Attaque!

Posted : 2 months ago on 3 May 2008 02:50 (A review of A Good Year)

I read Peter Mayle's book about a year before the film was released, and wasn't too impressed. The story about the winery seemed nice enough, but a few subplots seemed too tacked on. When I heard that a film was being produced, I thought, well, maybe they can salvage the book and make a good film of it. You know it has happened.
I saw the film back in 2006, and while it was enjoyable, it wasn't exactly good. The story was too thin to really hold my interest, and the comedy just didn't fly (but then I am *very* picky when it comes to comedy --makes me run away most of the time!). Also, they couldn't escape some clichés (although some were put to good comical use!). I did keep a few memorable quotes, nevertheless (what was that about the poodle and the balcony?!) The cinematography was gorgeous, though! This, and a story of a summer romance, did make it worth my time, even though I wouldn't rate it among my favourites.
(5/10)

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Dear Da...

Posted : 2 months ago on 3 May 2008 02:38 (A review of Dear Frankie)

Dear Frankie is a family story set in Glasgow, where Lizzie has been lying to her nine-year-old son for years, that his father is a sailor, and has had no chance yet to visit him. Suddenly father's (purported) ship is listed in the shipping new as coming into the harbour... So Lizzie has to find a dad, and quick. Sounds comedic, but is a really nice, serious drama about family, and what it means to be a mum or dad. It avoids almost every single cliché you could think of in connection with the topic. Still, it has the longest-ever build-up to a kiss in cinematic history! *lol* Well worth your time.

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Hold on, that's not Italy!?

Posted : 2 months ago on 3 May 2008 02:31 (A review of Beyond the Sea)

"Beyond the sea" is somewhat surreal, it has no linear timeline, and things keep happening that wouldn't happen in real life (like people breaking into dance on the street), but I liked the approach. I had no idea who Bobby Darin was, before. Darin was forever trying to find a place in life, from rock'n'roll to swing to protest singer. I have to say I liked his swing era best. Which is also to the credit of Kevin Spacey, who decided to record the songs himself instead of having playbacks played in the movie.
My suspension of disbelief suffered a major blow though, when I recognised the "Italian" palace and park for what it was: Schloss and park Sanssouci in Potsdam, near Berlin! :-D Turned out that the whole film was shot at Babelsberg Studios in Potsdam.

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Settles in your brain, and proceeds to b

Posted : 2 months ago on 2 May 2008 01:56 (A review of Syriana)

When I saw this on the big screen, my first reaction after the lights came on was "I need to see that again!". This is one of those films that keep you on your toes the entire time, and you're constantly asking yourself "What is going on?"
It's not the kind of film that gets under your skin in that you get emotional satiscfaction or a resolution, rather it gets into your brain and settles in a corner and proceeds to bug you.

It tells four stories of people in the oil business, in espionage, in the terror "business", and the legal business, all of them intertwined at some point, and none of the characters are up to good things.

The film has a huge list of characters, so that doesn't make it any easier, but it is definitely an interesting film for those who don't like their films being pre-cut and mashed for easy consumption. I also have to admit that George Clooney has really grown on me. I mean, he was hot all along, and I don't mind watching a few of his earlier films, but hot and brainy is unbeatable :-D.

OK, now that I have place myself squarely in the shallow crowd, you still should have a look at this if you like entertainment with a challenge.

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A classic, but vintage 1950s

Posted : 2 months, 1 week ago on 29 April 2008 07:15 (A review of On the Beach)

I have read Nevil Shute's On the beach and hadn't I been sitting in a high-speed train where windows cannot be opened, I'd have chucked it out. I wrote a scathing review, instead. I love the remake/new version from 2000 (it's one of my all time favourites and never fails to move me to tears). So I was eagerly awaiting a chance to see this one.
Sigh. Like the book, it hasn't aged too well. It doesn't pack a punch like the modern version does, and the characters don't really get under your skin. What was Moiras problem again beside her drinking too much? And Mary? Both characters are vintage 1950s.
Although I have to admit that Gregory Peck delivers flawlessly, again. And I am thinking of buying it on DVD, because it *is* a classic.

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