neilanderson Reviews

Mean Machine (2001)

Easy on the mind fun

[1 August 2002]

If you are watching this film, you will know not to expect great scenes of emotion and intensity. A football film starring Vinnie Jones is always going to be one thing, and luckily this is it. A brisk, simple and highly appealing knockabout comedy. Most of the comedy comes in the final minutes, as our heroes play out a football game the plot and result of which have long been known. However the humour during this game is of a very high quality, and Statham's character of The Monk seemed enormous fun for Statham, and is truly memorable for the audience. Put simply, if you enjoy Guy Ritchie films then you will enjoy this as simpler fare. Forgettable (excepting The Monk), but highly watchable.

Lawn Dogs (1997)

A little known masterpiece, one of the sweetest films ever made

[9/10 · 1 August 2002]

This film will blow you away. Whatever your expectations may be, it will surprise and delight you. Mischa Barton is a revelation, turning in a precocious performance as young Devon that signals the emergance of a major talent. Sam Rockwell provides excellent support; in this tale of forbidden and dangerous friendship. Devon longs to escape her claustrophobic existence in her walled community, and uses Trent (Rockwell) to help her break away from her miserable existence. The supporting cast of characters, a classy and bitter take on modern suburban america, reflect well the virtues of Trent and Devon. Different, independent and with a wondeful darkness to her personality, it is often shocking to see just how knowing young Devon is.

This is such a beautiful film, everyone should own it. A very modern tale of innocence and its inherent dangers; watch this film and let a young girl named Devon teach you about life. 10 out of 10

Top Gun (1986)

Polished and heartfelt

[30 July 2002]

Top Gun is undoubtedly one of my favourite films, and one of those that has the ability to keep enthralling you even while watching for the tenth time. Director Tony Scott was chosen after the producers saw his work in advertising, and true to their judgement he has produced a visual masterpiece. It looks simply gorgeous, and the live action sequences have never been bettered. If there is one flaw in the film it is that it is somewhat shallow, with all of the people behind the film (and Tom Cruise) rather better at making visual spectaculars than an engaging story. However the story does work well in drawing you into the world of Maverick and his fellow naval aviators, Cruise forms an excellent rapport with Anthony Edwards as Goose, and the dialogue is snappy and eminently quotable. Everyone has at some stage used Maverick's line - "I couls tell you, but then I'd have to kill you", and the cover of the Righteous Brothers is unforgettable. The film is backed by one of the best soundtracks of the decade, and a very strong supporting cast. In my opinion, the film succeeds in everything it sets out to achieve. A cracking script, a gripping story, and simply stunning aerial photography. You have to see this film.