Yes it should be pointed out that Firefly (and hence, I’m assuming, Serenity) features a distinct lack of the be-mini-skirted moppet with the stupid name. What it doesn’t lack is the cracking banter that we all know and love and, as Noj rather redundantly pointed out, spaceships.
I personally would have singled out excellent writing, an established, comfortable cast, quality FX and a cathartic continuation of a much loved series cut down in its prime. Along with action, comedy, at least four beautiful women with varying degrees of kick-arsiness about them and a no sound in space for us geeks.
Horses have also been known to feature.
Ghost World
Didn't really grab me.
2.5/5
Full Version: Films
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (CCF)
Very good.
4.2/5
Very good.
4.2/5
Just when I thought I couldn't love Scarlett Johansson any more than I already do, I read this excerpt from an article in the Evening Standard about her forthcoming film The Island:
"...then there was the issue of Johansson's bosoms. The 20 year-old actress reportedly fought with director Michael Bay, 42, for the right to expose them in the one love scene. She lost, keeping her bra on to keep the film's PG certificate..."
God I love that woman. Always thinking with her breasts.
"...then there was the issue of Johansson's bosoms. The 20 year-old actress reportedly fought with director Michael Bay, 42, for the right to expose them in the one love scene. She lost, keeping her bra on to keep the film's PG certificate..."
God I love that woman. Always thinking with her breasts.
Johansson, in my bed you naughty girl.
The Quiet American
An adaption of Grahame Greene's novel, set in Vietnam while the French were duking it out with the commies, the film focuses on a love triangle between aging London Times foriegn correspondent Thomas Fowler (Michael Caine), his lover Phuong and American 'aid worker' Alden Pyle (Brendon Fraser).
Though the film that suggests that it was CIA meddling that led indirectly to escallation of the conflict this assertation takes a back seat to Caine's weary wit, as a reporter unseated from his comfortable niche by circumstance, and Fraser's presence as asn unfeasibly all-round good guy.
Worth seeing for a top-notch Caine lead performance.
3.9/5
An adaption of Grahame Greene's novel, set in Vietnam while the French were duking it out with the commies, the film focuses on a love triangle between aging London Times foriegn correspondent Thomas Fowler (Michael Caine), his lover Phuong and American 'aid worker' Alden Pyle (Brendon Fraser).
Though the film that suggests that it was CIA meddling that led indirectly to escallation of the conflict this assertation takes a back seat to Caine's weary wit, as a reporter unseated from his comfortable niche by circumstance, and Fraser's presence as asn unfeasibly all-round good guy.
Worth seeing for a top-notch Caine lead performance.
3.9/5
Old Boy
A thoroughly nasty tale from Tartan Asia Extreme in which a man is locked up for no fathomable reason and released after 15 years, promting a search for the truth and revenge. Not necessarily in that order.
Thought-provoking and highly imaginative, Old Boy puts me most in mind of The Wasp Factory; thoroughly nasty, thoroughly worthwhile. I recommend watching it just to see why he was released.
It also has a great fight in a corridor, involving a man with a hammer and many men with sticks. Stick with it through the whining and you'll be fine. As long as you haven't eaten recently.
3.5/5
A thoroughly nasty tale from Tartan Asia Extreme in which a man is locked up for no fathomable reason and released after 15 years, promting a search for the truth and revenge. Not necessarily in that order.
Thought-provoking and highly imaginative, Old Boy puts me most in mind of The Wasp Factory; thoroughly nasty, thoroughly worthwhile. I recommend watching it just to see why he was released.
It also has a great fight in a corridor, involving a man with a hammer and many men with sticks. Stick with it through the whining and you'll be fine. As long as you haven't eaten recently.
3.5/5
that fight scene in the corridor is ace!
I don't normally do film reviews as Mikeyboy takes care of them so nicely but I am in an idle moment so God help us all.
Crash
Set in Los Angeles, we follow a variety of characters as they battle their way through racial dilemmas, personal angst and bent coppers.
The cast seems to be made up of people who are not normally known for their good acting prowess but they do come good here and how. Matt Dillon, Don Cheadle, Thandie Newton, Sandra Bullock, Brendan Fraser all star and their stories intertwine.
Matt Dillon is a racist cop who is looking after his poorly father so we have the whole 'is he a bad person?' train of thought.
Brendan Fraser is the District Attorney battling to keep the good PR going while black people are being shot everywhere.
Sandra Bullock is his wife who is a bit tetchy, a bit fragile, and a bit scared of foreign types.
Thandie Newton is fit.
Don Cheadle is the ace detective with the drug-addled mum, the wayward brother and the HOT girlfriend/police partner. (There is a good nipple shot... BIG nipples, I think she may have been trying to get Tokyo Radio).
So anyway, people get shot, people get into car accidents (hence the title), people get abused, a Persian family get their shop busted up due to a misunderstanding with the locksmith etc etc
This is a cracking film. It is pretty serious and intense without being downright kill-yourself depressing like 21 Grams. Don't go if your feeling frivolous and comical. All the stories tie in very nicely in a kind of Short Cuts/Magnolia type of stylee, and it really does pose some excellent questions about prejudice, perception and pure unadulterated racism.
Jolly good show what what.
8/10 (ooh different ratings, what do you want, a biscuit?)
Crash
Set in Los Angeles, we follow a variety of characters as they battle their way through racial dilemmas, personal angst and bent coppers.
The cast seems to be made up of people who are not normally known for their good acting prowess but they do come good here and how. Matt Dillon, Don Cheadle, Thandie Newton, Sandra Bullock, Brendan Fraser all star and their stories intertwine.
Matt Dillon is a racist cop who is looking after his poorly father so we have the whole 'is he a bad person?' train of thought.
Brendan Fraser is the District Attorney battling to keep the good PR going while black people are being shot everywhere.
Sandra Bullock is his wife who is a bit tetchy, a bit fragile, and a bit scared of foreign types.
Thandie Newton is fit.
Don Cheadle is the ace detective with the drug-addled mum, the wayward brother and the HOT girlfriend/police partner. (There is a good nipple shot... BIG nipples, I think she may have been trying to get Tokyo Radio).
So anyway, people get shot, people get into car accidents (hence the title), people get abused, a Persian family get their shop busted up due to a misunderstanding with the locksmith etc etc
This is a cracking film. It is pretty serious and intense without being downright kill-yourself depressing like 21 Grams. Don't go if your feeling frivolous and comical. All the stories tie in very nicely in a kind of Short Cuts/Magnolia type of stylee, and it really does pose some excellent questions about prejudice, perception and pure unadulterated racism.
Jolly good show what what.
8/10 (ooh different ratings, what do you want, a biscuit?)
Interesting; I shall look out for that. Nice one Sam.
For my fellow Firefly fans; a report from the Edinburgh premiere
On Monday night, Cineworld, Edinburgh's biggest cinema multiplex, went mental. A queue, which began forming five hours before screening time, snaked from the doors of the cinema all the way through the mall to the tacky threshold of the all-you-can-eat Mexican restaurant. Outside at the red carpet, probably the biggest number of autograph hunters so far seen this year used all means short of outright physical violence to win a position. The reason? Serenity was in town.
Typically, Edinburgh is a launch-pad for home-grown gems that go on to become international hits (The Full Monty, Billy Elliot), exciting cult foreign language numbers (Amores Peros, Infernal Affairs), or art house critics' favourites (Young Adam, Seul Contre Tous). This year, however, it's the turn of the big budget Hollywood Blockbuster, and by the reaction to its World Premiere last night, you can bet your bottom dollar that Serenity will take some beating for this year's audience award.
The thing that's most surprising, though, is that there's more than just hype and hyperbole to the furore whipping up around this. Written and directed by Buffy creator Joss Whedon, and adapted from his short-lived TV show, Firefly, this is pulp sci-fi adventure at its fastest and funniest. Following the crew of a warship that's escaped its army's defeat in a galactic war, it's a motor-mouthed mix of caustic dialogue and shiny CGI thrills. The cast are practically unknowns (the same people from the original show, Firefly), and this is Wheldon's first directorial effort, which frankly shines through in the films energy and effervescence; this lot are all here to have fun. It's classic, classy B-movie sci-fi, only with a budget of $45m dollars.
It was the most un-Edinburgh screening you ever saw. When the curtain falls, the packed house goes ballistic. They've been whooping, applauding and tittering all the way through, but as the cast and director take the stage for the Q&A, this is something else. Fans are desperate to get their questions asked, so much so that tickets had been changing hands on ebay for upwards of £150. These are hardcore Whedonites.
The questions and requests from the audience become increasingly geeky (to the delight of all assembled), and the whole thing resembles a cabaret show more than a expose of director and cast methods. One fan requests a sing-a-long of the old Firefly theme tune, which leads to the whole auditorium chanting the much-loved refrain, led by Adam Baldwin (hard-nut Jayne Cobb in the movie). Joss Whedon is asked to perform the 'dance of joy' that his character did once in a cameo in Buffy The Vampire Slayer. Pleading an injured knee, Nathan Fillion (ship captain Mal Reynolds) steps into the breach, knocking out an impressive rendition of the jig. It was Geek-topia, Fan-halla.
The night before, Sunday, Empire's lord of all things sci-fi James 'Darth' Dyer had been teleported from Londoninium to hang out with the Serenity crew and suck them dry of opinions, quotes and anecdotes. Doing his damnedest to keep up with these Hollywood party animals, he accompanied the group (comprising director Whedon and cast members Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres, Morena Baccarin, Jewel Staite, Sean Maher, Summer Glau and Alan Tudyk) to first the Kinky Boots party (to find fellow Serenity cast member Chiwetel Ejiofor who's in both films), and then to the aptly named boozer The Last Drop, where a hardcore of Nathan Fillion, Jewel Staite and producer Chris Buchanan sank beers and sang songs until the early hours. Hell, even the landlord was a Firefly fan. Not enough of one to put the beers on the house, mind.
On Monday night, Cineworld, Edinburgh's biggest cinema multiplex, went mental. A queue, which began forming five hours before screening time, snaked from the doors of the cinema all the way through the mall to the tacky threshold of the all-you-can-eat Mexican restaurant. Outside at the red carpet, probably the biggest number of autograph hunters so far seen this year used all means short of outright physical violence to win a position. The reason? Serenity was in town.
Typically, Edinburgh is a launch-pad for home-grown gems that go on to become international hits (The Full Monty, Billy Elliot), exciting cult foreign language numbers (Amores Peros, Infernal Affairs), or art house critics' favourites (Young Adam, Seul Contre Tous). This year, however, it's the turn of the big budget Hollywood Blockbuster, and by the reaction to its World Premiere last night, you can bet your bottom dollar that Serenity will take some beating for this year's audience award.
The thing that's most surprising, though, is that there's more than just hype and hyperbole to the furore whipping up around this. Written and directed by Buffy creator Joss Whedon, and adapted from his short-lived TV show, Firefly, this is pulp sci-fi adventure at its fastest and funniest. Following the crew of a warship that's escaped its army's defeat in a galactic war, it's a motor-mouthed mix of caustic dialogue and shiny CGI thrills. The cast are practically unknowns (the same people from the original show, Firefly), and this is Wheldon's first directorial effort, which frankly shines through in the films energy and effervescence; this lot are all here to have fun. It's classic, classy B-movie sci-fi, only with a budget of $45m dollars.
It was the most un-Edinburgh screening you ever saw. When the curtain falls, the packed house goes ballistic. They've been whooping, applauding and tittering all the way through, but as the cast and director take the stage for the Q&A, this is something else. Fans are desperate to get their questions asked, so much so that tickets had been changing hands on ebay for upwards of £150. These are hardcore Whedonites.
The questions and requests from the audience become increasingly geeky (to the delight of all assembled), and the whole thing resembles a cabaret show more than a expose of director and cast methods. One fan requests a sing-a-long of the old Firefly theme tune, which leads to the whole auditorium chanting the much-loved refrain, led by Adam Baldwin (hard-nut Jayne Cobb in the movie). Joss Whedon is asked to perform the 'dance of joy' that his character did once in a cameo in Buffy The Vampire Slayer. Pleading an injured knee, Nathan Fillion (ship captain Mal Reynolds) steps into the breach, knocking out an impressive rendition of the jig. It was Geek-topia, Fan-halla.
The night before, Sunday, Empire's lord of all things sci-fi James 'Darth' Dyer had been teleported from Londoninium to hang out with the Serenity crew and suck them dry of opinions, quotes and anecdotes. Doing his damnedest to keep up with these Hollywood party animals, he accompanied the group (comprising director Whedon and cast members Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres, Morena Baccarin, Jewel Staite, Sean Maher, Summer Glau and Alan Tudyk) to first the Kinky Boots party (to find fellow Serenity cast member Chiwetel Ejiofor who's in both films), and then to the aptly named boozer The Last Drop, where a hardcore of Nathan Fillion, Jewel Staite and producer Chris Buchanan sank beers and sang songs until the early hours. Hell, even the landlord was a Firefly fan. Not enough of one to put the beers on the house, mind.
QUOTE
For my fellow Firefly fans; a report from the Edinburgh premiere
On Monday night, Cineworld, Edinburgh's biggest cinema multiplex, went mental. A queue, which began forming five hours before screening time, snaked from the doors of the cinema all the way through the mall to the tacky threshold of the all-you-can-eat Mexican restaurant. Outside at the red carpet, probably the biggest number of autograph hunters so far seen this year used all means short of outright physical violence to win a position. The reason? Serenity was in town.
Typically, Edinburgh is a launch-pad for home-grown gems that go on to become international hits (The Full Monty, Billy Elliot), exciting cult foreign language numbers (Amores Peros, Infernal Affairs), or art house critics' favourites (Young Adam, Seul Contre Tous). This year, however, it's the turn of the big budget Hollywood Blockbuster, and by the reaction to its World Premiere last night, you can bet your bottom dollar that Serenity will take some beating for this year's audience award.
The thing that's most surprising, though, is that there's more than just hype and hyperbole to the furore whipping up around this. Written and directed by Buffy creator Joss Whedon, and adapted from his short-lived TV show, Firefly, this is pulp sci-fi adventure at its fastest and funniest. Following the crew of a warship that's escaped its army's defeat in a galactic war, it's a motor-mouthed mix of caustic dialogue and shiny CGI thrills. The cast are practically unknowns (the same people from the original show, Firefly), and this is Wheldon's first directorial effort, which frankly shines through in the films energy and effervescence; this lot are all here to have fun. It's classic, classy B-movie sci-fi, only with a budget of $45m dollars.
It was the most un-Edinburgh screening you ever saw. When the curtain falls, the packed house goes ballistic. They've been whooping, applauding and tittering all the way through, but as the cast and director take the stage for the Q&A, this is something else. Fans are desperate to get their questions asked, so much so that tickets had been changing hands on ebay for upwards of £150. These are hardcore Whedonites.
The questions and requests from the audience become increasingly geeky (to the delight of all assembled), and the whole thing resembles a cabaret show more than a expose of director and cast methods. One fan requests a sing-a-long of the old Firefly theme tune, which leads to the whole auditorium chanting the much-loved refrain, led by Adam Baldwin (hard-nut Jayne Cobb in the movie). Joss Whedon is asked to perform the 'dance of joy' that his character did once in a cameo in Buffy The Vampire Slayer. Pleading an injured knee, Nathan Fillion (ship captain Mal Reynolds) steps into the breach, knocking out an impressive rendition of the jig. It was Geek-topia, Fan-halla.
The night before, Sunday, Empire's lord of all things sci-fi James 'Darth' Dyer had been teleported from Londoninium to hang out with the Serenity crew and suck them dry of opinions, quotes and anecdotes. Doing his damnedest to keep up with these Hollywood party animals, he accompanied the group (comprising director Whedon and cast members Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres, Morena Baccarin, Jewel Staite, Sean Maher, Summer Glau and Alan Tudyk) to first the Kinky Boots party (to find fellow Serenity cast member Chiwetel Ejiofor who's in both films), and then to the aptly named boozer The Last Drop, where a hardcore of Nathan Fillion, Jewel Staite and producer Chris Buchanan sank beers and sang songs until the early hours. Hell, even the landlord was a Firefly fan. Not enough of one to put the beers on the house, mind.
On Monday night, Cineworld, Edinburgh's biggest cinema multiplex, went mental. A queue, which began forming five hours before screening time, snaked from the doors of the cinema all the way through the mall to the tacky threshold of the all-you-can-eat Mexican restaurant. Outside at the red carpet, probably the biggest number of autograph hunters so far seen this year used all means short of outright physical violence to win a position. The reason? Serenity was in town.
Typically, Edinburgh is a launch-pad for home-grown gems that go on to become international hits (The Full Monty, Billy Elliot), exciting cult foreign language numbers (Amores Peros, Infernal Affairs), or art house critics' favourites (Young Adam, Seul Contre Tous). This year, however, it's the turn of the big budget Hollywood Blockbuster, and by the reaction to its World Premiere last night, you can bet your bottom dollar that Serenity will take some beating for this year's audience award.
The thing that's most surprising, though, is that there's more than just hype and hyperbole to the furore whipping up around this. Written and directed by Buffy creator Joss Whedon, and adapted from his short-lived TV show, Firefly, this is pulp sci-fi adventure at its fastest and funniest. Following the crew of a warship that's escaped its army's defeat in a galactic war, it's a motor-mouthed mix of caustic dialogue and shiny CGI thrills. The cast are practically unknowns (the same people from the original show, Firefly), and this is Wheldon's first directorial effort, which frankly shines through in the films energy and effervescence; this lot are all here to have fun. It's classic, classy B-movie sci-fi, only with a budget of $45m dollars.
It was the most un-Edinburgh screening you ever saw. When the curtain falls, the packed house goes ballistic. They've been whooping, applauding and tittering all the way through, but as the cast and director take the stage for the Q&A, this is something else. Fans are desperate to get their questions asked, so much so that tickets had been changing hands on ebay for upwards of £150. These are hardcore Whedonites.
The questions and requests from the audience become increasingly geeky (to the delight of all assembled), and the whole thing resembles a cabaret show more than a expose of director and cast methods. One fan requests a sing-a-long of the old Firefly theme tune, which leads to the whole auditorium chanting the much-loved refrain, led by Adam Baldwin (hard-nut Jayne Cobb in the movie). Joss Whedon is asked to perform the 'dance of joy' that his character did once in a cameo in Buffy The Vampire Slayer. Pleading an injured knee, Nathan Fillion (ship captain Mal Reynolds) steps into the breach, knocking out an impressive rendition of the jig. It was Geek-topia, Fan-halla.
The night before, Sunday, Empire's lord of all things sci-fi James 'Darth' Dyer had been teleported from Londoninium to hang out with the Serenity crew and suck them dry of opinions, quotes and anecdotes. Doing his damnedest to keep up with these Hollywood party animals, he accompanied the group (comprising director Whedon and cast members Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres, Morena Baccarin, Jewel Staite, Sean Maher, Summer Glau and Alan Tudyk) to first the Kinky Boots party (to find fellow Serenity cast member Chiwetel Ejiofor who's in both films), and then to the aptly named boozer The Last Drop, where a hardcore of Nathan Fillion, Jewel Staite and producer Chris Buchanan sank beers and sang songs until the early hours. Hell, even the landlord was a Firefly fan. Not enough of one to put the beers on the house, mind.
what the hell are you on about...
Well it's a report on the premiere of Serenity. That film I've been banging on about since April? That continues on form the TV series Firefly tha tI've been banging on about since god knows when? Not my report but some Empire writer's. I couldn't be bother to quote it...not that complicated surely?
The Aristocrats
A documentary about one of the oldest in-jokes in comedy, The Aristocrats interviews just about every comic in America to get their take on it. The joke essentially goes like this: 'A man walks into a talent agent's office and says "Have I got an act for you!" "OK what do you do?" the agent replies. The man goes on to describe a show in which he and his family perform all the most perverse and horrible acts you can imagine. The talent agent then says "And what do you call yourseves?" "The Aristocrats!"
So it's not very funny, one of the interviewees says it sucks, and it does. However, it's not the joke that's funny it's what you do with it in the middle. Once George Carlin starts describing a woman gargling her husband's effluent I didn't stop laughing for more than five minutes.
I don't think I can offer any constructive critisism; it's too funny for that. Highlights include Cartman telling the joke, and Gilbert Gottfried digging himself out of a hole with it after telling a 9/11 joke just three weeks after the event.
If you can find it, go and see it...just don't take your mother.
4.3/5
A documentary about one of the oldest in-jokes in comedy, The Aristocrats interviews just about every comic in America to get their take on it. The joke essentially goes like this: 'A man walks into a talent agent's office and says "Have I got an act for you!" "OK what do you do?" the agent replies. The man goes on to describe a show in which he and his family perform all the most perverse and horrible acts you can imagine. The talent agent then says "And what do you call yourseves?" "The Aristocrats!"
So it's not very funny, one of the interviewees says it sucks, and it does. However, it's not the joke that's funny it's what you do with it in the middle. Once George Carlin starts describing a woman gargling her husband's effluent I didn't stop laughing for more than five minutes.
I don't think I can offer any constructive critisism; it's too funny for that. Highlights include Cartman telling the joke, and Gilbert Gottfried digging himself out of a hole with it after telling a 9/11 joke just three weeks after the event.
If you can find it, go and see it...just don't take your mother.
4.3/5
First off - great report about serenity. I can't wait.
Anyone fancy a gathering in Herford/stevenage for the opening? Pete can you make it down? Would be good to crack it open with the King/Pete evangelical duo so I can see them skipping around like little girls with new lollypops.
Anyway - thought i'd contribute two reviews:
1. Unleashed
2. Cinderella Man
Unleashed
=========
Starring Jet Li this film has a very unexpected style mixing the hardline gangster world (ala Lockstock/snatch) with a soft loving home fathered by Morgan Freeman, a blind paino tunist.
Jet Li has been brought up as a trained figher. Trained as in dog. He is kept in a cage by his 'uncle' and wears a coller that, once taken off (hence Unleashed, you clever clever people) results in him going mental and killing anyone in the local vicinity. Cracking opening scene to demonstrate this.
The movie is about his coping with his sudden and accidental liberation from his controlling and abusive keeper.
This is NOT a completely out-and-out action film with Jet Li getting into a fight every scene. For those who like this stuff (most of you) there are however, a few scenes involving 'fights to the death' in a big illegal arena with Jet Li vs 5 people with axes.
Strange film - you leave the cinema not sure what to feel since it does have a serious side which is at odds with your initial expectations. But then you remember seeing Jet Li killing someone in 0.2 seconds you think it was worth it after all.
3/5
Cinderella Man
=============
Starring Crowe as James J. Broderick this film is based on a true story about a boxer living through the Great Depression. Previously a decent enough boxer to live comfortably on James and family fall on hard times when James breaks his hand, ending his boxing career as the Depression takes away their last belongings.
With a wife and 3 children to support James, a good man of good morals, tries his best to keep his family fed and warm. Whilst other familys are falling to pieces with wives throwing out husbands for failing, the Brodericks stay strong, thanks, in no small part, to the love, faith and devotion of Mae Broderick, James wife played really excellently by Renee Zellweger.
This is a story about what true poverty it is like - to really have nothing. About strength of character in the hardest of times and having the will to keep trying when others are committing suicide. It's about the love of a family and the value of a second chance.
Awsome, uplifting film, brilliantly acted. Brought to you by the same collaboration from A Beautiful Mind.
4.5/5
(though my brother said Million Dollar Baby probably just edged it)
Anyone fancy a gathering in Herford/stevenage for the opening? Pete can you make it down? Would be good to crack it open with the King/Pete evangelical duo so I can see them skipping around like little girls with new lollypops.
Anyway - thought i'd contribute two reviews:
1. Unleashed
2. Cinderella Man
Unleashed
=========
Starring Jet Li this film has a very unexpected style mixing the hardline gangster world (ala Lockstock/snatch) with a soft loving home fathered by Morgan Freeman, a blind paino tunist.
Jet Li has been brought up as a trained figher. Trained as in dog. He is kept in a cage by his 'uncle' and wears a coller that, once taken off (hence Unleashed, you clever clever people) results in him going mental and killing anyone in the local vicinity. Cracking opening scene to demonstrate this.
The movie is about his coping with his sudden and accidental liberation from his controlling and abusive keeper.
This is NOT a completely out-and-out action film with Jet Li getting into a fight every scene. For those who like this stuff (most of you) there are however, a few scenes involving 'fights to the death' in a big illegal arena with Jet Li vs 5 people with axes.
Strange film - you leave the cinema not sure what to feel since it does have a serious side which is at odds with your initial expectations. But then you remember seeing Jet Li killing someone in 0.2 seconds you think it was worth it after all.
3/5
Cinderella Man
=============
Starring Crowe as James J. Broderick this film is based on a true story about a boxer living through the Great Depression. Previously a decent enough boxer to live comfortably on James and family fall on hard times when James breaks his hand, ending his boxing career as the Depression takes away their last belongings.
With a wife and 3 children to support James, a good man of good morals, tries his best to keep his family fed and warm. Whilst other familys are falling to pieces with wives throwing out husbands for failing, the Brodericks stay strong, thanks, in no small part, to the love, faith and devotion of Mae Broderick, James wife played really excellently by Renee Zellweger.
This is a story about what true poverty it is like - to really have nothing. About strength of character in the hardest of times and having the will to keep trying when others are committing suicide. It's about the love of a family and the value of a second chance.
Awsome, uplifting film, brilliantly acted. Brought to you by the same collaboration from A Beautiful Mind.
4.5/5
(though my brother said Million Dollar Baby probably just edged it)
Don’t forget Noj; I’ve managed to enlist him in the Browncoats too you know…
yeah but there's nothing original about noj skipping around like a little girl...
Dodgeball
When the Owner and members of Average Joe’s Gym need $50,000 to keep it open they enter a DB tournament to try and win the money, even though they’re useless and one of them thinks he’s a pirate…
I wasn’t really expecting to enjoy this a great deal; I don’t find Ben Stiller particularly funny when he’s doing his stupid-weird shtick, but I was pleasantly surprised to find myself laughing at numerous points in the film. Most of the laughs come from people getting hit in the balls by balls (nothing to be ashamed of) but Vince Vaughn does a good job of lazily wise-cracking his way through, Christine Taylor is a worthy love interest, and Alan Tudyk does a brilliant job of playing his part of Pete the Pirate straight when he could have over-done it (witness his mutter of “Bollocks” when up against girl scouts). The best thing in the film though has to be Justin Long as the imaginatively named Justin, a man who knows how to take a hit from a ball/wrench/fat girl; I laughed my arse off when he completely failed to catch a beer can and again when it exploded in his face.
So worth seeing but mainly for the support rather than the leads. 3.5/5
When the Owner and members of Average Joe’s Gym need $50,000 to keep it open they enter a DB tournament to try and win the money, even though they’re useless and one of them thinks he’s a pirate…
I wasn’t really expecting to enjoy this a great deal; I don’t find Ben Stiller particularly funny when he’s doing his stupid-weird shtick, but I was pleasantly surprised to find myself laughing at numerous points in the film. Most of the laughs come from people getting hit in the balls by balls (nothing to be ashamed of) but Vince Vaughn does a good job of lazily wise-cracking his way through, Christine Taylor is a worthy love interest, and Alan Tudyk does a brilliant job of playing his part of Pete the Pirate straight when he could have over-done it (witness his mutter of “Bollocks” when up against girl scouts). The best thing in the film though has to be Justin Long as the imaginatively named Justin, a man who knows how to take a hit from a ball/wrench/fat girl; I laughed my arse off when he completely failed to catch a beer can and again when it exploded in his face.
So worth seeing but mainly for the support rather than the leads. 3.5/5
Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children.
They have been making this film ever since the last patheic effort at a FF film. And it does look fucking-a.
So, I have no idea what is about. Apparently it helps if you've played the games. That doesn't really matter though, as you just end up gorping at the fantastic visuals and the fight scenes with over-sized swords.
Well worth a watch, I might have to see it on the big screen when it comes out.
7.5/10
They have been making this film ever since the last patheic effort at a FF film. And it does look fucking-a.
So, I have no idea what is about. Apparently it helps if you've played the games. That doesn't really matter though, as you just end up gorping at the fantastic visuals and the fight scenes with over-sized swords.
Well worth a watch, I might have to see it on the big screen when it comes out.
7.5/10
QUOTE
The best thing in the film though has to be Justin Long as the imaginatively named Justin, a man who knows how to take a hit from a ball/wrench/fat girl; I laughed my arse off when he completely failed to catch a beer can and again when it exploded in his face.
Yes indeed, but Rip Torn's 'retards fucking a doorknob' line is a close second.
QUOTE
Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children.
VII? I didn't see the other VI.
Yes Rip Torn funny.
Empire's Serenity review:
Ooo it's gonna be good.
Empire's Serenity review:
QUOTE
Plot
Mal Reynolds (Fillion) is captain of the space craft Serenity, home to a nomadic crew of mercenaries whose relative tranquillity has been disturbed by their taking on Dr. Simon Tam (Sean Maher) and his troubled sister, River (Glau). River is caught up in a conspiracy involving galactic superpower The Alliance, and they’ll stop at nothing to get her back
Caption goes here
Review
The multiplexes are already rammed with the fetid, mewling cinematic offspring of hit TV shows, so why on earth should anyone want to watch a spin-off of a series that failed to even make it through its first season?
Well, firstly: it’s the big-screen debut of Buffy god Joss Whedon, a man with more pop-culture funnies than Scream’s Kevin Williamson. Secondly: everybody knows that these days truly great shows rarely make it beyond a debut run. Thirdly: it’s a hell of a lot better than The Dukes Of Hazzard.
Genre obsessives will already be fully clued up on the seemingly doomed course of the good ship Serenity, which, in the US show Firefly, launched with great fanfare before being buffeted by network execs to such an extent that only the most dedicated viewer could find it on the schedules. But with its complex mix of Western, sci-fi, thriller and comedy, not to mention a sprawling cast and twisting back-stories that 14 episodes could barely touch on, it was Whedon’s most ambitious project, and a show of such wit and originality that naturally it refused to die.
Thus, through the power of the browncoat (read: Firefly nerd) and stellar sales on DVD, the lawless cast was given a reprieve and Whedon $40 million to resurrect his project.
All of which should send anybody disinclined to conventions and mint-condition collectables running from a darkened cinema for the sunshine of the outside world. Fear not; herein lies black comedy, spiky romance and action adventure — without an alien to be seen.
You could question Whedon’s wisdom in making this his first foray into movie direction (he’s previously been Oscar-nominated for co-scripting Toy Story), with its demands to satisfy both the faithful few and the indifferent masses. Screw this up and he’s not only dashed the dreams of his die-hard following, but also called into question his big-budget future.
Thankfully, through pluck, talent and enormous imagination, Whedon’s done it, cheerfully Frankensteining the smart mouth of Buffy, the dust of Deadwood and all the fun bits of Star Wars. Which, in some ways, is the movie’s sole problem.Serenity exists on a plane somewhere between cinema and TV. For much of the running time it feels like an extended episode of the series, with televisual staging and a slow reveal strategy that seems to be saving something for next week’s show. A large lead cast (played wonderfully by the original TV actors, all stretching their comedy and action muscles with ‘may never get the chance again’ vigour) demands a great deal of screentime to draw in newcomers.
Whedon’s economical with his exposition, but with the amount of story to be squeezed in, even a tiny lapse in concentration will leave some scratching their heads during a few of the plot twists.
Gloriously, though, around the halfway point Serenity blossoms, breaking free of its small-screen confines. Whedon lets loose a series of confident action sequences befitting any summer blockbuster, the cast step up to big-screen presence (all hail Nathan Fillion, the new Han Solo!), and the careful seeding of the characters and story bears the fruit of an ending in which nothing is certain, no clichéd outcome inevitable and no crew member safe from the jaws of death. Bring on Episode II.
Verdict
If you’re a novice, this is a plucky introduction to Whedon’s world and the most fun sci-fi of the year. If you’re a devotee, this is the magnificent return you’ve been praying for.
4/5
Mal Reynolds (Fillion) is captain of the space craft Serenity, home to a nomadic crew of mercenaries whose relative tranquillity has been disturbed by their taking on Dr. Simon Tam (Sean Maher) and his troubled sister, River (Glau). River is caught up in a conspiracy involving galactic superpower The Alliance, and they’ll stop at nothing to get her back
Caption goes here
Review
The multiplexes are already rammed with the fetid, mewling cinematic offspring of hit TV shows, so why on earth should anyone want to watch a spin-off of a series that failed to even make it through its first season?
Well, firstly: it’s the big-screen debut of Buffy god Joss Whedon, a man with more pop-culture funnies than Scream’s Kevin Williamson. Secondly: everybody knows that these days truly great shows rarely make it beyond a debut run. Thirdly: it’s a hell of a lot better than The Dukes Of Hazzard.
Genre obsessives will already be fully clued up on the seemingly doomed course of the good ship Serenity, which, in the US show Firefly, launched with great fanfare before being buffeted by network execs to such an extent that only the most dedicated viewer could find it on the schedules. But with its complex mix of Western, sci-fi, thriller and comedy, not to mention a sprawling cast and twisting back-stories that 14 episodes could barely touch on, it was Whedon’s most ambitious project, and a show of such wit and originality that naturally it refused to die.
Thus, through the power of the browncoat (read: Firefly nerd) and stellar sales on DVD, the lawless cast was given a reprieve and Whedon $40 million to resurrect his project.
All of which should send anybody disinclined to conventions and mint-condition collectables running from a darkened cinema for the sunshine of the outside world. Fear not; herein lies black comedy, spiky romance and action adventure — without an alien to be seen.
You could question Whedon’s wisdom in making this his first foray into movie direction (he’s previously been Oscar-nominated for co-scripting Toy Story), with its demands to satisfy both the faithful few and the indifferent masses. Screw this up and he’s not only dashed the dreams of his die-hard following, but also called into question his big-budget future.
Thankfully, through pluck, talent and enormous imagination, Whedon’s done it, cheerfully Frankensteining the smart mouth of Buffy, the dust of Deadwood and all the fun bits of Star Wars. Which, in some ways, is the movie’s sole problem.Serenity exists on a plane somewhere between cinema and TV. For much of the running time it feels like an extended episode of the series, with televisual staging and a slow reveal strategy that seems to be saving something for next week’s show. A large lead cast (played wonderfully by the original TV actors, all stretching their comedy and action muscles with ‘may never get the chance again’ vigour) demands a great deal of screentime to draw in newcomers.
Whedon’s economical with his exposition, but with the amount of story to be squeezed in, even a tiny lapse in concentration will leave some scratching their heads during a few of the plot twists.
Gloriously, though, around the halfway point Serenity blossoms, breaking free of its small-screen confines. Whedon lets loose a series of confident action sequences befitting any summer blockbuster, the cast step up to big-screen presence (all hail Nathan Fillion, the new Han Solo!), and the careful seeding of the characters and story bears the fruit of an ending in which nothing is certain, no clichéd outcome inevitable and no crew member safe from the jaws of death. Bring on Episode II.
Verdict
If you’re a novice, this is a plucky introduction to Whedon’s world and the most fun sci-fi of the year. If you’re a devotee, this is the magnificent return you’ve been praying for.
4/5
Ooo it's gonna be good.
I'll be glad when you've seen the film so that you can stop creaming yourself in anticipation.
Clean-up's a bitch.
Ong-Bak
When the head of the village's Buddh (Ong-Bak) is stolen, it's up to country boy and Thai boxing maestro Ting (Tony Jaa) to get it back.
Well the plot's slightly inept and the support annoying but that's not what we're here for. All you need to know is that there is just enough there for the Muay Thai not to be gratuitous and not so much that it gets in the way as Tony Jaa does the splits under a 4x4, cartwheels between two panes of glass and kicks a bloke in the head while his legs are on fire. No wire-work here folks and it's sight to be seen, believe me.
Forget Jackie Chan, Tony Jaa is where it's at; catch him while he's fresh.
3.8/5
When the head of the village's Buddh (Ong-Bak) is stolen, it's up to country boy and Thai boxing maestro Ting (Tony Jaa) to get it back.
Well the plot's slightly inept and the support annoying but that's not what we're here for. All you need to know is that there is just enough there for the Muay Thai not to be gratuitous and not so much that it gets in the way as Tony Jaa does the splits under a 4x4, cartwheels between two panes of glass and kicks a bloke in the head while his legs are on fire. No wire-work here folks and it's sight to be seen, believe me.
Forget Jackie Chan, Tony Jaa is where it's at; catch him while he's fresh.
3.8/5
QUOTE
VII? I didn't see the other VI.
That's just the start of the not-making-sense-ness. On another note, it does feature a crazy motorbike cum sword-rack and translucent white glowing trees.
Pride & Prejudice
You know the plot surely?
Austen's tale of pride and um prejudice, misunderstandings and reconcilliations is given its first big-screen outing for 65 years and it's well worth the wait: This is a dirtier, more real depiction of life at the time than depicted before (albeit stuck in a particular salary band), with mud and pigs, and ribbons as the height of sophistication. Brenda Blethyn's Mrs Bennet is excellently vulgar without quite becoming the comic pastiche she has been, Tom Hollander's Mr Collins is ridiculous, but not odious, and Judi Dench is as you'd expect as Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
The mian draw though is Keira Knightly who puts in an excellent, stand-out performance and Lizzy Bennet. Her awed giggle at the site stately home she could have had, had she married Darcy, is perfect.
Faults; Mr Bingly is a bit of a twit, Mathew MacFadyen is a bit droopy at times and there isn't time for the joint wedding at the end, leaving it all abit in the air but it's not serious.
Worth a look whether you love the book or just can't be bothered reading it.
4/5
You know the plot surely?
Austen's tale of pride and um prejudice, misunderstandings and reconcilliations is given its first big-screen outing for 65 years and it's well worth the wait: This is a dirtier, more real depiction of life at the time than depicted before (albeit stuck in a particular salary band), with mud and pigs, and ribbons as the height of sophistication. Brenda Blethyn's Mrs Bennet is excellently vulgar without quite becoming the comic pastiche she has been, Tom Hollander's Mr Collins is ridiculous, but not odious, and Judi Dench is as you'd expect as Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
The mian draw though is Keira Knightly who puts in an excellent, stand-out performance and Lizzy Bennet. Her awed giggle at the site stately home she could have had, had she married Darcy, is perfect.
Faults; Mr Bingly is a bit of a twit, Mathew MacFadyen is a bit droopy at times and there isn't time for the joint wedding at the end, leaving it all abit in the air but it's not serious.
Worth a look whether you love the book or just can't be bothered reading it.
4/5
Revolver
Imagine if you will the scene maybe 18 months ago in the Guy Ritchie/Madonna household. The couple are relaxing with a cup of Cocoa in front of the telly.
GR: Madge, babes, I'm really fed up with being stereotyped for my Lock Stock/Snatch films because I feel I've got so much more to offer than that.
Madge: So do something different, a bit edgy, ORIGINAL even!
GR: Ok well do you have any ideas?
Madge: Well what kind of film styles do you like?
GR: Well I quite like Tarantino's huge gun-fights and drug dealing, plus his crazy Manga-esque bits from Kill Bill. Also I like David Lynch's crazy headfuck films like Mulholland Drive and Blue Velvet. And I quite like a bit of Scorcese Casino-esque gambling and violence. Oh and Ocean's Eleven.
Madge: Ok well why don't you take all of that shake it up a bit and get Jason to do it for free again?
GR: Nice one babes. I knew there was a reason I married you.
Fast forward to the present day and its REVOLVER which is the end-product of Guy Ritchie's attempts to break free of East End wheeler-dealers and do something a bit ORIGINAL.
The basic premise (if you can call it that) is that Jason Statham plays Jake Green, a card/chess whizz and part time money lender complete with straggly hair and beard. He comes out of 7 years in solitary confinement to track down the man who he took the blame for (Ray Liotta). What follows isn't easy to sum up. He meets a couple of loan sharks who tell him he has 3 days to live. They tell him to give them all his money and obey their orders. They go about the place, merrily loaning money/shooting people. In between we have a random selection of people all intertwining and several twists (Lock Stock anyone??). Suffice to say there are more turns than a Grand Prix track and more intertwinings than a vast patch of Amazonian jungle.
The verdict? This film is cack. It is 100% Guy Ritchie trying to make the ultimate headfuck/gangster film and failing. Well I tell a lie, he succeeds admirably in the headfuck department but fails miserably in actually putting together a film which makes ANY kind of sense at all. Imagine that nonsensical scene in the Matrix when Neo goes to visit the Architect and expand that to two hours of riddles, famous sayings, schizophrenic Gollum-esque inner wranglings, shaky cameras, hidden meanings, double bluffs, twists, turns and three million different characters.
Oh and also the film just ends. No end credits, nothing. Just dark. Ooh Mr Ritchie you're so controversial.
Avoid at all costs. (Andre 3000 is quite cool though)
2 out of 10
Imagine if you will the scene maybe 18 months ago in the Guy Ritchie/Madonna household. The couple are relaxing with a cup of Cocoa in front of the telly.
GR: Madge, babes, I'm really fed up with being stereotyped for my Lock Stock/Snatch films because I feel I've got so much more to offer than that.
Madge: So do something different, a bit edgy, ORIGINAL even!
GR: Ok well do you have any ideas?
Madge: Well what kind of film styles do you like?
GR: Well I quite like Tarantino's huge gun-fights and drug dealing, plus his crazy Manga-esque bits from Kill Bill. Also I like David Lynch's crazy headfuck films like Mulholland Drive and Blue Velvet. And I quite like a bit of Scorcese Casino-esque gambling and violence. Oh and Ocean's Eleven.
Madge: Ok well why don't you take all of that shake it up a bit and get Jason to do it for free again?
GR: Nice one babes. I knew there was a reason I married you.
Fast forward to the present day and its REVOLVER which is the end-product of Guy Ritchie's attempts to break free of East End wheeler-dealers and do something a bit ORIGINAL.
The basic premise (if you can call it that) is that Jason Statham plays Jake Green, a card/chess whizz and part time money lender complete with straggly hair and beard. He comes out of 7 years in solitary confinement to track down the man who he took the blame for (Ray Liotta). What follows isn't easy to sum up. He meets a couple of loan sharks who tell him he has 3 days to live. They tell him to give them all his money and obey their orders. They go about the place, merrily loaning money/shooting people. In between we have a random selection of people all intertwining and several twists (Lock Stock anyone??). Suffice to say there are more turns than a Grand Prix track and more intertwinings than a vast patch of Amazonian jungle.
The verdict? This film is cack. It is 100% Guy Ritchie trying to make the ultimate headfuck/gangster film and failing. Well I tell a lie, he succeeds admirably in the headfuck department but fails miserably in actually putting together a film which makes ANY kind of sense at all. Imagine that nonsensical scene in the Matrix when Neo goes to visit the Architect and expand that to two hours of riddles, famous sayings, schizophrenic Gollum-esque inner wranglings, shaky cameras, hidden meanings, double bluffs, twists, turns and three million different characters.
Oh and also the film just ends. No end credits, nothing. Just dark. Ooh Mr Ritchie you're so controversial.
Avoid at all costs. (Andre 3000 is quite cool though)
2 out of 10
In reply o king Pride and Prejudice review - mr darcy is supposed to be surpressing emotion not needing to go to the toilet. Mr McFadden not the most emotive bloke. Kiera good not too much pouting. (but then we know that mr darcy and lizzie are jennifer ehle and colin firth so it is all by the by)
also note to 'on a clear day' - not a taxing film - bloke swims channel but it did make me smile smile smile.
note to all just saw amelie again fucking fantastic go our and feel better about everything - in paris - in sepia style colours!
also note to 'on a clear day' - not a taxing film - bloke swims channel but it did make me smile smile smile.
note to all just saw amelie again fucking fantastic go our and feel better about everything - in paris - in sepia style colours!
I hate keira whats her face, she's a rancid gurning wench. The fact that she's cast in this film really pisses me off because her chest serves better as an ironing board than a womanly bosom, in fact I bet her tits dont even rate at conker size...or shrivelled raisin in fact.. There, rant over. I feel better now.
Thank-you, ladies, for your succinct and not-at-all insane comments (I'm looking at you Agnew); I should have known better than to mention P&P without invoking the God Firth (frankly his shirt never looked more than slightly damp to me but never mind) but I stand by my comments of McFadden being adequate and Keira being very good, if different to Ms Ehle.
I'm not sure what her breasts have to do with the casting though; I must have missed the line "It is a truth, universely acknowledged that a young lady, in possession of a quick wit, must be in want of a womanly bosom, on which you positively can not do the ironing."
I'll review Howl's Moving Castle shortly.
I'm not sure what her breasts have to do with the casting though; I must have missed the line "It is a truth, universely acknowledged that a young lady, in possession of a quick wit, must be in want of a womanly bosom, on which you positively can not do the ironing."
I'll review Howl's Moving Castle shortly.
I have nothing to add on P&P having not (yet) seen the film. But King, you made me snicker loud enough that several family members wondered what the hell I was reading.
To keep it on the topic of films, I go see Serenity on Friday.
To keep it on the topic of films, I go see Serenity on Friday.
Although I totally trust King when he says that she is pretty good in P & P, I would like to say that in everything else I've seen her in (bar Bend It Like Beckham) Miss Knightely does put on the most ridiculous pout for 80% of the time. For prime example see Pirates of the Caribbean. Actually, I seem to remember already saying this in my review of POTC god knows how long ago. Apologies for repeating myself, but I'm not going to delete it as it was the whole point of me writing this post in the first place. I'd feel really stupid writing a whole post only to fail to actually add it to the forum. I don't feel at all stupid now though.
Oh, and Matthew McFayden is quality (based on Perfect Strangers and Spooks).
Oh, and Matthew McFayden is quality (based on Perfect Strangers and Spooks).
Last night I went to see a preview screening of...
Broken Flowers
This film stars the always-genius Mr Bill Murray as an over the hill Casanova who has had more flings than a randy Scotsman at the Highland Games. One day he receives a letter in a pink envelope telling him he has a 19 year old son by one of his previous lovers, and the son is now on a road trip trying to locate him. The letter is not signed however so it could have been any one of his ten gazillion previous girlfriends.
Encouraged by his neighbour Winston (Jeffrey Wright - also exceedingly good) he sets off to track down the possible mothers and discover which one has written the letter. These include Sharon Stone (in a good film for once), Jessica Lange (an animal conversationist if you please) and Tilda Swinton who appears for about five seconds. And Jonnyboy I know you are a fan of Julie Delpy, however she only appears for about three seconds.
This is a good film, I couldn't get Lost In Translation out of my head though as a comparison. It is quite different to that but still has the whole Bill Murray/older man/what am i doing with my life type feel. Also some parts of the film don't quite link up, but that is really nit-picking.
An excellent movie, if you manage to erase LiT from your head before going in.
Also look out for Sharon Stone's daughter Lolita... ouch.
7.5/10
Broken Flowers
This film stars the always-genius Mr Bill Murray as an over the hill Casanova who has had more flings than a randy Scotsman at the Highland Games. One day he receives a letter in a pink envelope telling him he has a 19 year old son by one of his previous lovers, and the son is now on a road trip trying to locate him. The letter is not signed however so it could have been any one of his ten gazillion previous girlfriends.
Encouraged by his neighbour Winston (Jeffrey Wright - also exceedingly good) he sets off to track down the possible mothers and discover which one has written the letter. These include Sharon Stone (in a good film for once), Jessica Lange (an animal conversationist if you please) and Tilda Swinton who appears for about five seconds. And Jonnyboy I know you are a fan of Julie Delpy, however she only appears for about three seconds.
This is a good film, I couldn't get Lost In Translation out of my head though as a comparison. It is quite different to that but still has the whole Bill Murray/older man/what am i doing with my life type feel. Also some parts of the film don't quite link up, but that is really nit-picking.
An excellent movie, if you manage to erase LiT from your head before going in.
Also look out for Sharon Stone's daughter Lolita... ouch.
7.5/10
Serenity
It has been eight months since Captain Mal Renolds (Nathan Fillion) let Dr Simon Tam and his sister River (Summer Glau) join the close-knit crew of the Serenity. Not much has changed; the ship is still only just running, the crew are still pulling not-really-legal jobs for not much pay and the Galactic Alliance are still searching for the psychic River. Unfortunately, they’ve commissioned an Operative (Chiwetel Ejiofor) a man who will stop at nothing to flush out his prey, whatever the cost.
Well I’ve finally seen it (after carping on about it to my friends for endless months) so the question is, was it worth the wait? Well…I’m afraid to say that it was...well worth it. This is not the last you’ll be hearing of the good ship Serenity. Sorry Jon.
It’s obvious from the beginning that Joss Whedon knows and loves his subject matter, all the hallmarks of the TV series Firefly are present in the opening reels. There’s sharp dialogue, peppered with one-liners, a bank-job, gun-toting and bickering. For a while it seems that the film won’t leave this comfortable zone between TV and cinema, an episode extended for the big screen. However, once the fans are comfortable and the newbies have settled in, Whedon let’s loose and the film expands into a sci-fi spectacular, taking the crew to places never even glimpsed while on telly, and making full use of his $40m budget.
The cast also makes full use of its time in the sun; Nathan Fillion (the ‘wrong’ Ryan in Saving Private Ryan) is excellent as the embittered, scruffy-looking Captain, he really does take a punch well, and on the face of it deserves many more lead parts. Summer Glau embodies River and gets to kick ass with balletic grace and Chiwetel Ejiofor is wonderfully, coldly English as the bad guy. The supporting cast also do well to retain the camaraderie of Firefly without being swamped, all relishing the probably brief chance to show what they’ve got in a wider environ.
So go and see it; it may start out as a bit of fun but once it gets going and the tone changes it turns into one of the best sci-fi spectaculars I've seen. Shiny.
5/5
I am a leaf on the wind; watch how I soar.
It has been eight months since Captain Mal Renolds (Nathan Fillion) let Dr Simon Tam and his sister River (Summer Glau) join the close-knit crew of the Serenity. Not much has changed; the ship is still only just running, the crew are still pulling not-really-legal jobs for not much pay and the Galactic Alliance are still searching for the psychic River. Unfortunately, they’ve commissioned an Operative (Chiwetel Ejiofor) a man who will stop at nothing to flush out his prey, whatever the cost.
Well I’ve finally seen it (after carping on about it to my friends for endless months) so the question is, was it worth the wait? Well…I’m afraid to say that it was...well worth it. This is not the last you’ll be hearing of the good ship Serenity. Sorry Jon.
It’s obvious from the beginning that Joss Whedon knows and loves his subject matter, all the hallmarks of the TV series Firefly are present in the opening reels. There’s sharp dialogue, peppered with one-liners, a bank-job, gun-toting and bickering. For a while it seems that the film won’t leave this comfortable zone between TV and cinema, an episode extended for the big screen. However, once the fans are comfortable and the newbies have settled in, Whedon let’s loose and the film expands into a sci-fi spectacular, taking the crew to places never even glimpsed while on telly, and making full use of his $40m budget.
The cast also makes full use of its time in the sun; Nathan Fillion (the ‘wrong’ Ryan in Saving Private Ryan) is excellent as the embittered, scruffy-looking Captain, he really does take a punch well, and on the face of it deserves many more lead parts. Summer Glau embodies River and gets to kick ass with balletic grace and Chiwetel Ejiofor is wonderfully, coldly English as the bad guy. The supporting cast also do well to retain the camaraderie of Firefly without being swamped, all relishing the probably brief chance to show what they’ve got in a wider environ.
So go and see it; it may start out as a bit of fun but once it gets going and the tone changes it turns into one of the best sci-fi spectaculars I've seen. Shiny.
5/5
I am a leaf on the wind; watch how I soar.
Broken Flowers does look interesting...
Howl's Moving Castle
Thew latest showing from Studio Ghibli showcases all the sublime artwork we've come to expect, tied to a plot based on the book by Dianna Wynne Jones.
I really don't know what it was all about but I enjoyed it very much: Better than Castle in the Sky, not as good as Mononoke. Definitely worth seeing though, especially if you like Miazaki's previous films.
4/5
Howl's Moving Castle
Thew latest showing from Studio Ghibli showcases all the sublime artwork we've come to expect, tied to a plot based on the book by Dianna Wynne Jones.
I really don't know what it was all about but I enjoyed it very much: Better than Castle in the Sky, not as good as Mononoke. Definitely worth seeing though, especially if you like Miazaki's previous films.
4/5
QUOTE
5/5
Controversial.
I also saw Serenity this weekend. The first ten minutes was very promising indeed. Chiwetel Ejiofor really is very good - easily the best thing about the film. I'm almost tempted to go and see him in Kinky Boots, he was that quality.
However, I do not share King's enthusiasm for next half an hour or so. It's probable that if you've seen the show and are a fan then you'll like the first half of this film a lot. However, I haven't seen the show and I go to the cinema to see movies, not TV shows. For me, the first half dragged horribly. I ought to point out that I went with my brother and sister and they both fell asleep during this part of the film. Before you ask, we went to the 13.50 showing on Sunday so it's not as if they were that tired. I didn't go to sleep, but I did sympathise with them a little.
A lot has been said about Joss Whedon's gift for witty, hip dialogue, and I agree with pretty much all of it. However, I did feel that the dialogue in Serenity was certainly no better than your average episode of Buffy or even Angel.
Then the second half of the film kicked and everything changed. Joss Whedon appeared to remember that he was making a movie not just another Firefly episode and truly let fly with the set pieces. I absolutely loved the second half of the film and left the cinema with a smile on my face. My brother and sister awoke from their slumber and also really enjoyed the remainder of the film.
In conclusion then, Joss Whedon should definitely be allowed to make more films. He is a good writer (I haven't mentioned the plot of Serenity, but it was pretty good) and shows real aptitude for action set pieces. However, if they do make Serenity 2 (which I hope they do) I would beg Mr Whedon to make sure he makes an entire movie, not just half of one.
First half: 2.5/5
Second half: 4.5/5
Fairy muff. I agree that the first half is a bit TV and may well appeal more to the fans out there but I reckon now he's got the set up any sequels will get going much faster. Hopefully they'll then stay there.
dont really have any interest in serenity... isnt that guy from the tv two guys and a girl?
one to think about though...
www.clerks2.com
to do a sequal to this kind of film is a dodge one... time will tell
one to think about though...
www.clerks2.com
to do a sequal to this kind of film is a dodge one... time will tell
A History of Violence
Cant be bothered to do a full blown review just now so here is a synopsis.
Viggo Mortensen is an all-round, country bumpkin, family man. Two robbers come into his diner. He shoots them. Ed Harris shows up with a couple of heavies. Trouble at mill. Viggo go crayyyzy Mrs Fawlty. Then, Mafia, lots of graphic violence, his son smacks a tosspiece, Scorchio! The End.
Very good film but not as good as everyone else is creaming themselves about.
8/10
Also on a Keira Knightley-related theme, Domino? I am a posh Bounty Hunter. Looks a bit bonkers from the trailer and its got Mickey Rourke which can only mean trouble. Please sir, is this going to be cack?
Cant be bothered to do a full blown review just now so here is a synopsis.
Viggo Mortensen is an all-round, country bumpkin, family man. Two robbers come into his diner. He shoots them. Ed Harris shows up with a couple of heavies. Trouble at mill. Viggo go crayyyzy Mrs Fawlty. Then, Mafia, lots of graphic violence, his son smacks a tosspiece, Scorchio! The End.
Very good film but not as good as everyone else is creaming themselves about.
8/10
Also on a Keira Knightley-related theme, Domino? I am a posh Bounty Hunter. Looks a bit bonkers from the trailer and its got Mickey Rourke which can only mean trouble. Please sir, is this going to be cack?
QUOTE(TheWoz @ 12-Oct-05, 16:16)
dont really have any interest in serenity... isnt that guy from the tv two guys and a girl?
Yes, yes it is.
Wallace & Gromit
Very good, very short; animation lovely, acting excellent, direction better. Cinema worthy? Maybe not.
3.8/5
A review, no verbs; wonderful.
Very good, very short; animation lovely, acting excellent, direction better. Cinema worthy? Maybe not.
3.8/5
A review, no verbs; wonderful.
QUOTE(King @ 19-Oct-05, 16:04)
Wallace & Gromit
Very good, very short; animation lovely, acting excellent, direction better. Cinema worthy? Maybe not.
3.8/5
A review, no verbs; wonderful.
Very good, very short; animation lovely, acting excellent, direction better. Cinema worthy? Maybe not.
3.8/5
A review, no verbs; wonderful.
Yes! Cinema worthy as it's such a quality production..oh and i saw pride and prejudice finally, keira is definately a professional gurner/ ironing board but the new mr darcy is ay ok!
You may be right; what I was trying to say (but was hampered by the strange insistence on a verbless post) was that it didn't really feel like a cinema experience, it being so short and with characters established on the small screen. It's definitely worth seeing, but I reckon it wouldn't lose much on DVD if you can't be bothered to get off your arse. It is a quality production though.
QUOTE(King @ 20-Oct-05, 12:29)
You may be right; what I was trying to say (but was hampered by the strange insistence on a verbless post) was that it didn't really feel like a cinema experience, it being so short and with characters established on the small screen. It's definitely worth seeing, but I reckon it wouldn't lose much on DVD if you can't be bothered to get off your arse. It is a quality production though.
yeah that is a fair point, i am just an avid fan and therefore attributed it full cinema worthy status! According to my sister it is actually even better if you go on a saturday matinee when all the kids laugh at the obvious kid bits but wander why the adults are laughing in other bits...if you see what i mean!!!
I do; friday night in Kingston everyone is chuckling at the 'Smug' fridge, smugly pointing it out to their neighbour even though the whole place has already noticed it.
Films which I have bought recently, (cheaply), and which are among my favourites ever: Eternal Sunshine, Fear and Loathing, Sideways.
Plus also watched Adaptation again last night. Fantastic film.
Plus also watched Adaptation again last night. Fantastic film.
Swingers
The tale of Mike, a comedian in LA as he tries to get over his ex with the help of his low-rise mates as they cruise the party scene, talk bollocks and watch Trent (Vince Vaughan) pick up chicks.
Seriously, it's worth a look; low-budget, hip and funny, it even 'appropriates' shots from both Reservoir Dogs and Goodfellas.
It's so money baby.
3.5/5
The tale of Mike, a comedian in LA as he tries to get over his ex with the help of his low-rise mates as they cruise the party scene, talk bollocks and watch Trent (Vince Vaughan) pick up chicks.
Seriously, it's worth a look; low-budget, hip and funny, it even 'appropriates' shots from both Reservoir Dogs and Goodfellas.
It's so money baby.
3.5/5
I finally got to see Howl's Moving Castle as it showed in Japanese (subbed) in Exeter.
I enjoyed immensly, and surprisingly IMHO better than Spirited Away.
I can't remember who reviewed it earlier (prob. King) or what they said, but no matter - It's great. Looking forward to the DVD release.
I enjoyed immensly, and surprisingly IMHO better than Spirited Away.
I can't remember who reviewed it earlier (prob. King) or what they said, but no matter - It's great. Looking forward to the DVD release.
Broken Flowers: Enjoyable film with dry subtle humour, not a touch on other Bill Murray specialities like lost in translation though. Definately worth a watch, but one could easily not bother with it at the cinema.
WARNING: Not advisable to watch this film in a warm, dark, comfortable cinema after a heavy night on the drink with little sleep as it is slow moving and one would be prone to falling asleep.
WARNING: Not advisable to watch this film in a warm, dark, comfortable cinema after a heavy night on the drink with little sleep as it is slow moving and one would be prone to falling asleep.
King how can you give Swingers 3.5 out of 5?? Its quite possibly my favourite film of all time!
Saw 2: Nasty. 3.2/5
Kung Fu Hustle: Funny, bonkers. 4/5
Kung Fu Hustle: Funny, bonkers. 4/5
This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.