Topic: Never Ending Movie Marathon (short reviews)

[samuelrichardscott]

Eurotrip (2004)

Overview:
Europe will never be the same again after Scotty Thomas and his buddies take off for the express to excess!
They're hooking up with hot strangers and jamming all the extreme insanity they can into the wildest trip of their lives! No swimsuit, no problem. Let it all hang out 'cause you're diving into the totally wild pleasures of Eurotrip!

My Thoughts:
Not a bad comedy that has its moments and whilst I find sterotype humour hilarious, I wish they would at least do a bit of research. With the English section of the film where they join Vinnie Jones football hooligan characters, they are supposed to be Manchester United supporters. However, they are Mancunians and everyone knows that people from Manchester support City, not United. Mancunians also do not speak in cockney slang. I'd be surprised if Jones didn't mention it, but it is needed for a couple of the jokes so is forgiveable and it was still my favourite segment. Anyway, overall, this comedy has its moments but is nothing new. 3/5

[addicted2dvd]

Road Trip (2000)

This is another one sitting in my unwatched pile. Really should get to it.

[Tom]

I enjoyed Eurotrip. Though you shouldn't be easily offended. Especially if you are European. It is rather offensive with the jokes. And very much stereotyping. Germans are Nazis (the scene with the boy would never happen in real life). Englishmen are hooligans, etc.

[samuelrichardscott]

The Coast Guard (2002)

Overview:
Kim Ki-duk, director of The Isle and Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter...and Spring brings us another utterly original and uncompromising film set in post-war Korea.
Driven by the belief that killing a spy is the highest honor, Private Kang (Jang Dong-kun) waits eagerly for a chance to prove his worth as a soldier. One night, he mistakenly kills an innocent civilian. As he is losing his grip on reality, tensions and paranoia escalate and further tragedy may become unavoidable.

My Thoughts:
Pros:
- Private Kang's obsession to kill a spy and do well in the army is introduced quickly and in a non-OTT way.
- Kang's slide into his unstable manner is also interesting to watch, though a bit over-acted at times.
- I've always liked Kim Ki-duk's style, and the very dark tones are evident once again here.
Cons:
- Apart from the killed guy's girlfriend, the rest of the cast are rather poor.
- The story sometimes suffers from not knowing which direction it ultimately wants to go in, always taking the obvious route.
- I do think a lot was lost on me, not being Korean, or familiar with the Korean way of life. The military aspects in particular.
Overall:
Not Kim Ki-duk's best (I always found Bad Guy underrated), but not his worst either (The Isle). 3/5

[Najemikon]

I really like the F&F franchise.. But the Fast Five, i didnt like it that much. The story in that movie wasnt very F&F like to me. But i see that there will be a number 6, so it will be interesting to see how that works out.

Interesting point about Fast Five. Apparently it was developed from the abandoned sequel to The Italian Job remake which was going to be set in Rio. I heard that before seeing the film and it made perfect sense, because you're right, it didn't quite feel like F&F. The F&F bits felt shoehorned in and otherwise, it was an off-the-shelf heist movie in the tradition of Ocean's Eleven and... The Italian Job. Because that's exactly how it started life.

Regards the discussion you were having with Sam though about franchises over-running, regardless of what you both think about Tom Cruise, it's worth considering how he has approached films 1-4, especially as he never does sequels. He hasn't made any of them for the sake of it. Each one has an individual identity and that's because he's used them as showcases for the hired director and let them do their own thing. De Palma to Woo to Abrams to Bird; hell of a selection. I believe he won't seriously consider a number 5, regardless of the story, until he has someone interesting on board who'll appreciate the opportunity to step up.

I really enjoyed 4. Brad Bird's animation experience gave the film a real identity and it struck me how much he made the environment part of the action throughout. Really liked that. Just like how the main Pixar movies end on "conveyor belt" type action scenes, so it was cool that he saw how to bring that into live action. The only other director I've seen play with that is Spielberg (ironically in Cruise vehicle Minority Report) and Christopher Nolan with Inception.

The Grey (2011)
...Just make sure you keep watching after the end credits for an extra scene. 4.5/5

I saw this at a preview and thoroughly enjoyed it. However, I did not see the extra scene. Dammit. Normally don't get caught out.   Would you mind explaining it with a spoiler, Sam?

[samuelrichardscott]

(click to show/hide)

Just before the credits roll, you see Neeson preparing to fight the wolf. After the credits, you just see Neeson from behind, resting against the wolf. The wolf is breathing heavily, but has, IMO, obviously lost the fight.

[Najemikon]

Oh interesting. Puts a different spin on it... 

[samuelrichardscott]

The Terrorist (1998)

Overview:
Indian cinematographer Santosh Sivan (director of Asoka), made his directorial debut with this visually stunning feature, which so affected John Malkovich that he personally made sure it got a US release.
Malli (Ayesha Dharker - Star Wars: Episode 2: City of Joy, The Mystic Masseur), a 19 year-old Sri Lankan, lives with a small community of guerrilla fighters in the South Indian jungles. Their enigmatic leader promotes terrorism for political gain and everyone is expected to be committed to the cause. When an important Indian politician plans a visit to a neighbouring town, Malli is overjoyed to be hand-picked for a suicide mission; her own brother died for the cause and she believes it will bring great honour to his revered name.
Embarking on her two-day journey through the jungle she encounters allies and enemies, and begins to have doubts. During her training she stays with an unsuspecting farmer and his wife, an old couple she grows close to, and with them finds time to contemplate her actions. With the day of the assassination dawning, she prepares for her ultimate sacrifice. With memories of true love and life's greater meaning haunting her, her moral dilemma increases.
Inspired by the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991.

My Thoughts:
Pros:
- Director Santosh Sivan manages to avoid going for the obvious, making a refreshing, dramatic film about what goes through a young suicide bomber's mind.
- Although for the most part we have a cast of unknowns, the majority shine through, especially Ayesha Dharker.
- Some very good set pieces, mainly for the small moments of harsh violence.
Cons:
- There is the occasional moment where the script wavered in quality a little, relying on the strength of the cast to keep it going.
Overall:
Wasn't expecting a lot from this, but it's a very well made and thought provoking movie. Recommended. 4/5

[samuelrichardscott]

Hidden (Cache) (2005)

Overview:
This utterly compelling psychological thriller from Michael Haneke - one of cinema's most daring original and controversial directors - stars Daniel Auteuil as Georges, a television presenter who begins to receive mysterious and alarming packages containing covertly filmed videos of himself and his family. To the mounting consternation of Georges and his wife (Juliette Binoche) the footage on the tapes - which arrive wrapped in drawings of disturbingly violent images - becomes increasingly personal, and sinister anonymous phone calls are made. Convinced he knows the identity of the person responsible, Georges embarks on a rash and impulsive course of action that throws up some unpleasant facts about his past and leads to shockingly unexpected consequences.

My Thoughts:
Pros:
- Daniel Auteuil and Juliette Binoche put in fantastic performances - an absolute must for a movie which relies on the main cast.
- The suicide scene is quick, hard-hitting and filmed well. The lacklustre response of Binoche's character is just as hard-hitting.
- It's a very interesting idea which is paced well and leaves a lot in the viewer's mind when it comes to the end.
Cons:
- Sometimes Haneke's approach annoyed me, mainly when it came to introducing some of the secondary characters.
Overall:
It isn't for everyone, but if you're a fan of the unconventional I recommend it. 4/5

[samuelrichardscott]

American Gangster (2007)

Overview:
Academy Award® winners† Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe team with director Ridley Scott (Gladiator) in this powerful, epic story. Armed with ruthless, streetwise tactics and a strict sense of honour, crime boss Frank Lucas (Washington) rules Harlem's chaotic drug underworld. When outcast cop Richie Roberts (Crowe) sets out to bring down Lucas's multimillion-dollar empire, it plunges both men into a legendary confrontation. American Gangster is "a brutal and brilliant film" (Pete Hammond, Maxim).

My Thoughts:
Pros:
- Ridley Scott pulls together a great cast. Both Washington and Crowe impress (and I'm not a fan of Crowe).
- Although the extended cut was almost three hours long, it didn't outstay it's welcome. The characters develop well and with it being based on a true story, it's an interesting look at Frank Lucas' life and the police corruption in 1970's New York.
- The sets, clothes and the locations were perfect.
Cons:
- There were too many scenes where Washington loses his cool and it seemed to retread slightly.
Overall:
We haven't had a great gangster epic since maybe Gangs of New York, but this almost takes me back to Casino/GoodFellas. Recommended. 4/5

[samuelrichardscott]

Passchendaele (2008)

Overview:
The Battle of Passchendaele, or Third Battle of Ypres was one of the major battles of World War I and has become synonymous with the misery of fighting in thick, sodden mud. 20,000 Canadian troops went into battle – 5,000 never came home.
Against this setting, Passchendaele tells the story of Sergeant Michael Dunne (Paul Gross), a soldier who is brutally wounded in France and returns to Calgary emotionally and physically scarred. Whilst in the military hospital in Calgary, he meets Sarah (Caroline Dhavernas), a mysterious and attractive nurse with whom he develops a passionate love. When Sarah's younger asthmatic brother David (Joe Dinicol) signs up to fight in Europe, Michael feels compelled to return to Western Front to protect him. Michael and David, like thousands of other Canadians, are sent to fight in the third battle of Ypres, a battle against impossible odds. This is a harrowing story of passion, courage and dedication, showing the heroism of those that fought in battle, and of those that loved them.

My Thoughts:
Pros:
- Paul Gross suprises as a director. He brings us some well shot battle scenes and conveys the story well.
- Caroline Dhavernas and Paul Gross play off each other really well. Although neither are excellent, the manage to put in above average performances.
- There is a lot of very good build-up surrounding Joe Dinicol's character trying to sign up for war despite his asthma.
Cons:
- Overplays itself on the love story subplot.
- Joe Dinicol wasn't the right man for his role.
Overall:
If you can get past the melodrama, we get a really good movie based around the horrors of life and war. Recommended. 3.5/5

[samuelrichardscott]

The Beat That My Heart Skipped (2005)

Overview:
Rising star Romain Duris gives an extraordinarily intense performance as a young man torn between a life of crime and music in Jacques Audiard's smash hit noir thriller. Set in a seedy and dangerous Paris underworld, Duris plays Tom, who seems set to follow the crooked path of his sleazy father as a ruthless and unscrupulous property dealer. But a chance encounter with an associate of his late concert pianist mother reawakens Tom's own musical ambitions and hopes of a more fulfilling life. A triumphant remake of James Toback's cult 1978 film 'Fingers', 'The Beat' is a gripping, complex and sometimes brutal drama that has electrified critics an audiences the world over.

My Thoughts:
Pros:
- Romain Duris manages to convey a character who has two very different chances at routes in life very well.
- The soundtrack is very eclectic, from classical music through to 1990's Kylie Minogue. Each selection suits the required scene perfectly.
- It never bores, hopping from a scene of violence, to a scene of piano playing effortlessly. One of the best shots is seeing Duris' busted hand still exercising his fingers ready for his piano audition on a bar.
Cons:
- It sometimes felt a little self-concious and I would've liked to see some of the supporting characters develop a little more.
Overall:
Well worth checking out, especially for fans of Audiard who also directed "A Prophet". I need to track down the original US 1978 movie "Fingers" directed by James Toback now! 4/5

[Piffi]

American Gangster (2007)

Overview:
Academy Award® winners† Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe team with director Ridley Scott (Gladiator) in this powerful, epic story. Armed with ruthless, streetwise tactics and a strict sense of honour, crime boss Frank Lucas (Washington) rules Harlem's chaotic drug underworld. When outcast cop Richie Roberts (Crowe) sets out to bring down Lucas's multimillion-dollar empire, it plunges both men into a legendary confrontation. American Gangster is "a brutal and brilliant film" (Pete Hammond, Maxim).

My Thoughts:
Pros:
- Ridley Scott pulls together a great cast. Both Washington and Crowe impress (and I'm not a fan of Crowe).
- Although the extended cut was almost three hours long, it didn't outstay it's welcome. The characters develop well and with it being based on a true story, it's an interesting look at Frank Lucas' life and the police corruption in 1970's New York.
- The sets, clothes and the locations were perfect.
Cons:
- There were too many scenes where Washington loses his cool and it seemed to retread slightly.
Overall:
We haven't had a great gangster epic since maybe Gangs of New York, but this almost takes me back to Casino/GoodFellas. Recommended. 4/5

Nice! I havent seen this one yet, but i have it in my unwatched pile. But i havent taken the time yet to watch it, since its lasting so long. Specially the bluray version of it. But i do like both Crowe and Washington's work So this will be an interesting one.

[Achim]

Nice! I havent seen this one yet, but i have it in my unwatched pile. But i havent taken the time yet to watch it, since its lasting so long. Specially the bluray version of it. But i do like both Crowe and Washington's work So this will be an interesting one.

I agree with Sam's review. It's been a while since I have seen it but I seem to remember that the running generally was not a problem, it being a well paced film. You should schedule it in somehow, it's still below 3 hours...

[samuelrichardscott]

14 Blades (2010)

Overview:
Six hundred years ago, during the Ming Dynasty, China possessed a secret intelligence agency, The Jinyiwei. Trained in clandestine combat from childhood, the Jinyiwei were masters of the 14 Blades. Above the law and with a license to kill, they devoted their lives to their Emperor.
When the Imperial Court is taken over by evil eunuch Jia, the best of the Jinyiwei, Qinglong (Donnie Yen) is assigned to identify those still loyal to the Emperor. Unbeknownst to Qinglong, the Jinyiwei have fallen under the control of Jia, and during the mission he's betrayed. Now as the most wanted man in the land Qinglong must rally the loyalists to rise against Jia and restore the Emperor to power.

My Thoughts:
Pros:
- As usual with this type of genre film from the East, the set designs, costumes and locations are phenomenal.
- The swordfights look great and the action choreography is done well.
- Donnie Yen is always a pleasure to watch. He continues to be a favourite of mine.
Cons:
- It just isn't we anything we haven't seen before. In the last ten years or so, this genre has become quite flooded and there are better options available.
- The story can be a little boring in parts, especially during the middle act which is lower on action than the opening/ending.
Overall:
For fans of the genre or of the cast/crew, this is a worthy pick up if you find it cheap. For anyone else, rent it. 3/5