Download movies

the films festival


 

September 8, 2008

Movie review Monsters Ball (2002)

Filed under: review movie — Tags: — achete chizonda @ 10:20 am

There has been much talk virtually Halle Berry’s gutsy performance in Monster’s Ball. In fact, the turn has garnered her an Academy Award nomination. The truth is, Berry is quite effectual in this role, giving a functioning that is both uninhibited and quite vulnerable. What I can’t seem to understand is why Billy goat Bob Thornton has gone virtually unmentioned on the award electric circuit. He gave not unitary, but leash incredibly diverse performances terminal year. Patch I loved his exploit in The Man World Health Organization Wasn’t At that place and Bandits, I felt up his part in Monster’s Ball was the richest in grapheme. I would have nominated him for an Academy Award over Sean Penn in a pulsation.

Monster’s Ball is the story of two lonely souls world Health Organization form a most improbable relationship. Berry is a poor African American womanhood who must endure dealing with the death of her crooked husband (Sean "Puffy" Combs), a thug of a man who’s spent the last eleven years on death row, going his married woman to sell with their son. Thornton is the racist prison security guard who oversees the implementation. After a series of tragic and most unexpected events, these two opposites find themselves in a strange situation, and learn they make more in common than one power expect.

Again, Berry is fantastic and so is Thornton, merely I’d too like to mention the supporting players. Peter Boyle is engrossing and an absolute monster as Thornton’s father, patch Heath Book of account is quietly effective as Thornton’s broken son.

To simply call Monster’s Ball a tale about race would be unfair. Spell the plastic film certainly deals with issues of raceway, it is the nuance of the blooming kinship that real gives this picture it’s power. This film has quite a bit in common with Paul Schrader’s brilliant Affliction, a motion-picture show that deftly displays how hate is passed from generation to generation. It’s when Monster’s Ball deals with conversant issues in a familiar way, that the motion-picture show really slows down. For example, there is a moment in Monster’s Ball when Berry takes a gift to Thornton, only when she arrives, she is greeted by Thornton’s beast of a beginner. The minute the deuce meet, we the audience await the inevitable indelicate remark that we know Boyle will make. In that location is no element of surprise here, rather just a virtually expected comment. On the other hand, Monster’s Ball does non come without it’s share of dramatic surprises. One is a true shocker, and I had no idea it was coming. Ultimately, this is a depressing film, but rest assured that there is a bit of faint at the end of the tunnel.

I make colleagues wHO saw the film before I did, and although they liked it, they did get complaints about the adult content in this picture. There ar some very explicit sex scenes in this pic, but I didn’t experience they were gratuitous. This is a movie made for adults, but it isn’t an adult picture show. I felt that these scenes were important, in that they were displaying an closeness that couldn’t have been established if the film makers cut away. This is an up close and personal look at the early stages of a relationship, and the two major scenes in question aren’t merely about sex. Their about an emotional spillage from deuce people world Health Organization haven’t matte real love in a long time.

Monster’s Ball isn’t a perfect motion-picture show but it is a provocative one that will have audiences discussing it after they’ve left the theater. And while this character written report does have it’s share of slow stretches and moments that don’t quite feel highly-developed enough, it’s powerhouse performances are enough to make the motion picture worth observation.

I don’t understand what seperates a film with this a great deal explicit sexual content from pornography? Is it because it has big-named actors performing these acts? I just testament never understand the motion picture rating system of rules. Monster’s Orb should have been rated NC-17, had it been I would not have subjected myself to such a prurient and low-minded piece of trash.

Rebecca,

I agree, Monster’s Ball is explicit, but I wouldn’t call it adult. Why isn’t this porn? Well for one, we don’t see actual penetration. Sure, we know that Billy British shilling Thornton and Halle Berry aren’t playing Twister, just this is hardly smut. Clearly the sexual content in this picture is extreme, but I would sight this as intimate and non pornographic. Monster’s Ball isn’t a motion-picture show about sexual urge. It’s a film close to a human being reaching out to another human being. It’s a photographic film for adults made by adults. As for the NC-17 evaluation, your right. There unquestionably are inconsistencies with this rating. I, for one, don’t conceive this rating should survive at all. I’ve seen more PG-13 rated movies that should have been R than I have R’s that should have been NC-17. The real crime is seeing a movie care Coyote Ugly (a flick squarley aimed at young people) which, while harmless at the surface, has no job showcasing women stripping and patrons drinking alcohol. Meantime, movies like Traffic (which I believe parents should watch with their kids) and Schindler’s List receive R ratings even though they’re far more relevant and educational than Coyote Ugly. The whole thing is quite ridiculous. I applaud Jack Valenti and the MPAA for creating the valuation system. Clearly it’s needful but things have gotten out of hand. All the NC-17 does is keep certain films (i.e. The Dreamers, Edward Young Adam) out of littler markets, and this, in the end, keeps many great films from finding bigger audiences. True, at that place are stinkers (see Showgirls), but their are worthwhile pictures also. And why is it that gender is so bad in films patch violence is much more than accepted?

As it stands, I thought Monster’s Orb was a really good movie merely I wouldn’t call it great. I don’t think for a second though, that this movie merited an NC-17. Oh, and to remind people how much the rating system has changed through the years, take this. Last Tango in Paris and Midnight Cowboy received X ratings when they were released back in the 70’s. My how times have changed.

Though this movie was extremely hard to sit through, i was rhapsodic throughout - every functioning was dead-on )including Puffy’s and it left a lasting mark on my heart and mood for weeks afterwards. I doubt I’ll ever watch it again, merely it was very advantageously made and actually did offer a ray of hope at the terminal.

At starting time I thought process this was just going to be the most depressing celluloid ever made and so it went porno but by the end I felt wish there was a subtle but redemptive message - great performing all around.

I simply want to know did she actually have sex with He-goat Bob or was she lip-synching?

What an astonishingly intense photographic film. Harsh yet ultimately life-affirming. Great carrying into action by Halle Berry, and awfully gay in her sex scenes. About as close to porno as a feature film gets. Certainly the only thing that miss Berry has done that could be considered noteworthy. Tough only worth it.

download movies to sony walkman

September 6, 2008

Movie review The Kingdom (2007)

Filed under: review movie — Tags: — achete chizonda @ 9:45 am

The Kingdom is an exhilarating exercise in style. While many are comparing it to Syriana, The Kingdom really has more in common with Rambo with its "let’s kick the enemy’s ass" mentality. As the chess opening credits function, director Saint Peter Berg (Friday Night Lights) assembles an intriguing series of clips that get us up to speed with the current situation in the Middle East. Immediately next, the doer turned manager (Berg actually played the lead in the slaphappy 80’s Wes Craven thriller Shocker) throws us straight into the horrific action as a team of terrorists make for havoc on an unsuspecting Western compound in Capital of Saudi Arabia. Through the first xX minutes of the painting, the tension is palpable and Iceberg rarely gives the audience a opportunity to breathe. After a blistering first base act, the plot of the film takes shape.

A team of military experts (headed by Jamie Foxx) lead a concealment operation into the center of Saudi Arabian Arabia. While there, Foxx and gang attempt to track down the perpetrators of the evil terrorist attack. The Kingdom has a surprising amount of humor and how could it not. After all, it co-stars Arrested Development’s Justin Bateman in a strangely miscast role. Don’t get me wrong. I enjoy Batman immensely, simply here, he feels a little out of place. Most of the throw away (including Chris Cooper, Jennifer Garner, Jeremy Piven, and Frances Fisher cat) are strong, but Ashraf Barhoum gives the best performance as Colonel Al-Ghazi, a Saudi officer wHO reluctantly aIDS Foxx and crew in their mission.

Much of The Kingdom plays like a pisces out of water tarradiddle as these American experts must conform to a world they don’t really understand. Non surprisingly, The Kingdom is also a message picture and while some of the themes are a bit on the obvious side (hey, the Saudis are regular people just like us – some good, some bad), I still set up this moving-picture show enormously entertaining, particularly when Berg cuts to the chase. The final half hour of this word picture is like a fusion of the heist chronological succession in Heat energy and the blockade chase in Clear and Present Danger. Exciting stuff. And the film’s final instant is both powerful and unexpectedly misanthropical. The Kingdom isn’t the provocative circuit de power I was hoping for, but as a straight up action movie, it delivers the goods.

avi buy online on our site

September 4, 2008

Movie review Center Stage (2000)

Filed under: review movie — Tags: — achete chizonda @ 10:13 am

Great dance films ar hard to come by these years. It seems that bum melodrama and fluff always seem to get in the path. There have been hits like Dirty Dancing and Footloose, but the last great dance film was probably Sat Night Febricity in the 70’s. Not only did that picture offer great dance sequences, it had a strong story around youth and vibrantly captured the disco era. The new dance film Centre Stage is certainly best when it leaves the drama in the wings.

Taking a cue from the practically smarter Celebrity, Center Stage centers around a group of aspiring Ballet students who learn about life and passion, while attending a dance academy.

Center Stage touches on exactly about every topic you’d expect green-eyed monster, competition, parental confrontations, and even eating disorders.

The dialogue is obvious and the romance angles are all excessively familiar. What really workings in Center Stage is the insightful look at the tough and sometimes brutal world of dance. Ballet isn’t for wussies, these dancers are athletes and they put their body through the ringer just as much, if not more, as whatever pro jock might. To a higher place all, Center Stage has some sincerely dynamic dance sequences highlighted by a spectacular number at the film’s end. Beautifully choreographed, brimming with energy, and fun to watch, it’s almost worth the price of entrance money alone.

Although Center Stage is pasted together with predictable melodrama, it does have its moments, and as a story about teen-angst, it sure beat generation She’s All That and Varsity Blue devils.

I absolutely loved observation Center Stage! It was amazing, I remember watching it 4 times in one day! Being a dancer made me more interested in it. Every time they would dance I felt like getting up and doing it too. One time when I was watching the movie I decided to go and get on my Pointe Shoes! I would throw this picture show an A, it’s unrivalled of my very favourtie movies of all time.

This picture rocked. It made us want to dance even more than ever. The characaters meet the role perfectly.

I thought it was a fantastic pic, the pratice it would have taken to do that is amazing.

September 2, 2008

Movie review Superman: Special Edition (2001)

Filed under: review movie — Tags: — achete chizonda @ 10:45 am

First of all, I’d like to say that Warner Brothers really dropped the ball on this one. A couple days back, the studio re-released The Exorcist to more than than moderate business. With Superman, they tried a limited run in Lone-Star State, but on the face of it the numbers weren’t that great, so the rest of the country had to endure. What a joke!

I can think back going to see Pane back in the late 70’s and being totally blown away. You have to think of that this was about a year after Lead Wars was unleashed upon the humanity, and about other pictures were being dwarfed by the George Lucas epic’s success. I cannot stress enough how much I love this film. For me, it is easy the best of all superhero pictures.

Although I tainted the experience by watching the special edition dvd offset (I had no idea the picture show would open in my area), it hardly mattered. Seeing Ubermensch on the big blind again was pure thaumaturgy.

Tracing the origins of the famed superhero, Ubermensch is a spectacular phantasy that follows the life of this icon from his babe days on the cursed planet Kr, to his new domicile Earth in which he finds he has inexhaustible powers.

In this unexampled special variation, we have a digitally remastered mark that looks and sounds positively spectacular. Also included, are supernumerary scenes that really make this photographic film going experience all the more exciting.

What’s to the highest degree interesting around director Richard Donner and screenwriter Mario Puzo’s take on this material is that it has so much character reference. This makes Superman much more than a standard comic book picture. It also helps that the film makers have laced the impression with terrific humor.

Superman is as well punctuated by great performances including Marlon Brando, Gene Hackman, Margot Kidder, and Ned Beatty. It was also the launching pad for a virtual unknown named Saint Christopher Reeve. He gives a much more than skilled operation here than he’s tending credit for. I likewise cherish Glen Ford’s quietly sweet turn as Kenneth Bancroft Clark Kent’s father on Ground.

There is so lots about this picture to recommend. The opening credit sequence, the spectacular special effects, Lav Williams’ bright score, etc. The lean just goes on and on. Superman is breathless entertainment. The type of picture that is made for the summer pic season. Not only is this gilded, commercial film making. It’s great film making menses.

Although Pane was made over twenty year agone, it is easily one of the best flick experiences of 2001. Far superior to heavyweights Pearl Harbor and Jurassic Parking lot 3. If this raw print opens anywhere close your home town, do yourself a favor and check it out. Run into what the summer megahit is actually about. Superman is an absolute treasure.

August 29, 2008

Movie review Knocked Up (2007)

Filed under: review movie — Tags: — achete chizonda @ 3:22 pm

Hands down the funniest American flick of the year. Hot Fuzz (from the Shaun of the Dead crew) is marginally funnier, only that cinema stuck to its guns (literally) as a comedy, whereas Apatow’s first really brilliant cinema manages to reach beyond its advertised low-brow laugh-fest nature to mine rich and dateless observations into common crises of the human heart.

It is a rare treat to enter a theater expecting a few hard laughs somewhere in the collegial range and instead ascertain almost constant delight at a cinema that serves laughs at a rapid clip, insidious tugs at the heartstrings and a range of characters that resonate for everyone in the audience. Knocked up will be the Wedding party Crashers of this summer and happily it is a much more frank and honest exam of love and sex and the relationships that develop in and around it.

What I find all amazing about Apatow is he had the sentiency to step back and let his actors improvize in 40 Year Old Virgin, and then release around and let the script do most of the work here. Like Virgin he co-writes the film with his leading man and, most laudably, trusts his wife Leslie Mann with the films third nearly pivotal part. You might remember her as the drunk-driving bimbo who did her best to end Steve Carell’s 40 twelvemonth dry spell.

The vomit up is a delight across the board and it manages, at least in my belief, to nominate the toughest of sells, which is passing Seth Rogen off as a romantic preeminent man. Rogen is emergent as a talent to be reckoned with both as a writer and actor. And, while it’s true that he’ll perpetually be more comfortably cast as a side, window or enhancer, he has such a natural likability that the camera can buoy also be fooled into loving him.

Katherine Heigl is pitch perfect as Alison the more polished professional adult female whose minor indiscretion has left her in such a major pickle, and Rogen is equally convincing as the emergent knight in whining armor of the stoner set. Having to swap in the bong for a sister is by no way an uncommon dilemma, as Apatow dexterously illustrates by juxtaposing Alison’s sister (Leslie Mann) and her married man (the perfectly droll Paul Rudd) as the married couple wHO are 10 years down the road from the same scattergun nuptuals. Marriage does throw for unknown bedfellows, and keeping it together is really beyond miraculous, but as Apatow seems to intimate, over the long haul, home and menage are really what all the fuss is about.

I judge the thing that surprised me almost about Knocked Up is the way Apatow does not underestimate the intelligence of the audience. Again the advertizement campaign for the film is well-nigh exclusively aimed at the Cro-Mag set, yet amid the crude humor he manages to slip in something of a warm think-piece that hits everyone so close to home that it succeeds on any number of levels. Seriously how often does a film come along capable of keeping even the most high eyebrow Woody Allen buff just as diverted as the guy wHO considers Harold And Kumar’s exploits the height of comic sophistication?

Also telling is crew of stoners/slackers/dreamers who contain Rogen’s peer group. Though there are a good many laughs at their expense, I was surprised at how little we see of them, which, I’m certain, came as a disappointment to younger audience members. They for certain make the most of their screen-time and I loved the way Apatow used Heigl and Rogen’s ostensibly polar opposite worlds to demo that erstwhile naked of pretense we’re all pretty much cut from the same fabric. You’ll love the way of life Knocked Up serves as a inflame up call to just about everyone who sees it. From the constant party beast clinging fast to their youth, to those wHO cast such sloth by for yuppie ambitions, to those wHO have moved years beyond those years but struggle with complacence in their relationships chasing phantom longings for the happiness that once came with every sunrise. I really don’t want to give anymore away, just trust me Knocked Up is a Knock Kayoed - the funniest, most satisfying and genuinely entertaining film to come along for some time.

Two questions. How can a film released in June already be considered the "funniest American picture show of the year."? You mean so Far? Right? Then say it! Also could someone explain to me how a film that contains all over 100 F words and another one C profanities be considered "intelligent?" Funny? Perchance. Poignant? Okay. Gross? I’m with you. Please manipulation the terminal figure intelligent properly–as in something not approach out of the back talk of a drunk college student. Off my soapbox.

August 26, 2008

Movie review Must Love Dogs (2005)

Filed under: review movie — Tags: — achete chizonda @ 10:04 am

Must Love Dogs (non to be confused with the working title of Magnolia - "Must Love Frogs") is just good enough to avoid the obvious joke of having it’s title printed on tickets at the box-office as a disclaimer. In her second rom-com since her Oscar nominative turn in Unfaithful, Diane Lane reprises her role as the 40 something MILF that she played in the equally innocent, occasionally entertaining Under The Tuscan Sunlight. Must Love Dogs, however, gets no help in the scenery department (taking place in some generic Southern CA city) and must therefor rely on the perpetually reliable King John Cusack and the spotty but sometimes observant screenplay adapted by Gary David Goldberg (world Health Organization also directs) from Claire Cook’s successful novel of the same name.

This is the sort of Ephron-esque function that would have asterisked Ryan and Hanks x years agone, and though I’m non a particular fan of the above-named rom-com swami, Must Sexual love Dogs is no When Harry Met Sally or even Insomniac in Seattle for that matter. The film starts out with the essential suspension of disbelief necessary when one is asked to purchase the fact that a woman world Health Organization looks like Diane Lane is having trouble finding someone who’ll go out with her. Her role Sarah, latterly divorced is suddenly plagued by the good intentions of family and friends intent upon lining her up. Chieftain among them is her overbearing sister (Elizabeth Perkins) who immediately sets about using the internet as a way to depart filling the slots in Sarah’s dance card.

The internet is then the means by which Lane and Cusack end up meeting, but only later the obligatory montage of dates from hell, that the deuce as intimately as the audience must first last. Is in that respect any innovation or originality during these sequences . . . no. However when the iI mains fulfil there are sparks and during the feeling out process there are moments that I must allow in entertained me, as substantially as those which were just wacky and I would allege formulaic, if I weren’t afraid that some were intended to be so outlandish as to non be considered formulaic. Whichever, the dialogue and the arc of their budding relationship is never consistently smooth, simply Lane and Cusack do share a satisfying number of scenes that were really on the money - to the point where you forgot all about the fact that the plot completely lacked any conflict.

Technically public speaking, this isn’t altogether accurate either - because before in the film Sarah (a preschool teacher) had already developed a sizeable interest in Dermot Mulroney - the father of one of her young charges, world Health Organization had latterly separated from his wife. So in terms of conflict, Sarah eventually becomes somewhat torn between iI equally charming and ostensibly perfect potential suitors. As I watched this dilemma unfold I was reminded of the far superior, The Notebook. True that film was more or less a drama, just Rachel McAdams was likewise plagued by a decisiveness she had to make between deuce earnest charmsters. I will say that in both cases, this was a refreshing change from the hackneyed scenario where it’s an broken bohemian with a sense of humour and a pure substance, vs. the rich hombre, who must supplant money for class, charm, personality etc. So we acquire something of a clangor of class - Mulroney with his earnest crooked smile, Vs Cusack with his stand outside your window holding up a ghetto-blaster romanticism.

I shant divulge much more than this, I do think the absolute majority of critics were a little harder on this film than is justified, I’ll go to the carpet for any film that maintains witty, yet believable dialogue, which Goldberg does handle to do. And in that location are some fun moments to be had in the scenes spent with Sarah’s upbeat family, headed by the still lovely Mr. Von Trapp himself, Christopher Plummer. The Job with Must Love Dogs is in spades it’s fizzle-fest of an ending and the fact that Reuben Lucius Goldberg felt compelled to cram way to a fault much stuff into it (silly, farfetched stuff). Static as a date moving-picture show for the 30 plus set you could do much worse. And in this summer where the home amusement center reared it’s ugly head, going away so much popcorn to spoil at the multiplex, I matt-up good close to fighting the good combat and supporting this industry that I love. That being said - Must Love Dogs is in truth the demand type of film that spawned the phrase "Wait for video!" I’m afraid that’s atrociously canny rede.

August 22, 2008

Movie review Mulholland Drive (2001)

Filed under: review movie — Tags: — achete chizonda @ 10:50 am

Director Jacques Louis David Lynch sure enough isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Chances are, if you don’t love the guy’s work, you in all likelihood hate it. I think my favorite Lynch motion-picture show is The Elephant Isle of Man which is strange granted that that movie (in addition to The Straight Story) is his well-nigh audience friendly. Usually, Lynch likes to dazzle the audience with nightmarish landscapes and plots that probably only get to sense in his warped yet ingenious mind. Mulholland Drive surely makes a strong suit for that. The picture has already generated buzz after victorious the director award at the Cannes Film Festival (actually, he shared the honors with the Coen Brothers).

To completely report the plot here would be virtually impossible. The gist of the narration revolves about Rita, a woman hurt from amnesia following an accident on Mulholland Drive. Following the wreck, she develops a close bond to Betty, a sweet young gal who’s scarce moved to Hollywood hoping to make it bad as an actress. In front long, the old Lynch mind busts into high gear, as this surreal film moves from one strange scenario to the next.

Mulholland Drive is an extension, of sorts, to Lost Highway, even I liked this characterisation much better. Although Lynch refuses to give the audience absolute closure, this movie benefits from an intriguing tone, unique characters, and prima performances. Noemi Watts is spectacular as Betty. This is a complex grapheme with several layers and this newcomer delivers in a bad way. She’s perfectly complimented by mystic Laura Elena Harring (this woman very resembles Sela Ward). The rest of the mould is besides outstanding.

Many will notice Mulholland Drive a unusual experience. It’s not the type of story that’s told with a straight forward narrative. This film zips about, in and out of order but in a strange, cosmic way, it does make sense.

With Mulholland Take, Lynch has crafted a breathtaking journey punctuated by themes of romance, betrayal, murder, mental breakdowns, and obsession. It’s also a scathing sarcasm on celluloid making and the fab world of Hollywood, something that Lynch knows a lot about. What genre is this? It really defies description. It has elements of horror, simply it’s as well a comedy and an interesting lovemaking story.

The only difference between this film and the street it gets it’s name from, is that the movie has far more twists and turns. This is a truly original and unpredictable movie experience, and i I won’t soon forget.

I like a good creepy Saint David Lynch film about as much as anyone I know. I followed Twin Falls Peaks like my liveliness depended upon it and though I thought The Straight Storey was a bit to straight for Lynch i loved Confused HIghway. All this organism said - Mulholland Drive left me in the dust. I couldn’t realize heads or tales of it. True I was pretty drunk, but that usually enhances a Lynch film. In any case this windy road sailed right over this kid’s head. I’ll have some other go at it - before I have a pint or two next time.

August 19, 2008

Movie review U2 3-D (2008)

Filed under: review movie — Tags: — achete chizonda @ 7:21 am

U2-3-D is one of the superlative concert films of our time. It ranks correct up at that place with the likes of The Last Waltz and Stop Making Sense. Being a monolithic fan of U2, there’s certainly a bit of bias to that statement, but the fact stiff, this is one sin of a breathtaking pic.

Culled from several dates on their South American "Vertigo" tour, U2 3-D captures the most vital rock band of the lowest twenty little Phoebe years in their prime. And through this astonishing digital 3D process – also used for Dose Returns and Beowulf - we the audience are not only thrust into a sea of shouting fans, but we too feel the sensation of being a rock star. This radical third dimension actually allows us to explore the space inhabited by the band itself. By viewing U2 3-D, you won’t only be paying far less money than you would if you power saw the striation live (if you do get a chance however, they’re well worth the price of admission), but you won’t have to spend a majority of the prove yelling "Down in front" at the drunk idiot swaying back and forth correct in front of you.

As for the technical aspects of the picture, rest assured; this isn’t your father’s 3-D. This film doesn’t wallow in the catch obsessed shenanigans of Jaws 3-D and Comin’ At Ya. Bono and crew don’t pass ninety transactions tossing things at the camera. This take on the third gear dimension will give you an altogether new prospect on the process. Foregone are the cardboard frames with the red and blue lenses. In their place? Heavy duty - but comfortable - specs that you will totally forget you’re wearing once the celluloid starts. When the picture begins, you will be completely immersed in this beautiful rape of the senses.

The band is in rare form. Whether they’re doing a chill-inducing rendition of "Sometimes You Can’t Make It On Your Own" or belting out a rousing version of the classic "William Ashley Sunday Bloody Sunday" – in which Bono literally steps out of the projection screen and cries "Rub your crying away!"– you will feel as if you are there.

Even nearly xXX years into their iconic career, U2 have never sounded better. Their live performances receive always been about virtuous, undeniable showmanship, and that certainly doesn’t change here. Throughout the film, you will see first hand why U2 have endured. Love them or hatred them, they have carved a major niche in the rock n’ roll history books with their unmatched unification of politics, spirituality, and unforgettable, fiery anthems. And through the years, star vocalist Bono has suit just as vital as a spokesman for political and humanist issues as he has for his soaring telling chops. Just to phone him ostentatious and self important seems a bit unfair. That recent South Park instalment, the one that suggests Bono is nothing more than a massive slab of fecal matter, is an absolute riot to be sure, but in reality, Bono the man is anything but a piece of crap. There’s a seriousness and passion at the heart of this ikon, and he’s used his celebrity in a style that many rock stars would never dare. As a front man for one of the biggest rock acts in the world, he delivers unlimited passion and swagger. As a spokesman for the various causes he supports, Bono delivers from the heart.

If there’s whatever complaining to do here, it would have to be in regard to the arrange list. It would suffer been skillful to experience a demo in it’s entirety. During the Giddiness tour, the set lists were over 20 songs long. U2 3-D comes in at just under ninety proceedings (fourteen songs). On the other hand, my beneficial friend and colleague Sir David Bruce Bennett–at least I care to think he’s a colleague. He’s in a class all by himself– suggests that any great band knows that it’s best to leave the audience missing more. Truer words have never been spoken. U2 is so amazing, they always leave behind you lacking more.

U2 3-D is playing countrywide in both digital 3D and Imax 3-D. If you can’t chose ‘tween the iI, my suggestion is see it twice. It’s well worth it.

Grade:

August 16, 2008

Movie review Confessions of A Dangerous Mind (2003)

Filed under: review movie — Tags: — achete chizonda @ 4:11 pm

That mad screenwriter Charlie Kaufman is at it again. This time, his focus is Gong Shew creator Disgorge Barris. Just how much of this story is based on fact, cadaver the big mystery.

Confessions of a Dangerous Mind suggests that Mr. Barris was a TV. present creator by day (creating such popular shows as The Dating Game and The Honeymooner Game) and a Central Intelligence Agency killing machine by dark.

The line between reality and illusion is clouded, but what makes this movie so enjoyable is that Barris was such an geek character that everything that unfolds in Confessions of a Grievous Mind seems possible.

This is George I Clooney’s directorial debut, and he shows much confidence behind the camera. He certainly paid attention piece working in front of the tv camera for Steven Soderbergh (Solaris, Out of Sight), because much of that stylus is on display hither. But Mr. Clooney does have his own vision, and for his first time out, he proves himself unmistakably adept behindhand the camera.

It is Rockwell (The Green Mile, Galaxy Bay) that in truth carries the movie, peculiarly in the re-created Chime Show segments. He has the manic game show icon’s mannerisms down. This is possibly Rockwell’s most memorable office to date and will most for certain open the door to bigger parts. The repose of the cast is appealing save for a rather sluggish turn by Julia Roberts as a fellow CIA operative. She reportedly did the film in monastic order to ferment with Clooney again (the two shared the screen in Soderbergh’s Ocean’s 11), and patch she is by no means dreaded, she isn’t particularly interesting in the role either.

Drew John Barrymore is light and foamy as Barris’ love sake and Clooney is hilariously deadpan as Chuck’s Central Intelligence Agency contact. Also watch for two quick but rum cameos by Brad Pitt and Flatness Damon, as well as interview footage with Bell Show regulars J.P. Morgan and The Nameless Comic.

Kaufman has done some interesting things with this history. It’s playfulness to watch Barris non only modernise into this killing political machine, but enjoy it. It’s dark and twisted, but in a fun sorting of way. I as well enjoyed sightedness how Barris came up with the concept for some of these shows, particularly The Newlywed Game.

Alas, Confessions of a Dangerous Mind doesn’t quite know when to relinquish. The final half hour or so is soggy and unhappily, I set up myself losing interest. Inactive, Clooney and crew give, for the most theatrical role, created a bizarre and entertaining film–turning a cult figure into an even bigger cult figure. I’m very concerned in eyesight what Clooney and Rockwell choose as their following projects.

This is the only Kaufman related plastic film that I’ve yet to see On a plate of Being Human being 3 and Eternal Sun being a 10 where would you say Confessions of a Dangerous Mind fall?

I’d say a 6.5!

Sam Rockwell steals every film he’s in - Confessions of a unsafe mind was dangerously

August 14, 2008

Movie review Star Wars Episode II: Attack of The Clones (2002)

Filed under: review movie — Tags: — achete chizonda @ 1:33 pm

You’re believably wondering if I’m a Star Wars fan. The answer is, an enthusiastic YES! I managed to attend opening day screenings of all four Principal Wars flicks (now, make it quint). I was 8-years-old when Star Wars opened in 1977, and like everyone at the time, I was hypnotised. Empire Strikes Back is definitely my favorite of the series, and maybe like the majority of you, The Phantom Menace is the one I liked the least. That isn’t to say I hated that picture. The pod race was a thriller, and the light-saber duel at the terminal remains the best of the series’ climactic engagement sequences, but most of the picture show was amazingly flat and lacking in that sort of mythical spirit associated with these movies.

After all is said and done, the best that came out of The Phantom Menace is that it lowered my expectations for Episode 2…sort of. I mean it’s pretty severe to non get a little aroused about a Star Wars flick. Through the days, these have become more than just movies. Headliner Wars is an event.

About trio weeks agone, I was offered a press outmoded to see this young entry merely passed so that I would have the chance to visualize it with the fella fans at one of those notorious midnight screenings the night before the release. They’re always a blast.

Before getting to the existent review, it should likewise be renowned that I have seen the cinema twice. The second viewing I saw was presented in digital projection, and man what a difference! If you happen to be in an country that is showing the film digitally (there are not that many nationwide), jump at the chance. The characterisation is far more crispy than that of a standard movie print. Of course Episode 2 was shot solely in digital photography, so that could have been the difference.

On with the review.

A tenacious time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…

And so these words will live forever thanks to legions of fans from all around the world, even if The Phantom Jeopardize was a slight misfire. Rest assured, Episode 2 is a major whole tone above the last installment.

Picking up about tenner years after the events in The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones finds Anakin Skywalker continuing his Jedi training under the guidance of one Obi Wan Kenobi (now sporting a kick ass beard). The twosome find oneself themselves reunited with Amidala (now a senator) when an character assassination attempt near claims her life. Right away, old feelings flood bet on for Anakin, but could Amidala possibly feel the same way?

Well, if you know Star Wars, that’s an easy enquiry to answer.

Episode 2 also brings back familiar faces simply in a more fleshed out fashion. Mace Windu (a cool Samuel L. Jackson) and Yoda get much more prominent roles this time out, and we even get an early look at a young Boba Fett.

There are a lot of other things going on in Installment 2 as well, overly much in fact. Suffice to say, Lucas noneffervescent has a lot of ground to cover in Episode 3, and weather or not it will all mould in the end cadaver to be seen. Inactive, Attack of the Clones does fall a step closer to obtaining that old magic I think back from my youth. I still wouldn’t put it in the same league as the films in the original trilogy (yes, Return of the Jedi included) merely I did enjoy it nonetheless.

George Lucas plainly listens to his fans because there is very little Jolt Jar this time out. I think he pin grass in around five proceedings of amount screen time. And spell that’s a good thing, Episode 2 still suffers from hokey dialogue, sub par playing, and some clumsily executed moments. It could be argued that this is just a Star Wars movie, simply being that this series is such a phenomenon, it is held at a higher standard.

Hayden Christensen is inconsistent as young Anakin Skywalker. He has the brooding stare down, just there are times when he’s not quite convincing. Particularly the moments when he’s whining about Obeah Wan. Granted, he is playing the typical rebellious teenager and isn’t constantly given the best negotiation to ferment with. Natalie Portman, on the other hand, is an absolute beauty and manages to deliver some of her mediocre dialogue with the dignity and grace. McGregor has truly loosened up and manages to breathe life into the function of a young Obi Wan Kenobi. It’s obvious that he’s studied Sir Alec Guinness’ performance in A New Hope, and it shows.

Not surprisingly, George Lucas has taken special effects to yet another level. With his Industrial Light and Conjuration, he has set a new criterion with effects work. Episode 2 is populated with an unlimited supply of creatures, spacecraft flights, gun battles and beautiful landscapes. In fact, I don’t think there is one moment in this plastic film where thither isn’t something interesting to look at. Lucas has taken things a step further by creating several digitally created characters including a newfangled and improved Yoda world Health Organization, incidentally, will probably be the almost talked about film character of the year, thanks to a brilliantly conceived action episode in which the Jedi legend does some things I never thought I’d see him do. Sadly, Episode 2 is missing some of those trademark spacecraft dogfights that made the late installments so thrilling. With the exception of a nifty asteroid sequence, most of the battles here, take place on the land.

I guess you could call me a purist at heart. Sometimes I do yearn for the model and puppet work of the earlier films, but let’s side it. Nigh of the goings-on in Episode 2 could non have been done without these new kinds of effects techniques. This is also a curse however. Back in the day, Lucas was forced to be originative, but straightaway the guy can pretty much do whatever he wants and sometimes it hurts the film. While Episode 2’s final act is ambitious and grand, it feels empty at times. Eye candy only goes so far.

The first deuce acts by comparison, feel slightly sulky, although I must confess, I was more into it during a second viewing (the same can’t be aforesaid for The Phantom Menace). As Lucas has always stated, much of this picture is a love story and a very shaky one at that. The motion picture does open with a bang, only then slows down alone to blow the audience away with an volatile climax that includes a Jedi battle (with dark glasses of Gladiator) and the customary light saber affaire d’honneur. And spell we’re on the subject, the affaire d’honneur here isn’t the epinephrin pumped thriller we witnessed the last time out but preferably a more subdued fight capped off by the sequence everyone will be talking about when they leave the theater. The initial duel itself is rather short.

What I liked most about Episode 2 is it’s mythical sensibility. The Phantom Peril had very little connecting it to the former movies. Away from the characters themselves, there wasn’t really a lot of inside hooey to marvel at. This entry is much more than interested in giving us a peak at what’s to hail. Be it Jango and his son, the knockoff armies, or the cameos by the death star and the Millenium Falcon (look nearly when Anakin and Amildala get to Naboo), George Lucas has made a terrific celluloid for the fans. And while medium movie goers may not find these sort of things sympathetic, there ar plenty of other things for them to wonder at.

Star Wars Episode 2: Onset of the Clones doesn’t quite capture the naturalness and thaumaturgy of the original series, and constituent of that might be because I’m older today. For whatsoever reason, these new installments seem to be a bit ego concieous. Still, with all it’s flaws, Attack of the Clones does nurse in a way that The Fantasm Menace could only hope to. With this latest entry, you can signified that George Lucas is strong at work, and in three years, we’ll see if it all pays off.

For the time being, simply enjoy the simple pleasures of this fun movie. Star Wars Episode 2: Attack of the Clones is a big, rousing adventure that doesn’t quite a live up to the hype, simply still manages to toy with.

Call me a nerd but I’ve seen attack of the clones 12 times and as far as I’m conmcerned it’s better than return of the sith.

Newer Posts »

Powered by WordPress