falkar Reviews

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007)

Flawed, sure, but a great ride

[8/10 · 28 May 2007]

I was pleasantly surprised by the sheer quality of "Curse of the Black Pearl" Pirates made sexy again? Johnny Depp finally getting some recognition from the Academy? Blockbusters made fun? It was like a childhood dream brought to life. Like many, I anticipated the sequel. That film, 'Dead Man's Chest', was to me a crushing disappointment, like a similar Part 2 in an epic franchise, the Matrix Reloaded. I didn't hate Pirates 2, but a lot of things were wrong with it, and it seemed to lack the light tone of the original and the overall sense of fun. Despite this, I resolved to see 'At World's End' - and I'm glad I did. Certainly, there are problems with the film, such as: 1) The subplot with Tia Dalma, which is forced and ill thought out. 2) There are too many double and triple crosses, and while they are fun at first, they quickly become monotonous and serve the further complicate an already intricate film. 3) The film is too long 4) Poor treatment of secondary characters .The Kraken is written out, for no reason I could determine, Davy Jones becomes a crony, an insult to a great character and very little screen time for Johnathan Pryce or Jack Davenport. 5) The post credits coda, made meaningless by removing dialogue which explains it was a happy ending. 6) The opening scene, which seems nothing more than a swipe at the politics of the US. While this seems like a long list of complaints, there are many elements which easily make this film excellent - Depp's superb performance (or performances, if you will), Geoffrey Rush, chewing the scenery with even more aplomb than in 'Curse', the magnificent effects work, especially in the final battle and Davy Jones's crew, as well as the man himself, who seems even more real than he did in 'Chest'. Almost certainly, Pirates 3 will win the VFX Oscar next year. I also praise the make up crew, for making so many actors with Hollywood good looks seem diseased and weather beaten. Extra points for the scar tissue and fingernails on Sao Feng, played by Chow Yun Fat. As usual with 3rd films, there are rumours this is the end of the Pirates saga. However, the filmmakers had the smarts to set up the film in a way so that 'At World's End' functions as a satisfying potential end to the saga, as well as providing the opportunity for more adventures with the characters we have come to admire and love with this film series.

Final Score - 8/10

The Number 23 (2007)

Watchable, not Wonderful

[6/10 · 24 February 2007]

There has been a great deal of critical scorn directed at 'The Number 23', which almost made me rethink my decision to see it, despite finding the concept very enticing, being impressed by the promotional materials, and generally liking Joel Schumacher as a director (yes, Batman and Robin was awful, but he's directing some very good films like The Client, Phone Booth and The Lost Boys) And after seeing the finished product, I find myself asking why the knives are out for the film. Now, I'm not saying this is a brilliant film, because it isn't. It's rather easy to guess the plot twists, the script does tend to patronise the viewer and the final segment of the film casually abandons the central premise in favour of a more generic 'mystery' storyline. But I found quite a few things to like about the movie, such as strong performances from Jim Carrey and Virginia Madsen, very stylish direction and (for most of the movie)a genuine undercurrent of tension as the events unfold. It's not going to be remembered as a highlight on the careers of anyone involved, but if you enjoyed conspiracy theory novels such as The Da Vinci Code or shows like the X-Files, you are more likely to see past the critics and enjoy this film.

Final Score 6 (which is 2x3)/10

A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004)

Anti 'Potter' Magic

[6/10 · 20 December 2004]

POSSIBLE Spoilers WITHIN:

I have never been one for Harry Potter, always finding it very timid and not too exciting. The Lemony Snicket books have been favourites of mine since their publication and I was overjoyed when I learnt they were making a movie based on them and it would be released in the season once dominated by the Boy Wizard. 'Snicket' is a tough film to get into, as it seems to be the antithesis to the sugary, lighthearted early Potter films (more characters die in this movie, the first in a proposed series, than in the first 3 Potters)-this may be a turn off to younger children. But older kids and adults should find it a breath of fresh air that something like this has been made, and made so well. The production design and costuming are stunning, as are the performances of both the child actors are spot-on and you really feel for them. (the twins and Man on Fire's Dakota Fanning have convinced me that not all movie kids are annoying and really dumb) Good use is made of Carrey, playing a villain who is a very vain and bad actor (possibly taking a dig at his critics) Jim is obviously enjoying himself and chews up the scenery with aplomb. However, judging from the reviews and early box office, Snicket is a shock to the system and many people don't seem to understand it. If you pardon the pun, perhaps 'Lemony' is a bitter pill? My rating-9/10

Blade: Trinity (2004)

Ending on a 'meh'

[15 December 2004]

I was a big fan of the original 'Blade' movie-I was impressed at how a fairly obscure Marvel character could be given such a great adaptation.

Like so many, I looked forward to Blade II. I was disappointed by it-too many plot illogics, bad scripting and dodgy effects. But I can watch it with friends and enjoy for what it is. According to many sources 'Blade: Trinity' will be the last film in the series, and that is a shame. Not because it's a return to form and a great film, but because it ends not on a bang, or a whimper but a figurative shrug. The movie almost completely sidelines Blade in favour of the 'Nightstalkers', as it is hoped they will get a spin off series. While the story is strong, many of the villains are unmemorbale and the actor who plays Drake/Dracula is possibly the worst actor I have ever seen. The fight scenes, while visually impressive, look rehearsed and are badly edited. However, there are highlights which make up for the films deficiencies. The most obvious one is the performance of Ryan Reynolds. His continual wisecracks and smart comments never grate and make the prospect of a spin off somewhat desirable. But with very little Blade, bad acting and very little sense of finality for the character, 'Trinity' is oddly unsatisfying. Final Score-5.5/10

No Escape (1994)

Underrated Prison Action

[15 December 2004]

On the surface, 'No Escape' is just another generic action movie set in a prison environment. An island prison from which escape is impossible? An Alcatraz by any other name... Plus the 'two faction-one nice, one evil' has overtones of Lord of the Flies. While both of the above comments are applicable, the film rises above itself. With good performances from powerful actors such as Ray Liotta and Stuart Wilson, along with a sharp script, 'No Escape' is a hidden gem, and well worth seeking out. Final Score: 7.5/10

Hulk (2003)

A Noble Failure

[6/10 · 5 June 2004]

It's sad to see so many people lay into "Hulk", saying it's dull, confusing and has far too little Hulk in it. While I didn't exactly love the film, I would like to speak in it's defense here. I believe that the relative failure of "Hulk" was down to the fact he isn't as iconic or popular a character as Spider-Man, Batman or the X-Men. Also, it is hard to relate to CGI characters and at times I'm sure the audience felt alienated from him. Now, I'll agree that Hulk had to be CG but ILM's effort didn't seem that convincing, especially when compared to the dinos in Jurassic Park or Gollum. Also, the marketing campaign was terrible-all the kiddy tie in merchandise and the Hulk filled clips, making it look like any regular summer movie. So when people sat down and saw it was a physcho dramatic movie about hidden potential and inner demons, I'm sure they shifted uncomfortably. In the age of dumbing down, Hulk seems lost. People seem to complain that the film was "dumbing up". I also want to point out the common complaint that Hulk doesn't appear until 40 minutes in. Well, compared to the 58 minutes of "Superman" or the 47 minutes of "Spider-Man" this is quite speedy (although the fugure on Spidey doesn't include the bit when he is in sweats.) The actual film is indeed flawed, but there is a lot to like-strong performances all round (especially from Bana and Nolte, who "tantrum" moment is a highlight.), the effects for the most part are stunning and it continues the tradition of serious, edgy comic movies. Sadly, this movies disappointing performance may make Hollywood nervous about making a sequel or making comic movies serious, meaning that we may go back to more "Batman and Robin" level A-Grade trash.

Score-7/10

The Day After Tomorrow (2004)

Surprisingly Solid

[8/10 · 31 May 2004]

WARNING-SPOILERS AHEAD

I wasn't expecting much from "The Day After Tomorrow"-a big budget disaster film from the guy who gave us "Godzilla"? Yeah, where do I queue...?

But I was very pleasantly surprised. The effects served the story, rather than the reverse and there were a wide variety of strong performances, especially from Jake Gyllenhal and Dennis Quaid.

Despite it being a big summer action movie, it had a very human heart and wasn't overly "America rules", like Emmerich's previous works. I was very fond of some the overwhelming bleakness, such as the science post in Scotland, the fate of the President and the fact that many people are killed and there is no "happy ending". This added more humanity and a touch of realism.

My only real complaint was the ending was quite rushed and some of the science was questionable. But these are minor issues in the face of all the film's strengths.

I give this movie 8/10

Batman Forever (1995)

Underrated, but not good

[7/10 · 7 April 2004]

I saw this movie recently after buying the DVD collection, and it's nowhere near as bad as people say, but nowhere near as good as it could have been. The drastic change in style between "Batman Returns" and this film is indeed jarring, the plot does have some several large holes and the set design is atrocious.

However, Kilmer is impressive, having the charm and intelligence to play Bruce Wayne, alongside the imposing build and "growl" to be Batman. Jim Carrey more or less plays himself, and while towards the end his performance grates, I did enjoy seeing him take his energetic acting to the character of the Riddler. Chris O'Donnell and Nicole Kidman are given little to do, although I suspect a lot of their scenes were cut from the film. (What happened to the thing about the diary, guys?) Sadly, the extensive amount of screen time given to Carrey puts Two-Face (my favorite Batman villain) and Tommy Lee Jones (a superb actor) firmly in the shade.

"Forever" is a flawed film, but certainly not a bad one. Hopefully we will see an SE DVD one day, fixing many of the plot holes.

Final Score: 6.5/10