Change Your Image
David Mills
Ratings
Most Recently Rated
Recent Check-Ins
Reviews
Better Call Saul: Plan and Execution (2022)
Now we talk
I'm still shocked and they'll talk next episode for sure. Brilliant cinematography, awesome script and a masterclass in acting. This is art, TV making at the highest level.
The American (2010)
Quietly powerful
'The American' is a quietly powerful story and badly marketed by Focus Features. This is a slow burn character study that is ultimately very close to a remake of Jean-Pierre Melville's film 'Le Samourai'. It's certainly not your average Bourne/Bond flick. Those who think it is, stop reading and stop rating.
Director Anton Corbijn and scribe Rowan Joffe have taken Martin Booth's novel and crafted a real masterpiece here. George Clooney gives a top 5 performance as an assassin with a moral crisis of sorts, and those who stick with this film are rewarded.
BUT: It's definitely not for everyone. Those who are game for it are likely to become big fans. The film likely won't do much damage in the Oscar race, but that doesn't mean it isn't deserving of attention, because it definitely is. Jack (Clooney) is an assassin hiding out in a small Italian village. While there, he's supposed to keep a low profile and just wait for his next assignment. According to his boss (Johan Leysen) it's supposed to be simple, he'll just be making a custom rifle for another assassin (Thekla Reuten), not evening firing it. His lack of connection to the world gets to him however, and he soon finds himself seeing a local prostitute (Violante Placido) and befriending the town's priest (Paolo Bonacelli). Occasionally, someone will try to kill Jack, but that's almost beside the point in this film. The focus is far more on the potential romance with the prostitute and the possibly redemption of Jack's soul.
George Clooney is excellent here, taking risks again as an actor and stripped of all of his charm. He's rarely been better than he is here. The film lives and dies by his performance, and he's more than up to the challenge. The movie would suffer if a lesser actor was in the role. He's supported by an almost exclusively foreign cast, and they accent Clooney well, while not stealing the spotlight. Leysen is mostly seen talking to Clooney on the phone, but he's suitably menacing. Reuten comes off as both sexy and deadly, which is essentially for her scenes with Clooney. As for his two non-violent companions, his chemistry with Placido is very strong (and sexual
she's not afraid of nudity in the least), while it's more of a father-son thing with Bonacelli. No one here is bad, but it's the Clooney show through and through in this flick. Corbijn is a visual stylist while not being flashy, in the vein of the directors of the 1970's. Here he lingers on shots of Italy, making the village almost a character unto itself. Some might fault his extraordinarily slow pacing, but I found it more deliberate than "slow", per say. The script by Joffe is good, but wouldn't be what it is without Corbijn directing it and Clooney acting in it. Of the three major players, Corbijn is most deserving of awards attention, but ironically is the least likely to receive it. On the Oscar front, the film is good enough to be mentioned in the Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Cinematography fronts, but if any will happen, it'll be Cinematography of Martin Ruhe getting recognized. The flick is just too "indie" for a mainstream release (creating a lot of disgruntled viewers, like the one below) AND rated R for nudity, so it'll divide audiences and voters rather than uniting them. That's not a recipe for success, but it takes nothing away from the quality of the movie. 'The American' is one of the better releases of 2010. It won't satisfy those looking for a shoot-em-up, clean cut storytelling, or a neat denouement, but if you're in the mood for something different, this is a real treat.
This one comes very highly recommended. My rating: 9
Partly based on a review by Joe Magidson.
Casino Royale (2006)
Ian Fleming's James Bond
Daniel Craig reinvigorates a fagged-out franchise that's been laying on bigger stunts and sillier gadgets to disguise the fact that it's run out of ideas. And he does it with an actor's skill, an athlete's grace and a dangerous glint that puts you on notice that Bond, James Bond, is back in business. This actor is made for this role he IS Bond, the Bond that Fleming envisioned 53 years ago. I wasn't with the Craig bashers a year ago, because Craig had already a fine status in both film and the theatre. However it was hard for me to believe that the producers could bring the Bond franchise back on track, well they did.
Dame Judi put her power on hold in the lightweight Brosnan films, but with Craig she comes out blazing, knowing she's found an actor who can give as good as he gets. And Eva Green ? She's far beyond any Bondgirl ever. She acts very well. A scene in which Bond and Vesper attempt to guess each other's past histories trumps its comic zing with romantic gravity.
The Craig bashers were afraid he would put their hero to his final death. It's the other way around. This actor would have Fleming's final blessings saying the words: "My name is Bond, James Bond".
Miami Vice (2006)
Dark and realistic
If you look in the user ratings and comments, you either hate it or love it. Well I love it. The pace is great, the photography sometimes breathtaking and there is realism in this dark, dark movie. Mann made a new movie and did not look back at the series. I liked the series very much but it never felt realistic to me, just great entertainment. This one does. The lead characters are well played for this kinda movie and Farrell adds something extra here. The other characters are just awesome, casting for this movie was superb picking some relatively unknown actors who play their parts very convincing.
If you look for a revival of the eighties don't go you will be disappointed, if you look for a collateral/HEAT kinda movie don't go either. But if you look for a dark, realistic and tough police flick go and you won't be disappointed.
Good Night, and Good Luck. (2005)
Todays news from the fifties
At last the Dutch had the opportunity to see this film. I waited 3 months after its opening premiere in the USA. My expectations were high and they were met to the full. The atmosphere in the old Amsterdam Tuschinsky theater was one of complete silence both during the film and after it closed. Everybody watched this film if it was their last. The last time I experienced that was with Fincher's Seven. A lot has been said already here about this marble so I will focus on David Strathairn's (in my opinion a highly underrated actor) performance, the impact the film should have on todays life and the Oscars. David Strathairn's performance is outstanding. He is impressive without his lines, let alone with his lines. His eyes tell you how his character Murrow was. Meticulous in finding the truth and striving for the execution of democratic ideals whilst applying the journalist rules of fair play. Murrow's formal speech, which begins and ends the film's story, is itself a prophetic and sobering commentary and indictment of the possibilities of television and foreshadows the future with amazing foresight. David Strathairn's performance should be awarded with an Oscar. He suffers heavy competition but he deserves it.
Now if he is at the top-list of the Academy than I think another issue comes into play. A political issue. To me and lot's of others (read the US newspapers at the time of the premiere) there is not only the actual issue of todays TV constantly blurring your mind, but also the strong resemblance between the tactics of the administration then and the current Bush administration now. I truly hope that the "liberals" in Hollywood can stand the pressure (we've seen some opposite in the past).
For the journalists on TV, radio and the written press (anywhere) honor Murrow and shake things up. For the listeners and readers, it's not in the stars, its in ourselves. Cassius was right after all.
Head in the Clouds (2004)
Excellent underrated film
This is a good film with a good script good actors and a crap title. I really don't understand why it gets a 5.8 average user rating. Perhaps it is because it's not a spectacular story. It's just a story of three people in a triangular relationship. The big thing in the story is that the main character Gilda believes strongly in her predestination or in her fate so to speak and that determines the rest of her life. It gives a perfect explanation for the way she acts and interacts with others. It drives her directly towards her fate. The title is really crap, a better title would have been "Living Destiny" or just "Fate" or something.
Charlize Theron is amazing in her role and so is Stuart Townsend. It's a serious non standard love story of two people struggling for their love.
8/10
The Island (2005)
frightening & gripping
Both a roller-coaster and a serious subject. It really gets to you as the clones are used for our human need to conquer death. The most frightening scene is the one with the pregnant woman. Terrifying. Ewan and Scarlett are both doing a good job.
What also is great is the use of real sets and not that many CGI. It really gives the film a realistic feel, cloning gets close. On the other hand the roller-coaster presents great entertainment with a nice pace throughout the whole movie. Excellent car chase, leave that to Mr Bay.
The film apparently gets a low user rating. I really don't know why. Is it because of Mr. Bay ? Is it a Pavlov reply ? Don't hesitate and just watch as I did this night, for the second time. This sci- fi flick is A-OK. 7/10
Closer (2004)
Close to perfection
Everything has been said already in the user comments. Amazing performances by Owen, Law, Portman and Roberts. Golden globes and Oscar nominations for the right reasons. Superb dialog and acting. Raw and explicit. When you move closer to your partner he/she becomes your mirror of your inner self: you can't hide, you can't escape. *** spoiler*** Daniel makes his crucial mistake twice, so does Anna/Jane *** Portman is astonishing in her role, both sweet and manipulative. Owens best role yet. He plays a nasty character, but still every man will recognize his behaviors and that creates a bond with the viewer.
This is how movies should be made about life: true and honest. Close to perfection.
9/10
As Good as It Gets (1997)
One of the 25 best pictures ever
Excellent script, superb acting by Helen Hunt and Jack Nicholson. Yes the Academy sometimes make good decisions. The Oscars for best actress and actor were well deserved. It's good comedy because the script delicately balances on both laughter and sadness. The title is well chosen and supports the story: It's what you make of your life and how & what you give to others, to make you a better person. This is as good as it gets.
Is that sentimental? If so the world has come to its end. Don't believe some nasty comments below. Enjoy the movie, enjoy two great actors. It should have been in the IMDB top25: 10/ 10.
Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)
A new genre
**Possible spoilers** Tarantino's mix of of various styles has led to a new genre. It's a strange mix of martial art, spaghetti western (he even used the typical Leone close ups) and straight comedy. Most directors would have produced a flop, but not Tarantino. He selected the right actors for their surreal parts. )** Daryl Hannah is great to watch as the killer bitch. Scenes like the sun glasses in the police car really made me laugh as the scene with the sword master and his son. The girls band (5,6,7 and 8) playing during the grand final are a big laugh. Uma made an excellent performance in her physical demanding role. The film is highly entertaining and worth while. Difficult to capture in words: just watch it. (8/10)
Solaris (2002)
A complex love story
If you expect Starwars Episode VII, don´t watch you´ll be extremely dissapointed and bored. If you are looking for a layered love story and great acting performance you will be living this film long after you have seen it. This director did it again, looking carefully at the book and not its earlier film version. 8/10
Fried Green Tomatoes (1991)
Highly recommendable and highly underrated
An exceptionally well written, directed and acted film. Great soundtrack and excellent performance of all the actors. Highly recommendable and highly underrated. It´s Shawshank quality and should be high on the IMDB250.
An amazing high impact movie on friendship. 10/10
Unfaithful (2002)
Diane Lane in her best performance so far
Diane Lane in the subway watching her unfaithful behaviour in a flashback is an outstanding performance. Lane carries the movie, unfortunately the other actors do not, also the script is quite thin.
The Academy nominated her for Oscar and she deserved that without any doubt. Miss Lane 9/10 movie 6/10
Mulholland Dr. (2001)
A surrealistic painting from a 21th century master
Mulholland Drive is a painting and as with every painting, every viewer can have his own interpretation. About 2/3 of the movie gives you a realistic picture about what it all about (both reality and dream), the rest is "what you see is what you get". The acting of both actresses is superb, especially Naomi Watts in her double role as both Betty and Diane. *** Possible spoilers *** My 1/3 for what is worth: THE OLD COUPLE- Betty´s parents (pushing her in the Hollywood dream world) THE COWBOY- An excuse for the director´s choice of Camilla. THE BLOND CAMILLA- Betty. LAST 1/3 - Reality. FIRST 2/3 - Betty´s dream (her reality and excuse before she kills herself). THE MOB - An excuse for the director´s choice of Camilla.
Overall 10/10, a master piece and Lynch best
Deep Impact (1998)
Far more better than Armageddon
Naturally it´s too patriotic, like all Hollywood stories about mass destruction. Luckily the spaceship needed Russian technology...
But the story is a real story about people making a choice between life and death and some of the actors are really good expressing the kind of emotions you need in a movie like this. Armageddon has almost the same rating at the moment and I think that´s outrageous (it must be the patriotism fueled by Bruce)
Mimi Leder did a fine job moving away from too much special effects: 8/10 to get the average up
Gladiator (2000)
Russell Crowe is a true and classic hero right from the start
The opening scene of the film is excellent and ties you to your seat and draws you directly into the movie. Russell Crowe does impress immediately with his performance as Maximus. He is truly heroic from the start.
The battle against the German barbarians is one of structure against chaos. You can see clearly why the Romans did win so many wars with their formations and attack patterns.
After the opening scene the story develops quite well. I know that there have been a lot of negative comments about the story but I disagree. Maximus is a simple man of 'strength and honor' from the start to the end and he fights for his vengeance. There is simply nothing more to it and the script contributes to that theme quite well.
Connie Nielsen as Lucilla (Christabella from the Devil's Advocate) plays her role very well. She plays a tough aristocratic lady not to fool around with; her relatives (Marcus Aurelius and Commodus) don't want her as an enemy! When the story develops the true nature of Lucilla reveals as mother and fighter for the right cause but trapped in the web of her brother. Nielsen (well educated, speaks 7 languages fluently) must have prepared herself quite good for the role. Oliver Reed is quite impressive as Proximo, the big boss of the gladiators. While filming Reed died in Malta from a heart attack. Joaquin Phoenix is fair enough as Commodus but not as impressive as the other main actors (including Richard Harris as the old and tired Marcus Aurelius, the old Ceasar).
The photography is astonishing and sometimes breathtaking. The creation of the old Rome is quite an achievement. It is amazing what they can do with computers these days. (I read that the scenes of Proximo in the second part where computer generated because of Oliver Reeds death) The few times repeated weat scene works well and gives a peacefull quiteness to the violence and blood shed.
It is an excellent movie and I'm sure that we will see more historic dramas in the near future.
The World Is Not Enough (1999)
Third Bond of Pierce turns to be his best so far
Goldfinger (Conneries third) , The Spy Who Loved Me (Moores third) and now The World Is Not Enough (Brosnans third) are probably the best Bonds ever.
The opening scene of TWINE is absolutely a great one as are some of the typical Bond jokes. The story is more dramatized then in the last movies which serves Judi Dench as 'M'. The screenplay allows her to demonstrate that she is a fine actress. Sophie Marceau is an excellent villain although Xenia 'Famke Jansen' Onatopp was more exciting.
I don't know what to think of Denise Richards, but she is more a Bond girl of the early seventies: gorgeous but not very interesting.
David Arnold proofs to be a great successor of John Barry. His score is superb, especially the music of the opening scene (put the CD in your car turn up the volume up and you easily drive 100 miles an hour without noticing). If you are a real Bond addict his CD with Bond covers performed by various artists is worth buying, listen also to the music of the movie Stargate: excellent!)
Pierce Brosnan finally became Bond. I'm a real Connery fan but Pierce plays the role perfectly in balance. He is determined and violent, but also tender and funny. Chances are that he will be the best Bond ever.
There are some rather nice details in TWINE as well. In one sequence in Castle Thane you can see the late 'M' Bernard Lee on a painting hanging on the wall. Desmond Llewelyn has his (final?) goodbye after 17 Bond movies and is replaced by John Cleese. I do want to know were Bond buys his eyeglasses for with those the world is enough to me.
Capricorn One (1977)
A wag the dog that could happen for real.
A creative storyline with good acting from especially Elliot Gould as the investigator who keeps going. A wag the dog that could happen for real.
Excitement towards the end. The film should be 5 minutes longer though.