PennyLANE77 Reviews

Inception (2010)

Not living up to the hype...

[7/10 · 14 August 2010]

I went into the cinema to see this film with sky high expectations given the domestic and international reviews of it. Phrases like "modern classic" and "landmark film" made me think that I was in for something truly special in terms of film history along the lines of Citizen Kane and The Godfather.

Turns out I wasn't, well not all the way anyway. I won't bother with the whole plot line, since it's very sprawling and complicated, but suffice it to say that my main disappointment with the film stems from the fact that the thematics of the story simply are too limited and ordinary compared to the potential impact of the film's gimmick: the fact that you can enter somebody's dream to steal information or plant ideas.

The plot revolves mainly around industrial espionage, a theme which simply does nothing for me emotionally. Who cares if one industrial tycoon wants to stop another? The dream concept of the film is truly magical and innovative and is a very compelling feature of the film itself. But why in heaven's name marry it to something as pointless as industrial espionage? What happened to something like the fight for world domination? It would have given the film infinitely more punch if the plot had centered around some political intrigue in stead. Especially given the unstable nature of the world today with wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, huge climate issues, and so forth.

The subplot involving Leonardo DiCaprio and Marion Cotillard's characters to me comes off very flat, their on screen chemistry not being very strong. This is a shame, for the premise of the subplot has great emotional potential.

All in all, somewhat of a disappointment, despite the wallop one inevitably receives from the film's take on the concept of entering someone else's dreams.

Ladyhawke (1985)

romance that takes you by the scruff of the neck

[9/10 · 10 June 2005]

How can I start praising this wonderful, incredibly romantic film? Many males probably label this a chick movie. But it is for anyone with a weakness for believable, touching movie romance.

Hauer and Pfeiffer are nothing less than a match made in heaven. They suit each other like sticks and sushi, Shafer and Letterman, you name it. They both take real, down to earth, understated approaches to their roles and in my opinion, it just comes off as one of the most emotionally charged pairings in motion picture history. And as an added perk, the boys can ogle Michelle and us girls can take a gander at Rutger.

The storyline is gripping, dramaturgically even and not too fanciful. The costumes are a matter of taste, but personally I like them. One of the film's tour de forces is also the magnificent, masterful editing.

The only things preventing this film from getting the full 10 are the dodgy music (which does work in places) and Brodericks performance, which comes of as offbeat and cute at first but starts to get a little bit under your skin towards the end.

Ivanhoe (1982 TV Movie)

Beats the 1952 version by several leagues

[8/10 · 8 June 2005]

If you have the chance, catch this splendid Ivanhoe remake on the tube or on VHS (it is a crying shame that this doesn't come on DVD, Amazon). It punches several well deserved holes in the tedious, pompous and dire 1952 version with the two Taylors, each performing worse than the other. Come on, Robert Taylor as Ivanhoe?? The 1952 film is clearly a case of a movie being made at the wrong time in Hollywood history.

Anyone questioning the acting capabilities of Anthony Andrews clearly hasn't seen Brideshead Revisited. He is a great, believable, and may I add, gorgeous Ivanhoe.

The film boasts a great, thought provoking script (which granted does take some liberties with the source material although much of the lovely dialog from Scott's book has found its way into the film), great performances (especialy by Neill, Mason and Hussey and the incomparable George Innes as Wamba) as well as beautiful production values and photography.

And, as an added bonus, it is a virtual babe fest (Wilson, Neill and Andrews are all at their physical prime here)!

The Prince and Me (2004)

I can't believe this is for real!

[1/10 · 29 April 2004]

Well, how am I to start tearing this movie apart (like it has been by all the film critics in this country)? This movie about a Danish prince Edward (NEVER a royal name in this country!) who falls in love with an American college student not only plays like it was made in some sort of parallel universe (take for instance the scene where the young lady interrupts Edward on a parade through the streets of Copenhagen. NO royal person from this country would EVER do what he does in that scene!!). I would call it a dangerous movie.

Dangerous because it feeds such an unrealistic portrait of this country to the American public. It promotes misunderstanding and division between Europeans and Americans. I shudder with the thought of some American coming to this country, expecting a society like the one depicted in "The Prince and Me". That American would be the subject of serious ridicule.

In short, stay very far away from it! If you want to know more about Denmark, go to the library, get your hands on a Dreyer or a Danish Bille August movie or better yet, go visit the country yourself!

The West Wing (1999–2006)

Refreshing America

[23 August 2003]

The West Wing has got so many Emmies that they must be able to build a tower of Emmies in the producer's office by now! The Americans love the show! But guess what! If you're not American and a fan of political subject matter in TV and films, you'll love it too! Because it paints a fair and critical picture of the American society and it's place in the world. The show salutes certain aspects of American life while not being afraid to criticize others.

That's why it also appeals to me as a European who is fascinated by American politics and who likes to watch fictional dramatizations on the subject, without being treated to a full-blown "yes sir Mr. President sir" helping of uncritical praise of American society.

Also the actors are fantastic! Especially Martin Sheen, and the now departed Rob Lowe (whom you can still catch in reruns of the show).

All the President's Men (1976)

brilliant scandal-story

[10/10 · 23 August 2003]

If you want to learn the amazing story of the unveiling of the Watergate scandal, then this is the movie of choice! The movie manages to balance thriller movie paranoia with a semi documentary feel, making the spectator feel that you're watching a Hollywood thriller, never forgetting that it's story is not a figment of some screenwriter's imagination. All the required elements to spell "immortal classic" are present: First rate acting, especially by Hoffmann and Robards, a script with first rate dramaturgical function and a gripping mood, sad, serious and tense, to reflect the enormous impact the scandal had on real-life American life. For fans of films that deal with political history, this is not to be missed! It's a 10!

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977)

stuff of dreams

[10/10 · 5 August 2003]

I don't think I can praise or salute this film any more or any higher than the countless fans who have visited this site and commented on this film before me. It's the stuff of dreams. Movie making and dramatic storytelling at its absolute best. No more, no less.

Is it a 10? It has to be, the scale doesn't go any higher!

Cutthroat Island (1995)

not fair

[6/10 · 4 August 2003]

This film was responsible for the bankruptcy of the company behind it, Carolco. Which is a shame, but the film is not as bad as it is rumoured to be. Far from it. It's above average oldfashioned entertainment.

The soundtrack alone is a standout. Sweeping and powerful, it serves the plotline well and it's a joy to listen to on its own. Although the characters aren't among the most complex and well defined in movie history, they work (with a couple of exceptions, among them Maury Chaykin as John Reed, whose acting just doesn't match the tone of the film). And then there's the beautifully reconstructed pirate ships, well choreographed action sequences and terrific special effects.

In short this is a film that has an unfair rep and it is really worth your time. A great warmup for Pirates of the Caribbean (which hasn't opened yet in this neck of the woods).

Geronimo: An American Legend (1993)

intelligence at drama's expense

[8/10 · 4 August 2003]

This film was part of the revival the western genre had in the beginning of the 90's in the wake of Dances With Wolves. Not all of the westerns from this period are worth seeing (Bad Girls is a good example of that) but there are gems among them. This film, Geronimo: An American Legend being one. It makes an intelligent comment regarding the frankly despicable treatment the Apaches, among other American Indian tribes, recieved at the hands of the American government. In this lies the films strength and the presentation of this theme is the focus of the film's plot. It plays like a historical thesis or argument. This being terrific for people who are looking to know exactly what happened to the Apaches.

However, people who search for great dramaturgical nerve in films should avoid this film. Because there is none. The plot faithfully depicts the historical progress of events and refuses to completely demonize the Whites (although they clearly are being portrayed as the expansionist aggressors)in order to build a protagonist-antagonist plot-structure. This makes the movie slow, and for non-buffs a tedious experience.

Finally, the film has a terrific soundtrack by Ry Cooder and a knock-out performance by Wes Studi as Geronimo!

Tootsie (1982)

genderbender deluxe

[10/10 · 4 August 2003]

Possibly the best gender comedy of all time! Everything in this baby clicks: A script that is both clever, endearing and realistic in its depiction of the emotional transformation within Michael Dorsey, incredible acting performances (with Dustin Hoffman, Terri Garr and unbilled Bill Murray as standouts) and a great soundtrack that adds volumes to the mood of the film.

This is a 10! Watch it!

Almost Famous (2000)

Not almost, but completely perfect

[10/10 · 23 June 2003]

Cameron Crowe sets out to recapture the times of his youth with this semi-biographical movie. The result is a perfect hit with script, actors, sets and soundtrack just reaching an out-of-this-world level. This is coming from someone who wasn't even alive in the 1970's but still has this weird feeling that Almost Famous is the closest anyone can come to reliving or experiencing it. Unlike other rock n' roll road movies like Spinal Tap, it's obvious that Crowe hasn't made a comedy. The film is to be taken dead seriously as a coming of age story and a sincere homage to the rock music of the day. The soundtrack alone makes the film worth seeing. It's a who's who of 70's rock that attaches itself to the heart of your inner musical catalog.

Cleopatra (1963)

Bad reputation

[7/10 · 20 June 2003]

Cleopatra has gotten a solid rep for being an overlong drab of a historical epic. True, its long, maybe too long. But that's weighed up by suberb acting performances, especially by Rex Harrison and Roddy McDowell. Also GCI wasn't even a weird figment in a scientist's head when this was made. With that in mind, it's hard not to be impressed by the visuals. They're better than the ones in Gladiator, which looked like Rome hit with a bucket of Blade Runner. After all, the visual splendor was one of the attractions of the genre in the 1950's and 60's. And here, it works!