Reviews
Johnny English Reborn (2011)
The original keeps expectations low, which helps this movie out no end.
I was so disappointed with the original Johnny English - a movie that was saved from being a total abomination by the genius of Atkinson - nevertheless, like many people, being a fan of the great comedic actor I gave this sequel a go but with very little expectation.
Fortunately the reborn JE is an improvement on the original. Nothing special of course, the humorous moments are largely predictable and there's very little original in the way of plot development, but the overall structure and flow of the movie has a bit more going for it and Atkinson is given a better quality canvas to apply his craft (so to speak) in terms of script, storyline and supporting characters. Worth a watch if you're into simple comedy flicks and the disappointment of the original will certainly help keep any expectations low.
Cargo (2009)
Good but lots of holes in the universe setting and logic.
Very visually stunning movie. The basic story line isn't particularly original, but it has a nice take on it and certainly the 'moral of the story' is fairly well made. Acting is solid enough even if a touch cliché at times. The suspense is well set out and drew me in nicely and is obviously the heart of the movie.
Unfortunately, I think if you're going to make a serious movie with a sci-fi setting like this one then I think you should make the effort to keep the universe logically consistent. There are many flaws in the physics and logic - some admittedly not crucial to the underlying story, but present nonetheless. As such, it didn't destroy the movie experience for me, but was certainly a distraction.
The Magdalene Sisters (2002)
Very disturbing, very well made, very unfortunate story
As already well noted, this is a very well crafted film that captures and portrays some of the lowest possibilities of human endeavour. The movie has it's flaws, but drawing empathy from the viewer is not one of them and this it does so well that I was emotionally exhausted by the end of it.
The religious dimension of the film is an interesting one. Clearly people wanting opportunity for anti-Catholic or anti-religious diatribe would find plenty of fuel here, but I think the more reasonable viewer (religious or not) would see the issues raised for what they are - a perversion and distortion of Christian faith perpetuated and maintained by flawed institutional systems. In this vein, it's not necessarily an anti-religious film and not even anti-establishment as such, but it does show a terrible side of those things and, moreover, illustrate how human beings can take any ideology, belief system etc. and turn it to meet their own personal sadistic and evil ends.
A sad and horrible film and one that reminds us all of what not do to, how not to treat people and how we should be ever vigilant as a society against evil and cruelty no matter the guise it takes.
Låt den rätte komma in (2008)
Even a non-vampire film lover can enjoy this well crafted movie
I'm not into the vampire genre at all but I gave this one a go on a suggestion from a friend and I'm glad I watched it. It is a very well crafted movie with brilliant cinematography and, on the whole, top class acting. The use of subtle tension is something that is not common in film making much these days, but again this movie does it so well. I also loved the use of, again subtle, symbolism (eg. Oskar and Eli's keeper's knife; creating a visual connection and cue between the two characters).
Despite the fantasy genre it is, in the end, as many have observed, a very human story. The characters draw you into relating to them like good movies should and you no doubt feel emotionally involved with the film.
I just can't see how a remake is going to do anything but butcher this movie; see this version at all costs if you want to see how movie craft can get the job done on what is otherwise a tried and tired theme of 'supernatural relationships'.
Iron Man (2008)
The basic concept is fun, the visuals good ... and that's about it.
I must be missing something or just expect way too much from films like this one, or perhaps one needs to be an fan of the comic character 'a priori' to enjoy the film fully because I found this well received movie to be fairly week in most areas ...
First the good - CGI is fantastic (nothing special these days though lets face it). The acting, especially given the rather week script, is solid though overdone and thus 'unbelievable' at times. The basic story is imaginatively well conceived and the 'iron suit(s)' that (eventually) feature are a blast to watch in action.
Now the bad - Like many movies these days, it assumes the audience is as thick as hardware shop. For example, the opening few scenes over state the 'playboy' image of the main protagonist in Tony Stark - the scene in the Humvee is just fine as it is and does the job. Do they leave it at this? No they jump to various scenes where we see his debaucherous life in all its excessiveness. After 30 seconds of it I was begging the movie to move on with the actual story, but it just kept going and going.
I suppose theses scenes were there to have us build a sense of contempt for Stark setting up the redemptive hero that is to be born out by the movie's end. Well it achieves half the task, I certainly found his character ridiculously annoying, to the point of frustration actually. His 'debonair' billionaire obnoxiousness was so over the top and put a foul taste that struggled to go away for the duration (I mean poll dancing stewardess ... have we time warped to the '60s or something). Moreover, how could somebody who actually does nothing productive actually run a all conquering company like 'Stark Industries' ... anyway, the unfortunate thing is that, besides wanting the company to 'do good' instead of make weapons, he as a character fundamentally doesn't change and this is what bugs me about the plot ... he remains a narcissistic self obsessed overachiever to the end.
These things appear in many films and certainly do not necessarily totally destroy a movie experience, after all given the 'comic book' genre one can't expect too much in character development and complex philosophical thought, but, this aside, the story line itself is full of holes. I mean how how stupid are the 'terrorist' fighters (who conveniently follow US propaganda running sheet in being overtly described as as 'foreign' fighters not Afghani locals). They capture Stark then don't notice as he builds a big hi-tech metal suit instead of something that at least vaguely looks like a missile which he is instructed to do?? It makes for a nice action sequence when all is said and done, but writers please please make some effort to create a believable universe.
In end, fundamentally, the script reads like a very average comic with little thought put behind it - its a story for the sake of a story so that a talented graphic artist can put some nice visuals around it. Some might say that is what all of the DC Comic movies and their ilk are about - and maybe they're right - but some are clearly a cut above Iron Man, the recent Batman movies are a case in point.
Keeping Mum (2005)
Far more complex film than first appearances reveal - that doesn't make it great through.
Essentially it's a black comedy/thriller told in the context of a wholesome, "quaint country England" form. It's a peculiar mix that will work well for many viewers, but for others, the disparity will be a bit jarring. I think it depends on what you see the movie as. If you want to see a very subtle dark comedy, the kind that makes you grin and chuckle occasionally (rather than laugh out loud) and then feel a little guilty or confused about doing it, then I think this film may well work.
Having said that, unlike some dark comedies this one may well have broader appeal because it can be approached other ways. The, by and large, fantastic acting allows one to simply enjoy the pearls of dialogue and comedy that ensue. Thus one can leave their sensibilities at the door regarding the obvious plot, some continuity errors and the cliché characters and just enjoy the film. For my money the only problem with this film on this level is that it's a fraction slow. Unless you aren't paying attention at all, you kind of know where it's going anyway, so why spend so much time setting the scene? Conversely, one can work a little harder and attempt to take on board some of the issues played with on a more serious level such as family, morality, God, and relationships. This later option, I think, may well leave you feeling that the movie tries to mix water with oil. You can shake it up all you like, but it ultimately won't come together as a well infused consistent liquid. On this level it just feels like a bit of a mess.
All that aside, I must mention again the acting, particularly that of Roan Atkinson was great. I just loved the way he played his character with just the right touch of humour and spoof – I would call it a just pinch in what was otherwise a fairly 'serious' role. Brilliant casting, acting and script. The overall plot and story didn't quite match it though.
Cube Zero (2004)
Potential there, but in the end much of the same thing.
*** Contains Spoiler ****
1. If you aren't a fan of the original Cube then I strongly recommend you give this one a miss. It's for the most part the same thing except with a (semi) outsiders view. Note: This does not mean that if you are a fan that you will like this one.
2. In my own opinion, as a fan of the original to a certain degree (although I should disclose I'm not a generally a fan of unnecessary gore which the Cube franchise has in spades), this movie had great potential to invite the viewer into the wider world of the cube. Unfortunately, it seems the writers kind of produced this work with a "cake and eat it too mentality". They draw the viewer into the expanded vision only touched on in Cube 2 yet say nothing about it of substance either, its just a cube world outside the cube minus the cube (if that makes sense). There is a lot more I could say on this, but to some degree I just felt a bit ripped off at the end of it, I wasn't really introduced to any new elements of substance. Thus the writers/producers have managed to produce a film that gives us an 'outsiders view' that actually doesn't at all, perhaps saving it all up for a Cube 4.
3. On a technical note, the sound mixing was rather poor. In the sound effects/scream scenes where far too loud compared to the general dialogue volume. I suspect it was to enhance the terror feel at the appropriate times, but the variance was far too severe IMHO. At times it felt I was reaching for the volume buttons every 5 minutes (note I watched this on DVD so that may have made a difference).
In summary; drawing us out of the cube slightly and getting the viewer to identify with outside characters (particularly Eric Wynn of course), is a good start, but it just doesn't seem to go anywhere. The final line by Wynn ties us back to the original movie, which is good but only adds to the sense of 'going no where'. Now that may be the very point, a metaphor for life and all that, but still, there was a chance to be a little more complex and adventurous and the producers etc. didn't really take it.
For my money, 6/10 for potential and some good moments particularly in the early and middle stages of the film.
The Office (2001)
Absolutely brilliant
This is one of the best comedy series ever produced. This particularly so if you include the final Christmas special which is a MUST see if you've caught any of the original series.
Although the characters are a little 'over the top' at times which makes their situations difficult to believe, the anthropological dynamic of the western middle class white collar worker is captured brilliantly. The situations that the characters find themselves in will leave you cringing, laughing, annoyed, shouting obscenities and reaching out in sympathy all at the same time. It's for this reason that it sometimes can be 'too much' for some people (particularly enduring David the boss can be hard work), its also why I would recommend The Office in small doses; a whole series sitting in one go could seriously damage your sensibilities and/or numb the effect the directors were trying to produce.
The Christmas special caps it off though. On its own it would be OK, but put in the context of the whole series it sits brilliantly. It is a release of emotional charge that nicely sums up life. We all in our way at times are not what we would hope to be, we all project a wish for more and that sometimes leaves us so far from reality that we are made fools, but in the confusion of it all, there is still hope and redemption for all.
This is a 10 out of 10 viewing experience as far as I'm concerned.