Change Your Image
weasel23
Reviews
Bubba Ho-Tep (2002)
A hidden gem
Firstly, let me say this is not the laugh riot that some reviewers have indicated. However, it is a much better film for that reason. Campbell's Elvis is a measured and quality portrayal of a great man (or at least some who believes they were a great man) nearing the end of his life in obscurity, cut off from family and with nothing left to be said. Ossie Davis brings a weight to the JFK role that few other actors could have managed. Why didn't this film see better distribution? One can only assume the major studios and distributors are afraid of a quality independant product like this.
X2 (2003)
Serious improvement
While the first X-Men film lacked pace and action, X-2 kicks it off with a stunning set piece as comic fan's favourite Nightcrawler attacks the white house. More set pieces follow as the story unwinds, and treats abound for sharp eyed comics fans as other X-men characters make cameo appearances, leading up to a climax that'll have the fanboys screaming for the third movie. In all, an excellent action movie, but sure to be sadly overlooked with the first Matrix sequel due soon. What doesn't work? Well, Wolverine's self-obsessed agenda (in the comics he's usually much more practical). Professor X's psychic interventions (in the comics he gave up large displays of his power as unethical - here they serve a plot point). In addition, the large number of characters and the storyline conspire to sell short one of comic book's most complex relationships - Cyclops and Jean Grey. Here James Marsden is cruelly underused, but maybe that'll be corrected in X-3 when his role should become pivotal. Summary - if you liked X-Men, you'll love X-Men 2. If you were disappointed by the first one, check out the second one anyway.
Johnny English (2003)
Only mildly amusing but worth a look
Rowan Atkinson performs to expectation in this comic homage to the world of James Bond, as the hapless / unlucky titular hero, plucked from obscurity to take the 007 role and save the world. By turns arrogantly officious and painfully embarrassed, English muddles through with help from sidekick Bough (an excellent turn from Ben Miller) and love interest Campbell (Natalie Imbruglia making the best of a shallow role). While some complain that most of the gags are highly predictable, the comedy is really centered on Atkinson's reaction to the situation everyone but him could see was coming. Malkovich coasts through his role as Pascal Sauvage, which might have suited someone with a real accent better (Vincent Cassel, perhaps. Maybe next time).
In all, while it has it's flaws, Johnny English has enough character to encourage a sequel, as long as the producers don't attempt to 'reset' the character to trot out a cheap rehash.
Failing that, I'd encourage a spin-off franchise for Bough.
Backflash (2001)
Counterpoint
Warning; The plot of this movie is so thin, some of this might be considered spoilers.
Backflash is not a brilliant film. Yes, Jennifer Esposito is attractive and surely destined for great things, and Melissa Joan Hart makes the most of her small role, but in general the film falls flat. The majority of the roles are lifeless with little chance to build character beyond stereotypes. Robert Patrick's sudden shift in demeanour half way through is jarring, and never explained even with the final revelations. The twisty plot just does not gel, mainly because it's full of holes. Why did they need a patsy? Why was RP SO mild mannered before the crack on the head? Why didn't that annoying song wake him up, but the alarm clock did? In general, this was the kind of film you normally find spiced up with sex and violence to cover the holes. A pity they didn't consider that here.
Backflash (2001)
Counterpoint
Warning; The plot of this movie is so thin, some of this might be considered spoilers.
Backflash is not a brilliant film. Yes, Jennifer Esposito is attractive and surely destined for great things, and Melissa Joan Hart makes the most of her small role, but in general the film falls flat. The majority of the roles are lifeless with little chance to build character beyond stereotypes. Robert Patrick's sudden shift in demeanour half way through is jarring, and never explained even with the final revelations. The twisty plot just does not gel, mainly because it's full of holes. Why did they need a patsy? Why was RP SO mild mannered before the crack on the head? Why didn't that annoying song wake him up, but the alarm clock did? In general, this was the kind of film you normally find spiced up with sex and violence to cover the holes. A pity they didn't consider that here.