What’s it about?
Two half brothers’ lives, loves and hang-ups. Michel the withdrawn intellectual, and Bruno a sex obsessed loner, live totally separate lives that connect fleetingly at times of crisis in this dull chronicle of their lives.
Highs n lows
There’s been a lot of fuss about this winner of the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award, and having read it I have to ask WHY?!! Perhaps it’s because I’m not a man, or an Oxford graduate, but this disconnected chopping and changing between the lives of these two very unhappy and completely uninteresting characters left me cold.
To be fair though, I have to say this is exceptionally well written with some graphic and un-PC treatment of some taboo subjects including school bullying, sexual liberation and child abuse. If you’re interested in the above or lean towards the highbrow, the often gloomy musings about anything from anthropology to the problem pages of girls’ magazines also included in this compilation might keep you going.
Is it any good?
2 out of 5 – great bedtime reading; if you’re having trouble sleeping.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
The Prestige (12A)
What’s it about?
Do you believe in magic? You might not after watching this taut, moody drama. Two magicians fight it out to be the master of illusion, after one ‘accidentally’ causes the death of the other’s wife, sparking a bitter lifelong rivalry with tragic consequences.
Highs n lows
This dark look at the art of stage magic and the extremes of human failings, is made even moodier by the turn of the century London setting, and exceptionally believable performances by Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale as the obsessive tricksters Robert and Alfred. Michael Caine is excellent as the stalwart props man Cutter who tries to keep their rivalry at bay, whilst the plot leaves you guessing as it reels you in to its dark web and spits you out at the end stunned.
Perhaps deliberately like life, the ending is quite unsatisfying. I don’t like to think I’ve bought into the Hollywood practice of neat happy endings, but this felt too tragic and unfair for me – but then maybe that’s because I doubt I’d be prepared to pay that kind of price for the Prestige…
Is it any good?
3 out of 5
Do you believe in magic? You might not after watching this taut, moody drama. Two magicians fight it out to be the master of illusion, after one ‘accidentally’ causes the death of the other’s wife, sparking a bitter lifelong rivalry with tragic consequences.
Highs n lows
This dark look at the art of stage magic and the extremes of human failings, is made even moodier by the turn of the century London setting, and exceptionally believable performances by Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale as the obsessive tricksters Robert and Alfred. Michael Caine is excellent as the stalwart props man Cutter who tries to keep their rivalry at bay, whilst the plot leaves you guessing as it reels you in to its dark web and spits you out at the end stunned.
Perhaps deliberately like life, the ending is quite unsatisfying. I don’t like to think I’ve bought into the Hollywood practice of neat happy endings, but this felt too tragic and unfair for me – but then maybe that’s because I doubt I’d be prepared to pay that kind of price for the Prestige…
Is it any good?
3 out of 5
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Casino Royale (12A)
What’s it about?
007 takes on the head of a money laundering operation that funds terrorist organisations.
Highs n lows
I used to love James Bond movies when I was a kid, until the clichéd male chauvinism began to grate just too much. So I wasn’t overly enthusiastic at the thought of yet another remake of the old formula – particularly at 2 and a half hours worth! So I was hugely surprised by how good this was. Despite the fact that this is based on Ian Fleming’s first bond novel from 1953, this is James Bond for the Noughties. Taking us back 20 odd episodes to Bond’s early career, Daniel Craig’s 007 is raw, emotionally complex, dare I say it almost ‘new man’. Ladies be prepared for a nice eyeful when he flashes the flesh, fellas whilst the ladies aren’t typically Voguesque, they are definitely sexy (but clothed!)
I won’t give the plot away but this has got more twists and turns in it than a rattlesnake. Watch out for the amazing Parkour (Free Running) chase at the start with non other than Sebastien Foucan co-creator of the discipline. Add to that, a few well-placed twists on Bond clichés, a brilliant performance from Dame Judi Dench in her 5th incarnation as M, and you’ve got a slick, fast paced and action packed film to be shaken by.
Is it any good?
4 out of 5 – the 2 and a half hours will fly by!
007 takes on the head of a money laundering operation that funds terrorist organisations.
Highs n lows
I used to love James Bond movies when I was a kid, until the clichéd male chauvinism began to grate just too much. So I wasn’t overly enthusiastic at the thought of yet another remake of the old formula – particularly at 2 and a half hours worth! So I was hugely surprised by how good this was. Despite the fact that this is based on Ian Fleming’s first bond novel from 1953, this is James Bond for the Noughties. Taking us back 20 odd episodes to Bond’s early career, Daniel Craig’s 007 is raw, emotionally complex, dare I say it almost ‘new man’. Ladies be prepared for a nice eyeful when he flashes the flesh, fellas whilst the ladies aren’t typically Voguesque, they are definitely sexy (but clothed!)
I won’t give the plot away but this has got more twists and turns in it than a rattlesnake. Watch out for the amazing Parkour (Free Running) chase at the start with non other than Sebastien Foucan co-creator of the discipline. Add to that, a few well-placed twists on Bond clichés, a brilliant performance from Dame Judi Dench in her 5th incarnation as M, and you’ve got a slick, fast paced and action packed film to be shaken by.
Is it any good?
4 out of 5 – the 2 and a half hours will fly by!
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Falling (Fallen)
What’s it about?
5 women meet up at an old teacher’s funeral, and proceed to fiercely relive their youth before, with the help of a lot of alcohol and a little tiredness, secrets old and new start to slip out.
Highs n lows
A story of shattered dreams and reawakened friendships this is a thorough fly on the wall account of a moment in these women’s lives. Effectively exposing the complexity of the lives that women live today, I was a disappointed by the lack of a sense of closure in this detailed character expose. I had high hopes of something uplifting, moving or even funny, but other than rekindling their friendships and exposing a few untruths there’s no real plot to this 88 minute showcase.
Is it any good?
3 out of 5 – Austrian film, in German with English subtitles.
5 women meet up at an old teacher’s funeral, and proceed to fiercely relive their youth before, with the help of a lot of alcohol and a little tiredness, secrets old and new start to slip out.
Highs n lows
A story of shattered dreams and reawakened friendships this is a thorough fly on the wall account of a moment in these women’s lives. Effectively exposing the complexity of the lives that women live today, I was a disappointed by the lack of a sense of closure in this detailed character expose. I had high hopes of something uplifting, moving or even funny, but other than rekindling their friendships and exposing a few untruths there’s no real plot to this 88 minute showcase.
Is it any good?
3 out of 5 – Austrian film, in German with English subtitles.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Sixty Six
What’s it about?
Bernie’s coming up to his Bar Mitzvah, the moment when suddenly he moves from ignored geek to the centre of attention – that is until he finds out that England is playing in the World Cup final that same day.
Highs n lows
Premiered as part of this year’s UK Jewish film festival this is a poignant and very realistic portrayal of sixties England. Footy fans will love the original footage of the England games, and I know there’s plenty of in jokes – which as a non Jew passed me by. Helena Bonham Carter and Eddie Marsan form part of the extended cast of family and friends representing the same odd, annoying but also curiously loved family members which many of us will (probably) soon be facing around the Christmas dinner table.
Is it any good?
3 out of 5 - A nostalgic but comic tale of a boy coming to terms with what it is to be a man – accepting others and oneself for who they are and loving them just the same. Based on the real life experience of director Paul Weiland.
Bernie’s coming up to his Bar Mitzvah, the moment when suddenly he moves from ignored geek to the centre of attention – that is until he finds out that England is playing in the World Cup final that same day.
Highs n lows
Premiered as part of this year’s UK Jewish film festival this is a poignant and very realistic portrayal of sixties England. Footy fans will love the original footage of the England games, and I know there’s plenty of in jokes – which as a non Jew passed me by. Helena Bonham Carter and Eddie Marsan form part of the extended cast of family and friends representing the same odd, annoying but also curiously loved family members which many of us will (probably) soon be facing around the Christmas dinner table.
Is it any good?
3 out of 5 - A nostalgic but comic tale of a boy coming to terms with what it is to be a man – accepting others and oneself for who they are and loving them just the same. Based on the real life experience of director Paul Weiland.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Venus
What’s it about?
Jodie Whitaker and Peter O’Toole steal the show in this Britflik about the sometimes uncomfortably close relationship that a fading actor develops with the young niece of his best friend Ian (Leslie Phillips).
Highs n lows
Whitaker is perfect as the naïve, self-centred and headstrong teen, who is slowly charmed by O’Toole’s interest in her and kindness. Her character matures naturally as their relationship goes from a quid pro quo to genuine affection which sees her finally putting someone else before herself and learning to deal with the consequences of her actions.
O’Toole and Phillips play off each other brilliantly as two old codgers who refuse to let age beat them – sucking the last out of life in the same way as the pills they swallow like sweets, swearing for England and getting one last dance out of life before checking out time.
Is it any good?
4 out of 5 – engaging tragi-comic look at growing up and aging. Word to the wise, the film contains mild sexual scenes which some might find uncomfortable.
Jodie Whitaker and Peter O’Toole steal the show in this Britflik about the sometimes uncomfortably close relationship that a fading actor develops with the young niece of his best friend Ian (Leslie Phillips).
Highs n lows
Whitaker is perfect as the naïve, self-centred and headstrong teen, who is slowly charmed by O’Toole’s interest in her and kindness. Her character matures naturally as their relationship goes from a quid pro quo to genuine affection which sees her finally putting someone else before herself and learning to deal with the consequences of her actions.
O’Toole and Phillips play off each other brilliantly as two old codgers who refuse to let age beat them – sucking the last out of life in the same way as the pills they swallow like sweets, swearing for England and getting one last dance out of life before checking out time.
Is it any good?
4 out of 5 – engaging tragi-comic look at growing up and aging. Word to the wise, the film contains mild sexual scenes which some might find uncomfortable.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Princess
What’s it about?
Director Anders Morgenthaler transfixes us with a tale of naivety, religion, revenge and the porn industry. Orphaned as a teenager Christina is inadvertently dragged into the porn film industry by her boyfriend Charlie and Brother August. After her taste of ‘fame’ as the Princess, August can’t persuade her to stop. Transfixed by guilt and growing anger after her death, he starts on a terrible campaign to rid the world of the Princess materials and get revenge for his young niece Mia.
Highs n lows
This is an unusual and highly charged look into the world of pornography, and the impact it might have on the families of porn stars. In an unusual and successful mixing of two media, the characters’ back stories are told using grainy film footage, whilst current events unfold in anime inspired animation which somehow serves to lesson the impact of both the violence and evidence of child abuse shown - although it is no less shocking. Anime fans will want to know that the animation is made the most of in the violent scenes, which probably would have been too much to take had they been in real life footage, particularly as August is meant to be a priest.
Asked to say a few words before the start of the film Morgenthaler, said he wanted to make “a fairytale on top of social realism.” He’s definitely succeeded – you’ll need to see the film to understand what he means.
Is it any good?
4 out of 5. No matter what your views on the issues explored by this film, you’ll find it both gripping, shocking, and a real talking point. In Danish with English subtitles.
Director Anders Morgenthaler transfixes us with a tale of naivety, religion, revenge and the porn industry. Orphaned as a teenager Christina is inadvertently dragged into the porn film industry by her boyfriend Charlie and Brother August. After her taste of ‘fame’ as the Princess, August can’t persuade her to stop. Transfixed by guilt and growing anger after her death, he starts on a terrible campaign to rid the world of the Princess materials and get revenge for his young niece Mia.
Highs n lows
This is an unusual and highly charged look into the world of pornography, and the impact it might have on the families of porn stars. In an unusual and successful mixing of two media, the characters’ back stories are told using grainy film footage, whilst current events unfold in anime inspired animation which somehow serves to lesson the impact of both the violence and evidence of child abuse shown - although it is no less shocking. Anime fans will want to know that the animation is made the most of in the violent scenes, which probably would have been too much to take had they been in real life footage, particularly as August is meant to be a priest.
Asked to say a few words before the start of the film Morgenthaler, said he wanted to make “a fairytale on top of social realism.” He’s definitely succeeded – you’ll need to see the film to understand what he means.
Is it any good?
4 out of 5. No matter what your views on the issues explored by this film, you’ll find it both gripping, shocking, and a real talking point. In Danish with English subtitles.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
