I really wanted to love this - I am a fan of other works people from this have made, and I have enjoyed other female led recent films.
And this was a well put together film - good actors, a good idea, and a slick production. So I am surprised I didn't like it.
The problem I had was how for 11 minutes nobodies eyebrows/forehead/cheeks moved. It was weird. Suddenly someone could (at 11:47), but then those characters couldn't move their faces for the rest of the film. That is really weird!!!
I like diverse mix of actors in a film - young to old. But this was the young and the facial-expressional-disabled!
Other than that, its ok: you want con thriller - that what you will get.
Reviews
9 Reviews
Killing Them Safely
(2015)
Fairly interesting, if not life changing film...
6 April 2016
This movie reminds me of if someone had made one about a tobacco company at the time they were still denying a link between smoking and related diseases. The legal-speak used by the company executives comes across as insincere and duplicitous.
It seems like a fairly honestly made film. Focusing on something proposed as a non lethal solution, that turns out not be.
That said, the overriding issue that seems to be highlighted by the film is that they can cause death - and that they are overused. Most instances where there was a fatality, it was where the cops used it to subdue someone, not to disarm or avoid an extremely violent / homicidal individual.
So I can't help feel that the investigation should have concentrated on the people using them, and why they did in seemingly the wrong circumstances.
It seems like a fairly honestly made film. Focusing on something proposed as a non lethal solution, that turns out not be.
That said, the overriding issue that seems to be highlighted by the film is that they can cause death - and that they are overused. Most instances where there was a fatality, it was where the cops used it to subdue someone, not to disarm or avoid an extremely violent / homicidal individual.
So I can't help feel that the investigation should have concentrated on the people using them, and why they did in seemingly the wrong circumstances.
Godzilla
(2014)
Not good
23 August 2014
This has to be the worst movie I have seen for years (ever?) (Which includes the latest Spiderman and Transformer films for way of baseline). So clichéd - seriously any cliché you could think of added; and more for sure. Massive destruction (thousands killed?) not really addressed, but don't worry - Mum, Dad, kiddies (lots of 'em) - (maybe) OK, of course. (It kinda reminds me of Independence day - in that everyone depends on 1 guy - except here is doesn't carry any weight, his abilities don't seem to carry any weight, and he doesn't seem to have any characteristics that contribute to the solution. Yeah, you know nearly everyone important will survive. But most grating is how lovable and endearing all the 'needed' characters are needed to be. Indeed how clumsily our investment in them is constructed. The hero, the dutiful family, the saccharin moments. I wish I could better put into words how bad the film is. Pass. Not the grade - but the advice.
Better than the most recent ones I have watched...
21 April 2012
I felt compelled to write a review, as this made me laugh more than the last few south parks I have watched (which isn't complaining - *south park is like pizza, even bad pizza is good!)
I don't live in the states, so it can be hard to place the parody - but it didn't matter for this: it was just funny.
I laughed more than I have for a while. Also, the guys on the boat - perfect for any future live action south park movie - made for a pretty good parody of itself.
(Wow like totally meta!)
*butchered (maybe) Woody Allen quote.
I don't live in the states, so it can be hard to place the parody - but it didn't matter for this: it was just funny.
I laughed more than I have for a while. Also, the guys on the boat - perfect for any future live action south park movie - made for a pretty good parody of itself.
(Wow like totally meta!)
*butchered (maybe) Woody Allen quote.
Fatal Contact
(2006)
Slow Boil
3 March 2011
I can understand why some people didn't like this, but on the whole I think this was a far superior offering than a lot of kung fu (or however you feel better classifies this type of film) offerings I have recently watched.
(I have been a long time fan of Hong Kong martial arts films, and I am trying to put this review in the context of both 70s/80/s classics as well as more modern takes on the genre. Also I have a wide ranging preference in kung fu films - from the serious, the comedic, through to plush high end productions.)
This film does start slowly, and perhaps is more in keeping with Asian dramas for the 1st quarter of the film. And I can understand why that would not be rewarding for some viewers. But if you hold out a little, as time goes on is increasingly riveting.
The plot, which tends to be incredibly thin in many martial arts films, is relatively rich. While, there are some guessable twists long the way, equally there are some surprising ones.
Perhaps more importantly, the action is very well choreographed and it's lead a very strong fighter. I was really impressed by Jacky Wu's technique - I wouldn't have wanted to be on any of his punches or kicks, and it wasn't all fantasy fight (e.g. loads of wires) either.
It is the momentary lapses in sentimentality that, for me, mark this down from 9 to about 7 1/2 (ish).
In a nutshell: if you can get past the 1st part's (and occasional) lack of pace, this is a well put together, well choreographed film, with a strong lead and impressive martial arts.
(I have been a long time fan of Hong Kong martial arts films, and I am trying to put this review in the context of both 70s/80/s classics as well as more modern takes on the genre. Also I have a wide ranging preference in kung fu films - from the serious, the comedic, through to plush high end productions.)
This film does start slowly, and perhaps is more in keeping with Asian dramas for the 1st quarter of the film. And I can understand why that would not be rewarding for some viewers. But if you hold out a little, as time goes on is increasingly riveting.
The plot, which tends to be incredibly thin in many martial arts films, is relatively rich. While, there are some guessable twists long the way, equally there are some surprising ones.
Perhaps more importantly, the action is very well choreographed and it's lead a very strong fighter. I was really impressed by Jacky Wu's technique - I wouldn't have wanted to be on any of his punches or kicks, and it wasn't all fantasy fight (e.g. loads of wires) either.
It is the momentary lapses in sentimentality that, for me, mark this down from 9 to about 7 1/2 (ish).
In a nutshell: if you can get past the 1st part's (and occasional) lack of pace, this is a well put together, well choreographed film, with a strong lead and impressive martial arts.
The Losers
(I) (2010)
Nearly very good...
10 October 2010
But ultimately a bit weak.
The plot is, though fairly unoriginal, interesting enough.
The casting is good also - all the cast are all pretty strong; the female lead, Zoe Saldana, is outstandingly attractive.
The editing is - if at times unnecessary clever - snappy and for the most part effective.
But what lets this film down is the dialogue, it is unbelievable lame at times, and with that the stronger characters become ridiculous. (Especially the baddie!)
That might make this sound like a very poor review, but despite lacking in some areas, this is a very fun movie. While it might be weak in some areas on the whole it works - I enjoyed watching it - and the sum of its parts is somehow better than each part analysed separately.
Shame, as otherwise it would have been a great film.
The plot is, though fairly unoriginal, interesting enough.
The casting is good also - all the cast are all pretty strong; the female lead, Zoe Saldana, is outstandingly attractive.
The editing is - if at times unnecessary clever - snappy and for the most part effective.
But what lets this film down is the dialogue, it is unbelievable lame at times, and with that the stronger characters become ridiculous. (Especially the baddie!)
That might make this sound like a very poor review, but despite lacking in some areas, this is a very fun movie. While it might be weak in some areas on the whole it works - I enjoyed watching it - and the sum of its parts is somehow better than each part analysed separately.
Shame, as otherwise it would have been a great film.
Whatever Works
(2009)
Hints of Woody Allen's skillful film making...
1 March 2010
Overall I thought this was a quietly charming film.
There is good dialogue, of the typically insightful, neurotic and pessimistic style one might associate with a Woody Allen film; in fact a blend of the pessimism I would expect from Larry David in Curb Your Enthusiasm with the introspection I would from Allen, which makes a pretty good mix.
In that respect, David is a good choice as leading man, and many of the supporting actors are good (especially the more peripheral ones). What, to my mind, really lets down the film is the performances of Evan Rachel Wood, and Henry Cavill that don't really fit.
I have only read one other review (on IMDb) which intimated critics had panned it - I certainly don't see why. It might not be the best that David nor Allen have brought us, but it is certainly not the worse either.
There is good dialogue, of the typically insightful, neurotic and pessimistic style one might associate with a Woody Allen film; in fact a blend of the pessimism I would expect from Larry David in Curb Your Enthusiasm with the introspection I would from Allen, which makes a pretty good mix.
In that respect, David is a good choice as leading man, and many of the supporting actors are good (especially the more peripheral ones). What, to my mind, really lets down the film is the performances of Evan Rachel Wood, and Henry Cavill that don't really fit.
I have only read one other review (on IMDb) which intimated critics had panned it - I certainly don't see why. It might not be the best that David nor Allen have brought us, but it is certainly not the worse either.
Lord of War
(2005)
excellent film - clever and funny
21 March 2006
This is a well made and witty film.
It is a emotive subject; yet it doesn't (as films often do) get overly sentimental or judgemental.
Sorry but could help but comment on another users comments:
"I was really surprised that Hollywood was able to tackle a huge moral morass like the black market arms trade "
Wahzoh from North Hollywood, Clifornia (sic)
"No US studios would back the film. Foreign finances were secured instead."
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0399295/trivia
It is a emotive subject; yet it doesn't (as films often do) get overly sentimental or judgemental.
Sorry but could help but comment on another users comments:
"I was really surprised that Hollywood was able to tackle a huge moral morass like the black market arms trade "
Wahzoh from North Hollywood, Clifornia (sic)
"No US studios would back the film. Foreign finances were secured instead."
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0399295/trivia
Dark Habits
(1983)
It's not every day you see a nun on smack
1 March 2006
It's not very often that you can go back this far in a director's career and find a film this good.
It's sure as hell not sentimental; it's a black comedy - you've got parody, satire and a dark-humour rolled into one.
There already signs of Almodóvar's skill at film-making, already touches of Almodóvar's trademark whit and humour. It starts out with a girl at a crossroads in her life: on the one hand, a drug fuelled crazy future the other, the stability of a convent. Or is that the other way round? For those familiar with Almodóvar's films, there are some of the reoccurring themes you'd expect to find, amongst others: prostitution, nuns, drugs, and dealers. More specifically, Dark Habits seems to deal with (to me anyway) a novelist (Almodóvar's film's often touch on creativity/ those involved), the idea of what is good, and along a similar vain, our abilities to turn a new leaf.
Obviously being in subtitles is going to exclude this for some, but others are whole-heartedly recommended; even if it isn't the best Almodóvar film, I've found it the most enjoyable so far. (I haven't heard a quote better than "I'm Sister Rat of the Sewers. I was keen to meet you" recently.)
Oh, and look out for the tiger ;-)
It's sure as hell not sentimental; it's a black comedy - you've got parody, satire and a dark-humour rolled into one.
There already signs of Almodóvar's skill at film-making, already touches of Almodóvar's trademark whit and humour. It starts out with a girl at a crossroads in her life: on the one hand, a drug fuelled crazy future the other, the stability of a convent. Or is that the other way round? For those familiar with Almodóvar's films, there are some of the reoccurring themes you'd expect to find, amongst others: prostitution, nuns, drugs, and dealers. More specifically, Dark Habits seems to deal with (to me anyway) a novelist (Almodóvar's film's often touch on creativity/ those involved), the idea of what is good, and along a similar vain, our abilities to turn a new leaf.
Obviously being in subtitles is going to exclude this for some, but others are whole-heartedly recommended; even if it isn't the best Almodóvar film, I've found it the most enjoyable so far. (I haven't heard a quote better than "I'm Sister Rat of the Sewers. I was keen to meet you" recently.)
Oh, and look out for the tiger ;-)
Tell Your Friends