Topic: Riches Random Reviews

[richierich]

Fifteen & Pregnant



Tina Spangler is just another happy kid at fourteen. At fifteen she's pregnant and faces the choices of abortion, adoption or the lonely life of a single parent. Abandoned by her boyfriend she has only one person to turn to - her mother, a single parent herself. What starts out as a hopeless tale could re-unite this shattered family. Based on a true story.

Moralistic tale fairly well told, in the vein of a made for tv movie. Despite a low budget and average acting, it is worth giving this film a chance as it improves through a fairly emotive story and the viewing of how a teenage pregnancy not only affects the young mother, but also her family.
It has dated already, and I would recommend Juno ahead of it for more entertainment value.
 

[richierich]

BASEketball



From the creators of the Naked Gun films, and starring the creators of the South Park series, comes a spoof of sports and business and anything else that can draw a hearty laugh. Two best friends (Trey Parker and Matt Stone) create "baseketball"--a sport that combines baseball and basketball--and when their silly idea catches on, they are thrust in the spotlight and become media darlings, much to their chagrin.

Dreadful film, who in their right mind could find anything amusing about this rubbish??
Infantile and crude, there are all misses and no hits, and I cannot find one good thing to mention about this pathetic attempt at a comedy.
I am surprised anyone who worked on this film is not shamed into disowning it.

[richierich]

Practical Magic



Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman sparkle in Practical Magic, adapted from Alice Hoffman's bestseller and directed by Griffin Dunne (Addicted to Love). They play Sally and Gillian Owens, sisters hexed by a centuries-old curse...and coping with a witches brew of events involving a possible love match (Aidan Quinn) for one, a zombie (Goran Visnjic) for the other and a need to resume the age-old witchcraft taught by two doting Owens aunts (Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest). Sit for a spell and enjoy!

Cheery film, with a commendable cast, this is a good old fashioned feel good movie.
Average direction and oddly chosen music is rescued by an original storyline, which continually entertains, and the quirky Sandra Bullock delivering her typically top performance.
This is not a great film, and probably only reaches 'good', but I think it can be enjoyed by a broad audience on a rainy afternoon.
 

[richierich]

Money Talks



A story-hungry investigative reporter and a frenetic, garrulous small-time con trip down the well-worn path of comically mismatched, interracial buddies on the lam. Smelling a scoop, the reporter sets his pal up for a fall that lands him in jail--and downwind of a jailhouse plot to steal a stash of diamonds. Soon the innocent duo's on the run from the cops, the thieves, and Mobsters.

Pretty lack-lustre and unmemorable comedy, Chris Rock has the platform to highlight his quirky humour but the storyline, supporting cast and production are extremely poor.
If you like Tucker, watch this, if not you will soon tire of pointless car-chases, shootouts and crass jokes.
 

[Jimmy]

BASEketball

Can't say that I'm surprise by your review. But this is by the same guys that make South Park... I don't think that we can hope for subtil and mature humour by those 2 guys.

But the real question is : Why you had watched and bought this? no way that you have think of liking that...

[richierich]

But the real question is : Why you had watched and bought this? no way that you have think of liking that...

Why watched = I am trawling through my collection and at least every 2nd film I view is an unwatched dvd that I've owned for years, it's a housekeeping issue

Why bought = I could say that for many many dvds in my collection. I am unfortunately a collector first, movie buff 2nd, so I went through a phase for years of just buying and buying, normally trying to complete an actors available portfolio or completing sets. This was actually a gift from one of my generous benefactors (godfather)

[richierich]

I am Legend



Richard Matheson's classic chiller gets its third adaptation (after THE OMEGA MAN and THE LAST MAN ON EARTH) with this film from director Francis Lawrence (CONSTANTINE). Will Smith plays Robert Neville, the last survivor in a post-apocalyptic New York, but there's still danger left on the city streets.

2nd viewing of this dvd, and my opinion has not changed greatly. After reading the excellent Matheson book which has inspired so many films, I would always feel slightly disappointed by and translated film. However it is an interesting adaptaion, and as a stand-alone film is quite good.
I thought Will Smith played the lead as the last human survivor well, capturing the slow madness of a man chatting to shop dummies and his relationship with Sam the dog. The backdrop of a ravaged New York is excellent, really creepy, with the wild animals roaming free. The lack of other characters does make the film a little bland, and I would have liked the 'other' humans brought into the story earlier.
But as Jon has previously said in his review, the mutants are a major let-down and the director appears to have gone crazy with his CGI effects to a point where at times they were like cartoons, totally unconvincing, and not scary in any way (although the initial 'hive' shot was suspenseful). The ending as well was not translated from the book, and too Hollywood nicey nicey for my taste.
Great effects though, and at times a full-on action piece that makes it a must-see for me.
 
 

[richierich]

In The Electric Mist



Academy Award winner Tommy Lee Jones leads an all-star cast in this psychological thriller based on the bestselling novel by James Lee Burke.
While on an investigation into a series of grisly murders, veteran detective Dave Robicheaux (Jones) navigates his way through the Louisiana bayou and the dark, sultry world of New Orleans mobster "Baby Feet" Balboni (John Goodman). Layers of corruption and long-dead secrets reawaken grudges and a lethal alliance A tangled web of killings, past and present, converges in a shocking showdown with stakes that become deeply personal to Robicheaux and his family. Featuring music from five-time GRAMMY Award-winner Buddy Guy, this film takes you deep into Cajun country's hidden worlds.

Prepare yourself for a yawnfest, as Grandad Jones creaks out another typecast role as an ageing hard man cop from the South.
Slow, ponderous story, led by Jones who looks like he needs a zimmer frame to walk more than 20 paces, and we are meant to believe he is this tough guy who rights the wrongs? Goodman just doesn't suit the gangster role, and looks uncomfortable in every scene. There is no suspense or intrigue, little drama, the characters are shallow, the ghost is pointless, the script dull.
The cover blurb is so misleading as to probably warrant a complaint to the false advertising bureau - tangled web/shocking showdown/sultry world - I wish!!
The setting and atmosphere of Cajun country is about the only redeeeming feature in a wholly disappointing feature film.

[richierich]

Spawn



Five years after he was murdered by his own colleagues in a covert government operation, Al Simmons makes a pact with the devil to be resurrected so that he may see his wife Wanda once more. In return for the favor, the devil requires, in typically Faustian fashion, that Simmons lead Hell's Army for the destruction of humankind. Blessed in life with extraordinary killing skills, Simmons is even more deadly with the backing of his new master and the changling powers he has at his disposal. As he begins to discover and exercise his new strengths, he encounters two figures who direct him to use his powers in order to serve two different agendas. Cogliostro encourages Spawn to fight the devil and become a new champion for humankind, while Clown goads Spawn into continuing to serve his new master and lead the Armageddon.

Poor storyline, acting that left a lot to be desired, a poor mans X-men or batman.
As soon as the farting blue-faced dwarf and his cheesy one-liners entered the film, I lost the will to enjoy this, and it never pulled me back in.
The effects and soundtrack were very good, but there is very little else to hype about this movie.
One to miss. 

[richierich]

Quantum of Solace



On a nonstop quest for justice that crisscrosses the globe, Bond meets the beautiful but feisty Camille (Olga Kurylenko), who leads him to Dominic Greene (Mathieu Amalric), a ruthless businessman and major force within the mysterious Quantum organisation. When Bond uncovers a conspiracy to take control of one of the world's most important natural resources, he must navigate a minefield of treachery, deception and murder to neutralise Quantum before it's too late!

Less memorable than Casino Royale, a little less polished than the best Bonds, villains not having such a great impact, Bond girls are great - but could be better.
In other words, this could have been improved with slight tweaks, to transform it from a good movie to a great movie.
The dark rough and ready Daniel Craig is more terminator than the saint, continuing to bring a hard edge to the familiar Bond character, as he goes renegade in an attempt to investigate the organisation that killed Vesper. Very few one-liners, gadgets a rarity, but a mature breakneck speed storyline that fully satisfies.
The action scenes are carbon copies from Bourne, and need to develop in the next Bond film to their own individuality. M has a bigger part than usual, and needless to say Dench pulls off a great performance.
This is the new Bond, grittier and current, and QOS will rank as one of the better films for me.
 

[richierich]

Clay Pigeons



He has a firm handshake, and a ready smile, and some strange ideas about friendship. His name is Lester Long and when the bodies start piling up he generously decides to share the blame. Now the F.B.I. has got the whole town under observation, and Lester has put his new friend Clay over a Barrel. The only way for Clay to set things straight is to beat one twisted individual at his own game of deciet and double-crossing.

Enjoyable blind buy Ridley Scott produced black comedy, quadruple cross storyline that keeps you watching. Despite a slow start, this movie draws you in with it's well selected casting, and the empathy you feel for the unlucky lead character as he stumbles from one piece of bad luck to another, all leading to a satisfying conclusion.
Vince Vaughan as the murdorous cowboy steals the show, with a part seemingly made for him. Superb soundtrack and wonderful cinematography (Montana I think?), this film could never be classified as a classic, but is well recommended for something slightly quirky and different.
Reminded me of a Coen movie??
 

[richierich]

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas



When a writing assignemnt lands journalist Raoul Duke (Johnny Depp) and sidekick Dr. Gonzo (Benicio Del Toro) in Las Vegas, they decide to make ot the ultimate business trip. But before long, business is forgotten and trip has become the key word.
Fueled by a suitcase full of mind-bending pharmaceuticals, Duke and Gonzo set off on a fast and furious ride through nonstop neon, surreal surroundings and a crew of the craziest characters ever (including cameo appearances by Cameron Diaz, Christina Ricci, Gary Busey and many others). But no matter where misadventure leads them, Duke and Gonzo discover that sometimes going too far is the only way to go.

You'd have to be stoned to enjoy this!
Cult book, not a cult film.
Drug fuelled road trip, this was boring to watch and most of the jokes fell flat. Perhaps it is an acquired taste, viewing 2 guys smashed out of their brains sticking 2 fingers up to society, disturbing scenes and shock for shocks sake, just doesn't fo it for me. Wasted - a good description not only of the state of the leads, but of my time spent on this trashy disappointment.
Terry Gilliam is my marmite, I either love his films, or hate them, and there is seldom any middle ground.
Both leads are convincing and I tip my hat to them for their performances, the music is worth mentioning as it is by far the best feature of the movie, the rest though I have to give a great big fart sounding rasberry.

[richierich]

Videodrome



Sci-fi horror filmmaker David Cronenberg's (Scanners) diabolical invader is a television show that seduces and controls its viewers. Featuring rock star Deborah Harry (in her first major film) as a kinky hostess, James Woods as a cable programmer looking for the ultimate in viewing thrills, and special make-up effects by Oscar®-winner Rick Baker (An American Werewolf in London, Star Wars). Videodrome is a pulsating science fiction nightmare about a world where video can control and alter human life.

This film was unsettling - voyeurism, torture, sex, sadism, James Woods in a strong performance, and Cronenbergs direction all gelling together into a fascinating viewing experience, albeit not the most pleasant.
Watching contestants humiliated on TV has now become a common theme today, so this film in many ways was ahead of it's time. Certainly the whole storyline of the movie is incredibly interesting, I assume it was a demonstration of the negative effect of the television on modern society, but as always with Cronenberg you are never 100% sure what you are meant to take away from one of his films?
Disturbing movie, I am not sure if this should be classified as horror, sci-fi or arthouse? definately worthy of its cult tag, I personally didn't love it, but it left a mark.
 

[Najemikon]

farting blue-faced dwarf

On paper, it sounds like genius!  Dreadful film. And the comic was pretty good too...

[richierich]

farting blue-faced dwarf

On paper, it sounds like genius!  Dreadful film. And the comic was pretty good too...

One of my film gurus has advised me to try and purchase/watch the animated version of Spawn, which he claims is much better