started reading Heavy Metal Magazine back in 78, and there was already talk of this movie back then,there is no doubt in my mind the Jodorowsky and his 'Spiritual Warriors' changed the face of Science Fiction forever,more than Star Wars,despite his movie Dune was never made. This marvelous film traces every step that went into the creation of Dune,and each step was a jaw dropper,hilarious and seemingly written in the heavens.I love this movie,I just get Jodorowsky,the way he sees life matches my own, it's such a loss he never got to complete his mighty idea. The scene where he talks about money and the Hollywood system has to be one of my favorite scenes ever committed to film,I felt his loss to the core. This incredible movie allows you to participate in someone else's dream,an artistic vision beyond compare,it's beautiful beyond measure.Brilliant!
Wow!
8 November 2014
I bought the Criterion Bluray set,one of my best purchases ever,but mostly so I could get my hands on this movie,possibly the best in the series,and in the top 10 best Chambara flicks ever. Shintaru was in charge on this,and it shows,it has everything Zatoichi fans love,gambling,comedy,some pathos,villainy and great swordsmanship,and boy,does this flick deliver the goods! If you like Samurai cinema,this one is one of the essentials,completely engaging,action entertainment of the finest sort. The director went on to direct the Lone Wolf and Cub series,so you know you are in for a good time,it has some wild imagery,furious jaw dropping swordplay and some nice crimson too! This flick ROCKS!
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