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Arctic Void (2022)
Better than expected
I wasn't expecting much from this film, just entertainment to pass the time, but it's got a lot going for it. There's definitely mystery and suspense. There's some friction between the main characters which sets you up to dislike them, but as the story develops you want them to survive and get answers. The scenery is gorgeous and conveys the hugeness and emptiness of the land at the top of the world. It loses a star for two things - only one polar bear appears (there would be several roaming around a settlement) and an unrealistic depiction of how a dead body moves. Be patient and this film will reward you.
La dernière vague (2019)
Confusing & irritating
I have no idea what the story is supposed to convey. It's disjointed, overly complicated, the personal dramas of the characters are confusing (there's not enough time in each episode to explore the characters in depth so what's the point of cramming in all the extra distractions?) ... And what wave??? "The Cloud" would be a much better title. I was expecting a serialised reboot of the Peter Weir film. I didn't mind it being in French, I'm just really ticked off that I stuck with it and it gave me no joy for my effort.
The Rats (2002)
much better than the average midday movie
As someone who has kept rats as pets and knows what wonderful companions they can be, I am usually disappointed by the way they are portrayed on the screen. Yes, this is a somewhat silly movie, but on the whole it worked very well and my perpetual ratty craving was well-satisfied with so many closeups of sleek, well-fed rodents.
I was delighted to see Mädchen Amick in this film - recognising her name from 'Twin Peaks' but not immediately being able to remember her character. She looks fantastic and it made me realise just how young she was when she played Shelly Johnson.
I was also delighted with the CGI, particularly for the "fountains of rats" scene at the empty pool. Yes, it was silly, and we did laugh, but all those pretend rats actually looked real, not like static cut-outs pasted over and over, and not like the typical joke-store rubber effigies either. As for the scenes with real rats, they were beautifully done, especially the closeups.
I'm pretty demanding when it comes to CGI and animatronics, particularly for animals. I'm critical of angles, texture and lighting, and many films have been spoiled (imo) by their too-glossy critters which just can't be taken seriously in the context of their roles. I remember being astonished after seeing 'Congo' when it came out - I hadn't been able to pick the fake apes and that's something that I usually do pretty much automatically (having spent some hands-on time with chimpanzees in my childhood and being generally obsessive on the subject). I can pick a person in a monkey suit nine times out of ten, but 'Congo' was the first time I didn't realise I was seeing CGI, and I was hugely impressed.
So, any film that can utilise large numbers of animals and make them realistic... even if you know they have to be CGI... and when those animals are one of the handful of species that I know well enough to tell the difference between the real deal and a mockup... that film gets a big thumbs-up regardless of how silly or painful the rest of it is. In other words, if it weren't for the wonderful proliferation of credible rats in this movie I would have given it a 7, which in my system means "liked it well enough but wasn't anything special". Without Mädchen Amick it might even have been a 6.
Saw (2004)
not what I expected
I'm unlike most people, I think, in that I prefer not to read movie reviews until after I've seen the movie. There are exceptions, of course, but they are very rare. If I've enjoyed a movie my habit these days is to come online and look it up here, add it to MyMovies and almost always rate it (but not often comment). I will sometimes do this for movies I didn't like much, too, if there was any reason at all why I bothered to watch it after the point at which I decided it was junk (eg a favourite actor, or one really good character in a sea of dross).
And so it is that I have got this far without being acquainted with the premise/plot/characters of "Saw". I do like horror, preferably "intelligent" horror, although pulp slasher/vampire/zombie flicks are fine too (as long as they have *something* to recommend them; see above). I feel obliged to class "Saw" as horror even though I think it's a psychological thriller first and a horror vehicle second. There *were* moments where I was backed up into the corner of the sofa with my hand over my mouth, but it was a reaction to the degrees of realism rather than being grossed out by gore FX. I was actually expecting more gore. I like zombie movies so I feel pretty acclimatised to gore (realistic or not), but I had unexpected empathetic reactions to the emotions rather than a "repulse" reaction to gore.
Only a few movies in the fright genre have ever really bothered me, but the only one I've actually had to switch off unfinished was "Wolf Creek" - because it was *so damn good*, also because I was heavily freaked out by John Jarratt as a sociopath, having previously only seen him in neutral or positive contexts (particularly "Playschool" and "Better Homes and Gardens"). I was slightly worried that I would find "Saw" unwatchable in the same way, therefore I was greatly relieved to be favourably reminded of "Cube" (which I like very much).
I was a little irked by the various continuity errors, and I felt some aspects of the plot didn't get enough explanation (or enough visual clues), but I was very pleased with Michael Emerson as Zep Hindle, knowing I recognised the face but taking a while to come up with "Lost" (which I had to stop watching after the 2nd season because I was becoming unhealthily obsessed with it). I pegged Zep as the most likely suspect right from his first scene; it was gratifying to be wrong, and to have been so masterfully tricked. Emerson has a lingering resemblance to Brad Dourif (a great favourite), and this is a good thing, imo, if he doesn't mind doing a lot of these kinds of roles - the fringe loony, basically, or the corrupt official.
Normally I am annoyed when a movie ends in such a way that there is obvious scope for a sequel, but this time it seemed the *only* way to end it - given that Zep is not, after all, the monster behind the tortures. I am looking forward to seeing 2 and 3 in the next week before heading off to the cinema (which I rarely bother to do) for the fourth installment.
Primeval (2007)
entertaining but annoying
We watched the first episode last night. The trailers had caught our interest and we probably expected more than we got.
The first problem we had was understanding the dialogue. The accents were pretty heavy and some of the characters mumbled. Actually, the first problem I had was with the opening sequence. At first I thought it had to be a dream, then it says "eight years later". I thought, surely, they mean "eight years earlier"?? But no, eight years later is what they mean, but it took me quite a while to figure out that the woman running in the car park was the missing wife.
Rex the flying dinosaur is cute, in fact, too cute, and too obviously CGI. My partner predicted it would grow up to be Jar Jar Binks, and I can see the resemblance. I know there needs to be cute stuff to appeal to the kids, but I wanted Rex to at least bite someone, or pee on the floor like a puppy.
The professor wanting to stay on the far side of the anomaly to look for his wife was just too predictable and pathetic. It's been eight years, what makes him think she's still alive? Much more likely she's been eaten, or fallen into a volcano. The soldier guy should have decked him again and dragged him back to the present.
We'll watch the second episode to see how this continues, but at this point I'm not that impressed. I've rated it higher than 5 for not being an American production, with an extra point for potential, but I'm not expecting great things.
Rollerball (2002)
vaguely amusing
Paul Heyman was amusing. Naveen Andrews was eye candy. The rest of it was incomprehensible, at least to me. I probably have seen the 1975 original but don't recall it, but I get the general idea. And I *do* like dystopias, very much. Still, errr, I really didn't get this film.
The opening sequence, with the photographers complaining about being paid $250 instead of $400 - this confused me. I thought it was somehow significant (the inclusion of the photographers, or else their poor rate of pay). I continued to be confused while Thingy and Whatsit were risking life and limb rolling down the hill. I definitely didn't understand that bit. And hey, what did that bit have to do with the rest of the film, anyway? Nothing other than to explain why the American, Jonathan, disappears into a rather dodgy and Iron-Curtain-ish world of violent "sport".
I like the idea of players fighting the corruption of their greedy owners/sponsors, but if that's the only premise of this film, did it have to besmirch the concept of the original? I might have enjoyed it more if I was drunk.
The Day of the Triffids (1963)
excruciating
I re-read the book recently (having had it on the shelf unopened for 10+ years) and decided it was quite all right for what it was - a typical product of the times, but at least well-written (thanks to having a respectable author). Having the opportunity to watch the movie this Easter weekend I was looking forward to a bit of vegging out and probably laughing at the "special effects"... though it turned out I couldn't even watch it all the way through. It was just unbearable.
I noticed quite soon into the film that it wasn't adhering very closely to the book. That Bill takes off his own bandages is in the book, but in the film he doesn't do it in dim light as in the book. Yes, I know it's not real, but *some* realism is required to retain the viewer's respect. Having just spent a few days with eyes bandaged, who wants to open them while looking into harsh daylight?
Eh, anyway, I was vexed by Bill's being portrayed as some kind of naval man, when I remembered from the book this was not so. I was actually more disgusted by the inference that the Triffids were harmless prior to the appearance of the comets and only grew when exposed to the unearthly light (the early scene in the greenhouse). Triffids on the move, for that matter, reminded me (and my viewing companion) of male genitalia. Soon after that I gave up trying to enjoy the film, as every little point made me grind my teeth.
This is one film they really should burn (all copies thereof).
Nightwatch (1997)
The doctor didn't do it
Unlike a lot of films of this genre, 'Nightwatch' delivers what it promises. My only criticism is there was too much "spooky" stuff (mainly: when we see Martin reflected in the glass and the plastic flapping). As this is a thriller rather than a horror film, I felt these interludes were unnecessary and somewhat insulted the viewer.
The relationship between Martin and James is a little hard to fathom. As James turns hero at the end (making a significant sacrifice rather than merely miraculously escaping to thwart the killer, as is typical with such movies) I have to forgive him for being an asshole in the first half, particularly the stunt with Martin and Joyce in the restaurant.
James starts out as an annoying character but redeems himself later. I was impressed with Josh Brolin in this role, although I haven't seen him in anything else that I can recall. I was also impressed by Alix Korozmay (Joyce), although I now realise I have also seen her in 'Mimic'.
Nolte (Cray) is weird in this film. He seems like a sympathetic character, someone who will help Martin, but doesn't ultimately do so. Dourif (doctor) on the other hand, so often the deranged baddie in films like this, is creepy, but not actually the culprit. The white coat the killer wears throws suspicion on the doctor, a touch that is somewhat clichéd but, I feel, worked out well.
I rather expected Patricia Arquette's character to turn up in the morgue to shock Martin. I'm glad she turned out to be strong, resourceful, and ultimately loyal to Martin.
The suspense was handled well (apart from the spooky bits as mentioned above) and the length was just right, although I have a niggling feeling that the entire opening part involving James trying to make Martin be more "adventurous" could have been done away with so we could focus on the real action.
I have new respect for Nolte as a result of seeing this film.
Hercules (2005)
mixed bag
I saw this advertised as "featuring Sean Astin", and I watched it *for* Sean Astin. I was quite disappointed, and in fact, felt rather embarrassed on his behalf, that he took this role at all, because compared to the character of Sam Gamgee, Linus as faithful servant to Hercules is pitiful. Surely Astin didn't do it for the money? Maybe he did it to work in New Zealand again, who knows.
The second-saddest thing, I felt, was the CGI. I was mostly impressed by the rendering of the centaur, but where young Hercules lifts the white colt... urrrgh. And the deer looked like claymation. Horrendous.
Most of the characters, though, were interesting to look at. Megara was gorgeous and I found no fault with her (other than being a scheming bitch, of course). But as to why she seduces Hercules then runs off afterwards remains a mystery to me.
I consider this, the 3-hour version, a useful diversion from a lackluster Friday night, but I wouldn't bother to see it again.
Robot Monster (1953)
very strange
"I have no emotion!" declares Ro-Man, yet proceeds to gesture like a frustrated bureaucrat, chuck a tantrum or two and smack his equipment around. This is a robot? This is a machine of logic? Yeah, right.
It took me a while to realise the bulk of the action takes place in a dream or hallucination (Johnny). I did notice that after falling down at the cave entrance he was wearing shorts, having started out in jeans, and thought this was a continuity error. My next thought was that nobody would believe he saw a "robot", after which I wondered when Mother and The Professor got hitched, since they did not seem to have any connection at the start of the film.
Perhaps I'm slow, or else this is not one of the greatest movies ever made (!).
Why the gorilla suit? Why the ancient diving bell headgear? Why a cave in the middle of freaking nowhere? And why is it supposed to be a robot? That part really irks me because it doesn't gel at all.
Amusing enough, taken in context. I'm partial to silly 50s sci-fi, so I give this a 5.
One Night the Moon (2001)
Pride and prejudice
I saw this last night for the first time. I wouldn't have watched except for recognising Paul Kelly and being intrigued. I'm glad I stayed with it - a poignant tale and a useful piece of didactic cinema.
I found the musical interludes a little odd, making me wonder what kind of message the film-makers had in mind, and whether Kelly and Fairfax were chosen for those roles specifically because they could sing, or if it was the other way around - they wanted to do the project and songs were therefore incorporated.
Nice to see Fairfax is still around. I was amused to see her trademark fringe ("bangs") remains, and pleased that she looked suitably frumpy in the role. I found her acting a little wooden, though, which is why, regrettably, I can't rate this a full 10.
Kelly's portrayal is moving and quite convincing. It does seem for a while he doesn't care too much about his daughter, being more concerned with his pride and ego, but there are moments when it's clear he wants to reconnect with Rose (Fairfax) but doesn't know how. The contrast between the happy and loving scene where they put Emily to bed, and what follows, is stark and does well to convey what this kind of tragedy can do to an otherwise solid relationship.
That Albert does eventually find Emily after however many days and nights (and at least one afternoon of rain) is incredible. I was torn between being impressed and wondering at the plausibility factor. If the Aboriginal trackers really are that good, they deserve enormous recognition (and no doubt, gratitude from many of the lost and found).
I don't know the details of the original event, but as to why the father (Kelly) feels the need to go off and shoot himself (as implied) at the end... that didn't quite mesh for me. Yes, he's lost his daughter, and his wife is angry at him, but does it really have to be the end?
Independence Day (1996)
good fun
I like disaster movies which involve cities whose landmarks I can recognise, and especially ones involving stuff falling from the sky. I also like stories involving aliens (regardless of credibility). Therefore, despite various silly bits, I do enjoy Independence Day.
My main criticism: Patricia (President's daughter) does not react to the violence and horror surrounding her. I don't think we even see a tear in her eye. Does she get upset when her mother doesn't reappear as planned? No. Does she get upset when her mother dies? No. Okay, this is meant to be a feel-good movie overall, but as the other characters get into their emotions, why can't she?
My other criticism is the neatness/coincidence factor, where Jasmine stays at the bombed base, Steve goes to the base - ta-da, reunited! And Jasmine just happened to rescue the First Lady. Oh, I bet Mr President was pleased by that! (Does Steve get to be a NASA dude now? He deserves some kind of reward!) I know these points are trivial really - Patricia is not a major character and the Steve-and-Jasmine thing is an important part of the heart-swelling, tear-jerking atmosphere - so I should stop whining and just enjoy the film, yeah? I think the aliens are great - just scary enough, shades of 'Alien' (or rather, HR Geiger) in their design. Also a bit repulsive (the tentacles) so we can go "ewww!" with a clean conscience.
There are probably deep meanings in this film, "a moral of the story", but I can't be bothered finding them. It's a "good guys win" vehicle, with a bit of American patriotism thrown in (they'd have to, given where most of the action takes place). It's good fun, and for this film I don't mind the soppy happy ending.
Requiem for a Dream (2000)
from dream to nightmare
While I have great respect for Darren Aronofsky I know this film would not exist without the original story by Hubert Selby Jnr. They are both to be commended for their genius.
This is an extraordinary film, perfect in every way (apart from a couple of minor glitches I noticed, not worth mentioning).
I particularly like the way Aronofsky has cameo appearances by Selby (prison guard in kitchen), his father Abraham (man on train in hat), and James Chinlund (long-haired man on train). Similarly he had Clint Mansell in 'Pi' as a student photographer.
I also like the reuse of particular actors between the two films - Sean Gullette, Samia Shoaib and Ben Shenkman especially.
There are so many aspects to this story - a snapshot of ordinary lives, interactions between mother and son, a relationship turning sour, a friendship stretched to breaking point, the quality of life ultimately destroyed.
In my opinion, only Tyrone really "survives", even though his final scene shows him on a prison cot, suffering withdrawal symptoms. It seemed to me he never became as deeply addicted as Marion or Harry, and was able to exercise some control over his habit. So even though he's in prison, he's still alive and relatively sane, compared to the main other characters.
Sara has a nirvana of sorts at the end - although her brain is fried. In this state she can live completely within her head. Being in hospital means she's cared for in the basic ways - food, shelter, hygiene - and can concentrate on herself.
There is hope for Harry - also in hospital, and with his infected arm removed, he may yet have some kind of life. For Marion, though, I fear, there is only further decline.
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
zombies ahoy
As a rule I like the zombie genre, regardless of how classy or trashy the finished product is (according to popular opinion). I found this one a bit ho-hum, unfortunately. Yes, a different angle to the usual, but it must it always rain in zombie movies? The ending, at least, was non-standard, and actually funny.
I liked Barbara. I found the other characters annoying. I suppose they were meant to be annoying (to various degrees), but I found myself wishing they'd all succumb to zombie-ness and get it over with.
I liked the fart joke. I liked the quick sequences outlining what they intended to do (kill Philip, rescue Barbara etc). I liked a couple of other bits, but most of it was painful for me. Now on my list of "films to avoid".
Kalifornia (1993)
quite satisfying
I bought this a while ago but somehow neglected to watch it until last night. I do like Juliette Lewis although I'm indifferent to Brad Pitt. After this viewing I have to admit he's a perfectly fine actor - his character was entirely believable, and I didn't think "Brad Pitt" at all.
Unfortunately I can't say the same for David Duchovny. I'm an X-Files fan and I had to look twice to confirm the date of this movie, as I'd thought it was made a few years later. I like Duchovny but found his character a little two-dimensional here, except where he's doing voice-overs. That part was strong, seemed in character, good intonation, etc. Otherwise I kept thinking "Agent Mulder", which is a pity.
Michelle Forbes was a treat. Why haven't I noticed her before? (I'll be looking up to see what other roles she's done and seeing those asap) I am slightly concerned about stereotyping re Lewis, this film, and "Natural Born Killers" (a firm favourite). Interesting though to see a contrast of characters - in NBK she's a willing accomplice, whereas here she abhors the violence and tries very hard not to acknowledge Early's dark side until it's thrust in her face.
I enjoyed this film almost unreservedly. Apart from Duchovny's character not seeming fully-formed (and perhaps being "washed out" somewhat by Pitt's), it was perfect. I was also pleased with the ending - glad that the innocent heroes did not die, yet they had to suffer first. It was realistic, tense, disturbing.
If you like NBK you may well like this movie, and vice-versa.
Godzilla (1998)
gratuitous tripe
I saw this for the first time a few days ago. I gathered immediately that it was going to be silly. Overall I consider it a nearly complete waste of half an evening, although I refused to watch the last 20 or so minutes, so I don't know how it ended (other than the obvious conclusions).
I liked Godzilla and its offspring - I could have happily watched them for 3 hours. I did not like most of the rest of it. I definitely did not like the star-crossed-lovers bit (Niko and Audrey's reunion). I did like the Mayor and his assistant, particularly the bit about "no sweets before the election".
It did remind me somewhat of Evolution (David Duchovny, Julianne Moore), which I liked very much - that was also silly, but done much better.
I was quite happy with the CGI, although my date thought it was cr*p. I snorted at the helicopters which didn't seem worried about hitting each other as they fired. I found the French Secret Service guys excruciating.
And so on.
Godzilla itself gets 3, the rest (actors, plot) get nothing.
Session 9 (2001)
comparable to Blair Witch
I've seen this movie three times now (I have it on DVD) and I'm still confused. The first time I watched it, nah, did not get it at all. Liked many elements of it, particularly character interaction, and liked the mystery and intellectual challenge aspect, but could not get any sense out of the ending. Ditto with second viewing. Following third viewing I decided it's very much like Blair Witch (first film) - atmospheric, weird, creepy, and, to me at least, unintelligible. The best I've been able to come up with is that Gordon becomes possessed by Simon (whoever he is when he's at home), but as to who really kills whom, I don't know. And what exactly did Gordon do to Wendy? I'm not clear on that, either. Great film, if you don't mind not knowing what's going on.
K-PAX (2001)
very sweet
I'm a fan of Jeff Bridges so I snapped this up on DVD without having seen it previously. I instantly became a fan of Kevin Spacey, also.
The general plot of "alien in human body" has, in my experience, been done to death, but I liked the approach taken in K-PAX, which struck me as quite different and much more sensitive than most. Bridges makes an excellent doctor (you *want* to tell him what's on your mind) and Spacey's expressions and gestures are perfect in the role.
The interaction between Prot and the entirely human characters in the clinic is delightful, particularly the subtle manipulation of their behaviour.
The ending is bittersweet - I like Prot's choice, but the final scenes (with Bridges) made me teary.