Andrew's Recent Reviews
Point Break
R
Keanu Reeves stars as Johnny Utah, a rookie FBI agent assigned to track down a gang of bank robbers. His partner, played by Gary Busey, is convinced that the gang are surfers. Utah is sent undercover to hang out with surfers suspected of being the bank robbers, headed by the wild Bodhi who is played by Patrick Swayze, who use the alias "Ex-Presidents" because they wear masks depicting former US presidents such as Ronald Regan and Richard Nixon when they go out on a heist. 'Point Break' is an action film which includes likeable characters we tend to care about and has some thrilling action sequences like a foot chase through suburban houses, sky diving chases and struggles mid-air, and some awesome surfing scenes. This is a raw and authetic actioner.
No Country for Old Men
R
'No Country for Old Men' is another dark thriller masterpiece directed by brothers Joel and Ethan Coen. In 1980, Lewellyn Moss, while hunting deer in the Texas desert, comes across what seems to be the aftermath of a drug deal gone wrong. There he finds a satchel containing two million dollars, which he takes. On his trail is Anton Chigurh, a hitman who is hired to recover the money. Following this case is the old experienced sherrif Ed Tom Bell, who tries to reach Moss and save him before Chigurh can get to him. This sets up for a great cat-and-mouse chase film. Josh Brolin gives a wonderful performance as Moss. A lot of the movie's focus is on him, and shows in great detail how he is able to avoid Chigurh and a Mexican gang who is also after the money. The direction from the Coens and the editing from Roderick Jaynes is very precise in following and showing Moss' methods of stashing the money, hiding in hotel rooms, and running/driving from his predators. Tommy Lee Jones is perfect in the role of Sherrif Bell. Who else could play the part of an ageing Sherrif who questions the world he's living in and laments the increasing violence in it. But the undisputed star in 'No Country for Old Men' is Javier Bardem's Academy Award-winning performance as Chigurh. Sporting an odd haircut throughout the film and using a cattle stun-gun as his weapon of choice, Bardem is cold and remorseless, stopping at nothing to fullfill his mission. He's like other great movie villains like Michael Myers from 'Halloween' or Arnold Schwarenegger's Terminator, only he isn't just a one note character, Chigurh has depth. Like another great villain, Two-Face of the Batman universe, Chigurh uses a coint-toss to make fateful decisions. And 'No Country for Old Men' 's underlining theme is fate. Something the Coen brothers have previously explored in 'Blood Simple' and 'Fargo'. 'No Country for Old Men' is a beautiful looking film, being set in Texas we are shown the wide open landscapes of the desert creating a feeling of eerie isolation for Moss, just like the Minnesota snow did in 'Fargo'. This is a crime thriller of the best kind and one of the best films to come out of the 2000s.
Andrew's Favorite Movies
GoodFellas
R
Martin Scorsese has made many cinematic masterpieces in his career, but his greatest achievement is GoodFellas. Marty's creative film-making techniques and editing is what mainly makes the film so brilliant. He also brings out terrific performances from everyone of his cast, especially Pesci as the psychotic Tommy and De Niro as the cool Jimmy. GoodFellas takes the audience to places other gangster films will shy away from. A first-hand look at organised crime. GoodFellas is a film made by the greatest director in his best ever form. Perhaps the best movie ever?
The Godfather, Part II
R
The best sequel ever made. Part I was about a man's inner struggle and change, how he attains power. In Part II he is a ruthless leader who rules with an iron fist. Pacino's portrayal as the tortured Michael is the best acting performance ever, while De Niro as young Vito is also compelling. Coppola's artistic direction excels that of Part I as he is able to weave two stories together in comparison with one-another. The film has a dark and sinister feel which is grimmer than Part I. It's a masterpiece.
