Topic: Riches Random Reviews

[richierich]

Revolutionary Road
...
Self-indulgent, hollow, pointless, without substance or purpose - this movie is crap.

I could have sworn I've already read a positive review about it from you (along the lines of "beautiful downer"). But not only is that obviously wrong, there also isn't a review from anyone else here. Strange, strange. Anyway, I liked it a lot and don't get the "hollow, pointless" verdict, but unfortunately don't have the time to get into a more substantial argument. Sorry.

Nope not me, and we will have to agree to disagree on this one, I would never be convinced it was anything other than boring  

Romance And Cigarettes


I'm very curious what you think of this. One of my favorite movies (top ten, seriously).

We can agree on this one - see review - I loved it  

[richierich]

Little Children



Life is not quite what it seems in this haunting and sensual masterwork from Academy Award®-nominated writer/director Todd Field ('In The Bedroom'). Oscar® nominees Kate Winslet and Jackie Earle Haley star along with Oscar® winner Jennifer Connelly and Patrick Wilson in this "beautiful, provocative and compelling" (Michael Phillips, 'Chicago Tribune') adult drama. Based on the novel by Tom Perrota, "this film pulls you in like a magnetic force" (Peter Travers, 'Rolling Stone') as it explores how the lives of seemingly perfect families can unravel in the wake of an adulterous affair.

Pleasant, sensitive and funny, this tale is wonderfully told and ably acted. The diverse mixture of intriguing characters, all with their own secrets, makes the viewing compelling and despite a pretty OTT excessive ending, the journey enjoyable.
The most interesting characters for me were not the main leads, it was the relationship between a recently released peodophile and an ex-cop with some form of personal vendetta. With the excellent portrayal by Haley, you actually find yourself sympathising with this disturbed monster.
On the negative, the film is plagued by a narrator, who in the beginning excessively talks over the action. It was a strange concept, as he just told us what we had seen, and basically provided an idiots guide in case the audience was too stupid to grasp it. For me this doesn't work.
But overall the cast and superb direction do this film justice, and it was a very good watch.
 

** Kate Winslet mini-marathon

[Najemikon]

Now this will be interesting! I found Little Children fascinating. Not as good as In The Bedroom, though quite different in many ways. Still, a challenging film. Eh, Rich?

[richierich]

Get Back Series 1 (1992)



Martin Sweet (Ray Winstone) is from the poorer East End Of London and now runs a successful, exclusive menswear shop in a wealthier part of the city. He has everything he wants, a beautiful wife (Carol Harrison), two daughters being educated at an expensive school, a luxurious house outside London, a Rolls Royce and an enormous overdraft,
When the bank suddenly calls in its loans Martin is forced to sell everything and move with his wife and family back to the small and uncomfortable council flat where Martin and his elder brother (Larry Lamb) were brought up. To make matters worse he has to rent it from his mean and selfish father Bernie (John Bardon) who still feels free to come and go as he pleases. The girls now have to go to the local state school which cheers up the street-wise Joanna (Michelle Cattini) but horrifies the snobbish Eleanor (Kate Winslet).

Series from the early 90's in UK which I only saw a few random episodes, it basically introduced a number of future stars including Ray Winstone (although personally I always think Scum was his 1st major appearance) and my mini-marathon subject Kate Winslet. Having viewed the first few episodes, it was interesting to see the basis for the series, and especially the role of Winslet as a snobby schoolgirl. However the whole comedy aspect and production style felt very 80's, and would not attract me in a hurry to watch the rest of both series I own.

** Kate Winslet mini-marathon

[richierich]

The Life of David Gale



Academy Award® winner* Kevin Spacey (American Beauty) stars with Oscar® nominee** Kate Winslet (Titanic) in a powerfully gripping, edge-of-your-seat thriller hailed as "provocative!" (ABC-TV). An electrifying, suspenseful journey into deadly conspiracy and murderous deception begins when a respected professor who may - or may not - be guilty is charged with a brutal crime. The Life of David Gale is a brilliantly unpredictable thriller, which builds relentlessly to a shocking final twist guaranteed to blow you away!

Having seen this in the cinema on release, it was a first viewing on DVD. It lost nothing for being on a smaller screen, and is a worthwhile addition to everyones collection.
The majority of main cast provide powerful performances, Spacey is at his absolute best and is at times warm and at others menacing, making you guess right through the film about his guilt or innocence. Winslet was weaker in this role, I wasn't totally convinced by her portrayal as a hard nosed investigative journalist.
The ending is predictable but nonetheless fitting, and it is one of those films that make you think long after the credits roll. The death penalty is always going to be subjective, but the question whether an innocent could be convicted and killed, whether by injustice or design, is admirably told by means of this thriller drama.
 

** Kate Winslet mini-marathon

[richierich]

Iris



The powerful true story based on John Bayley's novels that earned Jim Broadbent (Moulin Rouge) an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, Judi Dench (Shakespeare In Love) a BAFTA Award for Best Leading Actress and Kate Winslet (Titanic) an Academy Award Nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
Judi Dench and Kate Winslet bring to the screen one of the most extraordinary women of the 20th Century, celebrated English author Iris Murdoch. As told by her unlikely soulmate, husband John Bayley, Iris first became known as a brilliant young scholar at Oxford whose boundless spirit dazzled those around her. During a remarkable career as a novelist and philosopher, she continued to prove herself a woman ahead of her time. Even in later life, as age and illness robbed Iris of her remarkable gifts, nothing could diminish her immense influence or weaken the bond with her devoted husband.

Sensitive, moving and emotional classy movie from the UK, a film that portrays perhaps 2 of the best actors in recent history at their finest, Judi Dench and Jim Broadbent. If tears do not come to the viewer at many times in the 2nd half of this film, they must have concrete hearts. Based on the true story of Iris Murdoch, the movie captivates from start to finish, and tackles a really difficult subject of Alzheimers in a touching and focussed manner. The affectionate devoted relationship between the 2 is heart-warming, and the wonderful way the director switches between the young couple and then the old, makes you feel totally part of the story and understanding the frightening confusion and desperation that hits Iris.
Painfully honest portrayal of not just a celebrity, but a frightening illness. Please buy it.
 

** Kate Winslet mini-marathon

[richierich]

Sense And Sensibility



SENSE AND SENSIBILITY is the story of two sisters; pragmatic Elinor (EMMA THOMPSON) and passionate, wilful Marianne (KATE WINSLET).
When their father, Henry Dashwood, dies, by law his estate must pass to the eldest son from his first marriage.  Suddenly homeless and impoverished, his current wife and daughters find themselves living in a simple country cottage.
The two sisters are soon accepted into their new society.  Marianne becomes swept up in a passionate love affair with the dashing Willoughby (GREG WISE), while Elinor struggles to keep a tight rein on the family purse strings and to keep her feelings for Edward Ferrars (HUGH GRANT), whom she left behind, hidden from her family.  Despite their different personalities, they both experience great sorrow in their affairs, but they learn to mix sense with sensibility in a society that is obsessed with both financial and social status.

Despite being generally uninterested in the period drama, with a British cast of such high calibre, and wonderfully written by Emma Thompson, I found this movie gently absorbing and very watchable.
Sadly Thompson was too old for the role she wrote for herself, but Winslet was perfect along with great performances from Rickman, Spriggs and Grant in particular. The locations, costumes and sets are attractive, and despite a slow pace the clever dialogue and warm touch are enticing.
Funny, fresh and romantic, with a score to lull you into a good mood, this film was an enjoyable surprise.
 

** Kate Winslet mini-marathon

[richierich]

Mr. Destiny



Imagine if one day, out of the blue, your wildest dreams came true! That's exactly what happens to junior executive Larry Burrows (James Belushi - 'Taking Care Of Business') when he bumps into a mysterious stranger (Michael Caine - 'Miss Congeniality', 'The Cider House Rules'). Instantly, Larry's ho-hum life becomes his ultimate fantasy - huge mansion, beautiful wife, cars galore! But before long, his new lifestyle isn't so enchanting. Ultimately, Larry discovers it's going to take a lot more than wishful thinking to get back to where he once belonged! Co-starring 'Terminator 2's' Linda Hamilton and comedian Jon Lovitz ('Little Nicky', 'Rat Race'), 'Mr. Destiny' is a delightful rags-to-riches comedy brimming with totally magical entertainment!

Drippy Disney-like family movie, low on laughs and high on clichés.
Belushi does not bring any magic to the part with his wooden acting, and average performances from Caine, Russo and Hamilton do not improve matters. The ending is unsatisfying, and the whole film immediately drifts out of your consciousness and is wholly unremarkable and unmemorable.
Courteney Cox has a minor role as a spurned mistress, which she carries off well.
 

** Courteney Cox mini-marathon

[richierich]

Barnyard



What really happens on the farm when the farmer isn't looking? In director Steve Oedekerk's (KUNG POW: ENTER THE FIST, ACE VENTURA: WHEN NATURE CALLS) computer-generated animation feature, the farm animals can do everything humans do. They talk, walk upright, buy human contraband from a 'grey market' run by the gophers, and even turn the barn into a nightclub. Of course, they do all of this in secret. The biggest party animal is Otis (voiced by Kevin James), a happy-go-lucky cow who's always up for a crazy stunt or practical joke (bizarrely, the movie is full of male cows with udders). But Otis' carefree attitude doesn't sit too well with his father, Ben (Sam Neill), the barnyard patriarch and protector. While he loves his slacker son, Ben thinks that Otis needs to learn some responsibility if he is to continue his legacy. When the dangerous coyote season arrives and Ben is no longer able to serve as barnyard security, mayhem ensues and the farm starts to resemble an amusement park. Alas, Otis is still too immature to take the lead, preferring instead to woo bovine beauty Daisy (Courtney Cox) and party with his friends. But when push comes to shove, will Otis stand up to the coyotes and protect the barnyard, or will he turn the udder cheek? This coming-of-age tale is bolstered by the human antics of the animals and genuine laugh-out-loud moments for all ages. Wanda Sykes voices Bessy, Daisy's cynical cow friend, and Danny Glover voices Miles the Mule, a sage elder on the farm. Songs by Tom Petty and Peter Gabriel, as well as other artists, elevate the soundtrack above typical children's fare.

Certainly not the best animated film of this ilk, but by no means the worst. Many of the characters were very amusing, but the storyline would be banal even for a small child watching this. The number of laugh out loud moments are too few, and there is nothing groundbreaking in the animation or technique.
Just couldn't work out why the male cows had udders - is it a special breed??? Courteney Cox charater is unremarkable and pretty boring, the best was definately Freddy the Ferret (voiced by Cam Clarke).
 

** Courteney Cox mini-marathon

[richierich]

Trust the Man



In the great tradition of witty New York romantic comedies, David Duchovny and Julianne Moore star in this "sexy and sophisticated" (KBWB-TV) ensemble film about life, love and laughter in the big city. Overachieving actress, Rebecca (Moore), must come to grips with her failing marriage to stay-at-home dad, Tom (Duchovny). While Rebecca's slacker brother, Tobey (Billy Crudup), can't seem to commit to his aspiring-novelist girlfriend, Elaine (Maggie Gyllenhaal). As both relationships spin out of control, the two couples embark on a hilarious quest to rediscover the magic and romance of falling in love in New York.

Dire romcom of the worst order, ending up not being funny or romantic.
The majority of cast look like they have sussed how crap the script is, and want a hasty exit from this disaster, and there is not one performance of note. There is no characterisation, after an hour and a half I do not know or understand any of the 4 main leads anymore than I did during the opening credits, and there is not an ounce of chemistry between any personalities. The direction is desperate, whenever the movie tried to be serious it felt forced and false, when it was attempting to be romantic it felt pretentious.
Mediocre and rightly overlooked.
 

**Eva Mendes mini-marathon

[richierich]

Urban Legends 2 - Final Cut



The making of a horror movie takes on a terrifying reality for students at the most prestigious film school in the country in URBAN LEGENDS: FINAL CUT, the suspenseful follow-up to the smash hit URBAN LEGEND.
At Alpine University, someone is determined to win the best film award at any cost - - even if it means eliminating the competition. No one is safe and everyone is a suspect. URBAN LEGENDS: FINAL CUT is an edge-of-your-seat thriller that will keep you guessing until the shocking climax. Starring Jennifer Morrison (STIR OF ECHOES), Matthew Davis (TIGERLAND), Joseph Lawrence (TV's Blossom), Anthony Anderson (ME, MYSELF & IRENE) Hart Bochner (DIE HARD) and Loretta Devine (from the original URBAN LEGEND).

Poorly executed horror slash film, little suspense and predictable storyline and outcome.
Not a patch on the first film, this uninspiring sequel was clearly designed to cash in on the dvd sales, but sadly with it's young cast it does not reach expectations. It is generally a corny, boring plot and the humour, horror, gore etc are all second rate. Not quite sure after the first murder what the Urban Legends were?
Much better alternatives in this genre to choose from.
 

**Eva Mendes mini-marathon

[richierich]

Once Upon A Time In Mexico



Leaping back into action, gun-slinging, guitar-toting hero "El Mariachi" is back in town in ONCE UPON A TIME IN MEXICO, as director Robert Rodriguez delivers the epic final chapter of his pulp Western trilogy.  Starring Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Johnny Depp, Mickey Rourke, Eva Mendes, Enrique Iglesias and Willem Dafoe, ONCE UPON A TIME IN MEXICO is a full-frontal assault.

Banderas reprises his role and is excellent as the brooding and intense guitar playing hitman, but as with many films Depp steals the movie playing the psycho FBI agent delivering classic lines and generally exercising his acting craft at a level above all others in this flick. Being like the other Mariachi films there is little substance to the plot, but what you do get is a slickly directed and produced action film rich in set pieces, amusing one-liners and blood aplenty. Mendes, Iglesias and Hayek provide eye candy for both sexes, and they work well as support to the 2 leads.
With a script all over the place, it was difficult to ascertain where the film was heading, and despite being of lesser quality than the first 2 films this still remained watchable.
 

**Eva Mendes mini-marathon

[richierich]

Race to Witch Mountain



Fasten your seatbelts for the thrill ride of your life in Disney's fun family action-adventure - RACE TO WITCH MOUNTAIN, starring Dwayne Johnson. Jack Bruno (Johnson), a Las Vegas cabdriver struggling to stay on the right path, gets an out-of-this-world incentive when two aliens, disguised as teenagers, suddenly appear in his taxi. In a race against government agents, an alien hunter and time itself, Jack must help the children recover their lost spaceship so they can return home and save their planet and ours. Breathtaking chases, close calls and special effects make this an action-adventure the whole family will enjoy.

Bearing in mind the audience age this movie was primarily made for, it is a fun adventure with amazing special effects, and ticks the boxes for most youngsters desires from an action movie. Johnsons gags are entertaining, and to be fair he doesn't do a bad job in this movie. Gugino appears as sweet as ever, and the pace of the film is non-stop.
Surprisingly a good family movie that should entertain all.
 

**Carla Gugino mini-marathon

[richierich]

This Boy's Life



For Toby Wolff and his divorced mom Caroline, 1950s life wasn't all fun and games. These two free spirits and cross-country travellers settle in the Pacific Northwest, where life will be better. They hope.
This Boy's Life, the Wolffs' true story, "is every boy's life," the Los Angeles Times' Kenneth Turan wrote. The dynamic teaming of Robert De Niro (Analyze This, Meet the Parents), Ellen Barkin (The Big Easy, Sea of Love) and Leonardo DiCaprio (Titanic, Gangs of New York) sparks this funny, touching slice-of-life drama that pits rebellious teen Toby (DiCaprio) against his tyrannical new stepfather Dwight (De Niro). Directed by Michael Caton-Jones (Memphis Belle, City by the Sea), This Boy's Life is one to remember.

What a tremendous feeling to discover a film in your collection that you continually overlook, to finally view it, and find it is an absolute corker.
Hats off to DiCaprio as this movie shows his true talent as an actor, he actually outshines DeNiro which one can rarely say.
The film itself is a true story, is very moving and at times totally shocking. DeNiro as Dwight the stepfather who bullied and mentally tortured the boy, mostly away from others eyes and ears, is frighteningly menacing and you thoroughly hate this character by the end of the film. Barkin as the desperate mother looking for a normal man is superb, and you ache for her happiness. All of the supporting cast do a great job, Blechman in particular as Tobys friend is a great character.
A frightening depiction of 'family' life that still goes on today, is raised above the average stakes by DiCaprios amazing and moving performance. The fight scene in the kitchen between stepfather and Toby will stay in my mind for a long time. A gem of a dvd to own.
 


**Carla Gugino mini-marathon

[richierich]

Spy Kids



Bursting with an awesome array of ultracool high-tech gadgetry, Spy Kids delivers enough thrilling entertainment to satisfy the entire family! Nine years ago, top international spies Gregorio and Ingrid Cortez (Antonio Banderas and Carla Gugino) traded the excitement of espionage for the adventure of parenthood! But when they are called out on a secret mission, the Cortezes are separated from their family and kidnapped by the evil Fegan Floop. Fortunately, there are two people who possess the skills and know-how to reunite the family: Carmen and Juni Cortez, their kids! Your family will love every fun-filled second as Carmen and Juni bravely crisscross the globe in a thrilling quest to save their parents. All the while, they discover that keeping the family together is the most important mission in the world for kids and parents alike!

Entertaining and fun movie, well paced, imaginative and with reasonable effects, and gladly not too preaching in its message. Banderas and Gugino are well cast, but personally I found both kids to be too bratty and 'Hollywood' schooled. Some good cameo appearances to spot, interesting character for Alan Cumming, and some original ideas around the villains.
Altogether an enjoyable viewing.
 

**Carla Gugino mini-marathon