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Reviews
Equilibrium (2002)
So disappointing
This could have been a brilliant film, with a good original concept and a strong lead actor. But instead it falls flat on it's face and fails to get back up again. At the beginning I felt confident I may actually enjoy this film, despite not being a huge sci-fi fan, as I liked the idea and really like Christian Bale. It gets off to a reasonably good start, by introducing us to the premise and the characters. I felt this film could have been a good psychological futuristic thriller, but it just relies on special effects (which aren't a teeny weeny patch on The Matrix) and a simple, bland plot, which tries to provide a twist at the end, and fails miserably. So disappointing, as this could have been a really brilliant film.
The Quick and the Dead (1995)
Highly recommended
'The Quick and The dead' is a modern western film about love, death and revenge. Sharon stone plays Ellen 'The Lady' who is out to seek revenge for the death of her father. Gene Hackman is great as the evil town boss, and Russell Crowe and Leonardo DiCaprio play the love interests.
This is a really underrated movie which I thoroughly enjoyed and would highly recommend. There are some brilliant performances, a gripping plot and a fabulous ending. Definitely worth watching.
8/10
Moulin Rouge! (2001)
Another gem from dear Baz
I love this movie, it is so different from anything else. Although all of the music is borrowed, it has been transformed into the soundtrack for what was one of the best movies of the year. Baz deliveries yet another gem for as to lavish as a cinema audience. The costumes are gorgeous, an array of vibrant colours for our eyes to feast upon. The direction, acting, singing and dancing were excellent. This film made me laugh and cry.
Highly recommended.
9/10
Strictly Ballroom (1992)
vibrant and colourful
This is another colourful and vibrant film from the wonderful Baz Lurhmann. Although technically it is just yet another love story, it doesn't feel like it. The crazy and strange characters surrounding Scott and Fran make the couple stand out, particularly in their dancing. I thought the costumes were great, and the dancing was spectacular! At first this film will probably seem a little bizzare, but stick with it and you won't regret doing so.
7/10
Johnny English (2003)
Unoriginal, but still funny
At first I thought this film would just be exactly the same as the recent 'Bean'. However, I was wrong. Although it isn't original it is a very funny film, and I thought that Rowan Atkinson was great as Johnny English. Ben Miller was really good as the sidekick Bough, but I found John Malcovich's performance extremely irratating. He doesn't stop this film being good though, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for some laughs.
7/10
The Cider House Rules (1999)
Very moving
This is a brilliant movie, with some amazing performances. I thought that Tobey Maguire played Homer Wells perfectly, and Michael Caine deserved his Oscar win. There were other great performances from the likes of Paul Rudd, Charlize Theron, Kieran Culkin and Erik Per Sullivan. I really enjoyed watching it, and several parts gave me a lump in my throat. I would definitely recommend this to anyone over 12.
7/10
The Man in the Iron Mask (1998)
Good but not great
Although this wasn't a great film, it was still highly enjoyable. It probably wouldn't stand up to multiple viewings, but it is worth watching if you have the chance. There is a very good cast with excellent performances from John Malcovich, Jeremy Irons and Leonardo DiCaprio (who looks gorgeous too). Definately worth checking out.
6/10
My Girl (1991)
Bring on the waterworks
'My Girl' is a truly moving film about friendship, love and death. From the beginning it seems like an innocent comedy about a girl on the verge of puberty, but the ending is one of the saddest I have ever seen. Be sure to have a large supply of tissues nearby, as trust me, you will need them. This movie is aimed at females, and I think they would appreciate it more than men. It really is a wonderful film, and if you have the chance, do go and see it.
8/10
Clueless (1995)
Good fun, but that's all
I've seen this teen movie countless times, and it's still enjoyable to watch. The jokes do wear thin after several viewings, but it is still a funny film. The cast are all very good, although I do find Brittany Murphy slightly irritating. The plot isn't very deep, but at least it is there, as many teen movies lack this vital feature. I am a little worried about the characters only being 15/16 and acting extremely maturely for their ago, however that seems to be the only problem with this movie.
7/10
Maid in Manhattan (2002)
Light hearted fun
Ok, this movie isn't great, but it's still good fun. The actors aren't mesmorising, but they do a good job. I don't really think it should be classed as a romantic 'comedy' as it doesn't have many (if any) laughs, however it is one of those films that brings a smile to your face when you watch it. Watch it when it's raining outside, there is nothing on and you just want to snuggle up in front of the TV.
6/10
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
Great fun
It's not your stereotypical teen movie, this ones different. The jokes are actually funny, the actors can actually act, and there is a point to the plot. The gorgeous Heath Ledger gives a substantial contribution to the cast, and Julia Stiles gives a solid performance aswell. Everytime I watch this it leaves me in fits of laughter, and the jokes never wear old. Although the plot is predictable it is still an enjoyable movie. Older viewers might not appreciate the humour, however it would appeal to most ages.
7/10
Catch Me If You Can (2002)
good light hearted fun
Don't expect too much from this movie - it doesn't have loads to offer. However it is a perfectly enjoyable film, with great performances from the gorgeous Leonardo Dicaprio and Tom Hanks. It might be a little longer than it should be, but it doesn't drag. There are some brilliant supporting acts, particularly from Christopher Walken and Martin Sheen. I loved the opening credits and thought the musical score by John Williams was original and snappy. Watch this for some good light hearted fun, but not for special effects or fight scenes.
8/10
Wo hu cang long (2000)
Boring
I'm afraid to say i think this is the worst film I have ever seen, and I've just watched Peter Pan 2: Return To Neverland. After only a few minutes I had stopped reading the subtitles as I simply felt it was a pointless exercise. The scenes with flying people (which seemed to be the whole movie) were cheesy and unrealistic. The reason I don't like this film isn't that it is foreign and has subtitles (my favourite movie of all time has subtitles 'Run Lola Run') but it was just so boring. Please, if you haven't seen it, whatever you do, DON'T!
2/10
Back to the Future (1985)
fun for all of the family
This is one of those rare films that simply entertains. It doesn't cause the audience to furrow their brows in concentration, but doesn't leave them watching a load of rubbish with no plot. This is quite the opposite. It has a great script, interesting story line, and the cast are great. Micheal J Fox is brilliant as Marty McFly, and Christopher Lloyd is hilarious. All age groups would love this film, and I recommend buying the Back To The Future Trilogy.
8/10
Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002)
Unoriginal, but still funny
The third Austin Powers film does have a few original concepts to offer the movie going public. Unfortunately these don't make up for the fact that we have already laughed at all of the jokes in the form of the first 2 films. Beyonce Knowles should stick with what she does best (and i'm not talking about acting), as she can't seem to keep up with the rest of the cast. Mike Myers is once again very amusing, but it seems like a bad case of deja vu when watching him acting.
6/10
Le fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain (2001)
Wonderful
I normally steer clear of foreign films with subtitles, but I found this hilarious. It is very funny, with great actors and a good storyline. I didn't really know what this film was about or anything, but I am very glad that i watched it. It is worth watching, ans very entertaining.
9/10.
The Sixth Sense (1999)
Chilling stuff
Ok, most of you probably know the twist ending, but all the same I won't spoil it for those of you that don't. I usually hate horror movies, as they tend to be gory, cheesy films with actors that can only bat their eyelids and scream. This is totally different. For a start, i didn't find it at all scary. Some parts ore slightly gross, and the whole film is eerie and chilling. It is very well acted, and has the only child actor that can actually act (Haley Joel Osment). Even if you have seen it before, or if you know the ending, it is still worth watching.
Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999)
Good but not great
If this film was the first of it's kind, and its sequel and prequel didn't exist, then this would be a brilliant film. Unfortuantely almost all of it's laughs are taken from the first Austin Powers film. However, it still manages to produce the goods and proves a light hearted comedy to entertain the whole family. Heather Graham is very good as Felicity Shagwell, and Mike myers is great as all of his numerous parts (Austin Powers, Dr Evil and Fat Bastard). I love 'Minime' and think without him the film could easily be mixed up with the first of it's kind. It's still good, but not great.
7/10
Lola rennt (1998)
Amazing
When asked the question 'What's your favourite movie of all time?' I hesitated before replying 'Run Lola Run'. Hardly anybody has heard of it, let alone seen it. This is a great shame as it is such an amazing film, and it deserves recognition. The storyline is very original and the movie is thrilling and gripping from start to finish. I don't usually go in for movies with subtitles, but I am so glad i stuck with this film. If you haven't already seen it, please go and do so, for this really is a great movie.
Titanic (1997)
not that bad
Ok, I admit, I am a teenage girl and a huge fan of Leonardo Dicaprio's. But despite him being in this picture, this film really isn't that bad. Maybe it didn't deserve all 11 of it's oscars (it doesn't compare to Ben-Hur) or over 1 billion at the box office. The acting isn't that great as the script is quite poor, but still the film doesn't deserve some of the comments it's received. It's entertaining and moving, and is worth watching if it's on. I think it deserved to get onto the Top 250 on this site, even if it shouldn't have got very high.
Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997)
entertaining nonsense
It doesn't have much in the way of a plot, and the actors aren't going to win any Academy Awards, but this is still a brilliant movie. It's hilarious script and clever puns make this comedy different from alot of recent ones. The two sequels never quite compared to the original as most of the jokes were borrowed. Mike Myers is excellent and Liz Hurley is quite good as well. It's fun for all of the family, though some film critics think it's a load of nonsense. Even if it is, it's entertaining nonsense, which is what it's all about. I reccomend this to anybody who is looking for light entertainment and a good old laugh.
8/10
Romeo + Juliet (1996)
brilliant
Yes, I am a teenage girl. Yes, i am a huge fan of Leonardo Dicaprio's. But he and all of the cast give great performances, and make this a gem of a movie. It is incredibly moving, brings me to tears every time I watch it and always leaves me with a lump in my throat. It deserved to be high up in the Top 250, and I find it hard to critise anything about this film. It is definately worth watching, no matter what gender of age you are.
Marvin's Room (1996)
short but sweet
I really wasn't sure what to expect out of this film as I sat down to watch it. The only real reason I was watching it was that it starred a certain somebody (Leo). However, I was very pleasantly surprised. It was both sad and amusing, and overall very entertaining. The cast all gave very good performances, and the storyline was short but sweet. Teenage girls like myself will enjoy it, and I think it is very much a girly movie. My mum and grandma both liked it, but I don't know what men would think of it. It's worth watching, but don't expect too much from it.