absolutely-fabulous47 Reviews

Stoker (2013)

Pleasantly surprised

[8/10 · 30 January 2014]

Poetic, poignant and beautifully crafted. A film with definitely deviates away from typical Hollywood conventions. I am unfamiliar with the director and his previous work, however am familiar with the writer, Wentworth Miller. And despite this film being the pioneer to his screen writing career, he did an outstanding job, and commend his efforts. I was particularly enraptured by the two protagonists - India Stoker and Uncle Charlie. The young girl is very disconnected from people (besides her deceased father) but finds her 'new' Uncle highly intriguing where feelings and emotions mutual. With little dialogue, the film relies heavily on extreme close ups, acute sound effects and character response.

Thanks for Sharing (2012)

Exploring taboo

[8/10 · 12 November 2013]

I took my friend along who happens to be Christian. I forewarned her of the film's nature but told her it wasn't merely a derogatory exploitation of hard core sexual intimacy, but tapping into an emotional and sometimes sensitive subject. It was beautifully shot, excellent soundtrack and well built character development that allowed you to easily become responsive towards the character's actions and feelings. Occasionally I felt the script to be a little sloppy but it definitely did not taint my overall feelings for the film. Furthermore, Pink played out her character with depth and depiction of female nymphomania. I genuinely experienced satisfaction for her when she choose to remain simply close friends with Neil (Josh Gad). Considering this was only Pink's second film role, I commend her efforts.

The Purge (I) (2013)

Mediocre but enjoyable nonetheless

[6/10 · 27 October 2013]

With an unusually short screening time, The Purge fulfills its objective. Despite the substantial amount of cliché's and recycled conventions typical to that of horror, the film sparks attention due to the originality of its premise. I suppose the producers could have delved further into character and plot development, but the film achieves what it set out to do. Yet it made me wonder what my country would be like if the government sanctioned one day a year merely for bloodshed. It's not entirely a memorable film , alas I will recommend it to other film enthusiasts. With a sequel already in the pipeline, I look forward to the directors delivery

The Grey (2011)

A lazy conclusion

[4/10 · 8 October 2013]

I was, to a degree enjoying this film until the final 3 seconds. I always enjoy a film that doesn't leave too many unanswered questions, not too ambiguous and leaves me feeling a sense of satisfaction. So therefore, I was recommended the wrong film.

It was a good allegory of nature versus wild and definitely based on true events. The whole discourse of 'narrative vs spectacle' can be brought to light here. The dialog was completely inaudible so I managed to follow the story without it, leaving my surround sound system to function.

I enjoy Liam Neeson, but overall I preferred the 'Taken' films.

Identity Thief (2013)

Another recycled convention

[4/10 · 12 April 2013]

Of course if you are entering this film and willing to watch it purely at face value then you will no doubt enjoy it, however, I did not. I always enjoy watching Jason Bateman but his films are always based on a similar plot line as all the rest and he is a very one dimensional actor. The film's concept is a very good one and does obviously mirror reality in a number of ways with one too many people like Diana's (Melissa McCarthy's) character taking advantage of people in such a sinister manner for their own ends. Nevertheless, the film is extremely far fetched and about three quarters through, begins to drag to the point of restlessness. One more point to make - I can't believe Cher Lloyd's song 'Swagger Jagger' features in the soundtrack!!

Mr. Brooks (2007)

Not such a compelling title for a film

[7/10 · 5 February 2013]

I was blind going into this film. I had no idea what the premise was about leaving my expectation of the feature unknown to me. Quite frankly, the sole purpose for selecting this film from the range before me was because Kevin Costner starred as the film's protagonist. During the first opening moments I grew hesitant and wasn't overly excited about the notion of enduring 2 or so hours of this film, but alas, I always finish a film. After the brutal murder performed by Brooks, the film took off and was gripping from then until the very last scene. I have to mention that the concluding scene when his daughter stabs Brooks to death with large blunt scissors turning out to be only a nightmare, sort of in a morbid sense of my own mentality caused me a short moment of disappointment. In my honest opinion, if this ending was indeed a reality and not his bizarre imagination, it may of left more of an impact on me, and perhaps a great lead into a sequel?? The other minor let down I found with this film was its title. 'Mr Brooks' isn't exactly an eye catching title by anyone's standards and people may simply bypass it because of this and miss out on what this suspenseful thriller has to offer its audience.

Taken 2 (2012)

Worthwhile

[7/10 · 14 October 2012]

The outset of the release of this movie has received a lot of hype and sold out session times at the cinema. When I queued to purchase my ticket the line was a mile long and the session time I intended to see was sold out, so I purchased ahead for the next screening an hour later. Firstly, in a nutshell I enjoyed this movie and will encourage others to do the same. Liam Neeson is brilliant as always with his low husky voice perfecting his role without a glitch. Of course the film does not compare to its predecessor but when does a sequel ever do? I thought the city of Istanbul was negatively portrayed and horrible represented, people have told me that the city is beautiful but after seeing the film I would of thought so otherwise. Neeson's escape with the aid of his heroine daughter was a little far fetched. A getaway is never that simple I would of thought. The antagonists were dim-witted idiots and had no idea how to fight and use guns. But above all the cinematography and special effects were excellently fulfilled, but I think the 'Taken' sequel has run its course, a third film would completely exhaust it, in my opinion.

Rock of Ages (2012)

Good value entertainment

[7/10 · 17 July 2012]

A full two hour feature that constantly retained my attention throughout. Although music born before my time, each number was memorable and well known to me. The iconic actors in this film played unconventional roles that was both refreshing and highly entertaining, Tom Cruise especially. He did a fantastic performance that won't be forgotten in a hurry. I particularly found interesting the homo-social bonding between Baldwin and Brand that gradually developed into something much more significant that illustrated this obvious sexual energy through a catchy number. However, the relationship between Boley and Christian seemed very 'High School Musicalish' to me which subtly bothered me but in no way overshadowed their overall spectacular performance. Also, the film adopted many similar conventions and aesthetics of Burlesque but played out in a less pretty and more rougher context and style - of course it is rock in roll after all!

She's Out of My League (2010)

Terrible

[3/10 · 11 July 2012]

I am astonished that this movie was given the rating it was. This film was an uttermost waste of two hours I could of spent otherwise more productively. It was not funny, certain scenes intended for humorous purposes came across as just awkward and unnecessary. The second protagonist who was supposed to be portrayed and possess a hot super model like quality, instead reminded me of the stereotype of a 'young innocent girl next door' who is just conventionally pretty. To elaborate further from my previous point, the majority of the scenes were extremely far-fetched and totally unrealistic. The main protagonists's ex girl friend is just down right annoying creating an overall further peppered of hatred towards this awful awful film.

Our Idiot Brother (2011)

Disappointing

[4/10 · 3 July 2012]

I was expecting a laugh-out-loud comedy but it was ultimately anything but this. I lost interest relatively quickly. There are a number of different sub plots that feature throughout the film that I found uninteresting and frankly a little strange in parts. Despite a few well known actors/actresses that feature in the film, they were mundane which I found hard to engage with and relate to. I had higher expectations for actor Paul Rudd as I usually enjoy his performances. In the end I didn't even finish the film. The only character I really enjoyed watching was the protagonists pet dog and their reconciliation towards the end.

Part of Me (2012)

Viewer satisfaction

[7/10 · 2 July 2012]

I went to this film last night with my friend who is a massive Katy Perry fan. As expected, we were practically the oldest patrons in the cinema, so the younger demographic surrounding us were of much entertainment as was the film.

My friend and I both went to her concert last year so it was a good insight into the 'behind the scenes' of the many hours of hard labor that went into this fantastic two hour show. I was sort of hoping for a bit more info into her personal life but I suppose there is only so much content that can be shown in a 90 minute segment.

Overall I enjoyed Perry's documentary and her sheer dedication she commits to her ever prospering career. She, as a person, is absolutely stunning and always a pleasure to watch!