From Time To Time: DVD Review
From Time To Time
Rating: G
Released by Roadshow
Based on best seller The Chimneys of Green Knowe, From Time To Time is a
ghost story mixed in with family intrigue.
When
thirteen year old Tolly (Alex Etel) is sent to live with his grandmother (Smith)
at her country estate, he becomes obsessed with the family secrets which are
embroiled in the home.
Tolly discovers he can move between his
world and the past - and begins to uncover family secrets of the estate which
have lain dormant for years
From Time to Time
feels a little out of time to be honest - it's certainly enchanting in places
and has some wonderful effects as Tolly travels from the present to the country
home of the past.
Doors open and suddenly Tolly's
back in a past brought to life by wonderfully evocative colours and society
life.
But it's all a little plodding in places -
it feels a little Secret Gardenish as they negotiate different times and along
with simple acting and no real emotion from the lead, it's hard to become
engaged in this tale.
Which is a shame because
Fellowes manages to eke out maximum spookiness from the old mansion, wrings out
the best from his locations and gets a great performance from Maggie Smith.
Rating: 5/10
Monday, 12 September 2011
The Housemaid: DVD Review
The Housemaid: DVD Review
The Housemaid
Rating: R16
Released by Madman
Just what is it with rich families?
So much money, so much opulence and luxury - and clearly so many issues -this remake of a Korean classic sees a young divorcee given the role of a housemaid in the Hoon family house.
The man of the house suddenly starts taking the master and servant a little too far (despite a daughter and heavily pregnant wife) and soon, all manner of problems are on the way as she becomes pregnant.
Soon the mother in law is poisoning her daughter and the duo plot to get her our of their lives for good-and however they can.
It's quite a slow building film but one with some racy moments and some wonderful visual touches; there's plenty of starched white around as well-from snow to shirts, this is a house which stinks of repression.
But it's a believable story, well told (aside from the final few scenes which take away some of the overall feel of what's gone on).A strong thriller and one which you can sink into and watch unfold thanks to the strong central performances
Rating: 6/10
The Housemaid
Rating: R16
Released by Madman
Just what is it with rich families?
So much money, so much opulence and luxury - and clearly so many issues -this remake of a Korean classic sees a young divorcee given the role of a housemaid in the Hoon family house.
The man of the house suddenly starts taking the master and servant a little too far (despite a daughter and heavily pregnant wife) and soon, all manner of problems are on the way as she becomes pregnant.
Soon the mother in law is poisoning her daughter and the duo plot to get her our of their lives for good-and however they can.
It's quite a slow building film but one with some racy moments and some wonderful visual touches; there's plenty of starched white around as well-from snow to shirts, this is a house which stinks of repression.
But it's a believable story, well told (aside from the final few scenes which take away some of the overall feel of what's gone on).A strong thriller and one which you can sink into and watch unfold thanks to the strong central performances
Rating: 6/10
Misfits S2 - DVD Review
Misfits S2 - DVD Review
Misfits Season 2
Rating: R18
Released by Roadshow and BBC
A second season of the brilliant series about five outcasts given superpowers when a storm strikes them as they work to fulfill community service obligations.
This time around, a masked superhero is stalking the gang and it appears many others have gained powers in the storm - and are making life difficult for them.
As ever, a mix of crudity, humour, great oneliners and some smart stories give Misfits the chance to rise out of the mire that sometimes can be superhero shows.
In this seven episode series, there's a bit more heart on display as well as some gross out moments; the writers have gone further to give the gang a bit more depth and the Superhoodie storyline surprises on many levels.
Throw into that mix, a bold final episode which gives the gang the chance to change their powers and you've pretty much got a blank canvas for the upcoming series - Misfits continues to excite and amuse in equal levels and it's well worth investing seven hours of your life in.
Rating: 7/10
Misfits Season 2
Rating: R18
Released by Roadshow and BBC
A second season of the brilliant series about five outcasts given superpowers when a storm strikes them as they work to fulfill community service obligations.
This time around, a masked superhero is stalking the gang and it appears many others have gained powers in the storm - and are making life difficult for them.
As ever, a mix of crudity, humour, great oneliners and some smart stories give Misfits the chance to rise out of the mire that sometimes can be superhero shows.
In this seven episode series, there's a bit more heart on display as well as some gross out moments; the writers have gone further to give the gang a bit more depth and the Superhoodie storyline surprises on many levels.
Throw into that mix, a bold final episode which gives the gang the chance to change their powers and you've pretty much got a blank canvas for the upcoming series - Misfits continues to excite and amuse in equal levels and it's well worth investing seven hours of your life in.
Rating: 7/10
Friday, 9 September 2011
Battle Los Angeles: Blu Ray review
Battle Los Angeles: Blu Ray review
Battle Los Angeles
Rating: M
Released by Sony Home Entertainment
Do you like alien invasion films?
Do you like plenty of shooting?
Do you like a minimal plot which sees a leader looking for redemption after the loss of troops in former combat?
Do you like stuff blowing up?
If you've answered yes, then move along, this review won't matter to you. Because right after you've read the title, you'll be firing up the DVD.
It's about a platoon of marines recently returned from combat, who've suffered the loss of their own thanks to the decisions of Aaron Eckhart's staff sergeant.
24 hours later this crew of gung-ho grunts (including one who's about to marry, one who's got post-traumatic stress, one who's a marine on the brink of retirement - just the regular collection of cliches) is heading into battle when a series of meteors land at strategic points around the world.
Pretty soon, it's clear this is an invasion force - and the marines are one of the last lines of defence in the war against this unnamed extra terrestrial army.
It's got the tenets of a B movie, a war film and an FX spectacular thrown in - as well as the predictable Iraq allegory (the aliens are after our resources; they use water for fuel ... subtle it may not be).
But visually, its style is impressive - it looks like a war film with its handheld cameras, verite style following the marines as they try to save civilians from behind enemy lines (which resemble war-torn streets of Iraq). It really gets you into the heart, paranoia and uncomfortable nature of battle.
If you're after an adrenalin-filled spectacle for two hours, full of bullets, bangs and boys (and slightly dodgy alien FX), then it's for you - ultimately, it's not adding anything new to the genre but is distracting enough.
Extras: Behind the battle, Aliens in LA, Creating LA - reasonable pieces
Rating: 6/10
Battle Los Angeles
Rating: M
Released by Sony Home Entertainment
Do you like alien invasion films?
Do you like plenty of shooting?
Do you like a minimal plot which sees a leader looking for redemption after the loss of troops in former combat?
Do you like stuff blowing up?
If you've answered yes, then move along, this review won't matter to you. Because right after you've read the title, you'll be firing up the DVD.
It's about a platoon of marines recently returned from combat, who've suffered the loss of their own thanks to the decisions of Aaron Eckhart's staff sergeant.
24 hours later this crew of gung-ho grunts (including one who's about to marry, one who's got post-traumatic stress, one who's a marine on the brink of retirement - just the regular collection of cliches) is heading into battle when a series of meteors land at strategic points around the world.
Pretty soon, it's clear this is an invasion force - and the marines are one of the last lines of defence in the war against this unnamed extra terrestrial army.
It's got the tenets of a B movie, a war film and an FX spectacular thrown in - as well as the predictable Iraq allegory (the aliens are after our resources; they use water for fuel ... subtle it may not be).
But visually, its style is impressive - it looks like a war film with its handheld cameras, verite style following the marines as they try to save civilians from behind enemy lines (which resemble war-torn streets of Iraq). It really gets you into the heart, paranoia and uncomfortable nature of battle.
If you're after an adrenalin-filled spectacle for two hours, full of bullets, bangs and boys (and slightly dodgy alien FX), then it's for you - ultimately, it's not adding anything new to the genre but is distracting enough.
Extras: Behind the battle, Aliens in LA, Creating LA - reasonable pieces
Rating: 6/10
Thursday, 8 September 2011
The Change Up: Movie Review
The Change Up: Movie Review
The Change Up
Rating: 5/10
Cast: Jason Bateman, Ryan Reynolds, Olivia Wilde, Leslie Mann
Director: David Dobkin
Mitch (Reynolds) and Dave (Bateman) have been buddies since they were in third grade in school together.
Whereas Mitch became a failed actor and womaniser, Dave worked hard all his life, married, had kids and is working for a law firm.
However, Dave's not happy with his life, believing Mitch has the perfect carefree existence; ironically, Mitch believes Dave has the perfect life, with adorable kids and a loving wife (Leslie Mann). So when the pair go out drinking one night and end up peeing in a fountain, they wish they could swap places.
And in a flash, that's exactly what happens - but, surprise, surprise, both of the guys learn the lives they're so jealous of, aren't exactly as rosy as they imagined.
The Change Up is a body swap comedy from those behind Wedding Crashers and The Hangover. So, pretty much, right there, you should know what to expect - moments of guilty, gross out humour and nothing too sophisticated. The tone is set in the beginning sequence when Bateman's Dave is woken at 3am by babies needing a nappy change - and it goes horribly wrong...Throw in formulaic comedy and you've pretty much got this film down to a tee - except for a few redeeming factors.
Jason Bateman finally plays against his usual laid back roles and has a whale of a time as Mitch; it's great to see him really doing some laugh out loud acting and there are moments of genuine mirth as he becomes a bit more loose and screwball. The scenes where he has to try and feed his pair of twins and carries them like sacks will resonate with many and amuses greatly.
Likewise Ryan Reynolds impresses in his performance as Mitch/Dave; both the leads bring smart assured performances to what is a very traditional, and formulaic body swap film. Olivia Wilde continues to carve her way towards a prosperous screen career with her role as Dave's sexy colleague and Leslie Mann does well as a quietly desperate housewife.
Sure, the inevitable moment comes when the duo have to grow up/ face their deep epiphanies, but thanks to a fairly mediocre script which uses their plights as a construct to hear some home truths, you can see what's coming a mile off.
At the end of the day, if you're prepared to leave your brain at the door and fancy an uneven comedy which relies on gross rather than smarts for guilty laughs, then the Change Up is the perfect solution for a night out.
The Change Up
Rating: 5/10
Cast: Jason Bateman, Ryan Reynolds, Olivia Wilde, Leslie Mann
Director: David Dobkin
Mitch (Reynolds) and Dave (Bateman) have been buddies since they were in third grade in school together.
Whereas Mitch became a failed actor and womaniser, Dave worked hard all his life, married, had kids and is working for a law firm.
However, Dave's not happy with his life, believing Mitch has the perfect carefree existence; ironically, Mitch believes Dave has the perfect life, with adorable kids and a loving wife (Leslie Mann). So when the pair go out drinking one night and end up peeing in a fountain, they wish they could swap places.
And in a flash, that's exactly what happens - but, surprise, surprise, both of the guys learn the lives they're so jealous of, aren't exactly as rosy as they imagined.
The Change Up is a body swap comedy from those behind Wedding Crashers and The Hangover. So, pretty much, right there, you should know what to expect - moments of guilty, gross out humour and nothing too sophisticated. The tone is set in the beginning sequence when Bateman's Dave is woken at 3am by babies needing a nappy change - and it goes horribly wrong...Throw in formulaic comedy and you've pretty much got this film down to a tee - except for a few redeeming factors.
Jason Bateman finally plays against his usual laid back roles and has a whale of a time as Mitch; it's great to see him really doing some laugh out loud acting and there are moments of genuine mirth as he becomes a bit more loose and screwball. The scenes where he has to try and feed his pair of twins and carries them like sacks will resonate with many and amuses greatly.
Likewise Ryan Reynolds impresses in his performance as Mitch/Dave; both the leads bring smart assured performances to what is a very traditional, and formulaic body swap film. Olivia Wilde continues to carve her way towards a prosperous screen career with her role as Dave's sexy colleague and Leslie Mann does well as a quietly desperate housewife.
Sure, the inevitable moment comes when the duo have to grow up/ face their deep epiphanies, but thanks to a fairly mediocre script which uses their plights as a construct to hear some home truths, you can see what's coming a mile off.
At the end of the day, if you're prepared to leave your brain at the door and fancy an uneven comedy which relies on gross rather than smarts for guilty laughs, then the Change Up is the perfect solution for a night out.
Dr Who: Earth Story: DVD Review
Dr Who: Earth Story: DVD Review
Dr Who - Earth Story
Rating: PG
Released by BBC and Roadshow
An odd two disc collection, this brings together a tale from the 60s and the 80s.
A William Hartnell black and whiter, The Gunfighters sees the Doc, Steven and Dodo in the Wild West in the days upto the OK Corral and is notorious for featuring a song in the serial which scored notoriety among the fans. It's an average kind of piece and clearly William Hartnell's relishing the time in a western.
The other tale is the two part Peter Davision tale The Awakening which sees the Doctor stuck in 1984 fighting a war game. And the game's turning vicious thanks to an evil entity feeding off the hatred. A relatively short jaunt, it still holds up ok to 21st Century eyes.
Extras: The centerpiece is a new doco on the pressures facing Hartnell's third year in the role (a year which would eventually see him leave). It's a fascinating glimpse into the production worries facing
the series and is a welcome addition to the meaty range of extras. Others include commentaries, production notes and a couple of other behind the scenes pieces.
Rating: 6/10
Dr Who - Earth Story
Rating: PG
Released by BBC and Roadshow
An odd two disc collection, this brings together a tale from the 60s and the 80s.
A William Hartnell black and whiter, The Gunfighters sees the Doc, Steven and Dodo in the Wild West in the days upto the OK Corral and is notorious for featuring a song in the serial which scored notoriety among the fans. It's an average kind of piece and clearly William Hartnell's relishing the time in a western.
The other tale is the two part Peter Davision tale The Awakening which sees the Doctor stuck in 1984 fighting a war game. And the game's turning vicious thanks to an evil entity feeding off the hatred. A relatively short jaunt, it still holds up ok to 21st Century eyes.
Extras: The centerpiece is a new doco on the pressures facing Hartnell's third year in the role (a year which would eventually see him leave). It's a fascinating glimpse into the production worries facing
the series and is a welcome addition to the meaty range of extras. Others include commentaries, production notes and a couple of other behind the scenes pieces.
Rating: 6/10
Wednesday, 7 September 2011
Dr Who: Series 6 Part One: Blu Ray review
Dr Who: Series 6 Part One: Blu Ray review
Dr Who Series 6 Part One - Blu Ray
Rating: PG
Released by Roadshow and BBC
Matt Smith returns as the 11th Doctor in this latest (truncated) series of seven episodes.
Continuing the formula which has proven so popular, show producer Steven Moffat's crafted a clever way to hook viewers in this year with this split season - starting with the Doctor's apparent death, the story arc over these seven episodes is strong and culminates in the apparent solving of who Alex Kingston's River Song is.
While the opening two parter isn't one for non fans as it weaves show mythology with pacy American adventure, it's certainly a gripping start - all of the main quartet acquit themselves well. New villains The Silence are incredibly spooky and scary and while later villains aren't as terrifying, the story telling is solid but the seventh episode creaks under the weight of expectation
Still it's not a bad run of adventures - you just can't help feeling the best's being kept for the final batch of six.
Extras: Disappointingly only two minor featurettes - again, best being saved for the full season set.
Rating: 7/10
Dr Who Series 6 Part One - Blu Ray
Rating: PG
Released by Roadshow and BBC
Matt Smith returns as the 11th Doctor in this latest (truncated) series of seven episodes.
Continuing the formula which has proven so popular, show producer Steven Moffat's crafted a clever way to hook viewers in this year with this split season - starting with the Doctor's apparent death, the story arc over these seven episodes is strong and culminates in the apparent solving of who Alex Kingston's River Song is.
While the opening two parter isn't one for non fans as it weaves show mythology with pacy American adventure, it's certainly a gripping start - all of the main quartet acquit themselves well. New villains The Silence are incredibly spooky and scary and while later villains aren't as terrifying, the story telling is solid but the seventh episode creaks under the weight of expectation
Still it's not a bad run of adventures - you just can't help feeling the best's being kept for the final batch of six.
Extras: Disappointingly only two minor featurettes - again, best being saved for the full season set.
Rating: 7/10
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