Id seethis movie and like it your just anothet nationalsitoc Australian for sure. Irwas total garbage
Reviews
153 Reviews
Avatar
(2009)
Entertaining soft porn eye candy
6 January 2010
Warning: Spoilers
The special effects were enjoyable but the film really lacked substance. The tribal nature of the "smurfette" blue aliens closely resembled the tribal peoples of earth in quasi montage of African and Red-Indian semiotics permeating throughout the images and customs and even accents. Cameron then very subtly adds animated nippled breasts and other body parts to guarantee the titillation of a massive audience of young males and I even heard male teenagers commenting on these aspects as we left the Cinema as well as general feedback from this group.
It is beyond credibility that the Americans depicted as the evil military complex invading a planet and destroying all that is natural would have in that context would have completely annihilate this small tribe of only a few thousand using biological warfare let alone incendiary missiles. They certainly would not have allowed the far fetched experiments of mind transformation into biological clones especially using a crippled marine. If the mineral cost 20 million for kilogram one wonders what the hell it was used for.
The whole film was ridiculous and pathetic.
To all you lovers of this movie I am so glad I am separated from you tasteless fools with this film. Sam Worthington emerges as yet another expressionless ugly Australian actor who has used his families wealth to hit the big time.
Of course the film has been a great financial success but so is Macca's hamburgers proving once again that junk food and films are gratifying to the masses but really lacking in true wholesome substance.
It is beyond credibility that the Americans depicted as the evil military complex invading a planet and destroying all that is natural would have in that context would have completely annihilate this small tribe of only a few thousand using biological warfare let alone incendiary missiles. They certainly would not have allowed the far fetched experiments of mind transformation into biological clones especially using a crippled marine. If the mineral cost 20 million for kilogram one wonders what the hell it was used for.
The whole film was ridiculous and pathetic.
To all you lovers of this movie I am so glad I am separated from you tasteless fools with this film. Sam Worthington emerges as yet another expressionless ugly Australian actor who has used his families wealth to hit the big time.
Of course the film has been a great financial success but so is Macca's hamburgers proving once again that junk food and films are gratifying to the masses but really lacking in true wholesome substance.
Terminator Salvation
(2009)
Boring Monotone emotionless and a failure
4 June 2009
Warning: Spoilers
Another extremely wealthy Australian with cosmetic surgery gives another film the kiss of death. Anyone who cannot see that this Worthington maintained one stone faced emotionless non-animated expressionless face throughout the film is blind. The man spoke in a monotone as well that is one tone without any phrasing.
The film was full of meaningless and nonsensical scenes such as the Asian Filipino totally out of character Female pilot developing a relationship with stone faced turd on absolutely no basis whatsoever not even a hint of subtext to justify it . The cruelty to the little Afro boy by Worthington's expressionless character also has no basis as he suddenly has to prove his worthiness as a resistance fighter before his Sky-net status is revealed.
The first half of the film is like a stylistic mad max meets transformer.
The appearance of Arnie at the local Sky-net headquarters even fails to prevent this film sinking into a mindless sycophantic film suited your usual Blind Aussie actor fans and tasteless morons.
It is not even worth adding to my terminator trilogy of my library as it betrays the theme and brand of the film.
Also I find it absolutely hysterically goofy that Christian bales character did not bring the so called special energy pulsar with him that is supposed to act as an off switch to the Sky-net controlled militia at its headquarters.
The film is stupid and suited for Bu t-fu ckers that will no doubt flame me for my criticism. Christian bales delvers the only credible acting performance but is not required to do that much and Worthington will no doubt buy more roles in films on a royalty exchange deal. Why can't people see that it would be impossible for an unknown actor to land a role in a major budget film like this with no real and credible acting portfolio.
The film was full of meaningless and nonsensical scenes such as the Asian Filipino totally out of character Female pilot developing a relationship with stone faced turd on absolutely no basis whatsoever not even a hint of subtext to justify it . The cruelty to the little Afro boy by Worthington's expressionless character also has no basis as he suddenly has to prove his worthiness as a resistance fighter before his Sky-net status is revealed.
The first half of the film is like a stylistic mad max meets transformer.
The appearance of Arnie at the local Sky-net headquarters even fails to prevent this film sinking into a mindless sycophantic film suited your usual Blind Aussie actor fans and tasteless morons.
It is not even worth adding to my terminator trilogy of my library as it betrays the theme and brand of the film.
Also I find it absolutely hysterically goofy that Christian bales character did not bring the so called special energy pulsar with him that is supposed to act as an off switch to the Sky-net controlled militia at its headquarters.
The film is stupid and suited for Bu t-fu ckers that will no doubt flame me for my criticism. Christian bales delvers the only credible acting performance but is not required to do that much and Worthington will no doubt buy more roles in films on a royalty exchange deal. Why can't people see that it would be impossible for an unknown actor to land a role in a major budget film like this with no real and credible acting portfolio.
Underbelly
(2008–2013)
Truly pathetic film making
17 February 2009
The acting is pathetic and the series purports to be factual and it is far from the truth. Also not only do Australians not converse as depicted in this film nor did any of the characters in real life nor would they have.
The film is full of gratuitous soft and dumb sex scenes. In addition and wealthy drug indulgence scenes of wimpy looking so called Australian "underworld" figures acting like absolute ponces with a arrogant conceited tones to their line delivery.
The film demonstrates nothing about the human condition and the disjointed editing and meaningless "story line" requires continual narrative voice over to explain who is who and what is going on.
The whole thing is absolute crap.
The film is full of gratuitous soft and dumb sex scenes. In addition and wealthy drug indulgence scenes of wimpy looking so called Australian "underworld" figures acting like absolute ponces with a arrogant conceited tones to their line delivery.
The film demonstrates nothing about the human condition and the disjointed editing and meaningless "story line" requires continual narrative voice over to explain who is who and what is going on.
The whole thing is absolute crap.
Australia
(2008)
Actually the worst film ever made save your money
8 December 2008
Warning: Spoilers
A BIG ZERO This film is based on lies. The concept of Aboriginal children being stolen by white families is a lie and a diversionary tactic by the Australian establishment, Government and tourist commission to hide the real facts. White Australia has engaged in 200 years of genocide, slavery and other atrocities of Australia's Aboriginals until there is only 10,000 full blooded Aboriginals living in the barren desert regions marginalized from the populated Australian cities.
This disgusting montage of digitally enhanced panoramic vistas is not a true and realistic image of Australia's hostile, barren and mediocre outback. The real outback is full of racist "redneck" fat beer gut ugly inbred Australian men.
The idea that a white British Aristocratic woman even looked at an Aboriginal child let alone befriended one is a total lie and it never happened. Furthermore Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, who both had numerous fainting episodes during the production, put in the most excruciatingly bad performances. It is no wonder that the film has failed despite an enormous $220 million dollar Australian government funded budget.
Nicole's botoxed face and "heavy smoker" breathless deliverance of lines has made this aging grey haired actress look totally ridiculous.
This film is disgraceful and anyone who likes it has atrocious taste. American's who have not visited Australia be warned this is nothing like the real Australia and it stands as an indictment on the superficiality of Australians in general.
This disgusting montage of digitally enhanced panoramic vistas is not a true and realistic image of Australia's hostile, barren and mediocre outback. The real outback is full of racist "redneck" fat beer gut ugly inbred Australian men.
The idea that a white British Aristocratic woman even looked at an Aboriginal child let alone befriended one is a total lie and it never happened. Furthermore Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, who both had numerous fainting episodes during the production, put in the most excruciatingly bad performances. It is no wonder that the film has failed despite an enormous $220 million dollar Australian government funded budget.
Nicole's botoxed face and "heavy smoker" breathless deliverance of lines has made this aging grey haired actress look totally ridiculous.
This film is disgraceful and anyone who likes it has atrocious taste. American's who have not visited Australia be warned this is nothing like the real Australia and it stands as an indictment on the superficiality of Australians in general.
The Dark Knight
(2008)
The film was contrived long boring and designed for a captive audience
19 July 2008
Having negative opinions about this film does not constitute "Trolling" as defined by Wikipedia.
The film was entertaining but was arguably worse than other Batman films from the past. There appeared to be a shift from the Comic book hero being the main protagonist to the "Joker" being the main character. The purpose of such a film had more to do with the marketing of the film within the controversy of and blatant exploitation the Actor Heath Ledger's death. This has lead to arguably and debatable claims about Ledger's performance in the film. This is understandable as his fans will not tolerate any negativity with regards his performance. as a result this message board is dominated by those who totally dismiss the great performance of other Batman villains such as Danny De Vito as the Penguin and the list is long.
There as has been some very intelligent comments detailing how this film veers from the comic book hero, upon which it is based, to a dark "Cop" film.
None the less the film is a hit and Ledger fans expect Heath Ledger's role as the "Joker" to earn an Oscar and go down as the greatest performance of an actor in the history of Film.
I personally believe that Heath Ledger's and Christopher Nolan's interpretation of the Joker a bit too morbid but none the less effective as a villain.
Overall the film was contrived and formulated and the script was a bit dodgy as far as story line but so are all Comic Book hero films.
I thought Christian Bale's performance as Batman was great but the digitally enhanced voice effect made him seem too dark a Knight. In fact judging by this forum one would think that Batman was now the villain and the "Joker" was the great good guy.
It was far from being a great film and eventually the hysteria from the more juvenile minds will subside and the film will fade into the esoteric world of the "Batman" collector.
The film was entertaining but was arguably worse than other Batman films from the past. There appeared to be a shift from the Comic book hero being the main protagonist to the "Joker" being the main character. The purpose of such a film had more to do with the marketing of the film within the controversy of and blatant exploitation the Actor Heath Ledger's death. This has lead to arguably and debatable claims about Ledger's performance in the film. This is understandable as his fans will not tolerate any negativity with regards his performance. as a result this message board is dominated by those who totally dismiss the great performance of other Batman villains such as Danny De Vito as the Penguin and the list is long.
There as has been some very intelligent comments detailing how this film veers from the comic book hero, upon which it is based, to a dark "Cop" film.
None the less the film is a hit and Ledger fans expect Heath Ledger's role as the "Joker" to earn an Oscar and go down as the greatest performance of an actor in the history of Film.
I personally believe that Heath Ledger's and Christopher Nolan's interpretation of the Joker a bit too morbid but none the less effective as a villain.
Overall the film was contrived and formulated and the script was a bit dodgy as far as story line but so are all Comic Book hero films.
I thought Christian Bale's performance as Batman was great but the digitally enhanced voice effect made him seem too dark a Knight. In fact judging by this forum one would think that Batman was now the villain and the "Joker" was the great good guy.
It was far from being a great film and eventually the hysteria from the more juvenile minds will subside and the film will fade into the esoteric world of the "Batman" collector.
A Beautiful Mind
(2001)
Big deal and bad acting
7 July 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Another highly over-rated Hollywood film for which half the budget was spent on Marketing and the purchase of Oscars for the "Actors".
A fictional and very boring story about a a socially and mentally challenged mathematician who wins the Nobel prize for his Economic postulations which were of little consequence in History. The most over-rated so called Actor of contemporary History, Russell Crowe plays John Nash whilst the his doting Girlfriend and then wife is played by Jennifer Connelly.
Russel Crowe has the usual two facial expressions of arrogant and conceited throughout the film along with his monotone mumbling voice.
This film is poorly directed and drags on like a midday TV soapy about someone who is a misunderstood genius for some strange and confusing reason. Possibly all that study and a closed and unexposed wealthy upbringing brought about this strange anti-social behaviour which is interpreted as some type of mental illness as in that other highly over-rated fictional biography "Shine".
This film and Shine prove that Oscars can be bought.
A fictional and very boring story about a a socially and mentally challenged mathematician who wins the Nobel prize for his Economic postulations which were of little consequence in History. The most over-rated so called Actor of contemporary History, Russell Crowe plays John Nash whilst the his doting Girlfriend and then wife is played by Jennifer Connelly.
Russel Crowe has the usual two facial expressions of arrogant and conceited throughout the film along with his monotone mumbling voice.
This film is poorly directed and drags on like a midday TV soapy about someone who is a misunderstood genius for some strange and confusing reason. Possibly all that study and a closed and unexposed wealthy upbringing brought about this strange anti-social behaviour which is interpreted as some type of mental illness as in that other highly over-rated fictional biography "Shine".
This film and Shine prove that Oscars can be bought.
The Good German
(2006)
Pathetic
7 July 2008
Warning: Spoilers
i notice that previous IMDb reviewers make comparisons with "Casablanca", "The third Man" and even "Psycho" and it is very ridiculous as they were great movie classics and this one is pathetic.
I firmly believe that historical films especially about the Second World War are extremely important and are even still relevant today. Today's film audience and market will take to important historical films but they did not with this one.
The movie show plot description above is clearly lifted from the Internet Movie Data base but for the sake of this review, I will repeat that it is set in Post war Germany and gives a fictitious scenario concerning the Potsdam Conference and the search of Nazi scientists by the American Armed forces. The film is far from historically accurate and of course, George Clooney again selects a screenplay that attempts to discredit America.
Cate Blanchette appears as the German Prostitute and love interest of George Clooney and her acting is boring and awkward. Strangely enough Cate Blanchett is a dead ringer fro the former head of the Nazi Gestapo Reinhart Heydrich. As Cate Blanchett is partial to plating male roles due to her heavyset masculine features and monotone voice, she should play Gestapo General Reinhardt Heydrich and use her family wealth to seed funds for the film as she did with her very forgettable career.
I note a film was recently release called the "The good Shepherd" maybe Cate could call the Autobiography of General Reinhart Heindrich with her in the leading role, "The Good German Shepherd".
Give this film a miss unless you like masculine women, Cate Blanchett or phony Mediterranean intellectuals like Clooney.
I firmly believe that historical films especially about the Second World War are extremely important and are even still relevant today. Today's film audience and market will take to important historical films but they did not with this one.
The movie show plot description above is clearly lifted from the Internet Movie Data base but for the sake of this review, I will repeat that it is set in Post war Germany and gives a fictitious scenario concerning the Potsdam Conference and the search of Nazi scientists by the American Armed forces. The film is far from historically accurate and of course, George Clooney again selects a screenplay that attempts to discredit America.
Cate Blanchette appears as the German Prostitute and love interest of George Clooney and her acting is boring and awkward. Strangely enough Cate Blanchett is a dead ringer fro the former head of the Nazi Gestapo Reinhart Heydrich. As Cate Blanchett is partial to plating male roles due to her heavyset masculine features and monotone voice, she should play Gestapo General Reinhardt Heydrich and use her family wealth to seed funds for the film as she did with her very forgettable career.
I note a film was recently release called the "The good Shepherd" maybe Cate could call the Autobiography of General Reinhart Heindrich with her in the leading role, "The Good German Shepherd".
Give this film a miss unless you like masculine women, Cate Blanchett or phony Mediterranean intellectuals like Clooney.
Brilliant Masterpiece in Cinema
7 July 2008
Warning: Spoilers
One of the great timeless classic Black comedies by the without doubt the greatest Film Auteur ever the one and only Stanley Kubrick. Shot with specially hand grounded film lenses in Black and white is shot with exquisite cinema-graphic effect and masterful blocking of scenes and editing characteristic of direct and cinematographer Kubrick is set in the early sixties, when the film is actually made, and contains state of the art military technology of the age of the classic cold war between Russia and the United States of America.
A general Jack D. Ripper, the late Sterling Hayden, in charge of an American Military Air base which controls the tactical strategic nuclear armed bomber air squadron invokes a special clause in the USA strategic defense policy which sets off a pre-emptive nuclear strike against Russia.
Peter Sellers plays several very memorable in not now famous roles in the film one as the president of the USA, Merkin Muffley, who desperately tries to recall the attack with the assistance of the Russian president from the safety of the USA war room. Sellers also plays a British Officer, Group Captain Lionel Mandrake, at the military air force base who tries desperately to contact the President with the recall code needed to prevent the attack caused by his Commanding General Ripper. Sellers also plays an ex Nazi Scientist, Dr StrangeLove advises USA president of how the human races will endure and survive a nuclear holocaust.
This film is outrageously hilarious and at the same time a completely serious study of the inherit problems of a fail-safe Nuclear arsenal in those troubling times of the Cold war arms race. A very memorable film for those who grew up in the shadow of the Nuclear Mushroom cloud and still relevant to the current generation. Like most of Kubrick's films its worth seeing repeatedly and if you don't get a little chuckle from it or even intellectual stimulation then I suggest you stick to Australian films. Truly Great Cinema.
A general Jack D. Ripper, the late Sterling Hayden, in charge of an American Military Air base which controls the tactical strategic nuclear armed bomber air squadron invokes a special clause in the USA strategic defense policy which sets off a pre-emptive nuclear strike against Russia.
Peter Sellers plays several very memorable in not now famous roles in the film one as the president of the USA, Merkin Muffley, who desperately tries to recall the attack with the assistance of the Russian president from the safety of the USA war room. Sellers also plays a British Officer, Group Captain Lionel Mandrake, at the military air force base who tries desperately to contact the President with the recall code needed to prevent the attack caused by his Commanding General Ripper. Sellers also plays an ex Nazi Scientist, Dr StrangeLove advises USA president of how the human races will endure and survive a nuclear holocaust.
This film is outrageously hilarious and at the same time a completely serious study of the inherit problems of a fail-safe Nuclear arsenal in those troubling times of the Cold war arms race. A very memorable film for those who grew up in the shadow of the Nuclear Mushroom cloud and still relevant to the current generation. Like most of Kubrick's films its worth seeing repeatedly and if you don't get a little chuckle from it or even intellectual stimulation then I suggest you stick to Australian films. Truly Great Cinema.
Great Adventure movie
7 July 2008
Warning: Spoilers
As with the first film by John Turteltaub the Gates family headed by Ben Gates played by the hairpiece clad Nicolas cage pursue the families tradition of code cracking of secret societies set up by the founding fathers of the American Constitution. By cracking these codes once again as with the first film the great historical and mythological lost treasures from around the world are hidden by the first American presidents somewhere amongst its national and historical monuments. During the pursuit of these treasures the FBI's special secret society of Freemasonry squad monitor Ben Cages activities. Ben Cage gets involved in a sequence of highly improbable and implausible events along with the vivacious blond Abigail Chase , played by Diane Kruger, who again compromises her position in Government in exchange for priceless antiques from Ben Cage. Riley Poole plays Ben Cages side kick in this latest pursuit with Mitch Wilkinson, played Ed Harris, assuming the rival treasure hunter with traditional family claims to code cracking but with a lust for the booty. As with the first film the sets are flimsy and solid wooden beams appear to have rotted over a couple of hundred years which would be highly unlikely especially if they were built around national treasures. The notion of secret societies and secret president business is very superficially explored and given a token academic mention. For experienced movie fans you will see a plagiarized scene from Gregory Pecks "A Roman Holiday" where he places his hand in a stone monument.As with that silly film the "Da Vinci Code" Ben Cage stumbles on the crack of each code just in time. One wonders how these treasures were hidden so secretly when it must of taken hundreds to move them. As with the first film and very predictably the treasure is found but it doesn't appear to g;litter that much. Cage and his party end up with healthy commissions. A very entertaining film although not up to the first one. Worth seeing.
Cleopatra Jones
(1973)
Rubbish
6 July 2008
Warning: Spoilers
This is amongst the worst B-grade Hollywood movies ever made and how on earth one of your reviewers could get featured let alone win a competition with this is beyond me. The movie about some schmuck who is seconded by the USA government to decrease drug trafficking incinerates and opium poppy field and upsets a drug Barron. The direction and acting is appalling give it a total miss there 20,000 better films to see than this one that was meant for midday television in Hungary.
These sort of films will only be used for academic purposes and sociology in Cinema in the future.
My reference to other reviewers was an Australian SBS movie show web site that I use to contribute to.
These sort of films will only be used for academic purposes and sociology in Cinema in the future.
My reference to other reviewers was an Australian SBS movie show web site that I use to contribute to.
No Country for Old Men
(2007)
Excellent intrigue and suspense
6 July 2008
Warning: Spoilers
The film opens with Ed Tom Bell (Tommy Lee Jones) reminiscing about how things eventual change. Llewelyn Moss (played by Josh Brolin) is hunting dear in the Rio Grande open desert West Texas country in the USA when he comes across several; vehicles and several bodies of heavily armed Mexicans in what appears to be a massive drug deal that has gone wrong as one of the vehicles contains a huge load of cocaine. Near the massacre scene he also finds a large amount of money and takes home to his trailer trash home and does not tell his trailer trash wife the details.
Unfortunately for Llewelyn several parties realize he took the money and come after him. Ed Tom Bell eventually discovers Llewelyns position and desperately seeks him as he also knows that several parties are gunning for him. The most dangerous of all the hunters of Llewelyn is Anton Chigurh (played by Javier Bardem) he is a very powerful manic hunter with a weird philosophy about coins.
The Coen brothers have come up with an masterpiece of action and suspense and unexpected consequences. Definitely worth seeing but disturbing violence.
A great film that explores hunting from animals to humans.
Unfortunately for Llewelyn several parties realize he took the money and come after him. Ed Tom Bell eventually discovers Llewelyns position and desperately seeks him as he also knows that several parties are gunning for him. The most dangerous of all the hunters of Llewelyn is Anton Chigurh (played by Javier Bardem) he is a very powerful manic hunter with a weird philosophy about coins.
The Coen brothers have come up with an masterpiece of action and suspense and unexpected consequences. Definitely worth seeing but disturbing violence.
A great film that explores hunting from animals to humans.
The Golden Compass
(2007)
Gtreat family film and children will love it
6 July 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Based on the Philip Pullman novel 'His Dark Materials: Northern Lights' this children's action adventure is beautifully shot. It tells the story of a young girl Lyra Belacqua, played by Dakota Blue Richards, an orphan living in Oxford college is able to cross over into a parallel universe where can see that every human has a personal daemon an animal that represents their soul and travels with them. Lyra's uncle Lord Asriel , played by Daniel Craig, is part of the Oxford scholars and has made a study of the the Golden Shower of cosmic dust that is much a part of Lyra's life.
Lyra is given a gift by the master of the college , played by Jack Sheperd, which is the golden compass or the alethiometer because he believes it was her destiny to have it. She is told it will tell her how to see the truth and will instinctively learn how to use it with a little help from her new found friends. She soon learns that the evil group of scholars at Oxford called the Magisterium are assisting the wicked pale faced witch played Nicole Kidman to kidnap young children to steal their souls by killing their daemons. Lyra sets out with an itinerant Polar bear, who was born to rule but is a fallen angel, to save the children. There are many breathtaking scenes of Lyra riding the bear to the forbidden city. Along the way she makes many friends who will help her in this quest.
This is a wonderful adventure film for children and the animation sequences are great and the end hints at a sequel. It rates with the Nardia chronicles and is very well shot.
Unfortunately the inclusion of Nicole Kidman was the kiss of death at the American box Office. Such a shame they should stop using that old burnt out cosmetically constructed hag she kills anything she appears in. Dakota Blue Richards performs well in one of her first roles and the film is very entertaining.
Lyra is given a gift by the master of the college , played by Jack Sheperd, which is the golden compass or the alethiometer because he believes it was her destiny to have it. She is told it will tell her how to see the truth and will instinctively learn how to use it with a little help from her new found friends. She soon learns that the evil group of scholars at Oxford called the Magisterium are assisting the wicked pale faced witch played Nicole Kidman to kidnap young children to steal their souls by killing their daemons. Lyra sets out with an itinerant Polar bear, who was born to rule but is a fallen angel, to save the children. There are many breathtaking scenes of Lyra riding the bear to the forbidden city. Along the way she makes many friends who will help her in this quest.
This is a wonderful adventure film for children and the animation sequences are great and the end hints at a sequel. It rates with the Nardia chronicles and is very well shot.
Unfortunately the inclusion of Nicole Kidman was the kiss of death at the American box Office. Such a shame they should stop using that old burnt out cosmetically constructed hag she kills anything she appears in. Dakota Blue Richards performs well in one of her first roles and the film is very entertaining.
Vacancy
(2007)
Not a very good film
6 July 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Again I see other reviewers making comparisons with Hitchcock's great classic "Psycho" and how dare they put this piece of B grade trash in the same class. Indeed the idea of an off the main American Highway Horror scenario especially involving a motel has been done to death. I am surprised that an actress of Kate Beckinsale's , who plays Amy Fox the wife, caliber accepted a role in this 78 minute flick. Luke Wilson plays David Fox the Husband of a couple traveling on an American highway are undergoing a marriage breakdown after the loss of their child and you would have to wonder why? There car gives them trouble and they end up at the proverbial off the road Horror hotel where they discover that videos are being made of murders that take place in the room they decided stay in overnight.
They soon learn the murderers have them lined up. The rest of the film runs at a frantic pace of chase and survival. As usual there are many frustrating parts where one wonders if they should have done something different to survive the ordeal. It fizzles out as one would expect with a relieving finish. Lets face it if you are going to have Kate Beckinsale in your film you should have much more sexual tension nonetheless good entertainment on a spare evening.
They soon learn the murderers have them lined up. The rest of the film runs at a frantic pace of chase and survival. As usual there are many frustrating parts where one wonders if they should have done something different to survive the ordeal. It fizzles out as one would expect with a relieving finish. Lets face it if you are going to have Kate Beckinsale in your film you should have much more sexual tension nonetheless good entertainment on a spare evening.
1408
(2007)
Attempt at horror
6 July 2008
Mike Enslin ( Played by John Cusack) is a hack Los Angeles writer and one of his main themes is the debunking of paranormal phenomena. He definitely does not possess fear of or believe in the supernatural or ghosts. He receives a strange post card inviting him to room 1408 at the New Tork Hotel, The Dolphin. So this struggling writer ends up curious enough to travel to New York and book a room 1408 but the hotel manager Gerald Olin, played by Samuel Jackson, desperately tries to persuade Enslin that the room is indeed haunted and that there has been some 50 recorded and unrecorded deaths in it since the Hotel was opened. Olins efforts to deter Enslin only spur him on so he allows him to book the room. He is warned that no one last more than an hour in the room.
After Enslin settles in the room his view on the supernatural radically changes after he initially thinks he is hallucinating on drug spiked alcohol. Enslin goes through a harrowing experience which has spiritual and religious overtones.
He even comes in to contact with a loved one whom he lost tragically. Not a bad flick for young teenage couples in a boring summer evening. Most movies of these genre are totally implausible but I guess that is part of the appeal.
After Enslin settles in the room his view on the supernatural radically changes after he initially thinks he is hallucinating on drug spiked alcohol. Enslin goes through a harrowing experience which has spiritual and religious overtones.
He even comes in to contact with a loved one whom he lost tragically. Not a bad flick for young teenage couples in a boring summer evening. Most movies of these genre are totally implausible but I guess that is part of the appeal.
Evan Almighty
(2007)
Good religious family viewing
6 July 2008
This theme of god's intervention with humans to prove biblical powers and teachings and other schmaltzy messages does not bode well for comedy.
My fellow Jewish Auteur's in Hollywood have again exploited Christian values for a good belly laugh. Steve Carrol has played better roles than this one as Ed Baxter a USA congressman who is chosen to build an ark and become a modern day Noah in order to reaffirm Christian family values.
It is a must for religious families. Perhaps Easter or before Christmas. Not Steve Careels best.
I agree with another reviewer in that it is Mighty mediocre.
My fellow Jewish Auteur's in Hollywood have again exploited Christian values for a good belly laugh. Steve Carrol has played better roles than this one as Ed Baxter a USA congressman who is chosen to build an ark and become a modern day Noah in order to reaffirm Christian family values.
It is a must for religious families. Perhaps Easter or before Christmas. Not Steve Careels best.
I agree with another reviewer in that it is Mighty mediocre.
Donnie Darko
(2001)
Trendy fashion garbage
6 July 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Donnie Darko played by Jake Gyllenhall commences with edgy shots that attempt to portray him as a dysfunctional schizophrenic teen. We see the very ugly one eye-browed Donnie appearing as part of a Handsome American Nuclear family that he does not appear to genetically connect with, except for his sister who seems also out of place and this despite his first set of massive facial reconstructive surgery, Pectoral implants and upper lip implants . The engine of an airliner falls out of the sky and hits the bedroom of Donnie while he is out sleeping on the golf course. Drew Barrymore appears in the first twenty minutes of the film as Donnie's literature teacher of class Karen Pomeroy. Donnie keeps having surrealistic dreams of a rabbit face character addressing him. Donnie walks around grinning to himself. As expected the new good-looking girl Jenna Malone, played by Gretchen Ross, of the class who is also dysfunctional quickly develops a relationship with the ugly and awkward Donnie. The relationship develops in the same stereotypical American teen boy meets girl films. As the film progresses Donnie sessions with his analyst in which he masturbates under hypnosis. Donnie is bullied at school but hangs with his mates whilst he indulges in hobby of target shooting.. Donnie continues to hallucinate with the half man half rabbit with big teeth and grey eyes harassing him. Gellenhall is introduced to a book by one of the teachers the philosophy of Time travel by an ex-teacher at his school Roberta Sparrow who turns out to be the old woman repeated seen on a road. Eventually the film concludes with Donnie saving his girl friend from death by use of time travel. This art-house cult classic is highly over-rated and was used to establish the wealthy and privileged Jake and Maggie Gyllenhall into highly stylized Hollywood film careers with the assistance of their mate Drew Barrymore who also comes from a great film family dynasty. Entertaining and arty-farty.
Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem
(2007)
Big Aliens fan but a little disappointing and idiotic
6 July 2008
Warning: Spoilers
This is a bit Aliens vs Predator vs Dawson's creek but enters a reasonably new realm in this episode in that the Aliens confront the human race on earth for the first time except for when they confronted humans when Predators ruled over the ancient Aztec civilization as in Aliens versus Predator in the 2004 release. You wonder if this scenario took place before or after the first two Predator Film scenarios and the swift and drastic action taken by USA executive government gives you a clue. Then I wonder that the first Alien series that appear to set in a future time to this episode would not have already known about the Alien species and how to deal with them or maybe they did I leave that to fans of this series.
I think the new species the cross between the alien and predator and the in the face confrontations are great. The whole impregnation process of the Aliens who every subliminally orally sexual and reaches new levels in this one.
It is such a pity that the producers along with Murdoch's Fox pictures didn't allow the budget for the use of quality Deep vision film and instead the film is shot with ultra cheap Agfa vision film which gives it the washy orange and blue tint. It was this ultra cheap and tacky film process that was used for "Lord of the Rings" and many other "no frills" films but your average punter wouldn't know the difference unless its pointed out.
I firmly believe that this and many other films should use your standard Kodak deep vision with full genuine colour and great lenses with Panavision and Arriflex cameras as most films do these days.
Still it was very entertaining and there was lots of mass destruction. Aliens and predators are so much more action heroes than Zombies as in "I am Legend".
I am a big fan of Aliens and predators and can't get enough
I think the new species the cross between the alien and predator and the in the face confrontations are great. The whole impregnation process of the Aliens who every subliminally orally sexual and reaches new levels in this one.
It is such a pity that the producers along with Murdoch's Fox pictures didn't allow the budget for the use of quality Deep vision film and instead the film is shot with ultra cheap Agfa vision film which gives it the washy orange and blue tint. It was this ultra cheap and tacky film process that was used for "Lord of the Rings" and many other "no frills" films but your average punter wouldn't know the difference unless its pointed out.
I firmly believe that this and many other films should use your standard Kodak deep vision with full genuine colour and great lenses with Panavision and Arriflex cameras as most films do these days.
Still it was very entertaining and there was lots of mass destruction. Aliens and predators are so much more action heroes than Zombies as in "I am Legend".
I am a big fan of Aliens and predators and can't get enough
Beowulf
(2007)
Very Dumb film
6 July 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Based on the 9th century poem that J. R. Tolkien heralded as great work of Art Beowulf was chosen by Zemeckis and his producers as a worthy venture in novelty digital 3D cinema production. Hrothgar an aging old obese Viking type warrior played by Anthony Hopkins and oppressed his wife, the young blonde busty ice queen who appears resigned to this duty of oppression and readily appears to subjugate her soul to him, reign over a rowdy primitive bunch of trashy Viking warriors in their newly built communal Mead "beer" hall. Hrothgar half naked scene and his mates go berko on one of their feasts and the noise provokes the deformed Grendal, son of strange female creature played by Angela Jolie. Grendal gatecrashes the Horthgar's beer fest and brutally and violently mutilates and tears the Viking partygoers to pieces. The animated form of Jolie shows likeness to Jolie except for the body which is far too voluptuous and well proportional than the real Jolie.
Later, Beowulf (Ray Winstone) answers the call to slay Grendal. When Grendal next attacks the Mead hall Beouwulf strips naked to kill Grendal and mortally wounds him. Grendal's mother goes to Meadhall to avenge her son's death and kills nearly all Beouwulfs men and from their seduces Beouwulf. We learn that Grendal was actually Hrothgar's son and when Beouwulf goes to cave to meet Grendals mothers he is seduced resulting in offspring a dragon monster.
Beowulf returns to the Mead hall and becomes the new leader of the vikings after Hrothgar suicides realizes his queen wants Beowulf. The dragon returns and Beowulf goes into battle with it. A very entertaining animated 3D film although this style of cinema is more suited to those who play computer games but worth seeing.
Later, Beowulf (Ray Winstone) answers the call to slay Grendal. When Grendal next attacks the Mead hall Beouwulf strips naked to kill Grendal and mortally wounds him. Grendal's mother goes to Meadhall to avenge her son's death and kills nearly all Beouwulfs men and from their seduces Beouwulf. We learn that Grendal was actually Hrothgar's son and when Beouwulf goes to cave to meet Grendals mothers he is seduced resulting in offspring a dragon monster.
Beowulf returns to the Mead hall and becomes the new leader of the vikings after Hrothgar suicides realizes his queen wants Beowulf. The dragon returns and Beowulf goes into battle with it. A very entertaining animated 3D film although this style of cinema is more suited to those who play computer games but worth seeing.
The Heartbreak Kid
(2007)
Great comedy
6 July 2008
Warning: Spoilers
This outrageously hilarious film is about Eddie Cantrow, played by Ben Stiller, who finally meets the girl of his dreams Lila, played by Malin Ackerman, and manages to form a relationship and get married to her in a very short time. Even though Eddie is very happy his doubts about her begin to mount.
They go to a Mexican resort for their Honeymoon and Lila suffers very bad sunburn and confined to her room. Eddie meets Miranda, played by Michelle Monaghan, and quickly realizes this is really the girl he wants.
From this point it is a succession of really funny events after which Eddie ends up living like a destitute Mexican trying to enter the USA to get back home. There are sexual scenes that graphically push the envelope a little further.
The movie concludes with a series of funny twists. If you don't get a good belly laugh off this movie you must be anal retentive or just hate Americans.
They go to a Mexican resort for their Honeymoon and Lila suffers very bad sunburn and confined to her room. Eddie meets Miranda, played by Michelle Monaghan, and quickly realizes this is really the girl he wants.
From this point it is a succession of really funny events after which Eddie ends up living like a destitute Mexican trying to enter the USA to get back home. There are sexual scenes that graphically push the envelope a little further.
The movie concludes with a series of funny twists. If you don't get a good belly laugh off this movie you must be anal retentive or just hate Americans.
Paris, I Love You
(2006)
A must for people who love romance and film students should see it
6 July 2008
An interesting and moving set of romantic short films set in Paris by an assorted array of accomplished directors and Actors.
If you have ever viewed short films made at most of the film school around Australia year after year you can really tell the difference in quality. It makes you understand the vast gulf between inexperience and lack of imagination as opposed to very special talent and creativity.
I have lived in Paris and my brother was born there so I have a close connection and special affection for Romantic French films. Many of them form the basis for some of the best American comedies.
I thoroughly recommend viewing this DVD especially if you have a romantic evening planned or you have good taste in cinema.
All in all a must for romantics.
If you have ever viewed short films made at most of the film school around Australia year after year you can really tell the difference in quality. It makes you understand the vast gulf between inexperience and lack of imagination as opposed to very special talent and creativity.
I have lived in Paris and my brother was born there so I have a close connection and special affection for Romantic French films. Many of them form the basis for some of the best American comedies.
I thoroughly recommend viewing this DVD especially if you have a romantic evening planned or you have good taste in cinema.
All in all a must for romantics.
The Darjeeling Limited
(2007)
Snotty little film
6 July 2008
Warning: Spoilers
After their very wealthy father of the Whitman family dies three very wealthy brothers set off to India to find their wealthy self-indulgent mother who is undergoing some mental catharsis guilt trip by acting as a nun in a Quasi Christian temple in India. On this journey through India, these three brothers attempt to also attain some spirituality by undergoing ridiculous made up spiritual rituals. The film actually begins with this meaningless episode of Jack Whitman, played by Jason Schwartzman, staying in an upmarket French hotel and having a reunion with his girlfriend played by Natalie Portman. There is a very gratuitous naked scene of Natalie Portman (More for the benefit of the Coppola family she obliges) and that just about ends her contribution to the film except for two seconds at the end. Bill Murray and Angelica Huston also make cameo appearances. The contrast between the three brothers and the absolute poverty of India is brushed over by some stupid interaction in the saving of a child's life and the funeral of one that tragically dies. There is a simplistic attempt at symbolism in the act of unloading luggage.
This very cheap self-indulgent film was a further extravagant means of introducing another member of the Coppola family into the film business in the Family Nepotism tradition.
This film was written and produced by Roman Coppola and his cousin Jason Schwartzman along with Wes Anderson, who directs the film (he directed the Royal Tenenbaums). Owen Wilson and Adrian Brody play the other two brothers. The film is stupid and tells us nothing about the human condition other than extremely rich trendy men can make short films at the drop of a feather.
This very cheap self-indulgent film was a further extravagant means of introducing another member of the Coppola family into the film business in the Family Nepotism tradition.
This film was written and produced by Roman Coppola and his cousin Jason Schwartzman along with Wes Anderson, who directs the film (he directed the Royal Tenenbaums). Owen Wilson and Adrian Brody play the other two brothers. The film is stupid and tells us nothing about the human condition other than extremely rich trendy men can make short films at the drop of a feather.
Hitman
(I) (2007)
Really dumb
6 July 2008
Timothy Olyphant plays Agent 47 in a truly B grade film in which he manages to avoid gratuitous and wild sex with the very eligible Nica Boronina played by Olga Kurylenko who keeps putting out for him. Nica was apparently witness to Agent 47's failed attempt to take out Belikoff president of Russia played by Ulrich Thomsen.
A very silly cliché espionage type of hit movie. Agent 47 magically appears in new suits all the time which is very impressive.
A short and forgettable film.
Bad Bad Moronic. Stupid. Waste.
These types of films that are just about killing people with some stylistic theme are very passe.
A very silly cliché espionage type of hit movie. Agent 47 magically appears in new suits all the time which is very impressive.
A short and forgettable film.
Bad Bad Moronic. Stupid. Waste.
These types of films that are just about killing people with some stylistic theme are very passe.
I Am Legend
(2007)
I am Lame
6 July 2008
Warning: Spoilers
This should be renamed "I am Lemon" as it is just another really stupid Zombie movie. Will Smith plays the main character, Robert Neville, and is supposed to be one of the few surviving humans who happens to be a Military Scientist. One assumes he is naturally immune but then he takes a blood sample from an almost cured zombie as a last salvation for the human race to use to save itself. It does not medically or scientifically make any sense. Neville discovery that he is not the last human survivor of the earth's population six billion when another survivor saves him is the most pathetic part of the film. His behavior is at this stage is juvenile inarticulate and mentally challenged and sinks to its lowest point when he attempts to sum up human civilization with a Bob Marley Album.
The alpha Zombie like the one in "Resident Evil: extinction" bears amazing resemblance to Midnight Oil's Pete Garret and appears to be as Manic. The aggressive Zombie dogs are also taken from the first Resident Evil. If you are into the usual gory scenes of human flesh eating frenzies and screaming zombies and the usual scenes of major cities evacuated and dead then see this one for your entertainment.
I have given this one star for the performance by the German shepherd, "Sam" , that lifted the dull acting of the other characters.I now know who played Sam in"I am Lemon" it was Abby and Will Smith try to buy the dog when he finished the film but great actors are not for sale so Will will just have to go to Drama school.
As for all the other reviewers who thought this was a great movie you must all be as thick as a brick or have really simple minds.
Finally I think that Abby should win an Oscar for acting since he will be against Russel "flabby two expressions" Crowe.
The alpha Zombie like the one in "Resident Evil: extinction" bears amazing resemblance to Midnight Oil's Pete Garret and appears to be as Manic. The aggressive Zombie dogs are also taken from the first Resident Evil. If you are into the usual gory scenes of human flesh eating frenzies and screaming zombies and the usual scenes of major cities evacuated and dead then see this one for your entertainment.
I have given this one star for the performance by the German shepherd, "Sam" , that lifted the dull acting of the other characters.I now know who played Sam in"I am Lemon" it was Abby and Will Smith try to buy the dog when he finished the film but great actors are not for sale so Will will just have to go to Drama school.
As for all the other reviewers who thought this was a great movie you must all be as thick as a brick or have really simple minds.
Finally I think that Abby should win an Oscar for acting since he will be against Russel "flabby two expressions" Crowe.
Hard Candy
(2005)
controversial
6 July 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Directed by David Slade and written by Brian Nelson who both later combined to do "30 days of night" this film is well paced and some originality. This far fetched story focus on Internet pedophilia which is a bit sensationalised as it constitutes only a very small percentage of the crime. Most pedophilia is committed by family or trusted friends and/or supervisory persons. None the less this tale is about a precocious 14 year old girl, Haley Stark, (played by Ellen Page of "X-Men last stand" and later "Juno") who entraps a 30 year Fashion Photographer Jeff Kohlver (played by Patrick Wilson) in to an in person encounter in a public place from an Internet chat room encounter. They then go to his house. Apparently it becomes established Jeff is a pedophile and Hayley unleashes her plan after drugging him by mixing drinks at his house. What follows is a horrific imprisonment of Jeff by Hayley in which she takes the law into her own hands. At this stage they both become criminals in terms of law but naturally the audience is drawn into favour Hayley when her detailed motives rare revealed.
A totally implausible film which focuses on the Pedophile problem but really fails to provide a real solution to the problem. Although the film was a flop it brought good exposure to the tiny Canadian actress Ellen Page. The merit of the film is the tension and intrigue created by just two characters in a room for most of the film which is a great challenge for any film story.
A totally implausible film which focuses on the Pedophile problem but really fails to provide a real solution to the problem. Although the film was a flop it brought good exposure to the tiny Canadian actress Ellen Page. The merit of the film is the tension and intrigue created by just two characters in a room for most of the film which is a great challenge for any film story.
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