The best thing about this movie is its pace. You won't know how fast the 110 minutes go. There's not a minute you feel bored. The attack sequences are bit over the top, but if you are a drama lover, you won't be disappointed. The storyline isn't much to think about but the screenplay is apt. Its a good thing that the director Antonie Fuqua keeps things simple, doesn't dig too much into the conspiracy stuff and also doesn't include any unnecessary twists.
Gerard Butler does what he does best, fight bad guys. Aaron Eckhart as the stern faced president reminds you of Harvey Dent. Morgan Freeman probably is there to strengthen the star value in the film. But its the villain Rick Yune with his evil smile who impresses.
This is an out and out entertainer, don't think too much, just be in the moment and watch this movie.
7.5
Tuesday, 30 April 2013
Place Beyond The Pines
Derek Cianfrance's The Place Beyond The Pines is a visual odyssey, if nothing else. It is also an intense character study of three people. And it's a good film.
Not wishing to ruin the plot, I won't say anymore. When I first heard the plot, I was immediately struck by the similarities to another excellent Ryan Gosling movie, Drive.
In that film, Gosling plays a stunt driver, who takes on a job to help his neighbour. However similar the plot may be, the two films are complete opposites. The Place Beyond The Pines is a character driven study of morality and legacy, while Drive is closer to the genre of an action film. However, the two films do have one more thing in common, they both showcase excellent Ryan Gosling performances.
Despite the overlong ending, the film itself was still a great experience. A quiet moving character drama, expansive in it's scope yet intensely personal at its core.
9
Not wishing to ruin the plot, I won't say anymore. When I first heard the plot, I was immediately struck by the similarities to another excellent Ryan Gosling movie, Drive.
In that film, Gosling plays a stunt driver, who takes on a job to help his neighbour. However similar the plot may be, the two films are complete opposites. The Place Beyond The Pines is a character driven study of morality and legacy, while Drive is closer to the genre of an action film. However, the two films do have one more thing in common, they both showcase excellent Ryan Gosling performances.
Despite the overlong ending, the film itself was still a great experience. A quiet moving character drama, expansive in it's scope yet intensely personal at its core.
9
Tuesday, 23 April 2013
GI Joe : Retalliation
Saw this in 3D as hardly any 2D shows were available.
Wearing the glasses was indeed justified - the action was good. I made sure I left my brain at home as I knew the plot would not be challenging.
Again, felt the movie was a little too long - there are a few useless sequences that were not necessary. Also a little misleading with the cast; top-billed actors like Channing Tatum and Bruce Willis were barely in this movie.
Once again, part 2 has been left wide open for a sequel, so be prepared for another installment!
6
Wearing the glasses was indeed justified - the action was good. I made sure I left my brain at home as I knew the plot would not be challenging.
Again, felt the movie was a little too long - there are a few useless sequences that were not necessary. Also a little misleading with the cast; top-billed actors like Channing Tatum and Bruce Willis were barely in this movie.
Once again, part 2 has been left wide open for a sequel, so be prepared for another installment!
6
Oblivion
Impressive CGI, action and an interesting story were the key ingriedients to this. I have to say that half-way through the film, I realised I had seen something similar before, in a film called Moon which was a lot more gripping!
I felt the movie was a little too long and that the some of the characters were undeveloped but those could be overlooked with the presence of the stunning visuals and impressive cinematography.
Tom Cruise seems to have starting doing more than one movie every few years - perhaps he is short of money. Not bad.
7
I felt the movie was a little too long and that the some of the characters were undeveloped but those could be overlooked with the presence of the stunning visuals and impressive cinematography.
Tom Cruise seems to have starting doing more than one movie every few years - perhaps he is short of money. Not bad.
7
Friday, 5 April 2013
Robot and Frank
A simple plot with a nice and easy-going story. It's hard to fault this film; Frank Langella is brilliant. He and the Robot are the main characters.
The twist 15 minutes before the end is very special indeed; did not see that coming! It's funny and sad in equal measure. Within it, there's a clever subtext running through the movie, commenting on the loss of personality in the digital age, and the disposable nature of modern life. The more we come to rely on technology for everything, from our reading material to our aged care, the less we ourselves are practically capable of, giving rise to a generation of privileged, ironic, but purposeless people. What Robot and Frank highlights is not just the fragility, but also the value of a mind filled with life experience and skills. There's no substitute for the complex intelligence of our brains, and even the most sophisticated technology has more to learn from us.
Impressive - 8
The twist 15 minutes before the end is very special indeed; did not see that coming! It's funny and sad in equal measure. Within it, there's a clever subtext running through the movie, commenting on the loss of personality in the digital age, and the disposable nature of modern life. The more we come to rely on technology for everything, from our reading material to our aged care, the less we ourselves are practically capable of, giving rise to a generation of privileged, ironic, but purposeless people. What Robot and Frank highlights is not just the fragility, but also the value of a mind filled with life experience and skills. There's no substitute for the complex intelligence of our brains, and even the most sophisticated technology has more to learn from us.
Impressive - 8
Beasts of the Southern Wild
This may be the worst movie I have ever seen. I suppose someone thinks the Louisiana water people are worth a story for diversity's sake, but why? They are an ignorant, revolting bunch who subject their offspring to a life of poverty and abuse. The story is boring from beginning to end and the pretentious camera work just makes it worse. Yes, the acting is quite convincing. So what? It just did not serve any purpose whatsoever!
2
2
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)