natirolese Reviews

Taking Lives (2004)

many inconsistencies

[6 October 2004]

I recently saw this movie and was annoyed by the inconsistencies. For one thing, if this is set in Montreal, why do they keep showing shots of Quebec City? Also, the male cops who are supposedly French-Canadian, were all clearly from France! How insulting is that?! There are plenty of very talented Quebecois actors who could have taken these roles.

Angelina Jolie was rather annoying as the "know-it-all" investigator with a body to die for. I didn't find her believable at all in this role. Ethan Hawke was pretty good but was the steamy sex scene really crucial to the movie? It's obvious it was only in there to showcase the lead actress's assets.

This film had potential but didn't make it as a very convincing thriller. I wouldn't recommend it!

The Barbarian Invasions (2003)

a gem

[6 October 2004]

I recently watched this film and was very impressed. The screenplay, acting and directing were all top-notch. It was at times funny, sad, tragic and thought-provoking. It touches on everything from drug-use, Canadian medicare, the child-father relationship and of course, past intimate relationships- not all they were cracked up to be! Denys Arcand is so very astute on all these fronts and wrote a fantastic screenplay for the wonderful cast of characters.

It has to be one of my all-time favourite DVD's of 2004.

I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to see a riveting, quality film made in Canada. It deserved the Oscar!