Claudia's Talk

Oliver Twist

Original Review
This movie is just ok... but it's quite different from the book... It's a bit confusing at the end, this movie.
EDIT
I think the book I read first was a very shortened Dutch translation of the original novel. That is why I thought it was different from the book. I now have to change opinion. I just finished the 1837 English original novel and watched David Lean's version once again. It's more than ok! It's a great masterpiece and closer to the novel than Polanski's 2005 version.
Almost a must see!

King Kong

The only thing that Jackson's version has in it's favour over this one is the visuals - though he also adds a bond between Darrow and Kong, even if it takes an extra hour of film to do so. This film, with it's honest simplicity, great action and terrific stop-motion (take a bow, Harryhausen) still comes out the best of the two. And I'm not even mentioning the other remake because it's done with a man in a goriila suit, which is just stupid.

Moon

''I hope life on Earth is everything you remember it to be...''

Astronaut Sam Bell has a quintessentially personal encounter toward the end of his three-year stint on the Moon, where he, working alongside his computer, GERTY, sends back to Earth parcels of a resource that has helped diminish our planet's power problems.

Sam Rockwell: Sam Bell

Just two years ago I was immersed, impressed and tantalized by Danny Boyle's shimmering spectacle Sunshine which provided human drama and resulted in being an intense thrill of a rollercoaster. Two years later Duncan Jones releases Moon; a low budget, human drama, set out in space featuring Sam Rockwell(Frost/Nixon); whom happens to be one of the under-rated actors in film today. All of these attributes should mix perfectly to create a film that's highly emotive, beautifully acted and a sight to behold but is this moon landing a giant leap, or just a small step?

An astronaut miner extracting the precious moon gas that promises to reverse the Earth's energy crisis nears the end of his three-year contract; makes an ominous discovery in this psychological sci-fi film; also featuring the voice of Kevin Spacey as computer robot assistant GERTY.
For three long years, Sam Bell has dutifully harvested Helium 3 for Lunar; a company that claims it holds the key to solving mankind's energy crisis.
As Sam's contract comes to a close, the lonely astronaut contemplates returning to his wife and daughter down on Earth, where he will retire early and attempt to make up for lost time. His work on the Selene moon base has been enlightening; the solitude helping him to reflect on the past and overcome some serious anger issues...but the isolation is starting to make Sam uneasy. With only two weeks to go before he begins his journey back to Earth, Sam starts feeling strange: he's having surreal visions, and hearing disjointed sounds.

Let's state the obvious: Moon looks sublime. Similarly to Danny Boyles Sunshine, this low budget spectacle uses effects to enhance the story rather than eclipse it. Mix with some harrowing shots of the environment and you've got a film that dually looks fantastic and, thanks to Clint Mansell's(The man behind the scores of Requiem for a Dream & The Fountain) superb score, Moon sounds great, and unlike the moon itself atmospheric.
Sam Rockwell is a versatile actor, his range is absolutely phenomenal. One moment he is relaxed and friendly the next he's ready to pummel you into submission in a fit of angry temperament...but let's not spoilt the faceted performance.
This is an Oscar worthy performance from Sam!
My only major discrepancy with Moon was with Kevin Spacey as GERTY(A distant relative to HAL maybe from 2001?) whom does an exquisite job, but sometimes distracts you from the realism that the film strives for. However, all of these elements merge; displaying some fantastic glossy sci-fi. It's the story and the direction that leads me to believe that this is among the greatest films of 2009.

The story is told at a steady pace. The film never compromises and the pacing feels organic, and its this slow pacing that helps generate that feeling of isolation. The filmmakers cleverly, never relent from showing you a deserted hallway; calling it eerie or uncomfortable is a severe understatement. So much so that once the film decided to give us answers you're so involved they seem personal not just to Sam but to us the audience as well. Moon never strays from pulling on your emotions; a phone call to earth makes for one of the most emotional moments of the piece. You might not contemplate that Moon is indeed the sun of this year, indeed Sci-fi is not everyones cup of tea...yet Moon is addictive to any audience; simply because it is not just a sci-fi piece. It's a drama and a story about moralistic questioning...Is cloning humane? or cruel? Is isolation or being alone maddening in time? Can robots have empathy and friendship with humans? Moon is a long list of questions and deep discussion.

Overall, Moon is a faceted diamond in so many regards; it replicates Si-Fi in a way not seen since Alien, Blade Runner or 2001: A Space Odyssey. The direction is methodical, clinically precise mixed seamlessly with the multitude performance of Sam Rockwell. An eerie, disturbing and moving story, but not without occasional bursts of humour(''I'm cold''...''you're sitting under the fridge''), Moon is a refreshing antidote to the unintelligent action-orientated futuristic pieces which has dominated cinemas in recent years. For these reasons alone Moon takes it's place, as one of the highlights and deepest films/stories of 2009.
Simply put: Moon is a radioactive tampon, which will Rockwell your World, so definitely check it out.

Smultronstället (Wild Strawberries)

''The punishment is loneliness.''

After living a life marked by coldness, an aging professor is forced to confront the emptiness of his existence.

Victor Sjöström: Dr. Isak Borg

Ingmar Bergman has indeed done it yet again. Firstly the captivating Seventh Seal blew me away with it's masterful strokes of genius and layered themes of death; Now, Smultronstället AKA Wild Strawberries. The genius is replicated in it's questions and answers it gives us the viewers on a very important aspect to me, Mortality... Thus also addressing the purpose of our life. Wild Strawberries addresses the choices of a Professor whom has succeeded academically but with love and company he has failed and pales in comparison to the former achievements. Dreams are used to great effect to give us some rather surreal imaginative insight into Borg's subconscious and the looming grip of Death's chilling touch. I was especially was impressed by a dream of his; in which he goes up behind a man only to touch him and for the said man to collapse, a mutated head appear, and a chilling symbolized metaphor is shown to us.
The first dream Dr. Borg experiences is dark and puzzling due mainly to its unclear meaning and uncanny nature. The street is deserted and clear. Dr. Borg approaches a clock and looks, but it is without hands. He looks at his pocket watch and it is also without hands. The black and white scene is subdued and calm, but draws the viewer in all the while guessing what's next. The scene is without music and progresses with the sound of a heart beat that quickens with each step taken as he walks along the desolate boulevard. When Dr. Borg approaches a man, the man turns and lacks a face. Shortly after, a cart-drawn casket passes and knocks its wheel off after colliding with a lamp post. The casket falls, opens, and a hand hangs exposed. Dr. Borg approaches the casket preparing to look inside when the hand reaches and clutches his hand. Surprised and frightened, he struggles to free the grip and soon recognizes that the face of the man in the casket is his own.
Proceeding to see himself in a coffin is equally unnerving yet shows an emphasis on the man's fear of death and time.

Victor Sjöström as Dr. Isak Borg, the main protagonist centered in the film, wonderfully gives life to a faceted character whom we see change throughout the progress of the story. It's lovely to see as he becomes sentimental and we see memories of his, in a Christmas Carol manner of story-telling. It's beautifully executed by Bergman and wonderfully acted out by Victor.
Bibi Andersson as Sara, the beautiful, deep, faceted Daughter-In-Law of Isak Borg, really does shine everytime she is on screen. Her beauty doesn't eclipse the fact that she remains in the film a talented actress, and proves she's not just a pretty face as she deals with some challenging engrossing material.
Jullan Kindahl as Agda, Folke Sundquist as Anders and Björn Bjelfvenstam as Viktor represent the young generation and their energized outlook on life. Was interesting to see both men fighting about the existence of God, which like Wild Strawberries uses Black and White, the same can not be said of the issue to do with this age old question. The truth is somewhere in the middle; man's invention to fool himself into thinking he isn't alone.
Max von Sydow as Henrik Åkerman, also pops up, and I was extremely reminiscent of him in his starring role from Seventh Seal. Was pleased to see him crop up again in a Bergman collaboration Picture.
Wild Strawberries is full of hidden meanings and messages, our race against time to live, to make the right choices, and our realization that no choice is wrong or right. In a sense the title isn't just describing Strawberries, its describing People, like a Strawberry we too wither and die, starting out full of life and a tasty blooming vitality. The loss of youth, the pain of growing old, and the primal fears of being alone and dying.

The film is filled with Dr. Borg's puzzling dreams and remembrances of his early life, but much of the charm and warmth that is contained throughout the movie is owed to the secondary characters. Dr. Borg's daughter-in-law, Marianne is a delight to watch because she can smile like an angle and can be bluntly frank, all at the same time. Her stunning classic looks and assured mannerism helps the movie in a great way. Agda has lived with the doctor as his housekeeper for forty years. She and Dr. Borg hysterically argues as if man and wife. She knows the doctor well and understands him like the other people in his life do not. Sara, the young girl who wakes the doctor as he lay near the wild strawberries is a joy to watch. She shows the doctor new ways to look at the world by not taking anything too seriously. She takes in all that life has to offer and brings out the joy. Her slight touch to the doctor's face while they drove is one of the warmest scenes in the film and defines her loving character. There are many warm moments in the film, and many moments of darkness. The beginning of the film was dark, puzzling, and melancholy, and the end of the film was warm, bright and full of life and tenderness.

Wild Strawberries makes us imagine and fear time. Time is the enemy, as we learn from the symbolic clock with no hands. We may be able to take the hands away but we can never stop time. Our heart also is a clock of sorts and the furious beating of ones heart depending on it's pace can be another fear, another definition of our perception of time and our fear of being powerless before it. Wild Strawberries definitely let's this daunting fact hit home.

The Seventh Seal (Det Sjunde inseglet)

''I met Death today. We are playing chess.''

A man seeks answers about life, death, and the existence of God as he plays chess against the Grim Reaper during the Black Plague.

Max von Sydow: Antonius Block


Seventh Seal is Dark, beautiful, meaningful, and indeed explores the most serious themes of faith and search for the Divine, Seal is known as one of the masterpieces of Bergman. One of the film's inspirations was a painting that Bergman saw as a young boy and was awed by: "There was everything that one's imagination could desire. Angels, saints, dragons, prophets, devils, humans. There were very frightening animals: serpents in paradise, Balaam's ass, Jonah's whale, the eagle of Revelation. All this was surrounded by heavenly, earthly and subterranean landscapes of strange yet familiar beauty. I remember Death playing chess with a Crusader, Death sawing at a tree to a branch of which clung a naked man with staring eyes, and across a gentle hill Death leading the final dance towards the dark lands''.

The film follows the journey of a knight Antonius Block (Sydow) returning from the Crusades, through Sweden ravaged by plague. The knight has lost his faith in the blood and horrors of the battlefield, "Faith is a torment. It is like loving someone who is out there in the darkness but never appears, no matter how loudly you call." On his way home, he encounters people dying from starvation and disease, being burnt as witches, and encounters with Death(Bengt Ekerot) himself who challenges him to play a game of chess. We then have the story of the family; a happy juggler, his wife, and their infant son. This family is happy because they love each other. They represent the simple joys and hopes of ordinary life in human proportions.

The Seventh Seal is not all heavy on significance though. It has an incredible story with believable characters, wonderful performances, lots of comic relief and moves easily from drama to comedy as executed in the great Shakespearean plays. We meet an actor named Jof (Nils Poppe), his wife Mia (Bibi Andersson), and their infant son Mikael. Block looks with envy on the simple love of this family for their child. Both Jof and Block see visions of the spiritual world but Jof's visions are life affirming whereas Block sees only reflections of darkness. The film has unforgettable images such as a hawk floating in a cloudless sky, two horses standing in the surf, Jof's vision of the Virgin Mary caring for her child, and a frightening procession of plague-infected flagellants.

In one of the most intense scenes, Block enters a church and confides in a cloaked man he believes to be a priest (but is actually Death). He asks Death many questions about God, but recieves no answers. This is the first time we see Block have some kind of weakness; he almost breaks down and relents thus says 'I call out to Him in the darkness, but it's as if no-one was there', and 'I want God to stretch out His hand, uncover His face and speak to me.' What answer does he receive? Not even Death knows if God exists. At the end of this scene, Block points out that we 'should make an idol of our fear, and that idol we should call God.' This profound statement is reflected throughout the rest of the film, as we realize that the communities across Sweden don't simply believe in God, but they also live in fear of him. They see the plague as a punishment directly from Him, cue a casual performance with a sinister march, where the damned whip themselves and monks sing the Dies Irae, whilst townspeople emotion lackingly say 'Judgement day looms' in the local tavern.

Later, Block encounters a witch, whom is being prepared to be burnt at the stake. The first time he sees her, he casually asks her if she has 'seen the Devil'?, but is given no reply. He sees her once more as she is about to be burnt and gives his reason: 'I want to ask him about God.' What comes next is one of the most powerful images of the film. The witch asks Block what he sees in her eyes? and apart from fear, he sees nothing. No Devil. No God.

In the end, Block does his good deed before his death. Seeing his looming checkmate and defeat at hand, he purposely knocks the pieces of the chessboard to momentarily stop the game whilst the young couple, Jof (Nils Poppe) and Mia (Bibi Andersson) escape. Death asks him 'Did you profit from your respite?', and he replies 'Yes, I did.' With this selfless act he has saved other lives disregarding his own. Thus actually saving his own soul.
On to the young couple, they have been interpreted as many different things, what their role is in the film and if they are simply a device. Many believe they symbolize the Virgin Mary and Joseph, however I believe not. Bergman clearly says that they do not represent Mary and Joseph, the evidence being, why would Jof have a vision of the Virgin Mary if she was his wife? Jof provides much of the comic relief, the film, although short, his intense and challenges entice you to think. Jof, who appears innocent, clumsy and somewhat stupid, allows us to take a moment from the film and simply laugh. He provides more than this however. He, his wife, and their baby all appear to be innocent and good. They represent the purity in people, and even through the plague, a corrupt society and man's doubt in God and religion, there still are pure people.

In conclusion, I can say that The Seventh Seal is certainly one of the greatest films ever crafted or conceived. The unfathomably well-made script, the wonderful photography (shot by one of Bergman's regulars, Gunnar Fischer), the haunting score, the incredible acting and the powerful message all make The Seventh Seal one of the few stunning films ever to be created back in the 50s and even to present day.

What is the answer to the ever asked question though? Does God exist? Is the idea of a supreme entity a reality? The answer is not black and white, its quite simple...we will never know, not until our time comes. Thus begins the circle again for another generation; ultimately its the journey and our fulfillment of life that reaps the most glory, not the questions about what happens afterwards.

The International

"Sometimes the hardest thing in life is to know which bridge to cross and which to burn... I'm the one you burn."


Director: Tom Tykwer
Starring: Clive Owen, Naomi Watts, Armin Mueller-Stahl, Ulrich Thomsen
Running time: 119 minutes
Country: USA, Germany, UK


I had exceedingly high expectations for this film being a fan of Clive Owen and Naomi Watts and it seemed like a great combination between a British actor and a British actress. However, when I did see this film, I was disappointed with it. It wasn't the actors within it, it was the film itself. The film fell flat even after 10 minutes and I was very bored within that time. I was quite annoyed at it as well because when you see the trailer of the film, there is loads of action within it but there is very little of it in the film itself which is very annoying! I think because it seemed like an action film was the only reason why people wanted to watch this film but it was no action film at all, really.


Clive Owen is my favourite actor from my country and he is the reason that kept me going through this disappointment. It wasn't him or his performance that was bad, it was the lousy character and I don't think the character was developed enough. It is the first bad film that Clive Owen has been in but no bad performances from him it remains thankfully!! Naomi Watts was another reason that kept me going with this film! Her character was lousy as well and just plain which is something that I hate in a film! Personally, if Naomi Watts or especially Clive Owen weren't in this film, I would've probably called it a disaster!


Overall, The International is a bad film that I thought was rather bad and disappointing. It is one of the worst of 2009 but I personally think that it could've been a lot worse without Owen or Watts in it.

Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian

"Remember, a house divided cannot stand."


Director: Shawn Levy
Starring: Ben Stiller, Amy Adams, Owen Wilson, Robin Williams
Running time: 105 minutes
Country: USA


I absolutely loved the first one because that one was just a piece of pure family entertainment and because of this I was expecting a lot from this film despite the large amount of bad reviews it received. When I did see this one, I was greatly disappointed with it and wasn't that surprised of why some people hate it because the plot was very silly even for a family film, the acting was appalling and it wasn't even funny. The comedy within the film was surprisingly flat and rather stupid that I think only 3-4 year olds would laugh at. I think that the only good thing about Night At The Museum: Battle Of The Smithsonian was the great visual effects especially on Jedediah (portrayed by Owen Wilson) and ? (portrayed by Steve Coogan).


In the first Night At The Museum, I really liked Larry Daley's character because it was hilarious and a hero with a big heart and soul but I think that the plot made him seem like a complete idiot! Ben Stiller is obviously a great actor for the comedy genre but I think that this is his most disappointing performance of his career so far. I did expect a lot from him because of his great talent within comedies and his great performance in the first film but he was dreadful in this one unfortunately!! Amy Adams has made a real name for herself as of late like appearing in Enchanted (which is like a breakthrough for her) and her Oscar nominated performance in Doubt but why she decided to be in this film, I don't think I'll ever know!! Her performance was very bad and her character was ridiculous! She felt like an Indiana Jones-like female character but like a spoof of it. Owen Wilson drives me crazy anyway so that shows his awfulness once again! Hank Azaria is an absolutely pathetic excuse for playing a villain even in a family film! He looks like he is spoofing Xerxes in 300 and looks like a spoof from The Mummy villains even though they are spoofs themselves. I laughed AT him not with him. Dick Van Dyke was a better villain in the first film. The only decent thing about the cast in this one was the appearance of the great Robin Williams. However, that did disappoint as well because he wasn't in the film for very long.


Shawn Levy directed the first Night At The Museum absolutely terrifically but his directing in the sequel was bad but not as bad as I have seen with films of entertainment. The script was absolutely appalling too. There were some scenes that were absolutely pointless especially the scene when Larry was going to steal the Smithsonian tag from the fat guard and they were just bitching and bitching!! At that moment of that film, I was holding my head in ultimate shame!!


Overall, Night At The Museum: Battle Of The Smithsonian is an absolutely appalling film that I absolutely hated! If the effects were cheesy, it would have been one of the worst films ever but it isn't that far off from reaching that spot! One of the worst films of 2009 and one of the most disappointing films ever made!

Moon

"I wanna go home..."


Director: Duncan Jones
Starring: Sam Rockwell, Kevin Spacey, Dominique McElligott, Kaya Scodelario
Running time: 97 minutes
Country: UK


After seeing the trailer and a few images of Moon, I was blown away by it so I had very high expectations for this film. When I saw it, I was blown away by it completely! It is visually stunning with 2001: A Space Odyssey-like music and effects. I found it to be a very smart story to watch and I think 2001: A Space Odyssey was the inspiration from this film. I personally think it should be a favourite for a new Academy Awards this year but I'm not sure whether it will be because it so damn underrated!! When only seeing pictures of this film, I was thinking it was going to be an action film as well as a sci fi drama but it wasn't to be. I am glad it wasn't to be honest because I think it would've failed and it would've ruined the drama within the film. 2009 has been a great year for the science fiction genre! Other examples, Star Trek, District 9.


Sam Rockwell's performance as Sam Bell was absolutely terrific!! Rockwell has always been an underrated actor despite a great filmography especially appearing in The Green Mile and Matchstick Men. It was almost like Sam was playing himself because he was playing a character with the same first name as his real name. His surname was different. I have mostly seen Sam play criminals but Sam was playing an emotional character who is a family man so was rather weird to see him play a character like this. It is a new kind of genre for him to be part of too. Kevin Spacey provides the voice of HAL 9000-like computer system Gerty who helps Sam on his mission and looks after him in the base on the moon.


Moon is Duncan Jones's debut and what a great debut it was! One thing that almost all debut films have in common: they're all underrated. His work was a bit like Kubrick's in 2001: A Space Odyssey. Critically and publicly, Moon has been compared a lot to 2001: A Space Odyssey but obviously they do have their similarities but they have their differences too. The screenplay of this film was awesome as well with exhilarating moments during the film as well as mesmerising and mindblowing scenes especially when out in that gravity resistant vehicle that Sam has.


Overall, Moon is one of the most visually stunning and breathtaking films that that has been made in a long time! It is without a doubt one of the best of 2009 and one of the best science fiction films of all time. You CANNOT afford to miss this masterpiece!!

Lars and the Real Girl

I was so surprised about this movie!! One wonderful story about love, understanding, friendship and helping each other. Should have received an Oscar, not just a nomination.
Good work Ryan Gosling.

The Butterfly Effect 3: Revelations

Watchable...Not Great

The Exorcist

"Do you know what she did, your cunting daughter?"


Director: William Friedkin
Starring: Ellen Burstyn, Max Von Sydow, Linda Blair, Lee J. Cobb
Running time: 117 minutes
Country: USA


The Exorcist was a major hit not just within the horror genre but also cinema itself because there has never been any terror within a film that is so believable and realistic. It is a landmark of horror/thriller films alongside others such as Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho, Steven Spielberg's Jaws and Jonathan Demme's The Silence Of The Lambs. It does have some science fiction parts about it but it isn't officially a science fiction film. The film was a huge success by receiving 2 Academy Awards and other nominations including Best Picture, Best Leading Actress (Ellen Burstyn) and Best Supporting Actress (Linda Blair). I could easily feel the terror of the characters especially Regan. It is a very special horror film because even after over 25 years of when it was released, it scares now and some horror films die out but this one never will because it will give you nightmares for a long time. Personally, I think horror films that are extremely scary and more psychological are better that way because they are very effective and powerful and it shows how good it is expressing at toying with your mind. Because of how scary it was around the time it was released, it was delayed for quite a while despite the Oscars and Golden Globes it won and was nominated for.


Ellen Burstyn's performance as Chris McNeil was absolutely terrific! Ellen is the mother of young girl Regan McNeil. Her performance was often terrifying in some scenes especially when with the possessed Regan. It is a shame because Chris and Regan are innocent mother and daughter but are overcome by a demon trying to control an innocent girl. Well, Linda Blair's performance; what can I say? First of all, it is without a doubt the best performance from a child in film history! I figure that the best child performances are either actors playing cute characters or scary ones. She was the perfect choice for Regan because she can play her innocent and cute side but can play her very evil side as well even though it isn't her doing it. I was terrified by the transformation from a sweet, caring and loving girl to a girl possessed by a demon but what scared me the most was the demon voice that Linda was pulling off during Regan's possession. The make-up on Linda during those possession scenes was absolutely outstanding! Also, during her transformation before it is complete, her acting is absolutely amazing!!


William Friedkin directed this film absolutely amazingly! I don't think it could've been better directed. It wanted to express true horror that will toy with your mind in a very deep psychological way. The camera work was brilliantly handled and there were a lot of awesome eerie camera angles. The scene were Regan turns her neck around completely like an owl is the most powerful scene because it shows the ultimate power that the demon has over Regan and it is a very unusual and disturbing scene. There is a lot of swearing in this film especially said from Regan under the possession of the demon. I think it was very vulgar regarding sex and sexually violent because the possessed Regan was masturbating with a crucifix. I mean, that is very powerful and it seemed realistic watching it but was violently disturbing to watch which makes it better. This was another reason why the script in this film was so damn good as well. It was very powerful regarding how emotional it was and also how tense and horrifying it is to watch. The main keyword to describe the script is "gripping".


Overall, The Exorcist is one of the most shocking, spellbinding, heart-racing and gut-retching films that have ever been released. It is one of the best thrillers and, horrors and rightly so one of the best films of all time too!

The Straight Story

"I haven't had a drink in a lotta years, but now I'm gonna have me a cold beer."


Director: David Lynch
Starring: Richard Farnsworth, Sissy Spacek, Harry Dean Stanton, Jane Galloway
Running time: 107 minutes
Country: France, UK, USA


I had high expectations with this film because of it being a film from an odd yet terrific filmmaker. One thing I was a bit worried about was its complete difference compared to the films he has done in the past. When I did see it, I was very disappointed with it because it seemed a very dull, plain and meaningless film. As the film ended, I was so annoyed with it because didnt show what he was setting out to do other than just seeing his brother. Yes, it was very inspiring and courageous travelling across America on a lawnmower and I understand that it was a true story but I just thought that the ending didn't conclude with such beauty and drama.


Richard Farnsworth's performance as Alvin was absolutely brilliant. I think that Farnsworth's performance was pretty much the only thing that was worth watching in this film. Alvin is an aging man who lives with his daughter and soon finds out that his brother is dying. One problem: he hasn't spoken to or even seen his brother for a very long time. He decides to go and see him to spend some last time with his brother to brother. His performance and character is a bit like Chris McCandleless in Into The Wild because they both travel and meet different people during their journey. Sissy Spacek's performance as Alvin's daughter Rose was absolutely awesome as well. She is a very troubled woman due to a past tragedy.


This truly is pretty much the only straight story of the films that David Lynch has done throughout his career. As I have said, The Straight Story being a David Lynch film is the only reason why I expressed interest in this film but unfortunately came out disappointed with it. The script was well written in some ways but towards the end of the film it went really flat and dull. I have to confess that the ending of this film is the most disappointing endings that I think I've ever seen in a film.


Overall, The Straight Story is a disappointing, dull film but had little decent qualities which was the good acting from Farnsworth and Spacek and the good directing from Lynch.

The Breakfast Club

"You ask me one more question and I'm beating the shit out of you."


Director: John Hughes
Starring: Emilio Estevez, Anthony Michael Hall, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald
Running time: 97 minutes
Country: USA


This is a classic teenage film that I have wanted to watch for quite a while because I have heard and read so many positive reviews. This is probably the oldest film aimed at teenagers as well as adults; like before all of the American Pie films, Juno, Knocked Up etc. The Breakfast Club is a very funny film that does teach a lot about people and their differences regarding appearance but shows how much people have in common when discussing their personal lives regarding their family. It was quite an emotional film which did actually surprise me! I really love films that are set in one single day like this one was. The Breakfast Club is one of the very first films that are aimed at teenagers as well as adults.


The Breakfast Club tells the story of five teenagers in high school who are all very different regarding interests and behaviour. The acting from all five actors was all absolutely fantastic!! Judd Nelson's performance is definitely the best out of the five actors because he was the most emotional, the funniest actor as well as playing the most fascinating character within the film. I thought that the message that was sent out was absolutely terrific! Everybody does have their differences but they do have their similarities too.


Overall, The Breakfast Club is a very enjoyable film that always will be remembered as a classic for many generations to come.

Inglourious Basterds

Freakin Awesome,I was in the mood for some bllood ,gore and git,I should have known that Tarantino would satisfy all my needs so well.Excellent cast,I was totally surprised to see Mike Myers in this,too funny,I love the sarcastic humor and cutthroat storyline,LOVED it.If you haven't seen this I would check it out very soon,HIGHLY recommended!

A Serious Man

michael stuhlberg i feel will get nominted for a oscar for his breakthrough role here,as larry gopnik going through family problems in the latest coen brothers film, as usuall, thecoens trademarks are on show, and im guessing will infuriate non fans,but coen fans willget a lot out of this, like turtorro in barton fink, and william macy in fargo, stulberg has created a marvellous sad charactor, and the film telling so much, watch this andwatch it again, i feel ill get a lot more out of it

The Informant!

matt damon is exellent as the informant of the piece, letting the f.b.i know of a price fixing scam in his company,and from there getting inway over his head, damon is this film, but some superb direction from soderdberg, using his loose style seen in his films like traffic, the limey and oceans films, the film flys by as we watch damon bumble his way, through plot,and also we learn not all is what it seems, a exellent score, which adds a lot, and nicely set early 90s setting, even scott bacula coming back from the dead, as the f.b.i agent in charge, is exellent to watch, soderdberg has shown with this type of material, a great film can be made

Scream

"Life is like a movie. Only you can't pick your genre."


Director: Wes Craven
Starring: Neve Campbell, David Arquette, Courteney Cox, Skeet Ulrich
Running time: 106 minutes
Country: USA


At first, I had no interest whatsoever in seeing this film because I didn't like the look of the killer but when I saw it, I was blown away by it! Scream is a horror film that is already a classic even though it was released just over 10 years ago. It is a very suspenseful film that is very jumpy and is very terrifying to watch because of the violence within it. What I loved the most about this film is that the killer plays mind games with the audience as much as the characters within the film because it?s not why he's there, who it is but where he is because it makes you think he?s there but incase he'll catch that someone by surprise which is what he does do in the film. There are a lot of twists and turns involved within the film. I liked the involvement of scary films in this film which are inspired by the killer to do those things to his victims. The main question of the film is: whodunit?


Neve Campbell's performance as Sidney Prescott was absolutely fantastic!! Her performance was a lot like Jamie Lee Curtis's in Halloween. Sidney is a very emotional character because her mum was mysteriously raped and murdered one year before. This has ruined her childhood and made her feel a bit messed up in the head. Skeet Ulrich's performance as Billy Loomis was absolutely fantastic! His character is a very charming one that is very mysterious as well that has a lot of twists and turns. Matthew Lillard was awesome as well as Stu who is Billy's best friend. Courteney Cox's performance was awesome as well!!


Wes Craven made a big name for himself after his horror classic A Nightmare On Elm Street and his work on Scream was absolutely terrific! The opening scene within the film was very powerful and wanted the audience to experience her terror and for us to be prepared of what's coming up in the film. I found the filming of that scene very similar to the 'Here's Johnny!' scene in Stanley Kubrick?s The Shining because of the eerie filmmaking and the music too.


Overall, Scream is one of the best horror films of all time that will stick in your mind for a very long time because it is that suspenseful and it does toy with your mind very easily! Highly recommended!!

Stephen King's It

After Stanley Kubrick's The Shining and The Green Mile in my opinion the best Stephen King story on screen ever released.
This tale takes three hours to tell but it feels like an hour. No second of boredom. The acting is superb of all children and adult actors involved, The plot has no holes, the directing is fabulous. The switching back and forth between now and then is very well made.
I have owned this movie on VHS since I was 16 and recently bought it on DVD. I used to be very scared but when I watched it tonight I hardly jumped. Maybe I've watched it too often and knew what was coming?
Anyway, that doesn't matter. I always feel very sad though when I see young actor Jonathan Brandis and his tragic end in real life. I can't stop thinking about that.
Rest in peace Jonathan Brandis & John Ritter.

Julie & Julia

Highly enjoyable film!! Meryl Streep just keeps managing to top herself.She really poured her heat and soul into this movie and became Julia Child,very believable too.Lots of innocent laughs and all around just a good feeling movie all around,you'll be happy you took the time to watch this one.

The Twilight Saga: New Moon

Pretty good.I liked this one a lot better than the first,there was much more going on,keeps you interested for sure.The first one had some slow points this is much better pace.And all I have to say to put the icing on the cake is bravo Taylor Lautner all those work outs paid off... WHEW!