25.11.06
Tristan + Isolde (SPOILERS)
Tristan + Isolde – 2006
This is a well-done tragic love story set in the highly interesting and mysterious Dark Ages of Britain (Cornwall mostly). The shooting style is pretty much the same as Antoine Fuqua's King Arthur. A good looking cast with King Marke (Rufus Sewell) standing out in terms of performance. I also quite liked American James Franco as Tristram. he was pretty solid and could handle the romance. He also plays Harry Osborn in the recent Spider Man films.
However, Much is unrealistic, ill-thought out and stupid. People falling into traps far too easily; Tristans escape from Ireland unnoticed; the stupid trapdoor no one discovers only a long period of time; the fact Tristan and Isolde finally get discovered when they would have been able to hear the mass of running horses coming from far away.
Despite the plot holes I did enjoy this film; it maintains scenic beauty throughout and wonderful costumes. The action scenes are pretty good too, though obviously on a smaller scale due to budget, with rather silly tiny armies. It is worth seeing. 5.5/10
11.11.06
Starsky and Hutch
Starsky and Hutch – 2004
I love Owen and Stiller films, but this one was mediocre at best. I would score it lower than 5, but I just love these two. Even with a limited script to work with they are still a joy to watch. It's based on the well-known TV series about 1970s police detectives, which i have never bothered with. Starsky (Stiller) takes the job very seriously and is generally uptight and tough. Hutch is more laid back and streetwise. They are very different types of cop and this plays off. Some excellent physical comedy from Stiller as well... love his angry-cop run. Vince Vaughn plays the big bad guy with the drugs and the heaps of cash and the scantily-clad women. It is a bit of fun and worth a gander. Do it...do it...do it. 5/10
10.11.06
Seven Swords 七剑
Seven Swords – 2005
You get the feeling there is so much more to this story and its characters than revealed by the film. In fact the original edit was 4 hours and it is based on a large book.
The Qing Dynasty bans martial arts completely to increase order. A cruel general called Wind Fire seeks to profit from this by using his army to kill as many martial arts practitioners as possible for money. One last village remains and due to a series of events gains the aid of the powerful seven swords (seven warriors each with a cool unique sword and style). They seek to lead the whole village out of harms way so that they can confront Wind Fire without having to worry about keeping villages alive in a huge battle scenario, but all does not go to plan. Some other stuff is going on too involving romance, a Korean slave girl and such.
I did not really enjoy it too much. It has some weak sub-plots (maybe rushed versions of good plots from the novel) and some far-fetched moments usually forgiveable in martial arts movies. No single character stands out. Even the main bad guy seems rather lame. The final fight between Wind Fire and Dragon (I think) goes on and on and you are wondering if a freakin sword is ever gonna penetrate flesh.
However, it looks fantastic with fine cinematography, fairly interesting fight scenes (without the wires) and great costumes. The characters have cool names like Transience and Celestial Beam...mmmm Celestial Beam. It might be worth a look if you are a hardcore fan of East Asian film. 4.5/10
4.11.06
Remains of the Day
Remains of the Day – 2003
Taken from the novel of the same name by the Japanese author Kazuo Ishiguro this film is an impeccable drama set in the 1930s during a time when England sought to help and appease Germany. Anthony Hopkins plays Mr Stevens, who is the butler of a rather large estate. We follow Mr Stevens through his daily duties, who has totally accepted his place in this world of status and ensures the perfect running of a large household often used to host gatherings of important people. He is completely dedicated to his master who, as it soon becomes apparent, is a Nazi sympathiser and is working with the most highest of men to appease Germany. An American, Mr Lewis played by Christopher Reeve, arrives at the house for one of the many formal dinner occasions and voices his concerns on this soft approach towards the Germans. (The Americans were right and it is believed now that this appeasement policy contributed to the coming of WW2.) There is a hell of lot to this film all seen from the perspective of Stevens, though how much of it he actually takes in is uncertain. All that seems to matter to Stevens is that his job is done to the highest of standards.
Hopkins brings this dignified character to screen wonderfully well in one of the greatest performances ever. Even under the most distressing of circumstances Stevens maintains a calm exterior with the up most in dedication to servitude; household and master. He manages to push all his own emotions and thoughts completely to the back of his mind, focusing entirely on carrying out his duties for Lord Darlington (James Fox) and guests. But as we watch him carefully, simply little reactions in his face or voice, we learn there is so much more to him deep inside. It can be difficult to understand Mr Stevens behaviour, but you can come to accept it and it certainly gains your interest. Towards the end of the film you will really feel for Mr Stevens.
Hopkins brings this dignified character to screen wonderfully well in one of the greatest performances ever. Even under the most distressing of circumstances Stevens maintains a calm exterior with the up most in dedication to servitude; household and master. He manages to push all his own emotions and thoughts completely to the back of his mind, focusing entirely on carrying out his duties for Lord Darlington (James Fox) and guests. But as we watch him carefully, simply little reactions in his face or voice, we learn there is so much more to him deep inside. It can be difficult to understand Mr Stevens behaviour, but you can come to accept it and it certainly gains your interest. Towards the end of the film you will really feel for Mr Stevens.
The rest of the cast are all fantastic including Peter Vaughan, James Fox and Hugh Grant. Emma Thompson plays the head housekeeper and the unspoken love-interest of Mr Stevens who is simply unable to show any kind of affection. This relationship is the most powerful and moving aspect of this story. A deeply affecting film. 9.5/10
