Aliens In The Attic: Movie Review
Rating: (See below)
Cast: Carter Jenkins, Ashley Tisdale, Robert Hoffman, Kevin
Nealon, Doris Roberts
Director: John Schultz
Ah, the school holidays must be nearly upon us.
What with Up, animated rodent comedy G
Force, fable The Secret of Moonacre all on the screens
now or in the next week or so, it's clear there's a major fight on for the
family dollar during the two week hols.
Aliens In the Attic is the latest contender for the
cash.
The film revolves around the Pearson family who head to their vacation home
to try and get everyone back on the straight and narrow.
Teen Tom Pearson (Jenkins) is flunking school, sis Bethany Pearson (Tisdale)
is besotted with her seemingly perfect boyf Ricky (Hoffman) and there's plenty
of sibling rivalry - both between the young kids and the Pearson dad (Nealon)
and his brother (Andy Richter).
So when the kids find a group of unfriendly aliens lurking in the attic and
plotting the downfall of planet Earth, they're pitched headlong into a battle to
save the world - and avoid getting in trouble the parents.
What can you say about Aliens In The Attic?
The aliens themselves are reminiscent of the malevolent Gremlins and crossed
with frogs; their one weapon against the planet involves the taking over of
older humans (youngsters are immune to their electronic ways) via a dart which
renders them in the thrall of the aliens - via a remote control.
And as far as the kids are concerned, this is where most of the laughs come
from. At the expense of Bethany's boyf Ricky who is just being set up for a
series of falls - and from Nana, who when overtaken turns into some kind of
Matrix style ninja grandma.
However, it's a family film so in the true spirit of how it was intended, I
took a batch of kids along to gauge their reaction.
Both nine year old Patrick and ten year old Jackson were to be found laughing
throughout the film - Patrick's favourite bit was when Ricky busts a series of
dance moves as he's controlled by Bethany's use of the alien controller;
Jackson's best bit of the film involved the fight between ninja kicking Nana and
robotic Ricky when they have their Bruce Lee/Matrix like smackdown.
15-year-old Connor found it a little clichéd for his tastes - so I think on
reflection, the film is pitched at the younger audience; it's inoffensive comedy
which has a fair idea of which bits the audience will like the most (hint- it's
the remote controlling of the adults) and exploits them for all they're
worth.
There's a smattering of smarter moments throughout - one involving a
youngster having to use one of the old style telephones elicits much mirth; and
there are some messages about enjoying family time and bonding.
But as I say, it's not upto me to judge the latest cinematic outing aimed at
the family - here's a summary of the kid judges' marks : Patrick - 7/10;
Jackson - 6/10 and Connor 5/10.
Thursday, 17 September 2009
Moon: Movie Review
Moon: Movie Review
Rating: 8/10
Cast: Sam Rockwell, Kevin Spacey and erm, Sam Rockwell
Director: Duncan Jones
These are good times for sci fi.
After the stunning District 9 and with James Cameron's Avatar on the horizon, Moon is the latest brilliant addition to the intelligent sci-fi genre.
Sam Rockwell stars as Sam Bell, an employee contracted for three years by a mining company to work on the surface of the moon to help extract helium-3 which is to be used on earth as a power source.
As the end of his stretch nears, Bell suffers an accident on the lunar surface and wakes up back inside the base, convinced he is not alone...
There's much to love about Moon - from the retro stylings of the moonbase (its sheer whites recall 2001: A Space Odyssey - as does Kevin Spacey's voicing of the robot GERTY, whose monotone talk and displays emoticons on its screen are reminiscent of HAL) -to the wonderful performance of Sam Rockwell as a disaffected Bell.
But in terms of themes, Moon is more than just scifi.
It has universal themes such as isolation, what it is to be human and how we need other people to survive - the initial opening is all about the character study and how one survives alone and millions of miles away from others before it changes into something even smarter and more existential.
Rockwell continues to grow his portfolio as one of the best actors around - his multiple character emotions are brought excellently to the fore by director Jones. It's his performance which literally pivots the film - and which is so compelling, you can't take your eyes off the screen for one moment.
It's difficult to discuss too much about Moon without giving away its major plot points - and if I did that, I'd be depriving you of the pleasure I felt as the story unspooled in front of me on the big screen.
For a film which was made for $12 million NZ, this is leagues ahead of anything; in terms of look and feel, it really does capture the essence of life on another planet - and how dull it could be at times; it also uses the less is more approach as we follow Bell and gives you meaty ideas to mull over hours after you've left the cinema.
To simply define Moon as sci fi is to do it a disservice - to consider it more as a study of the human condition and of the big questions in life is more appropriate.
If you like intelligent films and ones which leave slivers of themselves inside your brain for days after you've seen them, Moon is the perfect film for you - it's intelligent, caring and human - and it's not often you get to say that about sci-fi these days.
Rating: 8/10
Cast: Sam Rockwell, Kevin Spacey and erm, Sam Rockwell
Director: Duncan Jones
These are good times for sci fi.
After the stunning District 9 and with James Cameron's Avatar on the horizon, Moon is the latest brilliant addition to the intelligent sci-fi genre.
Sam Rockwell stars as Sam Bell, an employee contracted for three years by a mining company to work on the surface of the moon to help extract helium-3 which is to be used on earth as a power source.
As the end of his stretch nears, Bell suffers an accident on the lunar surface and wakes up back inside the base, convinced he is not alone...
There's much to love about Moon - from the retro stylings of the moonbase (its sheer whites recall 2001: A Space Odyssey - as does Kevin Spacey's voicing of the robot GERTY, whose monotone talk and displays emoticons on its screen are reminiscent of HAL) -to the wonderful performance of Sam Rockwell as a disaffected Bell.
But in terms of themes, Moon is more than just scifi.
It has universal themes such as isolation, what it is to be human and how we need other people to survive - the initial opening is all about the character study and how one survives alone and millions of miles away from others before it changes into something even smarter and more existential.
Rockwell continues to grow his portfolio as one of the best actors around - his multiple character emotions are brought excellently to the fore by director Jones. It's his performance which literally pivots the film - and which is so compelling, you can't take your eyes off the screen for one moment.
It's difficult to discuss too much about Moon without giving away its major plot points - and if I did that, I'd be depriving you of the pleasure I felt as the story unspooled in front of me on the big screen.
For a film which was made for $12 million NZ, this is leagues ahead of anything; in terms of look and feel, it really does capture the essence of life on another planet - and how dull it could be at times; it also uses the less is more approach as we follow Bell and gives you meaty ideas to mull over hours after you've left the cinema.
To simply define Moon as sci fi is to do it a disservice - to consider it more as a study of the human condition and of the big questions in life is more appropriate.
If you like intelligent films and ones which leave slivers of themselves inside your brain for days after you've seen them, Moon is the perfect film for you - it's intelligent, caring and human - and it's not often you get to say that about sci-fi these days.
Funny People: Movie Review
Funny People: Movie Review
Rating: 7/10
Cast: Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Leslie Mann, Eric Bana, Jonah Hill, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Judd Apatow
Where do you go after the general raunch of The 40 Year Old Virgin and Knocked Up?
For wunderkind director Judd Apatow, there was always going to come a time when he needed to break out from the (admittedly very funny) genre he'd placed himself in.
And Funny People is that film.
Adam Sandler stars as comedian George Simmons, who has made his name from a series of lowbrow comedies and stand up (sounds familiar doesn't it?)
But despite the fame and fortune, he's not a happy man - and is alienated from his family and lacking friends.
One day, out of the blue, he's told by doctors that he has a rare form of leukaemia - and on learning this, he falls into a depression.
Ira Wright (Seth Rogen) is a budding stand up comedian who wants to quit his day job working at a deli and hit the big time on the comedy scene.
Ira and George's paths cross at the comedy club - and Ira's quickly hired by George to help him write some material (although it's clearly a screen for getting someone into his life that he can share his depression with)
As Ira begins working for George, it becomes clear that Simmons has a lifetime of regret to deal with - from family rifts to his aching loss of what he believes to be his one true love - Laura (Leslie Mann)
And when doctors tell him he may have beaten the illness, Simmons realises he has a second chance - so what will he do with it?
Let's get this out of the way right now - Funny People is a film of two halves and at nearly 145 minutes, it is a little too long and meandering in its second half.
However, it's also incredibly impressive in places - and that's mainly due to Adam Sandler (and to a lesser extent Seth Rogen)
Both these actors manage to shake off their perceived personas - but Sandler in a relatively straight role also mocks his own on screen personality - the films Simmons has chosen to do are exactly the kind of films Sandler's made his career from.
But Funny People is a career defining role for Sandler - at times, as we see him do stand up, sing songs and generally act, it appears it's Apatow's showcase for Sandler. While he's happy to mock his slacker image, it does show why when pushed he has what it takes.
Rogen finally begins to shake the lovable schlub image he's had over the past few films and puts a bit of warmth and personality into it.
Granted, we've seen the tears of a clown done before - but never with this level of crudity in there - yep, once again thanks to the patented Apatow formula, there are some very funny laugh out loud moments - and some crude humour in there.
But after about 60 minutes in, Funny People switches and becomes a completely different film - it veers from comedy to relationship drama; and while the tonal shift is an uneasy one, it manages to work well for a while as you feel the film's become a lot more personal - however, you do start to wonder if Apatow had either a punchline or end in sight. Sadly it leaves you thinking it's an odd mix and does feel like two films were sandwiched together.
That said, there's plenty to love about Funny People - a star turn from Adam Sandler (although he did do straight well in Punch Drunk Love), some very funny moments courtesy of a great supporting cast, great stand up, star cameos - it's just unfortunate that Apatow didn't exercise a bit more restraint towards the end.
Rating: 7/10
Cast: Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Leslie Mann, Eric Bana, Jonah Hill, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Judd Apatow
Where do you go after the general raunch of The 40 Year Old Virgin and Knocked Up?
For wunderkind director Judd Apatow, there was always going to come a time when he needed to break out from the (admittedly very funny) genre he'd placed himself in.
And Funny People is that film.
Adam Sandler stars as comedian George Simmons, who has made his name from a series of lowbrow comedies and stand up (sounds familiar doesn't it?)
But despite the fame and fortune, he's not a happy man - and is alienated from his family and lacking friends.
One day, out of the blue, he's told by doctors that he has a rare form of leukaemia - and on learning this, he falls into a depression.
Ira Wright (Seth Rogen) is a budding stand up comedian who wants to quit his day job working at a deli and hit the big time on the comedy scene.
Ira and George's paths cross at the comedy club - and Ira's quickly hired by George to help him write some material (although it's clearly a screen for getting someone into his life that he can share his depression with)
As Ira begins working for George, it becomes clear that Simmons has a lifetime of regret to deal with - from family rifts to his aching loss of what he believes to be his one true love - Laura (Leslie Mann)
And when doctors tell him he may have beaten the illness, Simmons realises he has a second chance - so what will he do with it?
Let's get this out of the way right now - Funny People is a film of two halves and at nearly 145 minutes, it is a little too long and meandering in its second half.
However, it's also incredibly impressive in places - and that's mainly due to Adam Sandler (and to a lesser extent Seth Rogen)
Both these actors manage to shake off their perceived personas - but Sandler in a relatively straight role also mocks his own on screen personality - the films Simmons has chosen to do are exactly the kind of films Sandler's made his career from.
But Funny People is a career defining role for Sandler - at times, as we see him do stand up, sing songs and generally act, it appears it's Apatow's showcase for Sandler. While he's happy to mock his slacker image, it does show why when pushed he has what it takes.
Rogen finally begins to shake the lovable schlub image he's had over the past few films and puts a bit of warmth and personality into it.
Granted, we've seen the tears of a clown done before - but never with this level of crudity in there - yep, once again thanks to the patented Apatow formula, there are some very funny laugh out loud moments - and some crude humour in there.
But after about 60 minutes in, Funny People switches and becomes a completely different film - it veers from comedy to relationship drama; and while the tonal shift is an uneasy one, it manages to work well for a while as you feel the film's become a lot more personal - however, you do start to wonder if Apatow had either a punchline or end in sight. Sadly it leaves you thinking it's an odd mix and does feel like two films were sandwiched together.
That said, there's plenty to love about Funny People - a star turn from Adam Sandler (although he did do straight well in Punch Drunk Love), some very funny moments courtesy of a great supporting cast, great stand up, star cameos - it's just unfortunate that Apatow didn't exercise a bit more restraint towards the end.
Protege: Movie Review
Protege: Movie Review
Rating: 6/10
Cast: Daniel Wu, Andy Lau, Louis Koo, Anita Yuen, Zhang Jingchu
Director: Derek Yee
Playing as part of the first ever Hong Kong Film Festival in Auckland, Protégé is the tale of undercover officer Nick - played by Daniel Wu.
Nick has spent the last seven years working undercover, trying to crack the drugs supply line which has slowly been ravaging his city.
Working for the kingpin, Quin (Andy Lau) Nick has worked his way to the top from the very bottom - and is poised to take over the empire.
But at the pivotal point where the end is in sight, Nick ends up involved with his heroin addled neighbour Jane (Zhang Jingchu) - and desperate to try and save her and her young child from the clutches of the drug, he teeters precariously between the police officer he's supposed to be and the life he's led for the past seven years.
Protégé is an at times, gripping look at the lengths undercover officers go to and how their day to day lives with the criminal underworld causes the lines to blur and judgments to become impaired as they walk a fine line between right and wrong.
Wu does excellently at conveying this dilemma as he tries to do the right thing by his neighbour - and as he battles with wanting to see what effect the drug would have on himself, the feeling of self loathing and loss over his identity sets up a good conflict.
Unfortunately, director (and writer) Derek Yee (who directed Shinjuku Incident with Jackie Chan earlier this year) manages to muddy the waters a bit with some heavy handed direction - at each moment of real conflict and emotional turbulence, we cut to scenes of rolling storm clouds - a stock tactic which is too oft employed during the film's duration.
Protégé works best when it concentrates simply on the drama - the scenes between Quin and Nick are tense as Quin's distrust and uncertainty starts to breakthrough - particularly in one scene set in the heroin plantations of the Golden Triangle.
It's when the direction and script are pared back to their most simplistic that they are the most effective.
However, it's Jane who humanises the whole piece. Played by Zhang Jingchu, her descent as a junkie is nothing short of horrifying - a reminder of the reality of the worlds skated between by Nick - and as he desperately tries to save her, it becomes clear there are very real human costs involved in this ongoing war.
Protégé is an intriguing film - it's a gritty portrait of moral conflict and harrowing in places; as a character study of conflict with a social message, it does manage to feel slightly overlong in places, but there's plenty here to immerse yourself in.
Also playing at the Hong Kong Film Festival are: The Way We Are, True Women For Sale, The Beast Stalker, and The Three Kingdoms: Resurrection Of The Dragon - full details of times can be found on the official Hong Kong Film Festival website.
Rating: 6/10
Cast: Daniel Wu, Andy Lau, Louis Koo, Anita Yuen, Zhang Jingchu
Director: Derek Yee
Playing as part of the first ever Hong Kong Film Festival in Auckland, Protégé is the tale of undercover officer Nick - played by Daniel Wu.
Nick has spent the last seven years working undercover, trying to crack the drugs supply line which has slowly been ravaging his city.
Working for the kingpin, Quin (Andy Lau) Nick has worked his way to the top from the very bottom - and is poised to take over the empire.
But at the pivotal point where the end is in sight, Nick ends up involved with his heroin addled neighbour Jane (Zhang Jingchu) - and desperate to try and save her and her young child from the clutches of the drug, he teeters precariously between the police officer he's supposed to be and the life he's led for the past seven years.
Protégé is an at times, gripping look at the lengths undercover officers go to and how their day to day lives with the criminal underworld causes the lines to blur and judgments to become impaired as they walk a fine line between right and wrong.
Wu does excellently at conveying this dilemma as he tries to do the right thing by his neighbour - and as he battles with wanting to see what effect the drug would have on himself, the feeling of self loathing and loss over his identity sets up a good conflict.
Unfortunately, director (and writer) Derek Yee (who directed Shinjuku Incident with Jackie Chan earlier this year) manages to muddy the waters a bit with some heavy handed direction - at each moment of real conflict and emotional turbulence, we cut to scenes of rolling storm clouds - a stock tactic which is too oft employed during the film's duration.
Protégé works best when it concentrates simply on the drama - the scenes between Quin and Nick are tense as Quin's distrust and uncertainty starts to breakthrough - particularly in one scene set in the heroin plantations of the Golden Triangle.
It's when the direction and script are pared back to their most simplistic that they are the most effective.
However, it's Jane who humanises the whole piece. Played by Zhang Jingchu, her descent as a junkie is nothing short of horrifying - a reminder of the reality of the worlds skated between by Nick - and as he desperately tries to save her, it becomes clear there are very real human costs involved in this ongoing war.
Protégé is an intriguing film - it's a gritty portrait of moral conflict and harrowing in places; as a character study of conflict with a social message, it does manage to feel slightly overlong in places, but there's plenty here to immerse yourself in.
Also playing at the Hong Kong Film Festival are: The Way We Are, True Women For Sale, The Beast Stalker, and The Three Kingdoms: Resurrection Of The Dragon - full details of times can be found on the official Hong Kong Film Festival website.
Monday, 14 September 2009
The Simpsons Season 12: DVD Review
The Simpsons Season 12: DVD Review
Simpsons Season 12
Cast: Erm, Homer, Maggie, Bart, Lisa, Marge, the cast of Springfield
Rating: M
Roadshow Entertainment
What can you say about the Simpsons?
It's been going for 2 decades now - and many feel the episodes starting to hit a bit of a creative rot somewhere around Season 6.
But these semi regular complete season releases are far from rot.
Lavishly put together, this latest release with Comic Book Guy glaring from the cover, sees the Springfield gang for yet another year's worth of gags, stupidity and general mirth.
The Twelfth Season has packed in 21 episodes - all of which have commentary on them (a rare feat for a season release - after all it's a lot of viewing at 22 minutes a time) which renders each episode a multi layered gem - not only do you get to see the Simpsons in action, the insights give you a chance to enjoy the episode again.
This year sees some classic moments - such as HOMR, wherein the lovable dolt Homer finds out the cause of his stupidity over the years has been due to a crayon lodged in his brain. He consequently has it removed and bonds with his daughter Lisa but starts to doubt his own happiness - truly Homer's never been doused in so much pathos.
Then at the other end of the spectrum, Homer ends up dishing celebrity gossip on his computer while masquerading as Mr X - only once he realizes his exposes have only gone so deep, he begins to make it up (a cautionary tale to all who use the web methinks)
Trilogy of Error sees the Simpsons approach one day from 3 different perspectives; dolphins take over the world in Treehouse of Horror XI, Comic Book guy suffers a heart attack in Worst Episode Ever; the creativeness of the writers is endless in Season 12.
But if the episodes never quite reach the pinnacle of a gag a minute, then the same can't be said of The Simpsons The Twelfth Season set itself.
Gorgeously packaged in the style of a comic book, this set oozes quality for fans of the genre - from the opening animated menus which see the characters waiting to get autographs at a convention run by Comic Book Guy (hence why he's on the cover), it's clear those behind the release have pulled out all the stops for the fans once again.
The wealth of extras guarantees something for every fan of America's favourite family - for fans of the animation, you get behind the scenes access to the drawings which form the episodes, the opportunity to see sketch galleries and how they translated to the screen; it's truly a collector's dream.
Perhaps the nicest extra is the Global Fanfest which sees the writers quizzed on their own show (they don't get everything right) and you can also watch a live orchestra playing the music of certain scenes from the show.
It's the plethora of extras which make this set essential for the true dyed in the wool Simpsons fan - while the family can enjoy the 21 episodes, the true fanatic can delve into a world beyond the TV show and once again revel in the creativity and depth of extras that the Simpsons has to offer.
The only minor gripe is the inner packaging makes it difficult to get the DVDs out without destroying the spines of the beautiful folds - but it's a fan complaint more than anything.
Just make sure you have plenty of time to spare - because you'll be immersed in this set before you realize where the time has gone.
Extras (Too many to list here) - includes Special introduction from Matt Groening, Commentaries on every Episode with actors, writers and directors, Deleted scenes, The commercials, Original sketches, and Comic Book Guy - Best. Moments.Ever
Rating: 9/10
Simpsons Season 12
Cast: Erm, Homer, Maggie, Bart, Lisa, Marge, the cast of Springfield
Rating: M
Roadshow Entertainment
What can you say about the Simpsons?
It's been going for 2 decades now - and many feel the episodes starting to hit a bit of a creative rot somewhere around Season 6.
But these semi regular complete season releases are far from rot.
Lavishly put together, this latest release with Comic Book Guy glaring from the cover, sees the Springfield gang for yet another year's worth of gags, stupidity and general mirth.
The Twelfth Season has packed in 21 episodes - all of which have commentary on them (a rare feat for a season release - after all it's a lot of viewing at 22 minutes a time) which renders each episode a multi layered gem - not only do you get to see the Simpsons in action, the insights give you a chance to enjoy the episode again.
This year sees some classic moments - such as HOMR, wherein the lovable dolt Homer finds out the cause of his stupidity over the years has been due to a crayon lodged in his brain. He consequently has it removed and bonds with his daughter Lisa but starts to doubt his own happiness - truly Homer's never been doused in so much pathos.
Then at the other end of the spectrum, Homer ends up dishing celebrity gossip on his computer while masquerading as Mr X - only once he realizes his exposes have only gone so deep, he begins to make it up (a cautionary tale to all who use the web methinks)
Trilogy of Error sees the Simpsons approach one day from 3 different perspectives; dolphins take over the world in Treehouse of Horror XI, Comic Book guy suffers a heart attack in Worst Episode Ever; the creativeness of the writers is endless in Season 12.
But if the episodes never quite reach the pinnacle of a gag a minute, then the same can't be said of The Simpsons The Twelfth Season set itself.
Gorgeously packaged in the style of a comic book, this set oozes quality for fans of the genre - from the opening animated menus which see the characters waiting to get autographs at a convention run by Comic Book Guy (hence why he's on the cover), it's clear those behind the release have pulled out all the stops for the fans once again.
The wealth of extras guarantees something for every fan of America's favourite family - for fans of the animation, you get behind the scenes access to the drawings which form the episodes, the opportunity to see sketch galleries and how they translated to the screen; it's truly a collector's dream.
Perhaps the nicest extra is the Global Fanfest which sees the writers quizzed on their own show (they don't get everything right) and you can also watch a live orchestra playing the music of certain scenes from the show.
It's the plethora of extras which make this set essential for the true dyed in the wool Simpsons fan - while the family can enjoy the 21 episodes, the true fanatic can delve into a world beyond the TV show and once again revel in the creativity and depth of extras that the Simpsons has to offer.
The only minor gripe is the inner packaging makes it difficult to get the DVDs out without destroying the spines of the beautiful folds - but it's a fan complaint more than anything.
Just make sure you have plenty of time to spare - because you'll be immersed in this set before you realize where the time has gone.
Extras (Too many to list here) - includes Special introduction from Matt Groening, Commentaries on every Episode with actors, writers and directors, Deleted scenes, The commercials, Original sketches, and Comic Book Guy - Best. Moments.Ever
Rating: 9/10
Saturday, 12 September 2009
Appaloosa: DVD Review
Appaloosa: DVD Review
Appaloosa
Cast: Ed Harris, Viggo Mortensen, Renee Zellweger, Jeremy Irons, Lance Henriksen
Rating: M
Released by Roadshow Entertainment
Based on a book by crime writer Robert B Parker, comes Ed Harris' second directorial effort.
Appaloosa is set in the small western town of the same name, where Bragg (Jeremy Irons) is terrorizing the town having dispatched the local sheriff and his deputies.
One day, a pair of peacekeepers known as Hitch and Cole (Mortensen and Harris) ride into town and promise to restore law and order to Appaloosa and track down the killer in return for complete control.
After an initial confrontation, both Hitch and Cole find themselves tested by Bragg's men - and Cole in particular is tested (in a good way) by the arrival of Allie French (Renee Zellweger) with whom he begins a relationship.
However, after getting Bragg tried and convicted, things don't run quite as smoothly for the trio as perhaps they should - and it seems as if Bragg's influence hasn't been shaken as easily as they had expected.
Appaloosa is an odd sort of film - it takes a while to ease into its groove and some may find it a bit slow to get going. It's not your usual Western as well - there's a lot more character driven material than you'd expect and quite a quirky interplay between Cole and Hitch which errs into deadpan comedy at times.
But it's the relationships which keep this story going - and stop you from losing interest - if it's an old school western you're after with guns and shootings and stand offs, then there's a few here - and yet, the stand offs, while tense, end pretty quickly and brutally (the deaths of the sheriff at the start is over as quickly as it takes Bragg the time to draw his gun).
Cole and Hitch's relationship in particular is based on a long standing acquaintance and is at times reminiscent of the kind of banter and reactions you'd expect from a cop film - or a buddy movie.
There's some nice touches here and there which are scattered through the film (the bad guy's arrested coming out of a toilet) but overall, Appaloosa ever so slightly disappoints as its never really hits a high - it's got a good solid performance from its ensemble cast (particularly Lance Henriksen) but unfortunately it never helps it into the classic western category - rather more the curio category.
A smattering of extras include a commentary by Ed Harris, some additional scenes, and a quartet of featurettes.
Rating: 6/10
Appaloosa
Cast: Ed Harris, Viggo Mortensen, Renee Zellweger, Jeremy Irons, Lance Henriksen
Rating: M
Released by Roadshow Entertainment
Based on a book by crime writer Robert B Parker, comes Ed Harris' second directorial effort.
Appaloosa is set in the small western town of the same name, where Bragg (Jeremy Irons) is terrorizing the town having dispatched the local sheriff and his deputies.
One day, a pair of peacekeepers known as Hitch and Cole (Mortensen and Harris) ride into town and promise to restore law and order to Appaloosa and track down the killer in return for complete control.
After an initial confrontation, both Hitch and Cole find themselves tested by Bragg's men - and Cole in particular is tested (in a good way) by the arrival of Allie French (Renee Zellweger) with whom he begins a relationship.
However, after getting Bragg tried and convicted, things don't run quite as smoothly for the trio as perhaps they should - and it seems as if Bragg's influence hasn't been shaken as easily as they had expected.
Appaloosa is an odd sort of film - it takes a while to ease into its groove and some may find it a bit slow to get going. It's not your usual Western as well - there's a lot more character driven material than you'd expect and quite a quirky interplay between Cole and Hitch which errs into deadpan comedy at times.
But it's the relationships which keep this story going - and stop you from losing interest - if it's an old school western you're after with guns and shootings and stand offs, then there's a few here - and yet, the stand offs, while tense, end pretty quickly and brutally (the deaths of the sheriff at the start is over as quickly as it takes Bragg the time to draw his gun).
Cole and Hitch's relationship in particular is based on a long standing acquaintance and is at times reminiscent of the kind of banter and reactions you'd expect from a cop film - or a buddy movie.
There's some nice touches here and there which are scattered through the film (the bad guy's arrested coming out of a toilet) but overall, Appaloosa ever so slightly disappoints as its never really hits a high - it's got a good solid performance from its ensemble cast (particularly Lance Henriksen) but unfortunately it never helps it into the classic western category - rather more the curio category.
A smattering of extras include a commentary by Ed Harris, some additional scenes, and a quartet of featurettes.
Rating: 6/10
Thursday, 10 September 2009
Is Anybody There? Movie Review
Is Anybody There? Movie Review
Rating 6/10
Cast: Michael Caine, Bill Milner, Anne-Marie Duff, David Morrissey
Director: John Crowley
1980s England - and in the stifling atmosphere of an old people's home, we find death and dementia not too far away.
10-year-old Edward (Bill Milner) lives in the care home run by his parents - but to get by on a daily basis, Edward has a morbid fascination with death (perhaps inevitably given where he lives 24-7)
Obsessed by the final moments of some of the residents, Edward spends his time recording their last dying breaths in an attempt to find out what comes after.
One day, while out walking and listening to the exit of an elderly resident on a pair of headphones, he's nearly run over by Michael Caine's ancient magician Clarence.
After this initially frosty meeting Clarence checks into the rest home - and after Clarence succumbs to his suicidal thoughts, Edward is drawn to him as he realizes that he is the only person to have experienced near death - and he could hold the answers to many of the questions Edward's been after.
An uneasy friendship grows and the pair both learn to rage against the dying of the light.
Is Anybody There? is a tear-jerker in parts - but it avoids you rushing for the tissues because of the towering performance of Michael Caine.
Once again, Caine manages to turn what could have been a fairly mawkish script into some truly emotive moments - there's pathos in spades here as Clarence first visits the home; he's shocked to realize that he will ultimately end up here but too weary to fight against the inevitability of his condition.
In any other actor's hands these moments could have been trite and overplayed for tears - but Caine makes Clarence relatable as he begins to wallow in a sea of regret and cantankerousness as he begins his descent down into senility and the grave.
Bill Milner's Edward isn't a bad performance - while his morbid fascination and depressing endless questioning is a product of where he's been brought up, the sense of playfulness and earnest desire to learn about the afterlife and find some meaning in the world make the character rise above what could have been a tearful, doleful mire.
The only unwelcome note in Is Anybody There? is the family marriage melodrama which blights the final portion of the film - it's an unnecessary footnote to what's gone before and seems an unwelcome bookend to the drama (although it's almost forgiven because there's a nice pay off right to the central story at the end.)
Is Anybody There? may be predictable in parts but it's the pivotal performance of Michael Caine and a vein of black humour throughout as both Clarence and Edward tackle the reality of old age and regret which make it just rise above what could nearly have dragged it down.
Rating 6/10
Cast: Michael Caine, Bill Milner, Anne-Marie Duff, David Morrissey
Director: John Crowley
1980s England - and in the stifling atmosphere of an old people's home, we find death and dementia not too far away.
10-year-old Edward (Bill Milner) lives in the care home run by his parents - but to get by on a daily basis, Edward has a morbid fascination with death (perhaps inevitably given where he lives 24-7)
Obsessed by the final moments of some of the residents, Edward spends his time recording their last dying breaths in an attempt to find out what comes after.
One day, while out walking and listening to the exit of an elderly resident on a pair of headphones, he's nearly run over by Michael Caine's ancient magician Clarence.
After this initially frosty meeting Clarence checks into the rest home - and after Clarence succumbs to his suicidal thoughts, Edward is drawn to him as he realizes that he is the only person to have experienced near death - and he could hold the answers to many of the questions Edward's been after.
An uneasy friendship grows and the pair both learn to rage against the dying of the light.
Is Anybody There? is a tear-jerker in parts - but it avoids you rushing for the tissues because of the towering performance of Michael Caine.
Once again, Caine manages to turn what could have been a fairly mawkish script into some truly emotive moments - there's pathos in spades here as Clarence first visits the home; he's shocked to realize that he will ultimately end up here but too weary to fight against the inevitability of his condition.
In any other actor's hands these moments could have been trite and overplayed for tears - but Caine makes Clarence relatable as he begins to wallow in a sea of regret and cantankerousness as he begins his descent down into senility and the grave.
Bill Milner's Edward isn't a bad performance - while his morbid fascination and depressing endless questioning is a product of where he's been brought up, the sense of playfulness and earnest desire to learn about the afterlife and find some meaning in the world make the character rise above what could have been a tearful, doleful mire.
The only unwelcome note in Is Anybody There? is the family marriage melodrama which blights the final portion of the film - it's an unnecessary footnote to what's gone before and seems an unwelcome bookend to the drama (although it's almost forgiven because there's a nice pay off right to the central story at the end.)
Is Anybody There? may be predictable in parts but it's the pivotal performance of Michael Caine and a vein of black humour throughout as both Clarence and Edward tackle the reality of old age and regret which make it just rise above what could nearly have dragged it down.
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