Disgrace: Movie Review
Disgrace
Rating: 6/10
Cast: John Malkovich, Jessica Haines, Eriq Ebouaney
Director: Steve Jacobs
Based on the novel by author JM Coetzee, Disgrace tells the story of
professor David Lurie (Malkovich) who leaves the Cape Town university where he
lectures after an affair with a student.
While the enquiry into his conduct takes place, he heads to his daughter
Lucy's (Haines) farm on the Eastern Cape.
She lives there alone - apart from her partnership with Petrus (Ebouaney) -
and appears to be finding her way in the world.
Slowly David begins to find his place with his daughter and her way of life -
after initial contempt - but after a shocking attack on the farm, the father and
daughter are left to pick up the pieces - and find their lives will never be the
same again.
Disgrace is not an easy watch - Malkovich doesn't make his character of Lurie
likeable or sympathetic. When first we meet him, he is a creepy, desperate
sounding man who wants a connection with someone, anyone - be it a prostitute or
student, Lurie is a man who is contemptuous of life and others and who's
flagrantly abusing his position of power.
So it's no wonder he's scornful of the rural idyllic lifestyle of the farm
and the relationship between Lucy and Petrus as it feels like a direct contrast
to the life he had at the university.
But around 45 minutes into the film, that is thrown completely on its head
with the attack - which sees a father confront his worst fears and being unable
to protect his daughter.
And it's also at this point that the audience may find it a little difficult
(read: harrowing) to carry on viewing as Disgrace gets more intense the longer
it goes on.
Malkovich is stoic as Lurie - I never really had the feeling he's a character
for which I should root for and even towards the end of the film, his actions
don't leave me feeling that he was redeemed - or that he even truly sought
redemption in any shape or form..
Perhaps this is the power of the screenplay - and of Malkovich the actor -
because it's a morally ambiguous and deeply complex film which denies its lead a
fully redemptive arc, something which is normally frowned on upon the big
screen.
Jessica Haines is immensely compelling as his daughter Lucy - faced with a
spiralling situation which escalates ever further into heartbreaking territory,
her virtual underplaying of the role guarantees her strength and the ongoing
sympathy of the audience.
Disgrace is a tricky, tough challenging watch - it may alienate some and
deeply upset others - but it poses a series of terrible situations and then
gives its characters room to breathe in an horrific reality.
However, thanks to the performance of the central two actors, you'll leave
the cinema with plenty to discuss.
Thursday, 24 September 2009
G Force: Movie Review
G Force: Movie Review
Rating: 4/10
Cast: Zach Galifianakis, Kelli Garner, Will Arnett - and the voices of Nicolas Cage, Sam Rockwell, Jon Favreau, Penélope Cruz, Steve Buscemi, Tracy Morgan
Director: Hoyt H. Yeatman Jr.
The latest 3D escapade comes to us in the form of G Force, a Disney comedy about a bunch of secret test FBI guinea pigs (who are actually guinea pigs - that's the joke I think) who are trying to infiltrate the world of Leonard Saber (Bill Nighy)
Saber's the head of a household appliances chain and the team believes he's about to take over the world with his automated machinery.
However, just after busting into Saber's mansion, the G Force team of Darwin, Juarez and Blaster (aided by Speckles The Mole) is shut down and disbanded by the head of the FBI.
To make matters worse, the team's inadvertently trapped in a pet store - and up for sale.
Can they rise to the challenge ahead of them with the deadline for Saber's takeover looming and escape their predicament, break out from the pet shop and save the world?
G Force has an awesome cast in terms of vocal talent (Sam Rockwell and an unrecognisable Nicolas Cage) as well as the ever amusing Zach Galifianakis and Will Arnett - but it just failed to meet the mark as far as I was concerned.
The problem is the plot - it's not that it's nonsensical (it's a film, it's not based on credibility) but coupled with characters who just aren't interesting enough, it fails to keep the attention for long enough.
The humans in the piece (with perhaps the exception of Garner and Galifianakis who make an amiable couple) are on screen to merely act improbably and foolishly - at times, Nighy scowls and barks his lines like someone who's just phoned in their role.
Darwin the head of the unit (voiced by Rockwell) is saddled with a boofhead potential brother (voiced by Jon Favreau) at the pet store who is just simply there to provide pratfalls and laughter.
As it's executive producer is Jerry Bruckheimer, you won't be surprised to learn there's plenty of eye popping action - and once again, the 3D factor is well used. Although in some places (such as flying through the skies) it's used to lazy effect - which is unfortunate because elsewhere it adds a depth to the action which is visually impressive.
Unusually for a comedy, despite the screening I was in being packed with children, I don't recall hearing any of them laugh out loud at any point during the film.
G-Force will amuse the younger children in the audience but the adults may find it a little hard to take.
Rating: 4/10
Cast: Zach Galifianakis, Kelli Garner, Will Arnett - and the voices of Nicolas Cage, Sam Rockwell, Jon Favreau, Penélope Cruz, Steve Buscemi, Tracy Morgan
Director: Hoyt H. Yeatman Jr.
The latest 3D escapade comes to us in the form of G Force, a Disney comedy about a bunch of secret test FBI guinea pigs (who are actually guinea pigs - that's the joke I think) who are trying to infiltrate the world of Leonard Saber (Bill Nighy)
Saber's the head of a household appliances chain and the team believes he's about to take over the world with his automated machinery.
However, just after busting into Saber's mansion, the G Force team of Darwin, Juarez and Blaster (aided by Speckles The Mole) is shut down and disbanded by the head of the FBI.
To make matters worse, the team's inadvertently trapped in a pet store - and up for sale.
Can they rise to the challenge ahead of them with the deadline for Saber's takeover looming and escape their predicament, break out from the pet shop and save the world?
G Force has an awesome cast in terms of vocal talent (Sam Rockwell and an unrecognisable Nicolas Cage) as well as the ever amusing Zach Galifianakis and Will Arnett - but it just failed to meet the mark as far as I was concerned.
The problem is the plot - it's not that it's nonsensical (it's a film, it's not based on credibility) but coupled with characters who just aren't interesting enough, it fails to keep the attention for long enough.
The humans in the piece (with perhaps the exception of Garner and Galifianakis who make an amiable couple) are on screen to merely act improbably and foolishly - at times, Nighy scowls and barks his lines like someone who's just phoned in their role.
Darwin the head of the unit (voiced by Rockwell) is saddled with a boofhead potential brother (voiced by Jon Favreau) at the pet store who is just simply there to provide pratfalls and laughter.
As it's executive producer is Jerry Bruckheimer, you won't be surprised to learn there's plenty of eye popping action - and once again, the 3D factor is well used. Although in some places (such as flying through the skies) it's used to lazy effect - which is unfortunate because elsewhere it adds a depth to the action which is visually impressive.
Unusually for a comedy, despite the screening I was in being packed with children, I don't recall hearing any of them laugh out loud at any point during the film.
G-Force will amuse the younger children in the audience but the adults may find it a little hard to take.
Thursday, 17 September 2009
Aliens In The Attic: Movie Review
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.
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.
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
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