niamh-94 Reviews

The Lives of Others (2006)

Beauty in the darkest of circumstances, is the most beautiful of all.

[9/10 · 10 August 2011]

I can honestly say, this is one of the finest examples of European film. The story is so dark and heart-breaking. In the UK and Northern America, we miss out on so much fabulous cinema because it is not in English, because we are too lazy to read subtitles, or learn a foreign language, but this masterpiece, this work of art, does not disappoint.

It is not a film you enjoy. You will not call it your favourite, discuss it with your friends, or even watch it regularly. You will however be filled with the harrowing knowledge it gives to you. The awful state of affairs in GDR in the 1980s. It will rock your soul. Your very conscience. You will be gripped, unable to look away, and yet desperate to go back to the ignorance of our sheltered lives, after all, isn't it bliss?

The story follows the surveillance of a playwright and his girlfriend in 1985 in Eastern Germany, and how the Captain in charge of the operation becomes intoxicated by their lives, and as such, begins to cover up the very acts he is meant to report. It eventually ends with him preventing the playwright's arrest by hiding the evidence that would have him convicted. The evidence in question a type writer that wrote an article that uncovered the policy in Eastern Germany of no longer recording suicides. The information on where this typewriter was hidden came from the girlfriend of the playwright. She kills herself, overcome by guilt, only for the captain to have already removed the evidence. The ending of the film, several years later sees the Playwright review the files on the surveillance operation on him in a united Germany and he discovers the work of the Captain who had in many ways help conceal the evidence. He finds out who he is and tracks him down. He sees him but he does not approach him. We then see the Captain who is now a postman of some kind walk past a book shop with the playwright's photograph and novel in the window. He goes in and opens a copy to see that is devoted to him. His code name. He buys a copy and the cashier asks him if he'd like it gift- wrapped. He replies: "No, it's for me."

It is the most beautiful ending to a film I have ever seen.

Lymelife (2008)

Something Special

[8/10 · 6 August 2011]

I can honestly say, that this is a fantastic film, with some excellent performances by the main cast, in particular the Culkins, Baldwin,Hutton and Nixon. The story is a simple but beautifully written tale of love, divorce, war and hope in America at time of political and economic change. Admittedly, this was never going to be a box office hit, or the top of the list for nominations, but it is an honest, heart felt film and I think it is very under-rated, probably because isn't very well known. I saw it late one night I couldn't sleep and I was glad, for the first time in my life, that I hadn't been able to drift off, otherwise, I would have missed this gem.If you ever get the opportunity to watch the film do so. You won't regret it.

Sex and the City 2 (2010)

Not Great

[4/10 · 5 August 2011]

The first film was OK, easy watching for fans of the TV show. The sequel is even more lacking. The plot is poor at best as is script. Many aspects of the film simply make you wonder if the film makers remember the joy of the original TV show. Ladies, watch it once to follow the story in case there is a third one and it's brilliant, or watch it because it's easy watching and requires no brain power, but don't watch it and expect anything amazing. There is one truly agonising scene in the film by the pool in the hotel where I would suggest there is a certain level of racism involving Muslim women in veil. I was uncomfortable watching the scene, and I think it's a miracle it wasn't cut out.

Sex and the City (2008)

Depends Who You Are

[6/10 · 5 August 2011]

OK, first of all, it is difficult to rate this film for everyone. For fans of the show and women, it's going to get a solid 6. It's not as brilliant as the TV show, but it is amusing, easy to watch and quite entertaining. It was never going to win any Oscars, but the film makers know this and they don't take themselves too seriously, a good girls' night in film, you'll enjoy a giggle and a wee sob in some of the sadder scenes.

For men however, I think a 1 might be more appropriate. There is nothing in this film for men. But then again, they aren't the target audience and so it isn't surprising. If your girlfriend asks you to watch it, just do it to score the brownie points.

Pride & Prejudice (2005)

Charming

[9/10 · 2 August 2011]

I'm not a Jane Austin lover. It's simply not my style. However this film, this film changed that. It is simply brilliant. The acting superb, the setting glorious, the costumes elegant and the story transferred well to the screen.

Kiera Knightley is not my favourite actress by a long shot, but she is very good in this (apart from a stupid slip up in the last scene where she is far too giggly for my liking). But the real star of this film is Matthew McFadyen. Ladies, he will have you thinking about him as Darcy for weeks after you watch it. He is superb and that is no exaggeration. Simply divine.

Unlawful Entry (1992)

Worth a Watch

[7/10 · 2 August 2011]

I saw this film by chance when it was on TV late one night I couldn't sleep. The film centres around a couple who have their home broken into and the policeman who responds to the scene and how he becomes obsessed with their lives.

In all honesty, I didn't have high hopes for it, but in actual fact, it was hugely entertaining. It was never going to be an Oscar winner, but it was clever, original and the acting was good too. The film has a nice pace to it and the story flows reasonably well in that the film is neither too long nor too short. I perhaps wouldn't call it a classic but it is certainly a good film, and a little known and under-appreciated one at that. Kurt Russel, as usual does a good turn and the best part of the film is that you truly connect with how Russel's character feels. It's the sort of film that'll have you on edge and almost screaming at the TV. Watch and enjoy!

The Dark Knight (2008)

The film I hoped it would be and more

[10/10 · 2 August 2011]

I'll never forget the sense of underwhelming pleasure I got from watching Batman Begins. I had been hoping for something more clever, more original. Then The Dark Knight hit cinemas and I went, breath held, praying it would be what I wanted so desperately from the undoubted genius that is Christopher Nolan.

The lights go out and the film begins and from the first ten seconds, it is safe to say you know the film is going to be something special. Exceptional performances across the board from exceptional actors.

The untimely death of Heath Ledger as sad as it was, in many ways gave him the exposure he deserved. He was hauntingly brilliant as the Joker. His performance is one that will stick in your mind forever. He has you forgetting that you're watching a film and his complete submersion in his character is spell-binding.

As for the story, it's clever, exciting and all-consuming. The whole way through you are glued to the screen. The main casting change of Katie Holmes being replaced by Maggie Gyllenhaal was an absolute Godsend. She is believable and yet not over powering. Perfect in her unclassic beauty and elegance. A true asset to the film.

To put it simply - watch this film. You will not regret it.

Batman Begins (2005)

Somewhat Disappointing.

[6/10 · 2 August 2011]

It was good. Good, but not great. I was expecting more from Nolan. The acting is pretty special by the majority of the main cast, but Katie Holmes, she kills it. She is unbelievable, over present and not that good an actress. Had this film been directed by some new kid on the block, I would have perhaps liked it more, but the expectation attached to it when I knew Nolan was directing it infuriates me. I expected better from the man. I think he is supremely talented, but I do not think this film shows him at his best.

All in all, worth watching in preparation to watch the gem that is The Dark Knight, but other than that,I don't watch it. In short, as a pre Dark Knight warm up, enjoyable. As a stand-alone film, forgettable.

The Godfather (1972)

The Word Classic May Be a Cliché....

[10/10 · 1 August 2011]

There can be no mistake. When you watch The Godfather, you know you are watching something special. The acting is superb. The story all consuming. You wonder, will you ever be able to watch another film without using The Godfather as a bench-mark. You won't be able to help yourself.

I hadn't seen the trilogy until recently. I have now watched it twice in the space of a month. The whole film is gripping. I hated characters, loved others, and felt the very conflict the whole film was about. You wonder what you would do. You search your soul. No one should die without seeing this film.

What Just Happened (2008)

So close, yet so far.

[6/10 · 1 August 2011]

I really felt like the film was attempting to make an impact, attempting to make a point. Sadly however, it was only an attempt, and a fruitless one at that. Reading the cast list, you'd have thought it would be a gem, and as much as I think De Niro was good, he wasn't at his best.

I think, ironically, the main failing in this film was that the producers and director didn't have the guts to make it work. The weren't bold enough, honest enough or original enough to get it to where it needed to be.

Perhaps there was an element of high expectation when I sat down to watch it one rainy afternoon, and thus maybe that is why I have been left yearning for something more from it, but yet again, I see Stanley Tucci, a fine actor, a real talent, and an under appreciated one at that, in a mediocre film.

Juno (2007)

A Gem

[8/10 · 1 August 2011]

I personally watched this film for the first time on a long-haul flight. I enjoyed it immensely and then began to wonder, had it simply been so good because I was so bored and miserable on my lonely nine hour flight, or had it really been the charming and quirky film I thought it was?

A month or so later, I bought the DVD for a few pounds and watched again. I was right, it was still as funny, heart-warming and strangely gripping as it had been on that flight. Ellen Page is superb. I had started out not liking in her in the main role, but within about 7 or 8 minutes she has you on board. The other actors are well, excellent, in a rather understated way, which does make you like them even more.

The film is simply a gentle, fun film that will win your heart. It doesn't feel overly clever, or complicated. It just tells a story. A good, old fashioned story. No special effects or political agenda.

The only slight complaint is the casting of Jennifer Garner. She was the wrong choice by a clear mile. She does her best, but she adds very little. Someone perhaps more flexible in their acting would have been better.

The Lovely Bones (2009)

Tragic Waste

[5/10 · 1 August 2011]

I won't spoil the story, but for those of you who have read the book, the film will come as somewhat of a disappointment. The acting, by all accounts is wonderful. Stanley Tucci is marvellous,Susan Sarandon as usual is superb, as is the young actress in the main role as Susie, however somewhere between telling the story and visually presenting the story, the magic was lost. I do think the film is worth a watch perhaps once for the outstanding performances, but I don't think it's a classic. The film is in many ways a feast for the eyes, with the special effects done well and the clear 1970's vibe being authentically presented in a subtle manor, however, there is just something wholly unsatisfying about the production which I can't put my finger on.