greybitsdmg Reviews

American Sniper (2014)

A powerful tale (easily misunderstood maybe?)

[8/10 · 2 February 2015]

The evil people do is the same everywhere. Occasionally people want to do something about it. To try to stop it, or lessen it at least. Chris Kyle seemed to be one of those people.

He didn't like to kill people. It was a (job) he considered important in order to protect other people. And this isn't a story about the rights and wrongs of war. It's a story about Chris Kyle's role in a war.

Bradley Cooper was at times unrecognisable, (as was Sienna Miller). And all the better a film for it. Bradley Cooper was Chris Kyle. It was an outstanding performance.

There do seem to be flaws in the film; things in hindsight you might change, but what do I know. I'm only guessing. Some people (who were actually there) might say 'no flaws', 'that's how it was', 'that's how it went down'. To view the horror that unfolds on the silver screen is enough to know, accurate or not, that Chris Kyle was a brave man, and this film seems like a deserving testament to that.

Animal Kingdom (2010)

Very Good film

[7/10 · 15 August 2014]

Loved this film. Just didn't understand, if the cops were closely watching Baz (prior to murdering him), how they didn't see Pope (who they were said to really want above anyone) who was with him at the time. Also, It was too obvious J's girl going to the house after they'd split. It didn't need that as a tipping point for J, although it did set up the finale. Nit-picking I know, but it irked me. Otherwise a surprisingly intelligent, taught, and suspenseful thriller. Even though the characterisation was obvious, it worked to move the film along. I was glad it didn't fall into cliché with J looking up the the detective as a father figure. Acting was the stand-out feature. Excellent throughout the cast. Glad I found this gem.

Léon: The Professional (1994)

Unforgettable

[10/10 · 11 November 2009]

When I first watched this film at the cinema, I wasn't aware of IMDb. I've since watched it probably 4 or 5 times, and have recently bought the Directors Cut. Having used IMDb a lot recently, I checked out Leon. It was kind of heart warming, having a great deal of my memories of this movie from the previous 15 years being revisited upon me so eloquently whilst reading the comments.

It is a glorious film. One that I've not been able to forget for all the best reasons. I think you could probably choose any sub category art that forms a movie i.e., editing or cinematography, and you'd be hard pushed to find fault.

What makes this film Extra Special however, is the emotional 'ballet' taking place throughout the film.

My emotions were pretty much assaulted by a gang of joy/sadness/hate/fearful anticipation/love/empathy/shock/horror/hope.

It's one of those films.

I adored/respected/loved Leon (I still watch nearly every film with Jean Reno in).

I fell in love with Matilda. I've watched everyone of Natalie Portman's films since too.

I was already a fan of Gary Oldman. This film just added extra glue to that bond. He made a brilliant sociopath, in direct contrast to Leon's (anti-)sociopath.

I occasionally feel for a character (or two if it's a great romance), but it's very rare for me to be drawn into three so very different people's intimate lives so easily.

It's a shame there are too few films of this calibre.

The Time Traveler's Wife (2009)

An emotive story of love and heartbreak

[8/10 · 17 August 2009]

Synopsis: Time traveller (Eric Bana) and non time traveller (Rachel McAdams) fall in love. The film follows their relationship. Enough said on that.

I hadn't read the book prior to seeing this film, but I'm definitely going to read it now.

The film was a great love story. The characters of Henry and Clare were very believable, thanks to the two fine leads. (I've seen Rachel McAdams do better, but this was the best I've seen of Eric Bana). There was a great supporting cast too, although a little more screen time may have made them feel more part of the drama that was the relationship of Clare and Henry.

The film doesn't explain much of Sci-Fi behind his ability to 'jump', but I didn't feel the film lacked for this. It was a love story, and one of the very good ones. Some scenes were just a joy to be looking in on.

Smile. Laugh. Swallow a lot. Cry. See it. Enjoy it.

I'm going to read the book now for all the other details.

Moon (2009)

evocative

[8/10 · 10 August 2009]

Synopsis: mining station on the dark side of the moon. Lone astronaut/operative nearing end of 3 year contract overseeing the exploitation of the moon's surface for clean energy for Earth.

What a great surprise! I came to see this film because of Sam Rockwell, but feared another Polaris. How unfounded these fears were. Intelligent script, superb lead protagonist, and kudos to Kevin Spacey's 'Gerty'. Forget all the fancy CGI, monsters, explosions etc that you usually find with Sci-Fi. It Felt authentic, and that made it more personal.

Go to see this if you want to immerse yourself in a film. Not a switch your brain off movie in the slightest. It made me think, and feel. Great.

In Bruges (2008)

A highly enjoyable, multi-layered beauty of a film

[9/10 · 19 April 2008]

I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, but every expectation I had was exceeded. It worked on so many levels. There were times when I was still laughing about a scene, when something more serious or moving happened to stop me dead in my tracks, and vice versa. But this didn't make it feel bitty as with poor editing, but quite a roller-coaster due to a sublime knack for timing.

The dialogue was sharp, witty and at times poignant. Some of the conversations were just downright hilarious. Others so 'real', you knew you were listening to the work of a talented, perceptive writer.

The acting was first rate throughout. Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell were outstanding (CF's performance should have his critics eating their words), yet I think the standard of the smaller roles really helped to take this film beyond a vehicle for the leads. Special mention to the hotel owner 'Natalie' (Elizabeth Berrington).

The characterisation was spellbinding too. Just watch and see how subtly you're made to empathise with quite 'unsavoury' characters i.e., the skinhead 'puff' mugger, and how the leads, although so intellectually opposite, compliment each other and draw you in with their honesty, and even their morality.

Even beautiful, dull Bruges, as a setting, is perfect.

For me, it's one of those films that doesn't simply wash over you and rinse off. You absorb it, and are therefore touched by it.

Brilliant!

Son of Rambow (2007)

Wonderful fun down memory lane

[9/10 · 16 April 2008]

This is a touching, atmospheric drama set in 1983. It concerns the new friendship of two boys from different backgrounds, but with lots in common. I thought it was a vivid recollection of the times, and evoked a yearning to return there (nostalgia creeping in). I was of the age of the boys back in '83, and felt I could relate strongly to a lot of what went on. Almost everything, from the arrival of the French exchange students (and a hero for the young English boys), to being clipped round the ear by your teacher, felt memorably authentic. The acting was generally first rate. The lead actors were splendid. Perfect. The characterisation was spot on too. It didn't set out to bore, with 'bad boy turns good' etc. From the off you got a good idea who the boys were, and they stayed true to their characters throughout. Although the characters had to grow up for different reasons, it felt a quite natural maturity due to circumstance, not, for instance like the strangely TOO mature teenagers in Juno. The screenplay was witty, touching and real. The almost garbled eloquence of youth, screaming what they feel, not thinking how best to put it. Everyone should try this film. It's funny, heartwarming, and really reminded me how wonderful (and sometimes horrible) growing up was.

The Orphanage (2007)

powerful. scary. heartbreaking. heartwarming

[9/10 · 3 April 2008]

I won't include a synopsis. I will say this film was great. From a seemingly innocent start, the suspense built quite steadily, and I was often thinking "oh no, what's going to happen?" - and what did happen was quite refreshing, as it didn't tow the usual 'hollywood suspense/spook film' party line. The characterisation worked well. It was easy to become involved with the main players. Their situation/surrounding was very believable, and this was helped by the fine acting throughout, particularly Belen Rueda-'Laura', and Roger Princep-'Simon'. Special mention to Geraldine Chaplin for a fantastic (short) portrayal of a clairvoyant. That scene had me holding my breath. Although I sort of guessed what was coming towards the end, it didn't detract at all from the enjoyment. I was able to relax a little after all the tension, unlike my two companions - my girlfriend was hiding behind my shoulder, and our friend was hiding behind her hands most of the movie. Terrific.

Step Up 2: The Streets (2008)

better than expected

[7/10 · 27 March 2008]

I won't include a synopsis. I will say this film was worth the watch, although unless you're a dance fan, maybe wait for the DVD release. An easy film to view - not taxing on the grey matter at all, and I don't mean that as a criticism. It was great fun. At times, laugh out loud. I was surprised how good the acting was overall. The main players were (gorgeous!)and believable, if not a little cliché. The character 'Moose' deserves a special mention. Yes, it's cheesed up to the eyeballs in parts, and at times I wished they'd just cut to more dancing, but this was not enough to spoil the overall enjoyment. The film really comes into it's own with the awesome soundtrack and amazing dance routines. I don't normally watch films like this. I'm glad I did. Made me want to go out dancing.

Vantage Point (2008)

Maybe not for the impatient

[8/10 · 19 March 2008]

I won't include a synopsis. I will say I definitely enjoyed this fast paced action thriller. I had obviously heard about the filming from differing perspectives, and wondered how this would work. For me, it did. I enjoyed how the quick hypotheses I made from one perspective was either proved/disproved in the following scenes. It made me eager to view the other vantage points to complete this deftly created jigsaw. The action rose steadily as you learned more of the complete scenario, culminating in a frantic chase across the city.

Due to the film's nature, characterisation was relatively thin, but enough to become engaged with the players. The whole cast was strong, with particular mention to Forrest Whittaker and Sigourney Weaver. Dennis Quaid was great, although sometimes his character seemed almost cartoon super hero. I heard some members of the audience moan a little after the 4th or 5th 'rewind', but I'd say definitely go to see this film. Some people might just need a little more patience with it's construct.

In the Valley of Elah (2007)

So sad. So powerful. Superb

[10/10 · 4 February 2008]

I won't include a synopsis. What I will say is this film as a whole is unmissable. The story line is harrowing in it's understatement. Nothing is dwelled upon. you see or hear enough to make you think and react. No spoon feeding. The screen play is sharp, intelligent, witty, heart rendering and real. Specific moments include TLJ's bedtime story telling, or the conversation with his tearful wife. The acting is impeccable throughout the cast, especially Tommy Lee Jones (after watching this, 'No country for old men' just doesn't cut the mustard). Special mention to Susan Surandon also. Very limited screen time, but believable and absorbing. The characterisation is spell-binding. Watch how Jones' character's crisp old-guard 'stiff upper lip' gets eaten away. It's one of those very few films that I'm so glad to have seen it (and have been profoundly moved by it), but not happy for seeing it, if you get my gist.

I Am Legend (2007)

Why were the writers so lazy?

[5/10 · 19 January 2008]

3rd film adaptation of the book, with each adaptation getting further away from the book. Why fix what isn't broken? Why unnecessarily up-date plot lines which are still perfectly relevant? Why make the man (Neville) and the mutants more than they need to be? Having just read the book, and being a fan of the earlier adaptation 'The Omega Man', I can't (or more cynically, maybe I can) believe what a mess Hollywood can make of a wonderful story. The overuse of CGI actually detracts from the film. The 'dark searchers' are unbelievable. The humans have mutated themselves, gaining super powers, instead of contracting a virus meant to decay them into abysmal wretches, and eventually zombie vampires.

Parts that work - The touching bond between Neville and his dog Samantha, his only companion, and a gift from his late son. When the dog runs off, Will Smith's effort to find/save his dog, forgoing his own safety, brings home his desperate loneliness, and elicits real suspense.

Parts that could have worked - Will Smith's reduction into isolation/stress induced madness. Not enough time taken, or background given. His character flits from sane/intelligent to cuckoo/stupid almost willynilly. It's not Smith's fault, more lazy writing or editing. This for me is the most annoying problem with the film. It's as though not enough thought was given beyond making the special effects work. There are homages to the previous films, and the best bits are the real-life human touches/ sub-plots that made the previous films work so well. but these bits are just that - bits. It needed more care and attention to themes we can connect with, not cartoon creatures. All in all, a wasted chance to make something brilliant.