Films: D
Film I've seen (that I recall and have noted) beginning with the letter D.
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- DirectorJean-Marc ValléeStarsMatthew McConaugheyJennifer GarnerJared LetoIn 1985 Dallas, electrician and hustler Ron Woodroof works around the system to help AIDS patients get the medication they need after he is diagnosed with the disease.McConaughey is good, but Jared Leto steals the film
- DirectorWhit StillmanStarsGreta GerwigAdam BrodyLio TiptonA trio of girls set out to change the male-dominated environment of the Seven Oaks college campus, and to rescue their fellow students from depression, grunge and low standards of every kind.Hated it - while it raised a smile, the performances & characters really annoyed me. Couldn't care less.
- DirectorLars von TrierStarsBjörkCatherine DeneuveDavid MorseAn Eastern European US immigrant with a love for musicals has to cope with the gradual loss of her vision.Beautiful - but so utterly tragic. Bjork is stunning in the role. The music is wonderful and the scene where she sings 'A few of my favourite things' is devastating.
- DirectorStephen FrearsStarsGlenn CloseJohn MalkovichMichelle PfeifferA scheming widow and her manipulative ex-lover make a bet regarding the corruption of a recently married woman.One of many favourites - the style of the film, the recreation, the costumes all blend into a devastating portrait of love, lust and betrayal.
- DirectorRoger DonaldsonStarsPierce BrosnanLinda HamiltonJamie Renée SmithA volcanologist arrives at a countryside town recently named the second-most desirable place to live in America, and discovers that a nearby long-dormant volcano may awaken at any moment.A good old disaster movie. SO much better than Volcano, the other um, volcano movie out around the same time.
- DirectorWes AndersonStarsOwen WilsonAdrien BrodyJason SchwartzmanA year after their father's funeral, three brothers travel across India by train in an attempt to bond with each other.Funny, clever and touching Wes Anderson film. One of the better ones. Great visual and use of colour as always.
- DirectorJan SverákStarsOndrej VetchýKrystof HádekTara FitzgeraldThe friendship of two men becomes tested when they both fall for the same woman.Some great visuals, but rather like a Czech 'Wings'.
- DirectorAlex ProyasStarsRufus SewellKiefer SutherlandJennifer ConnellyA man struggles with memories of his past, which include a wife he cannot remember and a nightmarish world no one else ever seems to wake up from.WOW! This totally took me by surprise. Amazing in every way. Loved the setting, the story and the effects. Even more astounding is that this isn't based on anything other than the directors original idea
- DirectorJim HensonFrank OzStarsJim HensonKathryn MullenFrank OzOn another planet in the distant past, a Gelfling embarks on a quest to find the missing shard of a magical crystal, and to restore order to his world.Stands the test of time well, but I did not remember it being so dark
- DirectorWerner HerzogStarsReinhold MessnerHans KammerlanderWerner HerzogFilm-maker Werner Herzog follows mountaineers Reinhold Messner and Hans Kammerlander as they attempt to climb the high altitude peaks of Gasherbrum II and Gasherbrum I all in one expedition, seeking to reveal their inner motivation.Another incredible doco from Herzog. Focus's on the people rather than the task. Why people do this is beyond me.
- DirectorPedro AlmodóvarStarsCristina Sánchez PascualWill MoreLaura CepedaA nightclub singer seeks refuge with gay nuns on dope in a Madrid convent.funny, absurd film.
- DirectorTodd SolondzStarsJordan GelberSelma BlairChristopher WalkenRomance blooms between two tricenarians in arrested development: an avid toy collector who is the dark horse of his family and a depressed woman on the rebound.One of Solondz' best - funny, with being over the top. Lovely performances.
- DirectorChristopher NolanStarsChristian BaleHeath LedgerAaron EckhartWhen the menace known as the Joker wreaks havoc and chaos on the people of Gotham, Batman must accept one of the greatest psychological and physical tests of his ability to fight injustice.Great revamp. Ledger is amazing as the Joker. Dark and brooding.
- DirectorChristopher NolanStarsChristian BaleTom HardyAnne HathawayEight years after the Joker's reign of chaos, Batman is coerced out of exile with the assistance of the mysterious Selina Kyle in order to defend Gotham City from the vicious guerrilla terrorist Bane.Way to see out the trilogy
- DirectorTim BurtonStarsJohnny DeppMichelle PfeifferEva GreenAn imprisoned vampire, Barnabas Collins, is set free and returns to his ancestral home, where his dysfunctional descendants are in need of his protection.Funny with great performances and the usual Burton flair.
- DirectorJonathan LiebesmanStarsChaney KleyEmma Caulfield FordAntony BurrowsA vengeful spirit has taken the form of the Tooth Fairy to exact vengeance on the town that lynched her 150 years earlier. Her only opposition is the only child, now grown up, who has survived her before.Absolutely terrible film.
- DirectorShawn LevyStarsSteve CarellTina FeyMark WahlbergIn New York City, a case of mistaken identity turns a bored married couple's attempt at a glamorous and romantic evening into something more thrilling and dangerous.Watched in August 2010
This is one of those films that you want to be funny, you know, I mean it should be funny, but as it often happens, it isn't funny and most of the actual funny stuff is in the trailer and then you waste 90mins watching an otherwise dull film.
You can imagine my surprise then, that this is a funny and very entertaining film. Perhaps the main reason for it working so well is the fact that the two leads Tina Fey and Steve Carell are both fine comedians in their own right and have the rare ability to appear together on screen awash with chemistry. They are both terrific in this and great fun to watch. There is something almost natural about them, they play the normal suburban couple well, without resorting to stereotype. Nor do they exaggerate their roles or play up for comedic effect. This helps immensely as it makes an otherwise stupid, far fetched plot a little more believable.
The plot is pretty over the top, but plays out well and surprisingly quickly, with the film running at a nice 87 minutes. There is plenty to laugh out: when the couple escape on the row boat with the very slow motor, the car chase scene is very well done, especially with the cab driver high pitched screams of terror. I also liked the scene where the couple return to the restaurant pretending to be friends of 'Sam.i.am'. There are some nice supporting roles here, a shirtless Mark Wahlberg among them and another fine performance from James Franco, which leads me to the conclusion that he is a legend.
Thanks to a swift running time, the plot never has time to get bogged down and perhaps because of that never has the chance to become too stupid and that works well in the film's favour. A neatly made package provides the best entertainment and here they have managed to combine some great performances with some really funny moments that gives you a perfect DVD for watching on the sofa. - DirectorIvan ReitmanStarsKevin KlineSigourney WeaverFrank LangellaAn uncanny Presidential lookalike named Dave is recruited by the Secret Service to become a momentary stand-in for the President of the United States.Amiable comedy with nice performances from Weaver and Kline.
- DirectorMichel GondryStarsDave ChappelleYasiin BeyLauryn HillA mix of Dave Chappelle's sketch comedy and musical interludes, inspired in part by the 1973 documentary Wattstax.Some great performances are the highlight of the film.
- DirectorSteve SekelyFreddie FrancisStarsHoward KeelNicole MaureyJanette ScottAfter an unusual meteor shower leaves most of the human population blind, a merchant navy officer must find a way to conquer tall, aggressive plants which are feeding on people and animals.Pretty damn stupid. Have fond memories (terrified ones) of the TV series.
- DirectorRobert WiseStarsMichael RenniePatricia NealHugh MarloweAn alien lands in Washington, D.C. and tells the people of Earth that they must live peacefully or be destroyed as a danger to other planets.Watched in October 2010
A couple of years ago they remade The Day The Earth Stood Still with Keanu Reeves in the role of Klaatu. It was panned by critics, so I've never bothered with it. I have fond memories of seeing this when I was young and so insted of watching a bad remake I decided to revisit the original.
The film wastes no time in bringing the alien visitor to Earth. Special effects back in the 50's weren't great and the scenes of the craft landing are pretty dire when you compare it to today's effects, but it adds to the film's magic. Klaatu's attempts at getting his message out there are thwarted and he places himself among the residents of Washington D.C. where his human appearance helps matters no end. Events move quickly and Klaatu shows Earth exactly what he's capable of, causing fear throughout the population. Eventually rescued by his trusty robot Gort and with help of some humans he is able to tell Earth the problem it faces, before he zooms back into space.
The film hasn't aged that well, but the message that humanity needs to stop risking it's future is still relevant today. There are many aspects that frustrated me; that Klaatu looks human is never explained, or the bending of Gort's joints, despite his alleged solid build or the lack of security that surrounds the spacecraft are all examples. But despite this the film delivers, that it was made in a pre internet era makes the event more exciting and fascinating with the fear and interest of the public and the public's opinion being broadcast via radio. I have fond memories of being amazed by Klaatu bringing the world to a standstill and this time round it still works brilliantly and there are some great shots of world cities at a complete stop.
It is one the finest sci-fi films made in that era and despite it's flaws it still has the ability to play out well even in our CGI 3-D saturated world we now live in. - DirectorScott DerricksonStarsKeanu ReevesJennifer ConnellyKathy BatesA remake of the 1951 classic science fiction film about an alien visitor and his giant robot counterpart who visit Earth.Watched only a month after the original, it just doesn't compare in any way. Sure the special effects might look good, but the power of the story is lost.
- DirectorTimur BekmambetovStarsKonstantin KhabenskiyMariya PoroshinaVladimir MenshovWhen Anton, a Warrior of Light, is falsely accused of murdering some vampires, he embarks on a journey to find the real killer and search for an ancient object that has the power to alter destiny.I do wish I had re-watched the preceding film of this trilogy, Night Watch, as a little reminder of events, as I found some of the plotline a tad confusing, but overall this was another excellent film, although I don’t think as good as Night Watch. There are some great moments of humour and some stunning special effects: the horses crashing the fort at the beginning, or the scene where the bus crashes into zulonov and the subsequent use of the electric cables. It was possibly a little slow; I remember the first part being alot faster in pace and more exhilarating for the majority of the film. But what it lacked was more than made up for with the stunning climax, with the destruction of Moscow all of which was brilliantly executed. There was also the clever use of subtitles which added another great visual element. Some subtitles were played around with, such as when the word blood was said the subtitle was in red or when zulounov drops some plates and says the “bastard” the subtitle appeared smashed and in pieces. There were many more: subtitles disappearing as people turned around or lost under the wheels of a car. Brilliant stuff. I look forward to the final instalment.
- DirectorTerrence MalickStarsRichard GereBrooke AdamsSam ShepardA hot-tempered farm laborer convinces the woman he loves to marry their rich but dying boss so that they can have a claim to his fortune.Beautiful story, beautifully filmed
- DirectorKaren MoncrieffStarsToni ColletteBrittany MurphyMarcia Gay HardenThe clues to a young woman's death come together as the lives of seemingly unrelated people begin to intersect.Effective thriller, with nice turns from Murphy and Collette.
- DirectorJim JarmuschStarsJohnny DeppGary FarmerCrispin GloverOn the run after murdering a man, accountant William Blake encounters a strange Native American man named Nobody who prepares him for his journey into the spiritual world.Couldn't get into it, way too slow.
- DirectorTommy WirkolaStarsJeppe Beck LaursenCharlotte FrognerJenny SkavlanA ski vacation turns horrific for a group of medical students, as they find themselves confronted by an unimaginable menace: Nazi zombies.MIFF 2009
This started well very atmospheric and quickly descended into some full of crazy gore filled silliness. Not that I'm complaining: There was lots to enjoy about this Norwegian horror, or should that be schlock horror. The were some very stunning landscapes and some very silly but gruesome effects laid on for the deaths, the guy being ripped apart was classic. There were also plenty of laughs, the guys testicles being bitten, for instance, esp as he had just chainsawed his arm off so he didn't get infected. The film had very little plot as such, no more than other 'group of young people in the middle of nowhere, being picked off' film, but it was perfect for a last film of the day and really who doesn't love a Norwegian horror film about Nazi zombies picking off medical students in the mountains in the middle of winter?! Exactly! - DirectorToa FraserStarsJeremy NorthamSam NeillBryan BrownSet in Edwardian England where upper lips are always stiff and men from the Colonies are not entirely to be trusted, Fisk Senior has little time or affection for his son, but when the pair visit an eccentric Indian, they start a strange journey that eventually allows the old man to find his heart.Charming period film, with lovely performance from O'Toole.
- DirectorFrank OzStarsMatthew MacfadyenPeter DinklageEwen BremnerChaos ensues when a man tries to expose a dark secret regarding a recently deceased patriarch of a dysfunctional British family.So-so comedy that has some nice moments with it bordering on the ridiculous.
- DirectorRobert ZemeckisStarsMeryl StreepBruce WillisGoldie HawnWhen a fading actress learns of an immortality treatment, she sees it as a way to outdo her long-time rival.Wonderful, camp and funny film. Goldie and Meryl together at last.
- DirectorLuchino ViscontiStarsDirk BogardeRomolo ValliMark BurnsWhile recovering in Venice, sickly composer Gustav von Aschenbach becomes dangerously fixated with teenager Tadzio.Watched in June 2011
Arriving in Venice, composer Gustave (Dirk Bogarde) is looking forward to a time of relaxation and respite. As he settles into his hotel with it's view of the Lido, it seems that is entirely possible. Around him are the cream of European elite, among them a wealthy family whose members include the Tadzio, who's beauty takes Gustave by surprise. Gustave watches Tadzio from afar, his beauty rejuvenating Gustave, but Venice is slowly under siege from an outbreak of cholera, the city fails to acknowledge but threatens to ruin it, it's residents and visitors. Gustave tries to get the truth from those around him, but no-one seems to want to tell him anything. Gradually Gustave's time of relaxation becomes a time of stress and illness with a terrible outlook.
As Gustave steps onto the Lido, there is a moment where the brain questions whether the image before it is a moving image or simply a painting; a stunning visual moment that is like many more to come, breathtaking. Luchino Visconti's version of Thomas Mann's novel is perhaps not quite as brilliant as his masterpiece The Leopard, but it comes very near. The film is heavenly with it's visuals with Visconti making certain frames astounding with their styling; still life that has come to life. Ravishing sets and costumes add to the visuals with Venice barely getting a look in. Bogarde is in top form as the aristocratical Gustave, looking down on those below him and behaving like a spoilt rich old queen. His longing for Tadzio is played out brilliantly, verging on lust, suggesting admiration and jealously of his own lost youth, there is an extreme fine line, one that draws finer as Gustave's interest grows.
Languid for the most part, with very little dialogue, it portrays the downfall of Gustave as his age and the ravishes of disease take their toll, yet it is impossible to find it slow, thanks to the direction of Visconti and the brilliance of Bogarde; and over the imagery you have the beauty of Mahler's 5th symphony that only helps highlight all we see before us. Gradually the film grows into a tragic tale as Gustave succumbs to his fate and the final shot of a slumped over Gustave on the Lido is one of the films many stunning moments one that's far from a happy ending. - DirectorGabriel RangeStarsHend AyoubBecky Ann BakerGeorge W. BushYears after the assassination of President George W. Bush in Chicago, an investigative documentary examines that as-yet-unsolved crime.Well made fake doco examining the killing of Bush. I wonder what would have happened if that had occurred?
- DirectorCristi PuiuStarsDoru AnaMonica BarladeanuAlina BerzunteanuMr. Lãzãrescu, a dying old man, is shuttled from hospital to hospital by a loyal paramedic as doctors refuse to operate and no one can agree on a diagnosis.Watched in 2008Slow meandering piece, but often enthralling. You cant help feel sorry for the poor old man as he is dragged from hospital to hospital. The lack of sympathy from the doctors was bordering on farcical. Great performances all round. There was a wonderful warmth from the female ambulance worker who stuck by the old man and tried to get him treated, whilst facing an array of difficult people. Maybe a little too long, but good stuff
- DirectorQuentin TarantinoStarsKurt RussellZoë BellRosario DawsonTwo separate sets of voluptuous women are stalked at different times by a scarred stuntman who uses his "death proof" cars to execute his murderous plans.Watched in July 2010
This is one of two parts that make up the Grindhouse double feature, the other being Planet Terror, which I'm yet to see. That is directed by Robert Rodriguez and Death Proof is by Mr Tarantino and it wreaks of him.
The films premise is about a psycho stuntman stalking hot women. The first half ends badly for a groups of four woman and in the second half the women get their own back and things end badly for the stuntman. The film is meant to be a homage to the 'grindhouse' movies and because of this the film has an 'aged' look to it, scratches and lines appear across the screen, scenes jump and cut suddenly and whilst this for some might be clever I found it annoying, it looked like cheap effects and clearly the actual film was modern. The two parts of the film where also broken up with a long segment of black and white before the second half had a more bright colour effect and less aging, all of which just seemed pointless and all over the place. Trying to be clever and not succeeding.
The films plot is pretty thin and there is alot of talk, as there often is in Tarantino film's except, despite the claim on the dvd box that the film is full of quotes, the conversations where pretty forgettable. The woman are all very good in this and are perhaps the highlight: I was quite gutted the first four met a nasty end as they were worthy of more screen time. And the stunt woman Zoe Ball seemed out of place with her strong antipodean accent. Of course as with any other Tarantino outing the film is laced with various film references throughout, people talking about films, film posters in the back ground, cars driving through a sign for 'Scary Movie 4' (suggesting that the film is worth driving a car through- er it's a car wreck? Or am I going in too deep?!). But there is little to really enjoy, the car chase scenes for instance are okay but far from the best I've seen. The film is worth a look, but if only for some girl power, but little else. - DirectorJohn MaddenStarsHelen MirrenSam WorthingtonTom WilkinsonIn 1965, three Mossad Agents cross into East Berlin to apprehend a notorious Nazi war criminal. Thirty years later, the secrets the Agents share come back to haunt them.Effective drama. Powerful story.
- StarsArtur BarcisOlgierd LukaszewiczOlaf LubaszenkoTen television drama films, each one based on one of the Ten Commandments.While some segments work better than others, this is a stunning achievement. At times, moving, at times funny. It is amazing.
- DirectorValérie DonzelliStarsValérie DonzelliJérémie ElkaïmCésar DesseixWhen their young son is diagnosed with a brain tumor, young parents Roméo and Juliette unite in the fight for his survival.Beautiful and moving story with great performances.
- DirectorTerence DaviesStarsRachel WeiszTom HiddlestonAnn MitchellThe wife of a British Judge is caught in a self-destructive love affair with a Royal Air Force pilot.Beautiful film - Weisz is amazing.
- DirectorMarc CaroJean-Pierre JeunetStarsMarie-Laure DougnacDominique PinonPascal BenezechPost-apocalyptic surrealist black comedy about the landlord of an apartment building who occasionally prepares a delicacy for his odd tenants.The first feature from Jeunet and the first taste of what's to come. Full of visual flair, kookiness and humour.
- DirectorAmy BergStarsOliver O'GradyThomas DoyleAdamDocumentary about Father Oliver O'Grady, a Catholic priest who was relocated to various parishes around the United States during the 1970s in an attempt by the Catholic Church to cover up his rape of dozens of children.Shocking doco about the abuses of priests and the church. Never fails to horrify.
- DirectorIrwin WinklerStarsKevin KlineAshley JuddJonathan PryceInspecting a magical biographical stage musical, composer Cole Porter reviews his life and career with his wife, Linda.Charming film. Lovely musical performances.
- DirectorMartin ScorseseStarsLeonardo DiCaprioMatt DamonJack NicholsonAn undercover cop and a mole in the police attempt to identify each other while infiltrating an Irish gang in South Boston.Brilliant film - tense and edgy with great performances.
- DirectorYôjirô TakitaStarsMasahiro MotokiRyôko HirosueTsutomu YamazakiSoon after buying an expensive cello, Daigo learns that his orchestra is disbanding. He moves back to his hometown with his wife, where he answers an ad for what Daigo thinks is a travel agency but is, in actuality, a mortuary.Beautiful story, charming and touching.
- DirectorIsaac JulienBernard RoseStarsDavid HockneyDerek JarmanChris LoweA film involving two courageous and innovative artists-one the subject and one the filmmaker-provides a cinematic journey that illuminates the work and enduring importance of the late Derek Jarman.Wonderful portrait of an incredible talent.
- DirectorNeil MarshallStarsShauna MacdonaldNatalie MendozaAlex ReidA caving expedition goes horribly wrong, as the explorers become trapped and ultimately pursued by a strange breed of predators.When girls go into the caves today.. Not bad, good fun for the most part. You can immediately determine who's going to go first...
- DirectorAlexander PayneStarsGeorge ClooneyShailene WoodleyAmara MillerA land baron tries to reconnect with his two daughters after his wife is seriously injured in a boating accident.Nicely played about drama, nice touch of humour. Clooney as charismatic as always.
- DirectorPierre CoffinChris RenaudStarsSteve CarellJason SegelRussell BrandGru, a criminal mastermind, adopts three orphans as pawns to carry out the biggest heist in history. His life takes an unexpected turn when the little girls see the evildoer as their potential father.Watched in October 2010
Sometimes what you you see in a film trailer can look good and sometimes you see a film because of what you see in that trailer. I went to see Despicable Me on that basis, the trailer provides some laughs and offer a hint of the potential. Sometimes of course a trailer contains the only good points in the film and going to see the whole film is a waste of time.
Despicable Me is another of those animated features that just didn't work for me. It started quite well and I liked the concept, but as it progressed I really struggled with the characters, the story and the fact there was a vast lack of laughs. Sure animated films are generally aimed at children, but if it's a good film it can be liked by anyone. This film just failed to utilise the potential for laughs, the 'minions' in the trailer were hilarious, but in the film they just aren't funny. It all seems a shame in the end, maybe there is more for kids in this and less for adults than some animated features and whilst there are some okay moments and the actual animation looks great, it otherwise really disappointed me, left me bored and I couldn't wait for it to finish., the minions are the highlight. - DirectorPierre CoffinChris RenaudStarsSteve CarellKristen WiigBenjamin BrattWhen Gru, the world's most super-bad turned super-dad has been recruited by a team of officials to stop lethal muscle and a host of Gru's own, he has to fight back with new gadgetry, cars, and more minion madness.the minions save it.
- DirectorDavid FrankelStarsAnne HathawayMeryl StreepAdrian GrenierA smart but sensible new graduate lands a job as an assistant to Miranda Priestly, the demanding editor-in-chief of a high fashion magazine.Fun, frivolous comedy. Streep is good.
- DirectorGuillermo del ToroStarsMarisa ParedesEduardo NoriegaFederico LuppiAfter Carlos - a 12-year-old whose father has died in the Spanish Civil War - arrives at an ominous boys' orphanage, he discovers the school is haunted and has many dark secrets which he must uncover.Brilliant film, scary, tense and effective
- DirectorFred SchepisiStarsCharles McCallumJohn FrawleyArthur DignamFred Schepisi's first feature is this lushly photographed period drama detailing a young boy's coming-of-age in a strict Catholic seminary in 1950s Australia.
- DirectorAlfred HitchcockStarsRay MillandGrace KellyRobert CummingsA former tennis star arranges the murder of his adulterous wife.Wonderful Hitchcock film.
- DirectorGuy HamiltonStarsSean ConneryJill St. JohnCharles GrayA diamond smuggling investigation leads James Bond to Las Vegas where he uncovers an evil plot involving a rich business tycoon.Good old school Bond.
- DirectorOliver HirschbiegelStarsNaomi WattsNaveen AndrewsCas AnvarDuring the last two years of her life, Princess Diana embarks on a final rite of passage: a secret love affair with Pakistani heart surgeon Hasnat Khan.It's difficult to not criticise this as much of the plot is on hearsay. We'll never know behind the scenes. Diana is such an icon that any portrayal seems like a bad caricature. It feels like a lame romantic drama.
- DirectorLisa Immordino VreelandBent-Jorgen PerlmuttFrédéric TchengStarsDiana VreelandRichard AvedonDavid BaileyA look at the life and work of the influential fashion editor of Harpers Bazaar, Diana Vreeland.This woman is a legend. Incredible life in an incredible world.
- DirectorLuis BuñuelStarsJeanne MoreauGeorges GéretMichel PiccoliA sophisticated and self-assured woman from Paris joins a middle-class rural estate as a maid and causes quite a stir among the variously uptight, perverse and violent inhabitants.Nice little drama. You can't help but root for Celestine.
- DirectorLarry CharlesStarsSacha Baron CohenAnna FarisJohn C. ReillyThe heroic story of a dictator who risked his life to ensure that democracy would never come to the country he so lovingly oppressed.It's funny to a certain point, but it feels overlong and the joke wears thin.
- DirectorMark RuckerStarsCharles BuschNatasha LyonneJason PriestleyAn ex-pop singer kills her much-hated husband to be with her young lover. Her daughter plots Electra-like revenge.Watched in July 2010
This film is based on a stage play by Charles Busch and is a satire on the films that featured strong willed women such as Bette Davies and Joan Crawford. Charles Busch plays the lead Angela Arden a faded singer who plans a come back. Throw in a jealous husband, hateful daughter and a screwed up son and who have Die, Mommie, Die! Some of the film works really well, there are some great performances including one from 'family friend' Tony Parker played by Jason Priestly, there are also some nice lighting techniques used to highlight Angela's face and eyes, not to mention some brilliant costumes Angela sports.
The highlight of the film though is the creation of Angela. Bordering somewhere between drag queen and female impersonator, we can tell its a man playing a woman, but the rest of the characters don't, Angela is very much a woman to all of them. She is a wonderful creature stealing each scene and bringing to life the film which I feel may have been very dull without this play on character. Some of her vocal changes are brilliant. However despite the brilliance of Angela, the film falls almost flat: The story seemed stretched out at times and I began to lose interest part way in, nor did I find it as funny as I was expecting. Fans of the genre films this aims at may enjoy it more picking up on the references and whilst there are some nice elements to it, I was left very disappointed. - DirectorMarco FerreriStarsMichel PiccoliAnita PallenbergGino LavagettoA man decides to cook for himself, but finds the revolver of John Dillinger hidden in his kitchen instead.Stunning film, amazing visuals, weird, funny and surreal.
- DirectorBob GiraldiStarsDanny AielloEdoardo BalleriniJohn RothmanAt a popular NYC Italian restaurant on a dramatic, busy evening, there are 2 gangsters, cop detective, food-critic, ex bookmaker owner, his chef son, indebted gambler sous-chef etc.Superb film, not only a brilliant drama but laced with dark humour. If you've worked in hospo, you'll appreciate it even more.
- DirectorFrédéric TchengStarsChristian DiorOmar BerradaRaf SimonsGet inside the storied world of the Christian Dior fashion house with a privileged, behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Raf Simons' first haute couture collection as its new artistic director.brilliant doco about fashion house Dior. Highlights the sheer passion and stress fashion houses go through. The flower walls are simply amazing. Though they almost overshadow the fashion
- DirectorMatt JohnsonStarsMatt JohnsonOwen WilliamsPadraig SingalTwo best friends are filming a comedy about getting revenge on the bullies at their high school. One of them isn't joking.not bad, lead actor annoying, it starts off a little boring, but gradually becomes more interesting.
- DirectorEmile ArdolinoStarsPatrick SwayzeJennifer GreyJerry OrbachSpending the summer at a Catskills resort with her family, Frances "Baby" Houseman falls in love with the camp's dance instructor, Johnny Castle.Watched in Janaury 2011
This is one of those films you should have seen at least once in your life, but I realised part way in that I haven't actually seen this. Though of course this ultimate 'chick flick' is so very known, it's difficult not to feel you've seen it.
I was surprised to see it set in the 60's, I presume it was a present day and was rather disappointed by what felt like a lack of recreation of the era, it just didn't feel very 60's. It's not really necessary to detail the plot, other than it really is boy meets girl. The story is quite standard, yet it's done quite nicely and even delves into darker territory with abortion and the perils of promiscuity being sub plots.
The leads Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze work well together, with Swayze a handsome lead and amazing to think he was 36 when he made this. Grey is nice as the innocent discovering herself, but I did find her a little too plain. The film's main element for me were the dance scenes an there's plenty of dancing to be had. The leads are excellent dancers and the choreography and camera work are very good; there is also a good soundtrack.
The film has legions of massive fans and it is perhaps easy to see, it's quite a classic story and over the years has spawned a bad sequel and a plethora of wannabe films aswell as many skits, parodies and references; one of the films most massive lines, indeed moments is when at the hotel's end of season show, Johnny comes to get Frances and says 'Nobody puts Baby in a corner', but I was quite taken aback at the delivery of this, it seemed really abrupt and almost done so quickly that if you weren't paying attention you may have missed it. Still the ending is quite rousing by the time everyone is up and dancing and ultimately there's alot of fun and alot to enjoy in this light romantic drama. - DirectorDavid CaesarStarsBryan BrownToni ColletteJohn Goodman1973 Sydney: An Australian gangster sees booming business, due to U.S. soldiers being in town for relaxing between their tours to the Vietnam war, attracts the attention of first the Chicago mafia, and then their East Coast competitors.While it looks good, it fails to engage.
- DirectorStephen FrearsStarsChiwetel EjioforAudrey TautouSophie OkonedoIrregular migrants Okwe and Senay work at a posh London hotel and live in constant fear of deportation. One night Okwe stumbles across evidence of a bizarre murder, setting off a series of events that could lead to disaster or freedom.Average drama. Nice to see Tatou in a more serious role.
- DirectorRick RowleyStarsJeremy ScahillNasser Al AulaqiSaleha Al AulaqiInvestigative journalist Jeremy Scahill is pulled into an unexpected journey as he chases down the hidden truth behind America's expanding covert wars.another interesting doco about the horrors of war.
- DirectorJ BlakesonStarsGemma ArtertonEddie MarsanMartin CompstonA rich man's daughter is held captive in an abandoned apartment by two former convicts who abducted her and hold her ransom in exchange for her father's money.Watched in September 2010
Simply amazing film about the kidnapping of a young woman by two men who demand a huge ransom from her wealthy father. The film opens with the two men making arrangements, soundproofing rooms for instance before the woman is taken and placed in a room. The early scenes of her when she is first in the room are quite confronting, she conveys the terror one would feel with great realism.
The film progresses with a nice pace, wasting no time in moving towards the end result of having money traded for the woman. Leading up to this we are thrown about by twist after twist, some a little expected, but there is one which blew me away, for it's sheer brilliance and which was also for me a turning point in the film, as it added a whole new dynamic to the characters. More twists occur, and people cross each other and as the film enters it's finale, you are sure that there is only one plausible end only for it to turn around again. One qualm with the film was that the end scenes add a slightly protracted feel to it as it tries to wrap itself up.
This is however a small issue in an otherwise remarkable film. As a feature debut it is a brilliant accomplishment. It is very well conceived, with the action more or less taking place in one place and a cast of only 3 holding the weight of the story. It shows that there is no need to introduce external events, the family or police perhaps if you can ignite the viewer enough with the main event. The is some fine camera work throughout. The cast are very good, Gemma Arterton especially, but both Martin Compston and Eddie Marsan also excel, the latter proving that he isn't as annoying as I have found him in other works. The are some fine moments of drama and suspense, the initial scene of the bullet case is brilliance in it's simplicity.
It perhaps ended differently than I wanted too, but I think that it's a film that can produce different responses from viewers who potentially have three people to barrack for and who are as bad or good as each other and so are equally entitled to the positive outcome. And that is just another sign of good film making. - DirectorNed BensonStarsJames McAvoyJessica ChastainViola DavisOne couple's story as they try to reclaim the life and love they once knew and pick up the pieces of a past that may be too far gone.Listed as the combined film, but seen as the individual films.couldn’t connect with I these characters – I preferred the Him part, with it’s subtle differences in the story. But ultimately couldn’t care less
- DirectorLuis BuñuelStarsFernando ReyDelphine SeyrigPaul FrankeurA surreal, virtually plotless series of dreams centered around six middle-class people and their consistently interrupted attempts to have a meal together.Watched in April 2011
When a group of upper class bourgeoisie friends arrive for a dinner party only for the host to announce they have the wrong night they venture out to find a meal finding themselves at a restaurant whose owner has died yet they open anyway. There follows a series of encounters between the friends as they meet up for various social events involving dinners, where inexplicably they are interrupted by more and more bizarre situations.
These gatherings are interspersed with accounts told by strangers of situations that also seem to have nothing to do with the main characters and gradually the film becomes more surreal as events that seem to occur turn out to be dreams.
Luis Bunuel’s film is a surreal delight, at times funny, at others brilliantly clever. Played utterly straight the world we enter isn’t that surreal, but the actions and events that occur become increasingly so, yet the characters seem to take everything in their stride, barely acknowledging for instance that army troops have burst into their home and now sit down to eat dinner with them. It is a delightful film, that becomes more surreal as characters start to have dreams which in turn show themselves to be the dreams of others, leading to a realisation that nothing is as it seems. And Bunuel makes this a realisation superbly with a great cast, set design and a lot of fun. - DirectorSteve JacobsStarsJohn MalkovichNatalie BeckerJessica HainesAfter having an affair with a student, a Cape Town professor moves to the Eastern Cape, where he gets caught up in a mess of post-apartheid politics.Average drama, but highlights the problems SA has gone through and still suffers.
- DirectorNeill BlomkampStarsSharlto CopleyDavid JamesJason CopeViolence ensues after an extraterrestrial race forced to live in slum-like conditions on Earth finds a kindred spirit in a government agent exposed to their biotechnology.Brilliant film. What a debut. Clever, funny, dark and a little gross. SA is the perfect setting.
- DirectorCallie KhouriStarsSandra BullockEllen BurstynFionnula FlanaganAfter years of mother-daughter tension, Siddalee receives a scrapbook detailing the wild adventures of the "Ya-Yas", her mother's girlhood friends.This fails to engage more than a bit of light fluff.
- DirectorJulian SchnabelStarsMathieu AmalricEmmanuelle SeignerMarie-Josée CrozeThe true story of Elle editor Jean-Dominique Bauby who suffers a stroke and has to live with an almost totally paralyzed body; only his left eye isn't paralyzed.Good drama - incredible true story.
- DirectorBarbara KoppleCecilia PeckStarsNatalie MainesEmily StrayerMartie MaguireA documentary on the The Chicks (formerly the Dixie Chicks) in the wake of singer Natalie Maines' anti-George W. Bush statement at a 2003 concert.Very interesting doco following the aftermath of an off the cuff remark about Bush. Crazy people are crazy.
- DirectorQuentin TarantinoStarsJamie FoxxChristoph WaltzLeonardo DiCaprioWith the help of a German bounty-hunter, a freed slave sets out to rescue his wife from a brutal plantation owner in Mississippi.Tarantino's flair is vivid in this with some great performances, dialogue and set pieces.
- DirectorRawson Marshall ThurberStarsBen StillerChristine TaylorVince VaughnA group of misfits enter a Las Vegas dodgeball tournament in order to save their cherished local gym from the onslaught of a corporate health fitness chain.There were a few laughs, but few and far between.
- DirectorSidney LumetStarsAl PacinoJohn CazalePenelope AllenThree amateur bank robbers plan to hold up a bank. A nice simple robbery: Walk in, take the money, and run. Unfortunately, the supposedly uncomplicated heist suddenly becomes a bizarre nightmare as everything that could go wrong does.Great thriller, Pacino is in fine form.
- DirectorYorgos LanthimosStarsChristos StergioglouMichele ValleyAngeliki PapouliaA controlling, manipulative father locks his three adult offsprings in a state of perpetual childhood by keeping them prisoner within the sprawling family compound.Watched in August 2009 MIFF
For it's sheer audacity, you have to applaud it. Three grown children are kept at bay from the real world by their parents in a secure compound. They lead an surreal life. Their brother lives on the other side of the fence, the son is visited by a female security guard for sexual purposes, the parents get the children to play games which gives the winner stickers or a prize, such as watching a video of themselves and the world they are in has been taught to them by the parents far from what we know. Airplanes flying above are actually small toys that fall, cats will murder and eat humans, and certain words have new meanings; pussy is a large light, keyboard is vagina and zombie is a small yellow flower. The parents seem quite normal, there seems nothing sadistic about it. Whilst the children are grown, young adults, they act with a childlike manner. Yet there is no real explanation to why this has been done. Do the parents fear for their children and do not want to expose them to the outside world: The real world. When one of the daughters gets hold of Rambo she is beaten for it. When the security guard is found out to be the supplier of the tapes she is reprimanded for it because she has brought evil and suffering to the family. It's often quite graphic; The arm slashing caught everyone off guard and whilst this is certainly an interesting film which asks the audience to think, there is probably too much to be questioned. - DirectorLars von TrierStarsNicole KidmanPaul BettanyLauren BacallA woman on the run from the mob is reluctantly accepted in a small Colorado community in exchange for labor, but when a search visits the town she finds out that their support has a price.Stunning film, brutal, funny, moving. Staging is superb, as is the narration.
- DirectorRichard ShepardStarsJude LawRichard E. GrantDemián BichirAfter spending 12 years in prison for keeping his mouth shut, notorious safe-cracker Dom Hemingway is back on the streets of London looking to collect what he's owed.Reacted badly against the characters, kept hoping for different outcomes.
- DirectorSergio CastellittoStarsPenélope CruzSergio CastellittoClaudia GeriniA destitute woman (Cruz) becomes involved with an upper-crust physician (Castellitto).really didn't like this. Doesn't add up.
- DirectorGiuseppe CapotondiStarsKseniya RappoportFilippo TimiAntonia TruppoA chambermaid and an ex-cop meet at a speed dating event and a romance develops. But during a romantic getaway things suddenly take a dark turn.Nice drama, effective.
- DirectorBilly WilderStarsFred MacMurrayBarbara StanwyckEdward G. RobinsonA Los Angeles insurance representative lets an alluring housewife seduce him into a scheme of insurance fraud and murder that arouses the suspicion of his colleague, an insurance investigator.Glorious old drama. The baddy never wins in the old days.
- DirectorJohn Patrick ShanleyStarsMeryl StreepPhilip Seymour HoffmanAmy AdamsA Catholic school principal questions a priest's ambiguous relationship with a troubled young student.Stunning film, amazing performances and only hints at the horrors the church has committed.
- DirectorOliver HirschbiegelStarsBruno GanzAlexandra Maria LaraUlrich MatthesTraudl Junge, the final secretary for Adolf Hitler, tells of the Nazi dictator's final days in his Berlin bunker at the end of WWII.Tense brooding drama. The scene of Hitler losing it has made it's way into internet meme history.
- DirectorRolf de HeerStarsNigel MartinPaul BlackwellMagda SzubanskiA scientist & inventor in 1907, Dr Plonk, predicts that the world will end in 101 years, unless something is done about it. A comedy in the Charlie Chaplin / Buster Keaton tradition.Nice modern take on the old silent farces.
- 19641h 35mPG8.4 (519K)97MetascoreDirectorStanley KubrickStarsPeter SellersGeorge C. ScottSterling HaydenAn unhinged American general orders a bombing attack on the Soviet Union, triggering a path to nuclear holocaust that a war room full of politicians and generals frantically tries to stop.I just didn't find this funny, despite what everyone things and feels about. A couple of nice moments.
- DirectorTod BrowningKarl FreundStarsBela LugosiHelen ChandlerDavid MannersTransylvanian vampire Count Dracula bends a naive real estate agent to his will, then takes up residence at a London estate where he sleeps in his coffin by day and searches for potential victims by night.Watched in July 2010
It was interesting to see this having recently watched Nosferatu. In 1931, Tod Browning's film version of Bram Stokers novel apparently horrified audiences and had them fainting in the cinemas. It's hard to believe that something like this would have any such effect in today's no holds barred world of film making, but then times have changed.
80 years on, Dracula still holds it's own. Firstly it looks magnificent, there are some brilliant lighting techniques to highlight Dracula's eyes and some breathtaking sets -the stairwell in Dracula's castle aswell as the one in the Abbey are incredibly striking, just for the scale of them alone. Dracula is played brilliantly by Bela Lugosi, the first shot of him standing still in the depths of the castle is a formidable sight: he is a suave almost charming creature on the outside, a monster inside and yet unlike today's films it never resorts to anything graphic. Infact the shots of Dracula moving towards the neck of his victim, his head disappearing out of shot is more graphic and full of impact than any blood splattered equivalent.
Another fine performance is by Dwight Frye playing Renfield who travels to meet Dracula, only to become his 'assistant'. His transformation from foppish English gent to deranged madman is spectacular and continued to impress throughout. Yes the bats are obvious, but otherwise the film really is effective. The showdown in the drawing room, with the clever use of the cigarette to highlight the lack of reflection is brilliantly executed, full of tension.
It is a fine film, one that set a standard aswell as introduced further the idea of a horror film. It is radically different from today's 'Saw' or 'Blair Witch Project' but possibly far better. - DirectorSam RaimiStarsAlison LohmanJustin LongRuth LivierA loan officer who evicts an old woman from her home finds herself the recipient of a supernatural curse. Desperate, she turns to a seer to try and save her soul, while evil forces work to push her to a breaking point.Another horror film that fails to frighten.
- DirectorLawrence KasdanStarsMorgan FreemanThomas JaneJason LeeFriends on a camping trip discover that the town they're vacationing in is being plagued in an unusual fashion by parasitic aliens from outer space.What an abysmal film.
- DirectorBill CondonStarsBeyoncéJamie FoxxEddie MurphyA trio of black female soul singers cross over to the pop charts in the early 1960s, facing their own personal struggles along the way.Nice performances. Hudson really shines in this.
- DirectorCarol MorleyStarsZawe AshtonAlix Luka-CainAlistair AbrahamsA filmmaker sets out to discover the life of Joyce Vincent, who died in her bedsit in North London in 2003. Her body wasn't discovered for three years, and newspaper reports offered few details of her life - not even a photograph.Effective and quite moving story of a forgotten human case.
- DirectorBen NottMorgan O'NeillStarsMyles PollardXavier SamuelSam WorthingtonIn the 70s two brothers battle killer waves, conservative society and ruthless bikers to kick-start the modern surf industry.Amiable film, nice performances, but Sam Worthington is not a favourite on screen.
- DirectorNicolas Winding RefnStarsRyan GoslingCarey MulliganBryan CranstonA mysterious Hollywood action film stuntman gets in trouble with gangsters when he tries to help his neighbor's husband rob a pawn shop while serving as his getaway driver.Amazing. The car chase. The scene in the lift. Ryan.
- DirectorDanny LeinerStarsAshton KutcherSeann William ScottJennifer GarnerTwo potheads wake up after a night of partying and cannot remember where they parked their car.I actually laughed from this. Not as bad as it was made out to be.