Change Your Image
andrewjsutton
Reviews
Interreflections (2020)
A Highly Thought Provoking and Creative Film
I had been waiting for several years for this movie to come out, so was extremely nervous (and excited) about what Peter's latest movie would be like and whether it would meet my high expectations.
I felt the movie successfully delivered in providing its viewers with a realistic (although somewhat pessimistic) view of today's society, in particular our misaligned, divisive values and the systems (e.g. Advertising) that continually reinforce these values in our culture.
I particularly enjoyed the storyline between the activists and the establishment but I felt this could have included a little more action and slightly less dialogue.
One of the major highlights of the movie for me included the frequent symbolism in the movies (such as the crashing train analagy), i.e. The movie allowed some points to be shown using symbols and metaphor rather than spoonfeeding us every detail. There was also some humour in the film (such as "this is apple juice") but I was pleased this wasn't overdone, which could have detracted from the serious messages this film is trying to convey. My absolute favourite part of the movie was the final 10 minutes - what a beautiful and inspiring vision!
Peter's greatest strength as a film-maker is explaining complex concepts (such as relative poverty, the pepertual-debt-based money system, the scarcity vs infinite consumption paradox, the economic roots of oppresion / slavery, etc) in a very simple, easy to digest manner. He covers a LOT of points here, but i feel it's a good balance between explaining concepts explicitly and illustrating them symbolically.
Overall, i really loved the film and it definitely met & even exceeeded my expectations. Along with Peter's other works, I would definitely recommend this film to anybody, particularly if you don't mind being intellectually challenged and are open-minded enough to seeing the world through a different lense.
The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)
Too soon for a remake
Just 10 years after the 2002 'Spiderman' movie was made, I was originally baffled as to why this movie would be - not Spiderman 4 - but instead a remake. Was there something lacking in the original movie I wasn't aware of? Was it not true to the original comic book story? Or was this just an easy cash-in job for Hollywood?
The verdict: easy money for Hollywood producers. There was almost nothing original about this movie. The storyline is almost identical, and whilst you are, strictly speaking, about to read so-called SPOILERS, I assure you if you have seen the 2002 film, there's nothing new here. Peter is being picked on at high school by the jock; he fancies a girl there; his uncle is shot by a bandit Peter previously decided not to stop; he gets bitten by a spider which gives him superpowers; etc. Even the bad guy has a connection to one of his friends (it's his girlfriend's mentor). The pacing / sequence of the movie is almost to the minute predictable: initial confrontation with bad guy, one more encounter in the sewer leaves our hero scarred, then a final battle atop a skyscraper. Yeah, been there, done that. Not impressed, sorry.
One of the major selling points to this movie, no doubt, will be the amazing special effects. Admittedly, i did not see this movie in 3D, but I honestly couldn't notice much improvement since the original. The camera work during his swing-across-the-city scenes were all very impressive, just like the previous movies.
It seems the current obsession in movie-making is the superhero theme. They know people will pay money to see this movie. For those die-hard fans, I hope you disagree with this review. For those in doubt, I say, save your money. Send Hollywood the message you're not going to give them your hard-earned for such a non-imaginative, risk-less, factory-line sell-out.
The Hangover Part II (2011)
Thoroughly entertaining - as per original
Many sequels turn out to be disappointments, leave viewers with a feeling of regret - even anger - at the sequel being produced, and can even detract from their memories of the original classic.
I'm pleased to say that The Hangover Part II is no such disappointment. The quality of the acting, the script and the gags ensures that audience is thoroughly entertained and will be generally satisfied.
It takes a while for the movie to "get going" - it's probably around 30 minutes until the boys wake up in a strange hotel and the familiar comedic storyline begins: Find the missing person and get back in time for the wedding! The blatant similarity to the plot of the original movie has both pros and cons. It brings a certain satisfaction to the viewer. We know we loved the original movie - we are simply getting more of the same. However, it makes the movie very predictable, the audience is able to see most "revelations" well in advance. I left the movie satisfied but sincerely hoping that a third installment is not made, there is no need for more repetition.
I highly recommend this movie to anybody who loved the original film; whilst containing nothing original, it is a genuinely funny and enjoyable movie.
Due Date (2010)
If you liked The Hangover, see this movie
If you enjoyed Zack's 40 year old weirdo character in "The Hangover", and are looking for a laid back, uncomplicated comedy, this movie is for you!
About 20 minutes in, the chief premise of the movie - two mismatched strangers become compelled to travel across the US together - becomes evident. This is where the similarity between "Trains, Planes and Automobiles" starts and finishes. Due Date was always going to be compared to the Martin / Farley classic but it is in no way a rip-off / remake; they are two very different movies.
Robert Downey Jr flawlessly plays the straight man who is attempting to race home to his expecting wife. Zack plays his unique character displayed in The Hangover who is irritating, obscene, and highly accident prone.
Due Date is not as thoroughly hilarious as The Hangover but is a similar type of comedy and well worth seeing.