Topic: November Alphabet Marathon - Discussion/Review Thread

[Najemikon]

Blimey, a smiling face at last! You don't seem to have had much success in this marathon, Rich.

[richierich]

Blimey, a smiling face at last! You don't seem to have had much success in this marathon, Rich.

I'm a harsh critic Jon, but consistently so, therefore I score very few  or  , but if I like a film it starts at 
It's gotta make me think about it for a few days to become a great film in my book

[richierich]

23/11

Queen of the damned




A deep, dark, stylistic adaptation of the book by Anne Rice from her hugely popular series of vampire novels, THE QUEEN OF THE DAMNED is like a Nine Inch Nails rock video. Undernourished goth club kids are the focus of the film and they all look great with piercings, net t-shirts, tattoos, dyed hair, and dour facial expressions. The film follows the celebrity rock star Vampire Lestat (Stuart Townsend), who has emerged from 200 years of solitude to show his face--and his vampire powers--to the world. He has assembled a goth band, makes regular media appearances, and has enchanted the world with his otherworldly mystique. In addition, he has planned one of the most controversial publicity stunts of all eternity: he is holding a one-night rock concert in California's Death Valley, inviting all vampires young and old (along with his extensive fan-base of mortals) to join him. As a side bar to this activity, the mortal Jesse, a young woman who works for the Talamasca society studying paranormal occurrences, has found a secret portal to the vampire world: a London pub where vamps hang out. There she meets Lestat and is instantly smitten with him, insisting on travelling to Death Valley to see his concert. Also en route to the show is the sleek and sexy Egyptian mother of all vampires Queen Akasha (Aaliyah), who has recently arisen from a 2,000-year nap in order to unleash hell on earth. From a distance, a wise band of vampires watch telepathically as Akasha, Lestat, and Jesse converge in Death Valley. But what nobody knows is that the headstrong Lestat, who is the most impulsive and irresponsible of immortal beings but practically a god in the eyes of mortals, is the only one who can defeat Akasha and save the world.


Back to the plainly ordinary again unfortunately, despite some great effects, with a heavy metal score which was dreadful and totally drowned certain scenes, this was a real non-hitter as either a horror or fantasy film. If you are a fan of Anne Rice's books avoid this film like garlic. Aaliyah may be missed in the pop world, but on this effort not as an actress. 

[richierich]

24/11

Wall-E



The highly acclaimed director of Finding Nemo and the creative storytellers behind Cars and Ratatouille transports you to a galaxy not so far away for a new cosmic comedy adventure about a determined robot named WALL-E.
After hundreds of lonely years of doing what he was built for, the curious and lovable WALL-E discovers a new purpose in life when he meets a sleek robot name EVE. Join them and a hilarious cast of characters on a fantastic journey across the universe.
Transport yourself to a fascinating new world with Disney Pixar's latest adventure, not even more astonishing on DVD with bonus features, including the all-new animated short film "BURN-E". WALL-E is a film your family will want to enjoy over and over again.

The Toy Story duet set the bar (IMO) for this form of feature film, and although this doesn't reach the same heights in terms of characters, storyline and appeal it isn't the worst effort. A surprisingly gloomy opening, and perhaps an ecological and environmental undertone to the film, with the absence of dialogue in long phases, but despite this certainly not a cheerless movie.
Did the viewing of 2 tin cans romancing each other melt this old cynics heart - no, but of course it wasn't made with my generation as the target audience, kids will definately love this and want the toys, pencil cases, swap cards etc etc etc.
I did enjoy the flick and still marvel at the whole Pixar concept and delivery.
 

[richierich]

24/11

Zulu Dawn



This dramatic and true story recounts the breathtaking defeat of British forces at the hands of a 25,000 strong and relentlessly determined Zulu army in 1879. General Lord Chelmsford is the man responsible for the fatal decision that leads to the massacre. Colonel Durnford is the military hero who courageously faces the Zulu army, outnumbered sixteen to one, he leads his men into battle and certain death.

The all-star cast, and extravagant production qualities make ZULU DAWN a spectacular film. Vibrantly rich and alive with passion and bravery, this truly thirlling sequel to the legendary ZULU has a guaranteed place in the list of Hollywood Greats.

Being a massive fan of the original 1964 epic Zulu, I was disappointed when I first watched the sequel on TV some years ago. I gave this dvd a run-out for a 2nd watch to see if my feelings had improved on the film. Definately missing the original writing and direction of Cy Endfield, and coming out some 15 years after the original, it sadly does not compare.
The war scenes are still realistic and at times gripping, but the characterisation and officer conflicts that so appealed in Zulu are sadly lacking in the sequel. Burt Lancaster (has he ever been able to act?) is shocking with possibly the worst Irish accent I've ever heard, Bob Hoskins totally wasted, and O'Toole looking distinctly hungover and uncomfortable in the role.
It is 'spot the star' of a considerably renowned cast (I'm sure I spotted Danny Glover although he isn't credited) as they blunder towards the massacre of Isandhlwana, the bloody aftermath of which opened this film's more infamous predecessor.
 

[Najemikon]

I've never bothered with Zulu Dawn, though I think I have it (free in one of the papers). While I bet you're right about Lancaster in this case if he's having to do a stupid accent, he is usually a wonderful actor. Very emotive. Just watch Birdman of Alcatraz, Field of Dreams or Local Hero. In those cases I can't think anyone would have done them better.

[richierich]

25/11

Meet dave



Meet Dave is a family space farce with enough Eddie Murphy slapstick to make the whole family chuckle. With elements of InnerSpace, Starman, Men in Black, and even a bit of Woody Allen's Everything You Wanted to Know About Sex, the film may not break new ground, but Murphy's giddy performance lifts the material to an engaging level. Murphy plays a space ship in human form, carrying wee aliens on an excursion to earth. As "Dave Ming Chang," he interacts with his surroundings and fellow humans by following the orders given by the ship's commanders inside his "head." It's an endearing fish-out-of-water yarn that riffs of pop culture as well as potty humor for its laughs. ("Lieutenant Bottoms, what is your status?" "Captain, we had a small gas leak. It was silent, but not deadly.")
In the course of his mission, Dave is hit by a car, becomes a substitute teacher in a New York City public school, and starts to develop feelings for earth kids--and ladies. All the while his homage to the Bee Gees, from the white suit to his high-pitch-perfect rendition of "Stayin' Alive," provides an oddly perfect backdrop and symbol for Dave's being ever so slightly behind the times. Murphy is engaging as always, firing off deadpan one-liners and happily being the straight man to the film's jokes. A potential love interest, Gina (Elizabeth Banks), mentions that her late husband was a captain in the Navy. Dave says, "I am a captain." Gina: "Oh really? A captain of what?" Inside Dave's head, the crewmembers frantically search their earth database to give him the answer: "I am a captain of crunch." --A.T. Hurley

Approached this with trepedation, but have to admit there are more than several laugh out loud moments. Some great gags, childish humour of course along the lines of fart jokes, but often the funniest, and his mimicking of other people is superb. This is not ground-breaking in any shape or form, and is shaped specifically for Eddie Murphys strengths (if you hate him don't buy it), I am embarrassed to admit I enjoyed the film. The concept is sound, and watching the development of the characters within the spaceship (Dave) is amusing.
It is not taxing, thought provoking, deep or meaningful, but nonetheless it is a really easy watch on a rainy morning such as today, so I have to give it a  

[richierich]

I've never bothered with Zulu Dawn, though I think I have it (free in one of the papers). While I bet you're right about Lancaster in this case if he's having to do a stupid accent, he is usually a wonderful actor. Very emotive. Just watch Birdman of Alcatraz, Field of Dreams or Local Hero. In those cases I can't think anyone would have done them better.

Good call, Birdman of Alcatraz was excellent, so I have to say I've seen Burt act well once.
Field of Dreams as the Dr was not that special (IMO)
Local Hero I have but not watched, so on your recommendation I am going to squeeze it into marathon this week
 

[Dragonfire]

25/11

Meet dave

Approached this with trepedation, but have to admit there are more than several laugh out loud moments. Some great gags, childish humour of course along the lines of fart jokes, but often the funniest, and his mimicking of other people is superb. This is not ground-breaking in any shape or form, and is shaped specifically for Eddie Murphys strengths (if you hate him don't buy it), I am embarrassed to admit I enjoyed the film. The concept is sound, and watching the development of the characters within the spaceship (Dave) is amusing.
It is not taxing, thought provoking, deep or meaningful, but nonetheless it is a really easy watch on a rainy morning such as today, so I have to give it a  

I read a few reviews on this one back when it came out in June or July and those people said it really was a decent movie.  Much better than it was thought to be by some people.  It does seem like a lot of his stuff gets prejudged as crap when they turn out to be fairly good.  Though, he probably brings it on himself with junk like Norbit. 

[Najemikon]

I'm sure you're right he gets prejudged and I know I'm doing it here, but I just cannot be bothered with Meet Dave. I think a lot of reviews take a pop at him because this is the guy that used to be dangerous and unpredictable. Now, he's entirely the opposite.

[richierich]

25/11

Casino royale



CASINO ROYALE introduces JAMES BOND before he holds his license to kill. But Bond is no less dangerous, and with two professional assassinations in quick succession, he is elevated to "00" status.Bond's first 007 mission takes him to Madagascar, where he is to spy on a terrorist, MOLLAKA (Sebastien Foucan). Not everything goes to plan and Bond decides to investigate, independently of MI6, in order to track down the rest of the terrorist cell. Following a lead to the Bahamas, he encounters DIMITRIOS (Simon Abkarian) and his girlfriend, SOLANGE (Caterina Murino). He learns that Dimitrios is involved with LE CHIFFRE (Mads Mikkelsen), banker to the world's terrorist organizations.Secret Service intelligence reveals that Le Chiffre is planning to raise money in a high-stakes poker game in Montenegro at Le Casino Royale. MI6 assigns 007 to play against him, knowing that if Le Chiffre loses, it will destroy his organization.'M' (Judi Dench) places Bond under the watchful eye of the beguiling VESPER LYND (Eva Green). At first skeptical of what value Vesper can provide, Bond's interest in her deepens as they brave danger together and even torture at the hands of Le Chiffre.In Montenegro, Bond allies himself with MATHIS (Giancarlo Giannini), MI6's local field agent, and FELIX LEITER (Jeffrey Wright), who is representing the interests of the CIA. The marathon game proceeds with dirty tricks and violence, raising the stakes beyond blood money and reaching a terrifying climax.

Brushed off Casino Royale for a 3rd viewing (1st in cinema, 2nd on dvd) in preparation of seeing Quantum of Solace, this time watching on BluRay. I am bias being a true Bond fan, and the high definition viewing with pure sound was awesome. I am in favour of the new 007, from the books I always thought he was a cold character and more ruthless than typically portrayed, and this is perhaps less 'comic-book' than previous adventures. Good to see the scene with the cut-out wicker chair is in this version of the film mirroring the book. The only minor criticisms I have with the new format were too few gadgets, and lack of a memorable theme song.
A good start to a new Bond, looking forward now to a trip to the cinema in December to see the latest offering
 

[Najemikon]

The only minor criticisms I have with the new format were too few gadgets, and lack of a memorable theme song.

Dragonfire reviewed Quantum the other day and now so have I. It's turned into a discussion on theme songs and I was saying that I liked Casino Royale's! The new one is far more memorable though for all the wrong reasons (it's shit).

In general the film has been getting some poor word of mouth, but I did enjoy it. It helps to recognise that is a sequel, which they haven't done before. In fact I'm sure it'll be part 2 of a trilogy. I found the first part frustrating as it's basically a rip-off of Bourne which Bond doesn't need to do, but it's good once it hits its stride. Still no gadgets to speak of I'm afraid!

[Dragonfire]

I liked Quantum too...though certain things could have been better.  Like stopping all the jerky camera work.  I didn't like it in the last two Bourne movies and I still don't like it.  The song for Casino Royale was ok..not one of my favorites, but not horrible.  The one for Quantum on the other hand.  Well.  I hate it and think it is probably the worst of all of them.

[richierich]

27/11

dark knIght



The follow-up to the action hit "Batman Begins," "The Dark Knight" reunites director Christopher Nolan and star Christian Bale, who reprises the role of Batman/Bruce Wayne in his continuing war on crime.

With the help of Lieutenant Jim Gordon and District Attorney Harvey Dent, Batman sets out to destroy organized crime in Gotham for good. The triumvirate proves to be effective, but they soon find themselves prey to a rising criminal mastermind known as the Joker, who thrusts Gotham into anarchy and forces the Dark Knight ever closer to crossing the fine line between hero and vigilante.

Academy Award nominee Heath Ledger ("Brokeback Mountain") stars as arch-villain The Joker, and Aaron Eckhart plays District Attorney Harvey Dent. Maggie Gyllenhaal joins the cast in the role of Rachel Dawes. Returning from "Batman Begins" are Gary Oldman as Lieutenant Jim Gordon; Oscar winner Michael Caine ("The Cider House Rules") as Alfred; and Oscar winner Morgan Freeman ("Million Dollar Baby") as Lucius Fox.

Went with friends to watch a special one-off showing at local cinema, and very impressed with what I believe is the best batman movie so far.
Needless to say, Ledgers Joker, a much more sinister, cruel and disturbed character, far outweighs Nicholsons attempt some years ago. The cast as a whole are excellent, not 'carried' as I had read before, and the best batman toys are on show in all their glory. The scene with the batbike through the tunnels chasing and then wrangling the lorry was breath-taking.
The pace of the film leaves you reeling, the scope of the storyline mature, complex and edgy, and the improvement over the self loving Batman Begins immense. This is as close to perfect for a superhero movie as I've seen so far, it is 2 1/2 hours long but you don't notice, and I whole-heartedly recommend this to your library.
 

[Najemikon]

I can't wait to see it again. Absolutely monumental. Don't know if you agree, but for the first time I felt this was a superhero movie with a storyline that would work in the comic and anyone who actually reads comics will understand that's a pretty big ask. Normally even the best adaptations merely form a greatest hits compilation from the original stories, or worse, strike out on their own by compromising fundamental details. Instead this feels to me for the first time like a "proper" film. A crafted piece of cinema that doesn't owe anything to anyone.