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superted2707
Reviews
A Few Best Men (2011)
A slow build, but worth waiting for
I have to quickly start by saying that if you're not going to watch an entire movie you shouldn't be writing a review; it doesn't benefit anybody.
This film started badly; it was cliché'd, predictably written and the acting was average at best. I got 20 minutes in and nearly gave up. I'm glad I stayed though, because this film snowballs in to a hilarious treat with utter chaos brimming out of every scene in the third act. It's not that you didn't see it coming, because you usually do, but that you weren't expecting it to all come at once! There's a perfect moment with the groom party, a gun and an unconscious sheep that is funnier than any single part of the Hangover, though taken as a whole it falls a little short.
If you're expecting to be knocked out by a sensitive, provocative and intelligent drama then you'll be disappointed, but not every film should cater to the highest common denominator. If you've got 138 minutes to kill and feel like laughing at something preposterous then you could do a lot worse than this.
WALL·E (2008)
Actions speak louder than words
WALL-E is set in a dystopian future where the Earths surface has been over-run by waste, poisoning the atmosphere and rendering life impossible.
Abandoning the planet, the Humans of Earth seek sanctuary in the stars, leaving the dutiful task of cleaning up after themselves to a legion of Robot's - Waste Allocator Load Lifter's - Earth class (Wall-E's).
After 700 years, civilisation has forgotten about Earth and the WALL-E fleet has worn itself down to 1. Infinitely curious, the remaining 'bot is captivated by a new presence, EVA, thrust onto the planet by an unknown vessel.
Their slowly developing friendship is tested to the limit when EVA is immobilised and taken back to her mother ship. The Luxury Cruise vessel which houses the remaining few humans who have become totally reliant on their technology and are oblivious to the fight for their true homes survival.
The protagonists' communication is restricted to a few awkward phrases and limited expression, posing a significant challenge to Disney/Pixar. Yet throughout the film I passionately longed for the happiness and safety of the animated duo. The characters are complete and well rounded and far from a hindrance, the lack of spoken language gives a totally unique perspective to their story.
Disney/Pixar have achieved a monumental masterwork worthy of admiration. It's clear that a lot of love has gone in to this movie, with every scene a visual masterpiece, offering overpowering aesthetic beauty and minute attention to detail which creates as much a work of art as any sculpture or painting.
The film lacks many of the sneaky Innuendo's that often tickle the adult viewer, but manages to reach all age groups in an effective and powerful manner. Through explosive laser battles and dramatic backdrops, hilarious miss-haps and a torturous climax, every range of emotion is comprehensively invoked leaving the audience exhausted and exhilarated.
The plot is fairly typical of a Disney film and leaves few surprises, the three-phased story telling that has made Disney famous has always proved successful and does not fail here. An imperfect balance is torn to shreds and eventually put right, bringing a brighter future for all.
The much criticised ending symbolises the ideal of Love conquering all, and relies on the immersive characterisation over believability, which far from a weakness, perpetuates the theme of the piece.
Up against strong competition, WALL-E's chance of big box-office success is mired by its Target Market, but unlike the blockbusters it's up against, it truly will appeal to everyone.