Robin Oliver (Robinollysays)
Manchester
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Robin's Recent Reviews
Paranormal Activity
R
Some genuinely scary moments that fill you with a deep sense of dread. Like 'The Blair Witch Project', it's not the seeing that is frightening it's more the lead up and anticipation of something about to happen that creeps you out. It would have been a very effective piece of independent film making if only it wasnt ruined by annoyingly acting. It should be far more believable, especially as its supposed to look like something non-fictional.I've seen both versions, the theartical and original and have to say if you can see the original opposed to the Spielberg produced theatrical ending, do so. I feel like the 'new' scenes look far too thrown in there.Far too over-hyped for me, yes it is pretty scary but I slept fine last night. Just a piece of advice though... if a spirit starts haunting you don't start filming it, you'll just p*** it off!
The Men Who Stare at Goats
R
A splendidly concise film which deals with a dark subject matter and adds a comical twist to it. Inspired by Jon Ronson's non-fiction bestseller of the same name.
A rather short yet highly satirical story in which there's never a dull moment and often when there is, it's quickly defused with a clever one-liner helping to maintain the tone of the film. Much of the story is told neatly through flashbacks with narration and I have to say that the costumes, sets and the hair make it totally believable that it is actually the Vietnam-era.
The film sets the tone brilliantly with some highly comical scenes such as the dancing one wherein Bridges returns very much to his beloved Big Lebowski role. Spacey plays a well suited tyrannical yet comical leader, who (back in the 80's) calculates his rise up the ranks by tricking a member into taking LSD which ulitmately leads to the member shooting himself and Django becoming dismissed.
A brilliantly spiritual film with a huge sense of purpose and fate. It's also a big reaction to all the overly drawn out films about Iraq and it wouldn't surprise me if this was up for one or two nominations come Oscar time
