Thursday, March 30, 2006
THE INSIDE MAN
Featuring: Clive Owen, Denzil Washington, Jodie Foster
Brief Synopsis: It's a bank robbery. Isn't it?
Comments: This film has a lot going for it. A pretty stellar cast with Clive Owen starring as the smart chief thief - smart-thinking, wise-cracking with a bubble of anger and violence just below the surface of his calm character. Denzil does alright as his cop foil with the trilby hat with Jodie looking seriously businesslike in her all white suit. The plot is pretty simple and easy to follow with the pacing of the film always keeping you on the edge - the audience is always curious to know what's going to happen next, why is he doing this, how is he going to carry all that money out so all these questions are always in the forefront of your mind. The twists and turns are never ending especially as the timeframe jumps from the present to the future and you do hold your breath right at the end. The cinematography suits the style of the film. You can see Spike Lee trying making a bit of a throwback film - set in modern times but with a big nod to the blues era - Denzil's hat, the choice of music and very constant blue hue with dark shadows lurking around.
And I liked all that and enjoyed the film. But there was just one thing that spoiled it for me and that it was just a bit too preachy. I think it started with the kid and the PSP wannabe but then it continued all the way to the Nazi guy being punished and Jodie not wanting to be paid. The irony is that the bank robber who is threatening, violent and a law breaker gets away with breaking the law. If you are going to be preachy, be consistent and make sure the bad guy doesn't get away with it (although you could argue that's precisely what happens). I feel it's all preachy preachy until the end where they turn the tables on you and they say 'the ends justify the means.'
Things to learn from this film: Keep an eye on what computer games your kids are playing.
Rating: 6/10
Featuring: Clive Owen, Denzil Washington, Jodie Foster
Brief Synopsis: It's a bank robbery. Isn't it?
Comments: This film has a lot going for it. A pretty stellar cast with Clive Owen starring as the smart chief thief - smart-thinking, wise-cracking with a bubble of anger and violence just below the surface of his calm character. Denzil does alright as his cop foil with the trilby hat with Jodie looking seriously businesslike in her all white suit. The plot is pretty simple and easy to follow with the pacing of the film always keeping you on the edge - the audience is always curious to know what's going to happen next, why is he doing this, how is he going to carry all that money out so all these questions are always in the forefront of your mind. The twists and turns are never ending especially as the timeframe jumps from the present to the future and you do hold your breath right at the end. The cinematography suits the style of the film. You can see Spike Lee trying making a bit of a throwback film - set in modern times but with a big nod to the blues era - Denzil's hat, the choice of music and very constant blue hue with dark shadows lurking around.
And I liked all that and enjoyed the film. But there was just one thing that spoiled it for me and that it was just a bit too preachy. I think it started with the kid and the PSP wannabe but then it continued all the way to the Nazi guy being punished and Jodie not wanting to be paid. The irony is that the bank robber who is threatening, violent and a law breaker gets away with breaking the law. If you are going to be preachy, be consistent and make sure the bad guy doesn't get away with it (although you could argue that's precisely what happens). I feel it's all preachy preachy until the end where they turn the tables on you and they say 'the ends justify the means.'
Things to learn from this film: Keep an eye on what computer games your kids are playing.
Rating: 6/10
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
MILLIONS
Featuring: Alexander Nathan Ethal, Lewis Owen McGibbon
Brief Synopsis: Two hundred thousand pounds drop onto the play house of a 7 year old boy.
Comments: Danny Boyle (the director) has a fantastic imagination. The film truly feels as if you are watching it from the eyes of 2 children with each developing scene. Not only are the kids brilliant (although when you are kid, acting as a kid probably isn't too hard vs if you had to pretend to fight and talk with creatures a la Narnia) but the viewpoint of each of the kids is well reinforced too. One believes in doing good, the other has less altruistic motives and the film documents with each brothers' struggles with their viewpoint, each other and a man after a bag of money.
The plot trots along fantastically as well, with the deadline (when all the money becomes useless) always forcing a certain issue. The 3 main adult characters give 3 well rounded performances but it's really a story that belongs to the kids. There's many a thought provoking scene and these are combined with a dose of humour which makes for a film that appeals to a broad spectrum of people from ten year olds all the way up to adults.
This film truly reminds you what it is to be a kid again and what is really important in life. Millions is instantly propelled into one of my top 10 favourite films list.
Things to learn from this film: Watch out for little kids who say their mam is dead.
Rating: 9/10
Featuring: Alexander Nathan Ethal, Lewis Owen McGibbon
Brief Synopsis: Two hundred thousand pounds drop onto the play house of a 7 year old boy.
Comments: Danny Boyle (the director) has a fantastic imagination. The film truly feels as if you are watching it from the eyes of 2 children with each developing scene. Not only are the kids brilliant (although when you are kid, acting as a kid probably isn't too hard vs if you had to pretend to fight and talk with creatures a la Narnia) but the viewpoint of each of the kids is well reinforced too. One believes in doing good, the other has less altruistic motives and the film documents with each brothers' struggles with their viewpoint, each other and a man after a bag of money.
The plot trots along fantastically as well, with the deadline (when all the money becomes useless) always forcing a certain issue. The 3 main adult characters give 3 well rounded performances but it's really a story that belongs to the kids. There's many a thought provoking scene and these are combined with a dose of humour which makes for a film that appeals to a broad spectrum of people from ten year olds all the way up to adults.
This film truly reminds you what it is to be a kid again and what is really important in life. Millions is instantly propelled into one of my top 10 favourite films list.
Things to learn from this film: Watch out for little kids who say their mam is dead.
Rating: 9/10
