mitch-viccars Reviews

The Soloist (2009)

So you'd like another Oscar Mr. Fox

[7/10 · 14 September 2013]

Not to say that he is not deserving, but this film certainly does seem like it was written for such accolades.

It is a beautiful film, with stunning performances. Robert downy Jnr and Jamie Fox both give spectacular characters, and it is an engrossing watch.

Based on the true story of Nathaniel Ayers, a prodigy of the violin who developed schizophrenia. It is a thought provoking, and politically disconcerting film driven by the relationship between Downy jnr and Fox.

As with all "Based On a true story" films, i find myself questioning which parts are Hollywood and which really are the truth. But none the less it is well worth the watch if not for nothing more the acting within.

Whether you find it a happy ending or sad, will be a glass half full situation, but i think you'll find it enjoyable none the less.

Viccars.

Cowboys & Aliens (2011)

Plot ?

[3/10 · 13 September 2011]

Before i start let it be understood that i did not go into this movie with overly high expectations, i expected a fun perhaps clichéd action movie with the standard save the world plot in maybe a fresh context....

It wasn't.

It was predictable, 2 dimensional and if it had a proper form of a plot, i guessed i must've sneezed during that part.

From the get go, questions are thrust into your lap, you're curious what happened, how it happened and why, 30 minutes later and enter the female protagonist, (Olivia Wilde) rather then her clarifying any answers, she instead just chooses to mind f**k you a little more.

Not much is answered. The resolution for me just wasn't there. I left feeling like i wasted 2 hours.

As usual of late, it had spectacular special effects and very well done stunts, and wasn't entirely void of emotion.

Maybe i've been quite harsh, i think it's justified but perhaps not, if a bunch of ragtag cowboys chasing aliens across the desert only to shoot at them sounds good to you, then it may well float your boat.

If you like Harrison ford and Indiana Jones, you may well like this.

If not, bring a book to read.

Get Him to the Greek (2010)

A fun ride with a sudden stop.

[7/10 · 6 September 2011]

This is Nicholas Stoller's first mainstream film in which he both wrote and directed, exploring the high's and lows of Jason Segal's Forgetting Sarah Marshall's character "Aldous Snow".

Aldous Snow is the controversial, alcoholic, drug addict rock star stereotype played by Russell Brand. He does it well and leaves us with a strong and convincing performance, but then It's hard to criticise his acting when he for the most part just plays himself, and to that point he does it well as always.

The story-line is basic but strong, and doesn't skimp on the laughs... or the nauseating, leaving the theater in stitches and disgust several times throughout. It takes you on a journey of the highs and lows of life as a rock star, the publicly glorified side and the more somber, touching on the loneliness and struggles with relapse.

It flew by fast and felt squashed at the end, the resolution was a tad jammed and left me slightly disappointed, but i'll be watching it again.

If you liked the hangover, you'll defiantly like this.

Reservoir Dogs (1992)

One of a handful,

[10/10 · 14 February 2011]

Only a handful of movies i have found are able to catapult the viewer into the scene with nothing but solid acting and dialog, The few scene changes and simple set forces you to immerse yourself within the characters, typical of Tarantino the film uses extremely well written dialog and actors that seem to be tailored made for it.

The lack of names in the movies provides a refreshing mystery to the film and although taken from, " The Taking of Pelham One Two Three " Tarantino does the homage justice. Extreme violence presents itself from the get go, but it makes the movie, it is done in a fashion that makes you want for more, rather then lean back in your seat.

Tarantino has triumphed in what was his first movie, and it deserves better recognition. Few directors are able to put a masterpiece on the screen first time round.

A low budget film with the attributes of a true masterpiece, 9 out of 10.