ruddy_jim Reviews

Shiloh (1996)

Too many Clichés

[5/10 · 11 June 2009]

Everything about this film is clichéd. From the one dimensional nuclear conservative family values to the animal rights message, this movie reeks of something that is 50 years past it's best viewed by date.

From the characters to the plots, this film puts me in mind of a long Leave it to Beaver episode with a little more edge.

But it's cliché after cliché after cliché... simply horrible. Even my 5 year old didn't like it.

Acting, especially Blake Heron, was great, but the cast was let down by the plastic screenplay.

I would have liked to have seen a little more subtlety, let the viewers discover things instead of just throwing so many clichéd images and lines of dialog at them. Kids are smarter than some give them credit for. Let them discover gravity by watching an apple fall, not by smacking them on the head with an anvil.

Two Men Went to War (2002)

It's not a documentary!

[6/10 · 13 September 2006]

This film is a solid 6/10. 3 out of 5 Stars etc...

First - it is billed as a comedy-drama based on the true story of two men who go AWOL in order to invade France. Anyone who is going to be so upset by lights on in a harbour or no tape on the windows that they would rant about it for weeks probably won't like this film.

Second - anyone who can enjoy a film for what it is, in this case a light comedy-drama based on bizarre true happenings, will likely enjoy this film.

In true British style, Two Men Went to War, is a story of character development and plot. It is not a Hollywood block buster action flick nor a Japanese sword fest but rather a mature enduring story that is family friendly and a joy to watch.

Why only 6/10 then? It could have been a little deeper for my taste and I would have liked to see some of the moral issues of the day addressed. It is definitely more light comedy than drama.

A worth-while watch for those who can ignore minor historical inaccuracies like no tape on windows, lights on in a harbour and a modern shipping container that could have easily been covered in canvas.

Underworld (2003)

A solid action film that flounders

[7/10 · 2 May 2006]

I thoroughly enjoyed the first 3/4 of this film. The acting, writing and direction were all up to the level of quality expected for the genre.

Kate Beckinsale as Selene was a solid performer, with the wonderful cast surrounding her doing a solid job portraying the mostly one dimensional characters in the huge cast. Len Wiseman's direction was surprisingly good and (in general) the writing leaves nothing to be desired.

The story did seem to flounder a little towards the end. I suspect if they could have fleshed out the Viktor character a bit more it would have helped, but regardless I really must rate this movie a solid 7.

A History of Violence (2005)

Not a bad film, could have been better

[6/10 · 2 May 2006]

I guess I just look for more in a movie than A History of Violence could offer.

The acting was superb and direction was top notch, but frankly, the plot fell flat for me. This film seemed to suffer from an identity crisis: When it ended, I could not decide if it was an action, a thriller or a drama. Not being able to pigeon hole a movie into a category can be a very good thing but not to the extent that this film leaves the viewer completely unsatisfied in each of the genres that it attempts to fill.

So, I'm left thinking it is either a weak action film, a weak drama or a weak thriller.

I am glad I watched it, I did enjoy it a little, which is why I have rated it at a 6.

Fun with Dick and Jane (2005)

Better than I thought

[7/10 · 30 January 2006]

My wife and I managed to find a babysitter and went out to see one of two movies. Unfortunately the two movies we wanted to see were sold out. The only movie that was left (without a 2 hour wait) was Fun With Dick and Jane.

I am not a Jim Carrey fan though I did enjoy his work in The Truman Show. Téa Leoni is a fairly unknown quantity for me.

Maybe because my expectations were so low, or because I haven't been out to a movie in a dogs age, I can't be absolutely sure why, but I really enjoyed this film. It was not the over the top Carrey of the years gone by and I say "Thank God!" for that.

Much of the humour was subtle and fairly mature, resulting (I suspect) in the regular Jim Carrey fans missing it altogether. There were (of course) the standard stupid Hollywood style dumb gags, the kind you'd expect to see on Teletoon, but all in all I found the film to be quite funny.

The plot was decent, with a few loose ends left dangling, but this is nothing that isn't unforgivable in this post Agatha Christie era that we're in.

The characters were somewhat believable, with the Jane character being the most genuine of the entire show. Others do suffer from dimension envy and I would have liked to have seen Alec Baldwin's character fleshed out a bit more.

All in all I think that Fun with Dick and Jane will be one of those movies that people end up renting and being pleasantly surprised.

A nice touch is the "special thank you" section of the credits which are worth the price of admission alone.

Battlefield Earth (2000)

Horrible Movie

[2/10 · 15 September 2005]

I read the book in about 1988 and there was an insert indicating "soon to be a Hollywood movie!" Maybe they needed more time to get the script right? I firmly believe this could have been a quality mini-series (like V, the new Battle Star Galactica etc...) but the book is far too long and complex to try and cover off the entire story (including background information) in a standard length movie. Even having read the book, and understanding the missing information, I found the movie choppy and overall simply crap. Some of my favorite scenes (the more intellectual, dramatic scenes) from the book were not even covered in the movie and this is where the movie really failed.

If you like the sci-fi genre, I'd rate the book at about a 7/10 and the movie a 2/10. If you buy the book and the movie on DVD, I suggest using the DVD as a book mark or a coaster, or in an emergency as a way to get your house guests to go home.

Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004)

a little disappointed...

[8/10 · 9 July 2004]

I went to the movies expecting to write up a glowing 10/10 review for this film. I guess, like so many other movies that I waited patiently for months to see, I have fallen victim to my own imagination and expected more from this film. ...or maybe I expected less from Bush...

This documentary is not as scathing as some would have you believe. Mr Moore knows who he was going after, and he was very cautious not to get himself into any trouble. Anyone who watches this film and is ignorant of the absolute power of the worlds wealthiest people will have a bit of an eye opener.

The Plot/Moral: This documentary shows how when people who are slaves to money are in power, bad things can happen. 9/10

The Direction/Writing: I would like to see a director's cut. I think the theatrical release may be watered down a little. 7/10

Overall: I laughed, I cried, I thanked God that I'm Canadian. 8/10

Braindead (1992)

Funny, Surprising, Disgusting, I love it!

[8/10 · 8 July 2004]

Based on the opinions of reviews here and other sites, I purchased the original NZ version of this film, Braindead. (Not the US Dead Alive version)

I don't even know where to start, so without giving up some of the best parts, I guess I'll start with a bit of the plot: A severely repressed man who lives with his overbearing mother and is in love with the local grocer girl is forced to deal with; first his mother becoming a Zombie, then a bunch of other people becoming Zombies, then his thoroughly disgusting uncle throwing a party in the Zombie infested house.

If someone asked me to describe this movie in one word, it would be 'funny'. Either that or 'clever'. I think there are a number of homage's paid to older horror flicks, including Hitchcock (Psycho) and Romero (Night of the Living Dead, Dawn of the Dead etc...) but any references are done in a truly unique and funny way. I laughed out loud a number of times (but then I am a little twisted).

There are some very surprising scenes, which may turn many viewers off and quite a few disgusting scenes, mostly towards the end, but I quickly became desensitized to the grotesque aspects of this film and completely enjoyed it for what it is: A Zombie Movie.

The main Zombie plot, while being fairly unique, doesn't stand up to modern science. But while watching the movie, I really didn't care because it allowed for some really funny scenes, especially the scenes revolving around animal tranquilizers and poison. For uniqueness (which is missing from most Zombie movies that I've seen) I rate the Plot at a solid 7.5/10.

Having seen Jackson's first film, BAD TASTE, the acting in Braindead was surprisingly good. There are no Oscar performances, but overall, for the genre acting was a solid 8/10.

Special effects, for the day and age were very good - 8/10

Direction was excellent, Peter Jackson balanced camp with drama, humour and visual action. I don't know how he did it. I really don't... 8/10

Overall I'd say this film scores a solid 8/10

Lost in Translation (2003)

Not for everyone

[9/10 · 4 June 2004]

My wife and I sat down to watch Lost in Translation. I enjoyed it completely and she didn't.

The reason I liked it and she didn't are the same - it really is an arts movie, driven by visual direction, character development and unspoken dialog.

Lost in Translation offers a too real form of escapism that forces the viewer to re-evaluate their own lives. It is almost a 'heart of darkness' type self discovery - Bill Murray as Bob Harris and Scarlett Johansson as Charlotte each go on a journey of self discovery, they face their primal fears and needs and overcome them. (or maybe I am trying yo read too much into it?)

This is a complex film, much more than a simple forbidden love story. The plot is driven by character development, although there is an underlying 'Casablanca'-esque forbidden love component.

Bill Murray is superb, as is the beautiful Scarlett Johansson.

All in all this is a very laid back, subtle movie with near perfect acting and direction.

Plot 7/10 Acting 9/10 Direction 9/10 Overall 8/10

The Last Samurai (2003)

I can't believe I loved this film

[9/10 · 4 June 2004]

Let me start by saying, it's nothing personal, but for the record, I can't stand Tom Cruise. I don't know what it is, but he just bugs me.

This is not a perfect movie, but it was thoroughly enjoyable. The plot is excellent, direction was very good, writing was decent acting was hit and miss, I think based on the writing.

Writing: The westerners (and western leaning Japanese) are demonized as one dimensional greed driven honourless (for lack of a better word) jerks. I think this is intentional - the typical viewer has to be told from the outset who the bad guys are, but it weakens the overall quality of the movie. Some of us can think for ourselves...! Tom Cruise as Nathan Algren starts as a drunk military hero with a conscience - nothing too deep here, but as he accepts and assimilates the way of the Samurai, he develops into a deeper, more interesting character. There are (very) few other deep characters, but the ones that are explored are written well. The plot is good and the atmosphere is historically based.

Direction: In one word, great. 'nuff said.

Acting: Surprisingly good and bad. Tom Cruise was at his best, I found myself forgetting that the actor was the normally annoying Cruise. Ken Watanabe as Katsumoto was excellent. Many other performances were forgettable or regrettable. I found the supporting western actors (With the exception of Billy Connolly) weaker than the Japanese cast, but that could just be the writing...

Writing 6/10 Direction 9/10 Acting 7/10 Plot 8/10 Overall 7.5/10

Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)

Cool, Violent, this movie is all Uma.

[8/10 · 4 June 2004]

Typical Quentin Tarantino coolness has brought us yet another mainstream cult classic.

Multi-dimensional & complex characters all around, Uma (Blank Mamba) Vivica (Copperhead) and Lucy Liu (Cottonmouth) are superbly written and well acted. Secondary characters are also written and executed well. (A little play on words there... lol)

The plot is beyond good, the acting is very good, the writing is a indescribable melding of camp and quality. As usual, the line between good and evil is blurred, but there is a prevailing sense of right and wrong throughout Kill Bill Vol 1.

Direction is great.

WARNING - this is an extremely violent movie with adult situations. Some people will not be able to enjoy this movie.

Acting 9/10 Direction 9/10 Plot 8/10 Writing 9/10

Freaky Friday (2003)

Fun - Funny - Good Re-Make

[8/10 · 6 January 2004]

Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan shine in this remake of a classic movie and superb book. The story is simple, but strong, with adequate sub-plots to keep the movie interesting. Look for funny little twists and an interesting love triangle to complicate the relatively simple main plot of a mother and daughter who switch bodies and experience each other's lives.

I was surprised at the talent that relative newcomer Lohan showed, I hope to see her try a hand at more demanding roles as she matures. Jamie Lee Curtis was convincing as a Teen Ager in a middle aged woman's body. The supporting actors were fine, but don't expect any awards. The secondary roles were also a little "cardboard" but this is a minor defect in an otherwise excellent production.

Freaky Friday (2003) is a light, fun/funny and at times touching film.

Plot 8/10 -- Direction 8/10 -- Acting 8/10

Free Enterprise (1998)

Not great = not bad. Shatner steals the show!

[22 December 2003]

Over all this film is OK. I wish it were better, but you can't always get what you wish for.

PLOT: While there are various sub-plots running around inside this film, I think I can safely say the true main plot is your traditional: "Boy Meets Girl"

I didn't have high hopes for Free Enterprise, so I was happily amused with it. There were a few funny scenes and the ending is very entertaining. Acting is over all fair to good, direction seems fine. I'd say the main plot is the weakest point of this movie. The high points by far are the Shatner scenes.

If not for Shatner, this movie would stink.

Writing & Plot 5/10 Acting & Direction 7/10 Shatner 10+/10

An Everlasting Piece (2000)

If you miss the point you won't enjoy the movie

[8/10 · 1 December 2003]

An Everlasting Piece is a funny, witty and at times dark movie based on the escapades of a Protestant and Catholic barber who team up to take over the toupee market of Northern Ireland. If you look for deeper meaning in this movie you will find important moral lessons and some insight into the nature of conflict in general. There are dozens of quotable lines present, Billy Connolly has some real gems.

Having never been to Northern Ireland, I believe this movie has given me some limited insight into 1980's Belfast. Most of the main characters are Catholic-Irish, and the film does seem slightly sympathetic to that side. If you are looking for more information on the atmosphere and troubles in N. Ireland I recommend reading Bad Blood, by Colm Toibin.

The plot is fine 6/10 The humour is great 9/10 The dramatic element is good 7/10 Overall I'd give 7.5/10

The Guru (2002)

Light, Funny, worth a rental

[17 November 2003]

Ramu Gupta leaves his home in Bombay to join his rich relative in America to make his million, only to find that his 'rich' relative is actually a waiter. Ramu's dream of becoming a Movie Star hits a stumbling block and through circumstances out of his control he is forced to pose as a Guru of Sex.

Funny characters, decent plot, a good date movie.

To anyone who picks apart anything in The Guru (2002)- lighten up! This is a light romantic comedy - not a documentary. 7/10

Basic (2003)

I liked the plot - can find good things

[7/10 · 17 November 2003]

Something tells me this would have been a good book. Unfortunately it didn't translate so well to film. Travolta is ok, Connie Nielson performance is only passable as well. I wonder if direction was the problem, I think both are capable of better. Watch when Osborne (Nielson) is driving the Hum-V. She moves her hands as if turning the steering wheel - but the wheel doesn't turn. OUCH! That is a big no-no! What was the director thinking?

Samuel L Jackson is superb in the few moments that we actually see him. This is offset by Harry Connick Jr, who unfortunately is another weak point in the movie.

If not for a fairly good plot, this movie would be a real stinker.

With the right cast and direction this would have been a really good movie - it is still worth watching for the plot - watch out for spoilers, they'll ruin the whole movie for you! So all I'm going to say is - a team of soldiers go out on an exercise and only 2 come back. Travolta is Ex Military DEA and is asked by the base commander to help interrogate the 2 soldiers. But that makes no sense! Watch and find out why... 9 / 10 for the plot 5 / 10 for direction and acting over all a weak-ish 7 / 10

David Gilmour in Concert (2002 Video)

Not Pink Floyd - Still Awesome!

[10/10 · 8 September 2003]

I bought this DVD on faith in one of my favorite Guitarists in the world. At first I was taken aback. The concert starts with David, standing alone on stage noodling around on an acoustic guitar, and he works his way into Shine On You Crazy Diamond Part 1. OK, at this point I was enjoying the show fine, but it wasn't what I expected. Then the sax player came on stage and put goose bumps down my back. Not only is Mr Gilmour awesome, but every musician that appears on stage with David throughout this show is incredible.

The concert starts mellow and soft, builds to the climax (With Shine On You Crazy Diamond Part II) then ends with a very mellow Hush-a-bye Mountain. High points include the George Bizet tune and the home video on the extra's portion of the DVD.

This is not a renter - if you're a David Gilmour fan, buy it and watch it over and over again.

Little Voice (1998)

Quirky and Odd, well worth a rental

[8/10 · 8 September 2003]

A slightly twisted film about a brutally shy young lady (LV), an overbearing cliche come to life mother, a slime ball agent and (of course) a slightly odd, yet kind hero(?) figure played by none other than Ewen McGregor, Little Voice is well worth the rental fee.

This movie is absurd, dark, funny, dramatic and at times heart wrenching. A little compassion will get you a long way towards enjoying it. The roles are played very well by talented actors, engrossing you in their turbulent little world.

If you like your films off the wall, this is the movie for you. If you prefer only mainstream Hollywood stuff, stay away!

Riding in Cars with Boys (2001)

A movie with a narrow target audience, I'm not in it!

[4/10 · 30 September 2002]

This is the true story of the consequences for a woman who in the 60's, has an unwanted teenage pregnancy. I do feel sorrow for Beverly, the author, what she endured is beyond any hardship I have ever known. Life is difficult enough already without her complications.

Having said that, I wish I liked the movie. I enjoyed the first 30 minutes of it but the remaining (2 hours?) felt like a lifetime of agony. In my opinion, this story makes an awful movie that drags on with continual attempts at forcing the viewer to somehow feel sorry for Beverly. Unlike Angela's Ashes, this movie failed in stirring any emotional attachment to any of the main characters.

With the exception of Drew B's fluctuating accent that reminded me more of nails on a blackboard, the acting is stellar. The movie is also visually artistic.

I'm sure may people will and do enjoy this movie. But by the end I hated it. By the end I despised the bitter self absorbed main character. More accurately, I thoroughly disliked every character in this movie except her son, parents and the drug dealer.

I actually heard myself asking 'When is this movie going to end?'.

I plan on forcing my children to watch this when they are 15.