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Reviews
Man on Fire (2004)
One of a few
I rarely pass comment here on Imdb. Purely because I have little time. When I am touched by a movie either by it's quality or lack of it, I feel impelled to write. Sometimes I write because of others' comments, if I feel others have been unfair, or indeed, if I agree wholesomely with what they have to say. This time I write purely because I have not enjoyed a movie as much for some time.
Just a few words. Great direction from Scott, wonderful acting from Washington, Fanning and indeed most of the cast and a superb storyline. If you have not seen this movie then I recommend you do. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. 10
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
Having not read the book...
Having not read this, or indeed any of the Harry Potter books I enjoy these movies with an open mind. I have read many of the comments placed here and it is clear I am in a minority because I haven't read the books. As a non-reader I am happy to report that this movie is by far the best.
Maybe the Director has left Mike Newell some explaining to do for the next instalment but he still created a very enjoyable stand-alone movie. There were no holes or blanks for me so let's hope I remain in touch with the whole story purely by watching the movies. If this isn't the case then I will have to take time out to read them, clearly it won't be a challenge.
Everyone can enjoy this movie, for heaven's sake will all you armchair critics please stop over-analyzing!!
Jurassic Park III (2001)
Is Jurassic Park extinct?
It is a genuine question. As a fan of the genre I wanted to really enjoy this movie. I wanted to walk out of the cinema truly believing in dinosaurs and positively scared (which I am not ashamed to admit was how I felt after watching the original).
I was disappointed. Yes, there were scenes that made me jump and the odd squirm in the seat but it was fairly predictable. I desperately wanted to jump out of my seat so I pretended not to notice the danger at the appropriate moment.
Johnston's Jumanji was far more scary for me and I think Mr Spielberg has finally sold out.
If there is to be a Part Four, please make it with heart, please terrify us, please put the 'Terrible Lizards' back where they belong - In our nightmares!
The Parole Officer (2001)
Alan Partridge Is Dead - Long Live Steve Coogan!
Well, I hope Partridge isn't dead, but if he is, don't worry because Steve Coogan has created a gem of a movie.
The part Steve plays is not so much of a caricature as Partridge but that doesn't matter. Simon Garden, 'The Parole Officer' of the title is both likeable and irritating, stupid yet somehow wise. So lets forget about Partridge for now and concentrate on the matter at hand.
This film was great, I thoroughly enjoyed it. What makes this film so great is the writing, the directing, the producing, the editing, the acting, the dolly grips, the tea boy etc etc. I think you catch my drift. This is a first-rate piece of entertainment AND it is funny. At this point I quickly rush to the thesaurus to find other words to use rather than 'funny'. There are 22 in my cheap thesaurus and they all apply to this hilarious offering (hilarious is NOT one of the 22 - that one is all my own work).
So, go and watch it ensuring you don't read too many reviews first. Indeed, one of the comments appearing on this site gives far too much away for my liking and may spoil some scenes for you (don't you just hate it when you're telling a joke and a bystander jumps in with the punchline the millisecond before your moment of truth!).
If you enjoy it as much as myself and my partner (and the rest of the audience at the cinema we attended) then you will have a great night out. Enjoy!
Jurassic Park III (2001)
Is Jurassic Park extinct?
It is a genuine question. As a fan of the genre I wanted to really enjoy this movie. I wanted to walk out of the cinema truly believing in dinosaurs and positively scared (which I am not ashamed to admit was how I felt after watching the original).
I was disappointed. Yes, there were scenes that made me jump and the odd squirm in the seat but it was fairly predictable. I desperately wanted to jump out of my seat so I pretended not to notice the danger at the appropriate moment.
Johnston's Jumanji was far more scary for me and I think Mr Spielberg has finally sold out.
If there is to be a Part Four, please make it with heart, please terrify us, please put the 'Terrible Lizards' back where they belong - In our nightmares!
East Is East (1999)
Have I been watching a different film?
A comment previously posted regarding this film rates it 1 out of 10 and describes it as totally humourless...well, I must have been watching a different film.
'East Is East' was as funny as it was dramatical and extremely well made. It was well written (I cannot comment on it's realism - and anyway...it's just a movie!), well directed and the acting was superb. The young man who played Sajid has a long, successful career ahead of him I am sure.
Congratulations to all involved, a most enjoyable 90 minutes was spent - I wholeheartedly recommend it.
Love, Honour and Obey (2000)
Hilarious from the opening titles!!
From the hilarious opening karaoke sequence (which I can and will watch again and again) I found myself enjoying this film immensely. Although at times disjointed the laughs came thick and fast as visual and verbal jokes flew around. The sex and violence was always played for laughs and often just suggested rather than displayed in gory detail. Just thinking of the blow up doll, the erect arabs and 'say something in Italian' still makes me laugh (now you need to watch to find out what I'm talking about).The many karaoke scenes in the film were occasionally over-indulgent but still good fun especially Elvis.
As for the ending being described by some as 'too serious' - how can this fancy dress scene be anything but out and out comedy?
Don't expect a cinematic gangster masterpiece - this is purely good fun and although not as clever and twisting as Lock, Stock it will stick in my mind for a long time. To Anciano and Burdis I say "more of this please or I'll throw you in the river!"