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Reviews
Avatar (2009)
Outstanding Effects and Nothing More - A Modern Day Fern Gully
I was as excited about this movie as anybody else. Love James Cameron, love big blockbusters... Sadly, I was very, very disappointed. Granted, the visual effects are outstanding and brilliant. That's it. The storyline was completely predictable and unoriginal. I was bored out of my brain the whole time, and not even the outstanding effects could entice me into the lame plot of this film. Anyone who has ever seen the movie Fern Gully will see that this movie was one of identical storyline, just with added special effects and a (lame) touch of sci-fi. Sam Worthington was so bad with his accent and bad voice overs I was cringing in my seat. As a Cameron fan, I was extremely disappointed with this film. It relied only on effects and the importance of some creativity and originality in terms of storyline was forgotten. Sad, very sad. Then again, the whole vampire-meets-girl-oh-this-is-so-wrong-but-so-right saga is getting old... Insert: blue-person-meets-human-oh-this-is-so-wrong-but-so-right storyline... wow, it's a whole new genre... Not.
Save the Last Dance (2001)
It Is A Movie, People - Not A Real-Life Documentary!
I find many user comments about this movie absolutely ridiculous. Comparing it to real life Julliard? Real ballet? Real anything?! It is a movie, for goodness sakes! It is not supposed to be realistic, or true to life in any way - that is what movies are for, an escape from reality. I think "dance" type people are just trying to prove how much they know about dancing by slamming this film and comparing it to their real-life "experiences". It is a big of entertainment, with a good soundtrack and a predictable yet entertaining plot. Sure, we know what is going to happen. That is why we watch movies like this. Also, I disagree about the bad acting, I think Julia Stiles is a fantastic actress. It is particularly noticeable in this film if you look in the right places. Her awkward dancing at Steps, her embarrassed facial expressions - she does very well conveying real emotion, I think. Sure this film is loaded with stereotypes and predictable as hell, but it is entertaining and with Sean Patrick Thomas shaking his booty, I sure as hell ain't complaining. Relax, people, and appreciate the film for what it is. A fictional movie, not a real-life documentary of dancing and the ghetto.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Harvest (1997)
Great Second-Half of the Pilot Episode
The Harvest picks up right where Welcome to the Hellmouth left off, and it is just as good and just as promising as the first part. We've already been introduced to the main characters, so this episode just continues on from that. Already, their quirks are becoming clearer and the dialogue is sharpening, showing hints of the greatness that is to come. Xander's growing crush on the Slayer is becoming all too clear, while Willow's crush on Xander goes unnoticed by him but obvious to the viewers. The fight scene in the Bronze is kind of cheesy, true, but it shows us more of Buffy's fighting style. She quips the whole way through, and her "There's something you forgot about too - sunlight" trick is fantastic. My favourite scene in this episode is the ending, where as Buffy, Willow and Xander walk away, Giles turns and says "The earth is doomed." It is fantastic if you are a huge fan of the show and know that this scene will be repeated in the very final episode of season seven. Having watched the series already and knowing everything that is to come between now and that scene in season seven... honestly the amount of tears, drama, laughs, action and everything else that is still yet to be revealed, is staggering. My only negative is that I find Darla so immensely irritating. Her voice, the way she speaks - she is so annoying. Thank goodness she gets killed off later in the season. Overall - The Harvest is a great second half of the pilot episode. Greatness is being created before your very eyes.
3 Men and a Little Lady (1990)
Love Love Love Love Love This Film
This movie would have to be one of my all-time favourites. I watched it religiously as a child, and it had become a security blanket for me all the way through to adulthood. Whenever I am feeling down or out of place, this film always makes me feel good. The three men are all fantastic in their own way, and little Mary is just gorgeous. It has humour, romance and drama and it is just a really easy movie to watch. No matter how many times I see it, I still laugh at Ms Lomax and get teary at the happy ending. I also love the first film but this sequel far surpasses it. Highly recommended for people of all ages who just want to feel good. Oh, and I love the music in it.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Welcome to the Hellmouth (1997)
A Promising Start to a Phenomenal Series
Welcome to Hellmouth might be a tad cheesy, slightly over-acted and a little silly, but it is a pilot episode and if its main job is to introduce us to the characters and Sunnydale and get a good idea of what the show is going to be about, then I believe it achieves this perfectly well. Sarah Michelle Gellar shows massive potential in this opening episode, and she looks so young in this one that it is great to watch her grow and mature throughout the rest of the series. The same goes for the other actors. Angel is introduced and knowing his and Buffy's future relationship I love watching them first meet. He is more handsome and witty in this season than he is for the rest of the show. All the characters have instant on-screen chemistry and they play really well off each other, especially Buffy and Giles, and also the Slayer and her Slayerettes. I'm glad Jesse was killed off, however, as he is too similar to Xander's character, and not nearly as funny. In all, this pilot episode presents a dangerous yet somehow warm and comforting Sunnydale and Sunnydale High, some fantastic complex characters as well as a unique and interesting storyline. It might be early days, but the perfect blend of sharp wit, superb action plots and heartbreaking drama that make this show so unique are already apparent in this episode, showing snippets and rearing its fantastic head. The journey begins with this episode, and what a journey it is going to be.
The Happening (2008)
Hilariously Bad , Good For A Laugh
I went to this movie trying to keep an open mind. Within two minutes, I was having serious doubts. Within five minutes, I was shaking my head in bemusement. Within ten minutes, I was laughing my ass off. This would have to be one of the most terrible films I have seen in a long time. Where do I start? The plot was absurd in every possible way. The acting was terrible, although many people will be of the opinion that the actors were cast in order to represent "real" people and not act like big blockbuster stars - whatever the reason, the acting was terrible. The casting was plain strange - nobody suited their part, not one person. Surprisingly, Mark Wahlberg - although not really suiting his part - was quite funny, though I'm not entirely sure he was supposed to be. The dialogue was plain strange and quite ridiculous. The supporting characters were just insane. The old woman who is a religious nut absolutely had me in stitches she was so funny. The scenes when they were outrunning the "wind" was just absolutely absurdly ridiculous, there was nothing slightly scary about the grass waving to and fro. It was pathetic. The suicides were poorly done and just stupid. I just can't express how awful this film is. There was nothing remotely scary or thrilling or even interesting about it, the only thing I can say is it is good for a laugh, I barely stopped chuckling at the ridiculousness of it from beginning till end. If it is a thrill and a scare you're after,watch something else. For a highly amusing comedy, watch this - it won't disappoint.
The 'Burbs (1989)
Fantastic, Quirky and Underrated
The Burbs would have to be one of those films that when you mention it to people, most haven't heard of or even seen it, and you wind up shaking your head and telling them they're missing out. It is seriously underrated movie, a little dark and strange, but very funny and containing a great cast. Tom Hanks delivers a convincing performance as the normal guy, next to all his strange and quirky neighbours, especially the murderers next door. Everyone is cast brilliantly. It is a clever film that keeps you guessing the first time you see it, you wonder if the neighbours really are murderers or if it really is all just crazy nonsense, and when you find out the truth you actually are a little surprised because the film does a good job of showing, not telling. Underrated but that is one of the reasons I love it, not a huge blockbuster but a quiet, under-the-radar kind of film that, if you're lucky enough to spot it, gives you lots of laughs and a couple of goosebumps too. Highly recommended.
Ghostbusters II (1989)
My Favourite of the Two Movies
I adore Ghostbusters 2, much more than the original movie. I think it is funnier, scarier (Viggo scares the bejeezus out of me), and much more clever. Also, I think in general if sequels are well done then it is possible to beat the first film as, in this case, you already know and love the characters so watching the sequel is like revisiting old friends. It also allows you to get straight into the plot of the movie without having to go through the getting-to-know each character parts, as we already know them from the first film. Venkman is hilarious in this film, although it is hard to beat his "Yes it's true, this man has no dick" line from the first film. The villain is actually slightly scary while in the first film the dog/marshmallow man are just humorous. Great plot, fantastic cast who deliver a stellar performance. Not the best film ever made, but certainly one worth watching more than once. Highly recommended.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: I Only Have Eyes for You (1998)
One of my Top Ten Buffy Episodes
Everything about this episode is perfectly done. The cast are, as usual, outstanding, the storyline is creative and clever and it is easily one of my favourite Buffy episodes from all seven seasons. I think the reason it is so good is because is differs from the usual good vs bad notion of the show, with the spirits in this case being real people with a past and they are not cut-and-dried evil, but people you actually really feel for. The storyline of James & Grace fits in so well with the Buffy/Angel saga that is currently unfolding, and the part when they take on the spirits of James & Grace is so emotional and dramatic, it really touches you. The fifties theme is fantastic and it really helps if you love the theme song for the episode, as it gives the episode so much warmth and feeling. Love this episode of Buffy, definitely in the top ten for me.
Hackers (1995)
The First Time I Have Fallen Asleep In A Movie. Ever.
This is, without doubt, the worst film I have ever seen. It is terribly atrociously boring, and honestly the first time in my entire life I have fallen asleep while watching a movie. The acting was terrible, in particular the completely over-acted part of Angelina Jolie, who tried to be the distant, cool chick but was just a rude, conceited pain the the ass. Matthew Lillard was his usual self, yet I couldn't even chuckle at him since the film was so bad. Possibly I am not technology-and-gadget-minded enough, and this film is very obviously intended for computer geeks, because I did not know what the point of any of it was. Absurdly unrealistic and completely drawn out and eventless, not to mention predictable as all hell. (Just for the record, I fell asleep approximately 3/4 through but I guarantee without watching that Jolie showed her "nice" side and hit it off with the irritating lead actor and cyber-enemy). Just a hunch. Computer geeks and teenage boys might like this film, or people that might associate it with childhood nostalgia. Anyone else... I can't express enough how not to watch it.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997)
My Favourite Series of All Time
Without even the slightest hint of a doubt, Buffy the Vampire Slayer is my favourite, most-loved television show of all time. Not only that, it is my favourite entertainment of all time - beats anything made in movies, music or books. People that don't see the hype, I really feel sorry for them because I believe they are missing out on the magic that is Buffy. Everything about this show is perfect. I love every single episode, and I have watched the whole lot more than 10 times. What makes the show so unbeatable to me, that nothing even comes remotely close? Everything, from the brilliant and perfect cast (even the 30-second parts of extras are perfectly cast), to the hilarious, clever dialogue (I have never known any show to create their own "language" like Buffy has done), to the brilliant set designs - every crypt, every house, every classroom, every church - everything is perfect and so clever. The story lines are strong and interesting, the plots are fantastic, the "Big Bads" are great, the makeup and special effects are just so well done. My favourite thing about this show, though, is that it has almost every single theme in it - romance, drama, action, comedy... there is nothing this show doesn't have. It is my absolute security blanket. No matter how upset or even bored I am, I can guarantee that putting in this show, from the first episode, will make me feel one hundred percent better. It makes me laugh at the lines I've heard fifteen times. It makes me sob my heart out in all those touching scenes. It makes me feel happy, like no other show can. I have never seen a show as good as this one, and I strongly doubt I ever will. It has everything I want, and a magical feeling about it that I have just never found elsewhere. Love it, love it, love it. Fifty out of ten.
The Shining (1980)
Scary, Yes, But Not Coherent
I only recently saw The Shining for the first time and I have to say I was quite disappointed. While the performances by the actors are fantastic, and Nicholson plays a fantastic lunatic, I found the movie to be in-cohesive and to lack structure. Maybe it is necessary to read the book first to understand everything in the film, maybe not. Not having read the book, however, I found the movie full of loose ends that were never tied up. On a positive note, the film was sufficiently scary, I did find the suspense/thriller aspect of it very well done, and the scene with the blood spilling was very clever and disturbing. However, I found there was no explanation for many things. Danny's "Shining" ability seems pointless in the film. He sees things that we already know happened, he has this ability that doesn't help him in any way. His father still goes mad, and it is his mother's resourcefulness that saves them, not his ability. All his special talent does is make the kid a little scary, especially in the "redrum" scene. Apart from making him creepy, I don't think his "gift" serves any purpose in the film. It summons Halloran, and this part is built up and up with him coming to the rescue, and he is butchered before anything even remotely interesting happens, thus making his and Danny's ability an utter waste of time. The scene with the woman in the bathtub is gross, true, but pointless. It shows nothing. And the ending is very drawn out. When the film finally does conclude, and I was waiting for all these loose ends to be tied up, that photograph is shown of Jack in the past, confusing me ten times more and leaving the storyline completely open for interpretation. "You've always been here" is what he is told, and we see that, so what the heck was happening in the mean time, with Grady, with Jack's wife and son, with Halloran (didn't he know Jack was already caretaker?)... Nothing is answered, nothing is concluded, I found the ending really frustrating and disappointing. If this film was meant to be only a frightening thriller, then it has achieved its purpose. But if it was meant to be clever and cunning and show some hidden meanings, then it fails dismally. Good cast, good thrills, crappy structure, very stupid ending. I'll try my luck at the book and hope it is more satisfying.
The Notebook (2004)
Achingly Touching
The Notebook would have to be the most beautiful, touching romance film to be released in modern times. I was a skeptic at first, feeling it could not possibly be that good, but it is. It is unusual for a movie released after 1980 to make it in to my top ten films of all time, but this film has slotted right on in to the top of my list. What is so special about this film? Everything. The casting is perfect, I couldn't imagine any other girl being able to play Allie and do a performance as realistic and adorable as Rachel McAdams. Most women in romance films are extremely irritating and annoying, yet even in her indecisiveness in the film Allie is still totally lovable, and you can understand Noah's infatuation with her. Noah, likewise, is perfectly cast, not the typical smooth, suave lead male - he also is realistic and highly appealing. The older actors playing Noah and Allie are also sensational, they make the film so much more special with their achingly beautiful scenes. The romance in this film is perfectly crafted, not overdone, just exactly right. It is powerful and passionate, and something everyone can relate to in regards to your first love. There is a scene where Allie's boyfriend proposes to her, and she accepts, and the voice-over says that in the moment Allie said yes, "Noah's face came into her mind." It just is such a sad, nostalgic moment that I cry every time at this line. The film is also humorous in parts, and the conflicts are perfectly acted. I really think it is having the couple as elderly people looking back on the past that really makes the film that much more special than other romances. The only teeny tiny problem I had with this film was in the way Noah and Allie first meet. The "love-at-first-sight" that Noah shows, to me, is silly and pretty unrealistic as he hasn't even spoken to her. But when they get together, everything is beautiful and really easy to relate to. The notion of time in this film also sets it apart - years pass, and it just makes their reunion that much sweeter. And the final scene? Devastatingly beautiful, could not be any sweeter or more touching. I also love the use of I'll Be Seeing You, the song played a few times in the movie. It is so appropriate and so, so touching. Absolutely gorgeous movie, one of the best I've ever seen and extremely hard to contend with. If you haven't seen it, do it. It is not just a girly romance - men also love this film. Definite 10 out of 10. Perfect.
Napoleon Dynamite (2004)
Hilarious, Side-Splitting Simplicity
Napoleon Dynamite is a simple film, obviously made on a low budget, with none of the usual American glitz and glam. It is dry, kind of dark, extremely strange and absolutely hilariously funny. Jon Heder is absolutely perfect in the role of Napoleon, as are all the other cast members, especially Kip, the nerdy, net-chatting brother. The thing that is fantastic about this film is that despite being completely odd and having bizarre, eccentric characters, many of the characters, or some of their traits, are familiar to us. Who hasn't known a Napoleon (though doubtless as funny as this one) who is completely off-centre, strange and offbeat, a complete nerd in full, who nonetheless seems unaware of the fact that they are, in fact, a complete nerd, and this lack of caring or awareness makes them somewhat cool. Brother Kip is hilarious for this reason as well - a computer-obsessed nerd who thinks he is cool, despite being adorably dorky. Uncle Rico is a believable egocentric man, and Pedro is the strange foreign student who, of course, bonds with the outcast Napoleon. The casting in this movie is perfect, the popular people at his school are so realistic, especially the girls during the lame dance at the end. Absolutely hilarious how spot on these characters are. The film has the most unique and clever dialogue I've ever heard in a movie, it seems to create it's only language-for-dorks, which is fantastically funny. The ending dance scene is fabulous, as for the very first time Napoleon is seen as cool, and accepted by his fellow peers after his on-stage dance, yet he flees before the applause begins, and probably never is even aware of this. It makes this scene so much more special, typical Napoleon not having to prove himself to anyone, even when they do love him for it. He and his girl make the cutest couple, on a side note. I recommend watching this film at least twice - the first time, you just aren't sure what is happening and if you should be laughing or not (although I was), but the second viewing makes you find it absolutely hilarious, and every time after that as well. Funny, clever, exceedingly strange, with perfect casting and enough classic quotes to last you for ages, Napoleon Dynamite is one of the best films released in modern times. Highly recommended, but don't try to read into it, whatever you do - it is the film's simplicity which makes it so fun and easy to watch.
Zoolander (2001)
Perfectly cast comedy
This film would have to be one of the funniest movies released for its time. Unlike many silly comedies where the previews show you the only humorous parts of the film, this movie was funny the whole way through. The casting is just perfect. Ben Stiller is hilariously suited to the role, the way he speaks and moves and his facial expressions are just dynamite. Every time I see his face in the film I laugh. Owen Wilson is likewise perfect in his part, as are the rest of the cast. I like this movie because it is different, with an original plot and actors that support the plot rather than taking away from it. None of the characters are too large, the acting is just spot on for each person. I highly recommend this film for a good chuckle. It is so silly but so clever at the same time. My absolute favourite part? Derek's "Eugoogely" speak regarding a eulogy. He is so adorably clueless and this scene is hilarious, especially when he comes back to the "eugoogely" later in the film.
Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town (1970)
The Embodiment of Christmas Charm
This is without a doubt my favourite Christmas movie of all time. Rankin Bass are always fantastic, but this film just shines that bit brighter than the rest. The voices are spectacular - Mickey Rooney and Fred Astaire - they don't really get much better than this. The songs are fantastic, the characters are so perfect and the backgrounds and buildings in the movie are just so lovely. This movie is pure magic, exactly how a Christmas movie should be. I love the story of Santa Claus, and this film really sticks to tradition which is great. I am an adult and watch this movie every time Christmas is approaching just to put me in the festive mood. It is truly magical, and not just my favourite Christmas movie, but one of my top ten films of all time. Love it.
Chocolat (2000)
Warning - This Film Will Make You Hungry
This film is just fantastic. Great cast, beautiful scenery, fantastic storyline. The setting of the town is just lovely, and the food scenes just make your mouth water. Everything in this film is just glittering with beauty. The accents, the actors, the chocolate of course, the town, the relationships... it is just lovely, a truly beautiful, peaceful movie. This film has a lovely tone and message to it, which it delivers beautifully, and Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp make the most gorgeous couple I've ever seen. The only downside? What with the chocolate and the enormous feast that is cooked up in the film, it always makes me hungry when I watch it, and dying to cook. A real delicacy.
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007)
Too Much Action
I loved the first film of this trilogy, was kind of interested in the second, and just did not like the third. I watched the movie closely and most of the time, I did not know what on earth was going on. There were too many story lines slanting in different directions, and each was not explained properly. If you missed five minutes of the film, you were completely lost for the rest of it. Granted, the effects were outstanding and the acting was brilliant, even if Kiera Knightley's constant fake pout and ridiculous word pronunciation made me want to hit things. The problem was there were too many effects, too many fight scenes in which I had no idea what the fight was even for. It was action for the sake of action, with no time to pause and catch your breath. Fight scene went into action scene, over and over again, with minimal explanation. Too much reliance on effects, too much action and not enough reflection on what the heck was actually going on. There were so many all dramatic scenes, in which it was not even clear what the characters were being dramatic about. Really, really, can't stand this movie.
Envy (2004)
Funnier Than It Looks
I took one look at the front cover of this movie and just hated the look of it. I love Ben Stiller, however, so I gave it a go. The blurb on the back of the DVD gave a pretty clear indication what it was about, so I wasn't surprised when I watched it, and expected it to be slapstick dribble. However, while I do think it was a little strange in some areas, and characters were quite unrealistic, I actually found it quite amusing. Most of the reason for this was Ben Stiller, I think his comic expertise shone through, and made me laugh quite a bit. Without him, I think this movie would have been terrible. Having said that, I admit that it must be a pretty bad movie if the only reason I liked it was because of one single actor. Overall, funnier than I expected, but just too darn weird, with quite silly characters.
Center Stage (2000)
Feel-Good Favourite
A film about ballet dancing sounded terrible to me, but I saw this at the movies and since have watched it on DVD at least 10 times. It is one of those rare films that is brand new, yet gives you a sense of nostalgic fun. I am not into any kind of dancing in any way, shape or form, but I found this film to be beautiful. I love the soundtrack, it fits perfectly. I love the ballet scenes - they are surprisingly magical and enchanting. I love the cast - mainly unknowns make the film so much nicer. I love the outcome of the film - predictable, but immensely satisfying. This is a very believable, romantic and fun storyline that I can watch over and over again. It makes me feel like a child again, and became one of my instant favourite films once I saw it. Definitely in my top ten list of films I never get sick of watching. Watch this one on a rainy day, or when you are feeling a bit down. It is strangely comforting, like a security blanket, and I don't really know why. Highly recommended.
Halloween (2007)
Predictable But Deeply Disturbing
I've read many of the comments about this film, and while I do agree it is overly gory and I do not like how Michael is made out to be a victim of circumstance and nurture, I do think there are good points as well. First the negative, I don't know if Zombie's point was to make the viewer empathise with Michael, because I didn't. Lots of kids come from screwed up families and get bullied and they do not turn into serial killers. He is crazy, and he would be just as crazy in a perfectly normal family. So I don't like this "feel sorry for Michael" plot. On a positive note, I'm not sure if Zombie is trying to make us feel for Michael as much as he is trying to make us see that Michael has been insane from day one, and making him into this frightening walking time bomb, where you are thinking that his family & bullies have no idea what they are getting themselves into. Possibly his family are not there to make us feel for him, rather to make us feel for them because we know the lunatic they are crossing, and he certainly will punish them. That is the feeling i got from it. Another negative, I do think there was too much gore and not enough suspense. In scary movies, the thrill is in the chase and knowing someone is being killed but not seeing it. Seeing the blood and murder doesn't make it scary for me, it is just gross. I also do not understand why the rape scene in the hospital was there. I found that scene utterly disturbing, it made me sick, and I don't see what it had to do with the movie. It was gross and uncalled for. Actually having the viewer glad that Michael killed the rapists is just stupid, because he is meant to be the cold-hearted villain in the movie, not everyone else. I also think this movie dragged on for too long. There were too many murders that were unnecessary, and in the end I was just hoping he'd catch Laurie so the movie would end. The chase scene went for way too long, and the character of Laurie was annoying and irritating and her friends were really over the top, i wanted them to get butchered. Having said all this, however, the movie did scare the bejeezus outta me, I found the actor playing child Michael to be extremely talented, and extremely scary and disturbing. The adult Michael was just too big - way over the top. Also the sex scenes = murder happened way too much. This film did it's job in scaring and disturbing me, so I suppose for a not-so-obsessive Halloween fan it is worth a watch. But overall, I'd say this film deals a little too much with the poor-Michael concept, and the victims are faceless nobodies the viewer doesn't care about.