Director: Bart Freundlich
Starring: Catherine Zeta-Jones, Justin Bartha
Genre: Romantic comedy
Rating: ***
Although it does have the occasional laugh and tear-jerker, there is actually nothing remarkable about this film apart from the charming performance by lead Zeta-Jones. Unfortunately the same cannot be said for Bartha - he simply seems a little bland in comparison.
The scenarious are too unlikely for the relationship between the leads to have any real emotional attatchment with the audience. Saying this, The Rebound is actually very enjoyable, and probably the perfect film for a girlie night in. Thankfully, the moment in which the couple break up in the middle of the film is more inventive and an actual reason (however unlikely) than those found in many other romantic comedies.
Overall, enjoyable, but nothing special.
Showing posts with label ***. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ***. Show all posts
Tuesday, 12 April 2011
Tuesday, 22 February 2011
Salt (2010)
Director: Phillip Noyce
Starring: Angelina Jolie, Liev Schreiber, Daniel Olbrychski, August Diehl, Chiwetel Ejiofor
Genre: Thriller
Rating: ***
Thriller in which a CIA agent is accused of being a Russian spy.
Unfortunately, even Angelina Jolie cannot fully make this film anything more than mediocre. She is a fantastic actress, even in this film - but the film does absolutely nothing for her.
There is very little emotion throughout the entire film, even with the death of Evelyn Salt's husband. The plot and characters leave no room for any emotional bonding of the audience, so we do in fact not really care at all whether Salt survives. The script is, again, simply average, and does not suit Jolie's character - notice various moments of speech which are almost wince-worthy. And notice that about 99% of the film is made up of action sequences, with the final 1% flashbacks. It is a little 'bambambam' - no rest between the action (most of which, like other thrillers/action films, is ridiculously unrealistic) at all.
The only thing that does make up a little bit for the film's averageness is the nice, interesting twists which come through the film - is, or is she not, a Russian spy? And, regardless of the silly action parts, you can't really help enjoying this film a little bit in places.
Starring: Angelina Jolie, Liev Schreiber, Daniel Olbrychski, August Diehl, Chiwetel Ejiofor
Genre: Thriller
Rating: ***
Unfortunately, even Angelina Jolie cannot fully make this film anything more than mediocre. She is a fantastic actress, even in this film - but the film does absolutely nothing for her.
There is very little emotion throughout the entire film, even with the death of Evelyn Salt's husband. The plot and characters leave no room for any emotional bonding of the audience, so we do in fact not really care at all whether Salt survives. The script is, again, simply average, and does not suit Jolie's character - notice various moments of speech which are almost wince-worthy. And notice that about 99% of the film is made up of action sequences, with the final 1% flashbacks. It is a little 'bambambam' - no rest between the action (most of which, like other thrillers/action films, is ridiculously unrealistic) at all.
The only thing that does make up a little bit for the film's averageness is the nice, interesting twists which come through the film - is, or is she not, a Russian spy? And, regardless of the silly action parts, you can't really help enjoying this film a little bit in places.
Tuesday, 21 December 2010
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007)
Director: Gore Verbinski
Rating: ***
One of the film's (and perhaps even the series') finest scenes is the opening one, in which hundreds of people found to be associating with pirates are hanged. A young boy starts up the singing of 'Hoist the Colours', a pirate song. The other prisoners soon join in, to a moving chorus of hope amidst the death of these prisoners.
The main word I would use to describe this film is 'enjoyable'. It certainly was - Depp's performance as Captain Jack Sparrow was, as ever, extremely amusing (although I am not sure the parts in which there are more than one of him work). However, it is spoilt slightly by the fact that much of the humour in the film is simply a little too silly, mainly between Mackenzie Crook and Lee Arenberg's characters.
There is a spectacularly filmed fight scene with brilliant special effects at the end of the film which, unfortunately, is ruined by its length of over 20 minutes. The crew could definitely have condensed it by cutting out a lot of Jack Sparrow's fighting with Davey Jones, much of which is monotonous and slow.
Overall, with a witty script and fabulous acting by leads Depp, Bloom and Knightley, the film passes as enjoyable, but does not live up to the original film in the series, which is a masterpiece. It could even be said that making Pirates of the Caribbean into a films series was unnecessary.
As ever, if you have any requests, please comment and let me know
Rating: ***
One of the film's (and perhaps even the series') finest scenes is the opening one, in which hundreds of people found to be associating with pirates are hanged. A young boy starts up the singing of 'Hoist the Colours', a pirate song. The other prisoners soon join in, to a moving chorus of hope amidst the death of these prisoners.
The main word I would use to describe this film is 'enjoyable'. It certainly was - Depp's performance as Captain Jack Sparrow was, as ever, extremely amusing (although I am not sure the parts in which there are more than one of him work). However, it is spoilt slightly by the fact that much of the humour in the film is simply a little too silly, mainly between Mackenzie Crook and Lee Arenberg's characters.
There is a spectacularly filmed fight scene with brilliant special effects at the end of the film which, unfortunately, is ruined by its length of over 20 minutes. The crew could definitely have condensed it by cutting out a lot of Jack Sparrow's fighting with Davey Jones, much of which is monotonous and slow.
Overall, with a witty script and fabulous acting by leads Depp, Bloom and Knightley, the film passes as enjoyable, but does not live up to the original film in the series, which is a masterpiece. It could even be said that making Pirates of the Caribbean into a films series was unnecessary.
As ever, if you have any requests, please comment and let me know
Monday, 20 December 2010
Remember Me (2010)
Director: Allen Coulter
Rating: ***
An interesting love story in which you will find yourself utterly involved. The acting is possibly the best part of this film, in which it all seems extremely natural, especially when it comes to Ruby Jerins' role as Pattinson's younger sister.
Unfortunately, due to the film portraying yet another mopey, misunderstood teenage story (which is getting rather old now), many of the characters seem unlikeable, especially Pattinson's (although at times you do rather admire his courage/stupidity). It is not a funny film, and it is not a film that has blown me away, but it sure does work as an indie film.
There is not really much to say about the film, as not much actually happens until the end, in which a cruel twist of events leaves the audience partially traumatised. The end actually was not too well done in itself - it seemed the only forced, unnatural part of the whole film, as if it simply served as an Atonement-style loss of hope moment.
Overall, quite a slow film which will keep the audience wrapped up in its plot, until the rather unnecessary twist at the end.
Rating: ***
An interesting love story in which you will find yourself utterly involved. The acting is possibly the best part of this film, in which it all seems extremely natural, especially when it comes to Ruby Jerins' role as Pattinson's younger sister.
Unfortunately, due to the film portraying yet another mopey, misunderstood teenage story (which is getting rather old now), many of the characters seem unlikeable, especially Pattinson's (although at times you do rather admire his courage/stupidity). It is not a funny film, and it is not a film that has blown me away, but it sure does work as an indie film.
There is not really much to say about the film, as not much actually happens until the end, in which a cruel twist of events leaves the audience partially traumatised. The end actually was not too well done in itself - it seemed the only forced, unnatural part of the whole film, as if it simply served as an Atonement-style loss of hope moment.
Overall, quite a slow film which will keep the audience wrapped up in its plot, until the rather unnecessary twist at the end.
Tuesday, 1 June 2010
Robin Hood (2010)
Director: Ridley Scott
Starring: Russell Crowe, Cate Blanchett, Mark Strong, Oscar Isaac
Genre: adventure
Certificate: 12
Rating: ***
More a prequel to the Robin Hood legend than a story of the legend itself, Robin Hood will please some and disappoint others. Many people have disagreed with the choice of Crowe as Robin Hood - however, I must point out now that, although nowhere near as good as he was in Gladiator, Crowe does a good job of proving others wrong. He is fantastic, and his on-screen chemistry with Blanchett is definitely there.
The main let-down with this film is that it simply comes across as average: good script, but not amazing; good plot, but not amazing; good cinematography, but not amazing. The characters do not really seem developed enough either - not just the main ones, but also the supporting roles. Saying that, there are many laughs in all the right places (mostly by Hood's henchmen), and this coupled with great acting performances causes this film to be something slightly more than 'average' - it makes it enjoyable to watch.
One last thing - women need to stop coming to fight in the final battles. It works with Eowyn in The Lord of the Rings, but really, Marian would not have been trained to fight, and would most likely have been killed within two minutes. In those days, it simply would not have happened.
Starring: Russell Crowe, Cate Blanchett, Mark Strong, Oscar Isaac
Genre: adventure
Certificate: 12
Rating: ***
More a prequel to the Robin Hood legend than a story of the legend itself, Robin Hood will please some and disappoint others. Many people have disagreed with the choice of Crowe as Robin Hood - however, I must point out now that, although nowhere near as good as he was in Gladiator, Crowe does a good job of proving others wrong. He is fantastic, and his on-screen chemistry with Blanchett is definitely there.
The main let-down with this film is that it simply comes across as average: good script, but not amazing; good plot, but not amazing; good cinematography, but not amazing. The characters do not really seem developed enough either - not just the main ones, but also the supporting roles. Saying that, there are many laughs in all the right places (mostly by Hood's henchmen), and this coupled with great acting performances causes this film to be something slightly more than 'average' - it makes it enjoyable to watch.
One last thing - women need to stop coming to fight in the final battles. It works with Eowyn in The Lord of the Rings, but really, Marian would not have been trained to fight, and would most likely have been killed within two minutes. In those days, it simply would not have happened.
What Happens in Vegas (2008)
Director: Tom Vaughan
Starring: Cameron Diaz, Ashton Kutcher, Rob Corrdry, Dennis Farina
Genre: romantic comedy
Certificate: 12
Rating: ***
The first thing I will mention is that romantic comedies are highly predictable. But that doesn't mean they can't be good.
What Happens in Vegas is far from the funniest film I have ever seen - however, it does have its moments (one bit I would have to include on my 'Funniest Moments' list, due to it causing tears to prick my eyes).
Kutcher really outdoes himself in this film - he portrays his character brilliantly, from his witty thinking to his laidback lifestyle. And Diaz is nearly always glorious - this is no exception.
Although the cinematography is nothing special, and the script is nowhere near as good as, say, that of Mean Girls, it definitely is something sweet and funny, if not predictable, to watch.
Starring: Cameron Diaz, Ashton Kutcher, Rob Corrdry, Dennis Farina
Genre: romantic comedy
Certificate: 12
Rating: ***
The first thing I will mention is that romantic comedies are highly predictable. But that doesn't mean they can't be good.
What Happens in Vegas is far from the funniest film I have ever seen - however, it does have its moments (one bit I would have to include on my 'Funniest Moments' list, due to it causing tears to prick my eyes).
Kutcher really outdoes himself in this film - he portrays his character brilliantly, from his witty thinking to his laidback lifestyle. And Diaz is nearly always glorious - this is no exception.
Although the cinematography is nothing special, and the script is nowhere near as good as, say, that of Mean Girls, it definitely is something sweet and funny, if not predictable, to watch.
Monday, 25 January 2010
Death Proof (2007)
Title: Death Proof
Director: Quentin Tarantino
Genre: Action
Starring: Kurt Russell, Zoë Bell, Rosario Dawson, Vanessa Ferlito, Jordan Ladd, Sydney Tamiia Poitier, Tracie Thoms, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Rose McGowan.
Age certificate: 18
Rating: ***
This has got to be one of the most pointless films ever made. For the majority of the time it is on, nothing is happening, then suddenly, a load of action takes place. Although the visuals are stunning, and Tarantino does, as always, a brilliant job, it is still nowhere near his best work, and is actually pretty boring most of the time.
What redeems this film are the brilliant fight/death scenes, at the middle, and right at the end.
Director: Quentin Tarantino
Genre: Action
Starring: Kurt Russell, Zoë Bell, Rosario Dawson, Vanessa Ferlito, Jordan Ladd, Sydney Tamiia Poitier, Tracie Thoms, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Rose McGowan.
Age certificate: 18
Rating: ***
This has got to be one of the most pointless films ever made. For the majority of the time it is on, nothing is happening, then suddenly, a load of action takes place. Although the visuals are stunning, and Tarantino does, as always, a brilliant job, it is still nowhere near his best work, and is actually pretty boring most of the time.
What redeems this film are the brilliant fight/death scenes, at the middle, and right at the end.
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