Revolutionary Road review
Although The Reader is getting all of the Winslet-related attention, her performance here is marginally more interesting and impressive. It is her role alone that warrants a viewing of Revolutionary Road, a film based on the novel by Richard Yates about the crumbling dreams, and subsequent crumbling marriage, of a couple in a 1950s American suburb. Leonardo DiCaprio also delivers possibly his best performance to date and Michael Shannon, appearing all too infrequently, deserves a special mention as the scene-stealing deranged plain-speaking shatterer of delusions.
The film focuses on the characters rather than the 1950s backdrop, which isn’t a problem, works for the film, and has drawn unfair criticism, however different to the book it may be. The general feel remains atmospheric, with Roger Deakins’ cinematography brilliantly complementing Sam Mendes’ direction.
Kathy Bates is the centre point of an amusing scene at the end of the film, but this, and especially the preceding scene, are unnecessary epilogues; the film should have ended 5 minutes earlier. This is a minor criticism, however, and doesn’t detract too much from what is a highly recommended movie.
31st Jan 2009 | Comment
The Wrestler review
The marketers are clearly happy with the critical reception for their film about a washed up wrestler trying to find his way in life. The deep red promotional posters cram in a multitude of gushing quotes and enough five-out-of-five-stars to reduce an image of the main character to a relative microdot.
I just don’t get it. It’s decent, sure, and Mickey Rourke, as the lead actor, is fine. But the story is pedestrian and the central character and his relationships (with his daughter, a stripper, his co-wrestlers, and his fans), on which the minimal film relies, are too flat to sustain strong interest or stir remotely deep emotions. Go on; call me a heartless bastard.
Darren Aronofsky, the man behind the modern classic Requiem for a Dream, is capable of great things. This is an over-hyped, but still above-average film. Expectations were too high.
26th Jan 2009 | Comment
Better Things review
Kids addicted to smack and elderly people waiting to die. A real bundle of laughs from Brit Duane Hopkins.
The problem with this film isn’t that it’s one of the bleakest you’re ever likely to see, it’s that the slice-of-life nature of it doesn’t quite contain an engaging, or even interesting story.
The cast do a good job and the film is made more moving when you are aware of the genuine problematic backgrounds of the largely non-professional actors.
It sometimes feels like the director is trying too hard with imagery and sound but Better Things contains some captivating shots and commendable experimentations with sound that sometimes work and sometimes don’t.
26th Jan 2009 | Comment
Frost/Nixon review
Ron Howard is a conservative director and pushes few boundaries here (and shots like the close up of a foot stepping out of a car to introduce an imposing character are horribly clichéd) but this is a solid film with an exciting cast. Support from the likes of Sam Rockwell and Rebecca Hall (two real favourite, exciting actors) are spot on, and the actors behind the two gladiators, Frank Langella as Richard Nixon, and Michael Sheen as David Frost, are very impressive and exhibit a strong chemistry without which the film would fall apart.
Frost/Nixon isn’t as good as the hype suggests and a series of political interviews spanning two hours might not sound like a thrilling prospect, but it certainly isn’t half as dull as it at first sounds.
22nd Jan 2009 | Comment
Danny Boyle: Best to Worst opinion
- Slumdog Millionaire (2009)
- Trainspotting (1996)
- Shallow Grave (1995)
- 28 Days Later (2002)
- Sunshine (2007)
- A Life Less Ordinary (1997)
- The Beach (2000)
- Millions (2005)
One of the great things about Danny Boyle is the eclectic nature of his work. Sometimes his dabbling is more successful than others, but thirteen years on from the superb Trainspotting, Slumdog sees him at the top of his game.
16th Jan 2009 | Comment
Slumdog Millionaire review
Such captivating films as Slumdog Millionaire are few and far between. Even truly great films can struggle to suck in and completely immerse the viewer in the film’s universe, unbroken for the duration.
From the literally awesome opening scenes, Danny Boyle, the brilliant, eclectic, refreshingly down-to-earth British director, refuses to let-up. A simple, even bland (on the surface) premise becomes a fast-paced, non-stop, exhilarating journey as Jamal, his brother, and the love of his young life find their ways, and struggle to survive, in the world they find themselves in.
The marketing of the film as “feelgood” is a little misleading, possibly purposefully so, to dupe people in to seeing a film with real grit. But there can’t be many disappointed customers - it works brilliantly on just about every level, from script to cinematography to sound, and is nothing short of breathtaking.
16th Jan 2009 | Comment
Best films of 2008 opinion
- In Bruges
- There Will Be Blood
- No Country for Old Men
- Hellboy II: The Golden Army
- The Dark Knight
- Juno
- Funny Games U.S.
- Persepolis
- Hunger
- Wall E
Other notable films include Waltz with Bashir, Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead, and W. Australia was a guilty pleasure.
7th Jan 2009 | Comment
