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Reviews
The Number 23 (2007)
Joel trying just a bit too hard here
The Number 23 centers around dog-catcher Walter Sparrow (Jim Carrey) and his discovery of a book entitled "The Number 23" that seems to mirror his life along with the continual occurrence of the number 23, based upon the real life theory, the 23 enigma. Starting innocently and with much promise, The Number 23 is a reasonable attempt at a new psychological thriller.
The first sign of attraction, or for some, repulsion, is the casting of Jim, which sees him cast in a completely different role that usual. Instead of your usual wacky humor that Carrey has to offer, you are treated to an especially dark and deeper role than he has ever tackled before. Whether your a fan of him or not, JC holds quite a good performance as Walter, who slowly spirals into madness as he reads more and more into the book and uncovers an undesirable thirst within himself for the truth behind it. While I believe his boundless comedic performance could have hurt his opportunity to play this role, he shows his diversity and intact acting skills, having absolutely owned this role if it weren't for Schumacher's directing.
This brings me to the main problem I had with this film, the direction. This, mixed with the poor script, brings this film down immensely. Things feel awkward in so many places and your often finding yourself hiding a cringe. You want this to succeed so much, and it has everything in it to do so. But then a character comes out with an absolutely atrocious line or does something that is so out of place. Things feel messy and broken and you can only imagine at what this film really could have been. Even the climax that is reached at the end feels ultimately forced by Joel.
This aside, the film has many points of merit. The whole film, for instance, looks absolutely beautiful, with their DoP really outdoing himself. Not to mention the 23 references are very interesting and mind-bending. And as said before, performances are actually very good, it's just the direction and writing that ruins it for everyone.
The Number 23 could have been much better if taken on board by a different director. Sad to say, Joel really does ruin this one for me, but I can still respect a lot that this film has to offer and regardless of Schumacher, I still feel JC was excellent, or at least showed he could have been and still can be.
Hamish Kearvell A.K.A Screaming Japan Productions - www.myspace.com/screamingjapanproductions
Definitely, Maybe (2008)
Definitely watch
Usually leaning towards the weird and obscure world of art-house and thought-provoking film, romantic comedies are often wasted on me. But, when watching any film, I went into Definitely, Maybe with an open mind and, as a result, was rewarded with a charming, deep and complicated look on love. While the events that interweave with these relationships may seem a bit far-fetched, It's the portrayal of the love within these relationships that is so realistic. This mixed with genuine amounts of humor separates Definitely, Maybe from the rest of the films in this genre that are usually so generic.
Set in present time, father Will Hayes (Ryan Reynolds) tells the story of the three women he loved in his life to his daughter, Maya Hayes (Abigail Breslin), while she tries to uncover which one of them is her mum. The rest of the film plays out in a 90's reminiscence narrated by Will, a certain theme that is quickly becoming common use in film. The portrayal of the 90's is reasonably accurate, although some anachronisms, like the fashion, still remain. But beside this, the authenticity and the feel of the 90's is definitely there.
Most importantly though, what makes Definitely, Maybe the fresh breath of air in the romantic comedy genre is its characters. Ryan Reynolds is excellent as Will, supplying a funny, but so very real role. Along side him is Isla Fisher as one of his three lovers, April, who is absolutely gorgeous and a joy to watch. Abigail was quite charming in Little Miss Sunshine, but I feel over her cutesy factor now and her acting proved awkward in places in Definitely, Maybe. The script is also one of the best I've ever seen for this certain genre.
All these positive factors provide a very fresh and funny film in the romantic comedy genre that even those not familiar, or inclined, to it will find much enjoyment.
Hamish Kearvell A.K.A Screaming Japan Productions - www.myspace.com/screamingjapanproductions
Even Money (2006)
Puts its money where its mouth is
Even Money follows a theme that many are seeming to tackle lately. That of intertwined actions from inter-related characters resulting in one climactic reaction. Crash mastered this superbly only two years earlier, and now comes Even Money.
Lined up with a commendable list of actors, Even Money sets out to prove something from the start. Based around a theme of gambling addiction and its consequences, Even Money definitely delivers where it matters. Everyone plays their part effortlessly but some obviously stand out more than others. After disappearing into the world of direction, Danny Devito reappears as a failed magician still holding onto his dream. His character offers moments of comic relief and utter charm. Tim Roth is impeccable as Victor, the second-hand man to mysterious Ivan. But it is that of Forest Whitaker who absolutely shines once again in this film, showing that there is no role he cannot hold.
While the acting for the most part is truly fierce, and the mood is alive with all the happenings of a gritty urban underworld, Even Money feels like it tries just a bit too hard, or possibly, not enough, in making the character's stories interweave and you can see it a mile away. But even with that, it is much more about the emotions portrayed through those lasts scenes and the impact they have. Even Money is a dramatic and powerful attempt at a new Crash and achieves a definite amount of success.
Hamish Kearvell A.K.A Screaming Japan Productions - www.myspace.com/screamingjapanproductions
A Time to Kill (1996)
A Time to watch
The racial tension in a small country town is ignited when Carl Lee Hailey (Samuel L. Jackson), a black man, shoots two white men dead as a retaliation to prejudice inflicted on his daughter. The perspective on right and wrong is a main theme throughout the film and questions every character's outlooks and morals, even among the "good guys". Or more to the point, whether there is, or is not, in fact, a time to kill.
Not only does it ask this to the characters in the film, but it asks it to you, the viewer. It makes you ask yourself where you stand. The film raises many important issues in society, and not just among racism, but justice for that matter, and what is right and wrong, both morally and ethically. Of course though, even with all this said, the film is not unbiased. Working off the basis of most movies, there is a definitive "good" and "bad" and you know who you're cheering on and who you're not, or at least, who the writer's are and are not. Sometimes this can come across as a little simple-minded, maybe even arrogant, but the film tries its hardest to bring a point from every side. Opinions still rage among characters who are meant to be working with each other, showing the different thought process of individuals.
Many see this film as heavily biased, but I can guarantee there are many respectable points brought forward by all the characters, even the "bad guys", that will challenge everyone. The white aren't all just black hating hicks and the black aren't all just innocent victims of racism who never inflict any themselves.
Moving away from the social aspect of this film, A Time to Kill offers much in the way of acting and writing. Although I usually find Matthew McConaughey uninspiring, his performance as Jake is the best I've ever seen him hold. Jackson is superb and refreshing in a much different role than that of what he seems to be playing recently. Alongside these great performances is Sandra Bullock as aspiring lawyer, Ellen Roark, and Kevin Spacey as "big bad wolf" District Attorney Rufus Buckley. A Time to Kill is a work that evidences the best all these actors have to offer, or at least, did have to offer once upon a time. It shows of a better time before such actors fell into forgettable flicks such as "Fool's Gold" and "21".
At the end of it all, A Time to Kill is going to conflict with many viewer's personal opinions. Not everyone is going to agree with it's outtake on what is good and bad. But you can at least give it credit for daring to raise the question and making you decide where you stand. This coupled with top-notch acting makes A Time to Kill well worth the watch.
Hamish Kearvell A.K.A Screaming Japan Productions - www.myspace.com/screamignjapanproductions
Fun with Dick and Jane (2005)
Fun with Dick
First off, "Fun with Dick and Jane" is a misleading title. The only fun here is with Carrey. Not only is Leoni's performance lackluster, but as is almost everyone else's around the shining beacon that is Jim. Tea is the main culprit here though, as I just find every role of hers is the same. She seems like she cannot escape one character, which is just irritating and unattractive. Carrey is the only one who manages to carry this film, but he does it well. Maybe there is the bias that I am a big JC fan, but I truly think he struck again in this film, producing a different, unique role blended with his original, wacky humor that so many love.
The plot is substantial, the script average and the music generic. If not for Carrey, this film would have done a lot worse. Baldwin is probably the only other reasonably funny role. Yes there are laughs and there is fun, but only on Dick's behalf. Everything else seems so average, cliché and something we've seen before. If your a Carrey fan, you still don't want to miss this, as Jim does shine, or at least sparkle and he makes it definitely worth the watch, but maybe only once. I recommend this to any JC fan as it will add to his many great performances or anyone for light entertainment and occasional laughs.
6.5/10
Hamish Kearvell A.K.A Screaming Japan Productions - www.myspace.com/screamingjapanproductions
Zodiac (2007)
It's a killer
"Zodiac" starts ominously in small American town, Vallejo, 1969, where the likes of an unseen evil lurking in the shadows is almost unimaginable. This is, until, two lovers are gunned down by the man that would continue to haunt the hearts of all Americans for decades. This sets the scene for the rest of the film, which takes us on a dark and depraved journey through the 1960's where America was plagued by one of its most notorious serial killers, the Zodiac killer.
"Zodiac" is probably the closest a film has ever been to portraying the true effects of a serial killer on a society as a whole. While one man strides the streets, hundreds close their blinds, lock their doors and cry in fear. And this is what I believe "Zodiac" achieves in showing to the viewer, and in such a gritty and brutally honest way. This did happen, and Zodiac comes nothing short of showing how very real this time was and how it changed America's people forever. But one man that was probably effected more than anyone is that of Robert Graysmith, played by Jake Gyllenhaal (Donnie Darko, Brokeback Mountain). Graysmith is a cartoonist for the San Francisco Chronicle and one of many to experience Zodiac's terror first hand. Gyllenhaal really out does himself as Graysmith, showing how "Zodiac" is not only a film about a serial killer, but a film about one mans undying thirst for the truth, and how that continues to affect the entirety of his life. Gyllenhaal could have portrayed this no better and is showing how much a commendable actor he truly is. Other performances by Downey Jr. (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Iron Man) are very impressive.
While this movie captures your attention almost the whole way through, it does fall through in the third quarter and I was really beginning to lose interest. This is then justified by the final act which is nothing short of exceptional. All this said, this film isn't so much a "true" serial killer film. It falls into that same category of similar films like "Jarhead", often called a war movie without the war (also starring Gyllenhaal). While the film offers plentiful amounts of blood, violence and frightening encounters with the Zodiac killer - the picnic scene is truly one of the most terrifying in cinema - this film is much more about the social impact this one man had during these years. At the heart of "Zodiac" is something much more real than any other serial killer film before.
8.5/10
Hamish Kearvell A.K.A Screaming Japan Productions - www.myspace.com/screamingjapanproductions
Immortel (ad vitam) (2004)
Not Immortel in my mind
After catching the first minutes of Immortel, I decided to record it and wait in excitement for a spare two hours to watch it. I began playing with anticipation and the first few minutes had it fulfilled, with Horus rising out of his chamber, then exiting the massive pyramid floating above NYC and colliding two nearby helicopters with his brute, god-like power. I was ravenous to see where the rest of the film was headed. Unfortunately, my anticipation and excitement began to disappear significantly as it continued.
Immortel ad vitam is the film adaptation of Enki's graphic novel series, which I never read, and as such, maybe I am seeing it differently than others, but to me, this film was a disappointment to what I was expecting. I really wanted to like this film, I really did. I really liked the premise of an Egyptian God coming to earth in the future and the CGI started off OK. But I knew, personally, I was going to find it hard to like this film as soon as I saw live-action actors mixed with CGI ones, and not only that, some shockingly bad CGI humans. My first question is, "why"? Why is there any need for it? You only time you ever need to integrate CGI characters with real ones is if the specific character is something that cannot be achieved any, or not many, other ways e.g, monsters, supernatural beings, animals. The CGI in this movie is so unnecessary and bad, it did make this film very hard to enjoy.
Furthermore, the plot structure was all over the place, which I am very picky about when it comes to movies. Don't get me wrong, I'm all up for strange, weird movies that do take a bit of thinking, they're my favorite kinds of movies. I believe Eraserhead is one of the greatest artistic achievements in cinema history, and that's a weird movie. A movie can still be quirky and complicated while maintaining a nice plot structure. But this Immortel did not. I was really puzzled by the end of the film and still am as to what the whole thing was about. I mean, who was the red shark? And that creepy, black-clad guy? I'm sure it's in there somewhere, but missed it due to the untidy structure of the film.
While there's a lot to criticize about this film, there is definitely something there. Something special. And I intend to watch this film again soon in the near future to find that "something". Also, Horus is an absolute joy to watch and every minute he soaks up the screen is great. While Immortel is not for everyone, I still recommend giving it a shot.
Hamish Kearvell A.K.A Screaming Japan Productions - www.myspace.com/screamingjapanproductions
Hadashi no Gen 2 (1986)
Just in case you forget
After watching Keiji's masterpiece, Barefoot Gen, I was amazed, shocked and touched. The first film truly was incredible and hit harder than any film I can remember seeing. So, naturally, when I went on to watch the second part I was both excited and skeptic. Is it better than the first? Certainly not, and I think we can all agree on that. But, does this film still deliver? Absolutely.
Many believe that Barefoot Gen should have been left as it was, and so do I to a certain extent. But at the same time, the second film offers something the first didn't or couldn't - the aftermath. It shows us how Hiroshima was effected long-term by just one decision. It makes sure you don't ever forget what happened that fateful day. While it's all nice to tie loose ends and act like Gen went on continuing to live a happy life at the end of the first part, the fact was and is, he didn't. Keiji wanted you to know how long lasting these effects were, on not only him, but the whole of Hiroshima. Japan didn't just get over this tragedy. Hiroshima had to continue rebuilding its society in its barren and desolate state.
With all this said, there are definitely reason why this film didn't live up to its successor. All the intense emotion and horror captured in the first film just didn't seem to be there this time around. Things seem a little toned down and by the end of the film, your pretty tired of it all, as you feel you got the idea, the message, Keiji was trying to get across long ago. Regardless, I still very much enjoyed this sequel and it's one of the much better ones you will see.
Hamish Kearvell A.K.A Screaming Japan Productions - www.myspace.com/screamingjapanproductions
We Own the Night (2007)
It Owned the screen
With nothing planned but a lazy night in front of the box, I decided to go out and rent a movie. When I picked We Own The Night, I really wasn't expecting much. But what I did get was much more than I expected and an incredibly deep story with amazing weight. Featuring an impressive cast, WOTN carries itself so very well with an immaculate plot structure.
While its story is nothing to special, it's its script, structure and character development that this film is truly to be commended for. Focusing on a cop turned night club owner, Bobby Green (Joaquin Phoenix), and the inner city pressure from his brother (Mark Wahlberg) and father (Robert Duvall) who are both cops trying to crackdown on the city's mass drug trade, this film achieves so much in so many aspects. The camera work is beautiful, mixed with a slight bit of film noir while the character development is some of the best I have ever seen in a film, as you watch Bobby's unbelievable turn from the king of the night into a guilt-ridden and vengeful cop. Everything for him is so good to begin with him, and then he slowly descends into an underworld which questions his morals and loyalty.
Performances are top-notch in this hidden gem, with Phoenix once again showcasing his brilliant talent, becoming one of my favorite rising stars to watch for. Scenes are orchestrated so well, you couldn't ask for it any better, especially that of the car chase scene which, with muted sound and POV camera, is an absolute masterpiece in cinema. The only thing I have to say against this film is its story line which, while still good, just feels used before. It's the emotion and characters that are entwined in this plot that really make this film.
8.5/10
Hamish Kearvell A.K.A Screaming Japan Productions - www.myspace.com/screamingjapanproductions
Hadashi no Gen (1983)
What really went down in Hiroshima
Barefoot Gen is the autobiographical story of manga artist, Keiji Nakazawa and his experience during the times of the Hiroshima bombings in 1942. What ensues is something so unbelievable, so gritty, so real, it will change your life forever.
The film is adapted as an anime from Keiji's short manga series depicting all that he experienced just at the age of six when the bombings hit. His story truly is one of the most amazing things you will ever hear. Nothing else in film has ever captured the effects of the bombings in such a real and emotional way. It shows the viewers what really did happen and what we were never told. It shows us how real the bombings really were as we follow Gen through his struggle for survival during Japan's darkest hours.
If you haven't seen this film, you are missing out. While the film does not hold back on the gritty details, and what happens to the people of Japan throughout the whole of the film is very horrifying, you cannot miss this film due to these aspects. It's these things that make it so real and it would be a tragedy to ignore this film. It opened my eyes to what really went down in Hiroshima and I almost felt personally affected. During my whole time watching this film, I kept finding myself in disbelief that something like this actually occurred in our history, and recently at that. I mean, a whole society was rebuilt on the effects of the bombings and once again shows us how very, very wrong war is. One of the best films I have ever seen.
9.5/10 Hamish Kearvell A.K.A Screaming Japan Productions - www.myspace.com/screamingjapanproductions
Death Note - Desu nôto: The Last Name (2006)
The way the anime should have ended
After finishing the first Death Note film, I was raring and ready when I began watching The Last Name. While the first film was a new experience, after watching it you are used to its little quirks and the second film has a much more familiar feel to it. Your used to the CGI look of the death gods and you know the characters much more this time around. Therefore, this film definitely is much more enjoyable than the first.
Once again, Ken'ichi steals the show as L, even besting his last performance. He truly is a prodigy not only in Japanese film, but worldwide. Tatsuya also does another good job, switching between two persona (Innocent Light and Evil Kira) fairly well, but absolutely shines in the last scene, along with Chief Yagami (Takeshi Kaga). I also felt the CGI improved significantly this time, with Rem showcasing the best CGI cinema has to offer.
Almost everything about this film is better than the first, but what really stood out to me was the climactic ending, combining a similar outcome to the anime one with a different scenario and characters. The ending is superb and really is what this film is worth watching for, if nothing else, as, to be honest, it perfectly captures how the original anime should have ended. If the anime had ended the way it did in The Last Name, I, and many fans would be a lot happier. While I still put the anime on an unattainable pedestal, this film is definitely not far below it.
Hamish Kearvell A.K.A Screaming Japan Productions - www.myspcace.com/screamingjapanproductions.
Death Note: Desu nôto (2006)
Good, but the anime is far superior
I recently finished watching the anime of Death Note after following it religiously for many weeks and I'm still marveling at it. When I watched the final episode though, I felt so empty. I didn't want it to end. So, when I saw the copy of the live-action movie at my DVD store, I jumped at the chance to watch it and hope to relive the experience again.
From the moment it begins, Death Note does have an unfamiliar feel about it, even after following the anime, which I guess is expected. While things definitely feel awkward at first, Kaneko does do a good job at translating Light's character from the anime onto the screen, even if it does not seem so at first. Ryuk again adds to the awkwardness, as while his CGI looks great in appearance, movement seems very sloppy and odd. This movie definitely takes some getting used to, but by the end of the film, you'll love it be familiar already with all of the characters.
Some great additions to the film version is some of the changes Shusuke added himself, such as the ending, which has a much more empathetic and emotional climax than the aspect equivalent in the anime. No doubt the most appealing thing about the live-action film is Ken'ichi's performance as L, which is absolutely flawless, copying L's mannerisms and quirks perfectly. Overall, the anime is definitely superior and really, is that any surprise? But what this film does try and achieve in only two hours is the best anyone could have done. One of the best anime-to-screen remakes I've ever seen.
7.5/10 Hamish Kearvell A.K.A Screaming Japan Productions - www.myspace.com/screamingjapanproductions
The Tragedy of Macbeth (1971)
An impressive adaptation
Written over 400 years ago, Macbeth comes back to life again in Polanski's 1971 remake. The Tragedy of Macbeth is set in the same chronological time line of Shakespeare's original and reserves all the original language. These things already, personally, make for a very unappealing movie. I love Shakespeare and his works. His stories are brilliant and revolutionary, It's just that, now we're in a new age, shouldn't these legendary tales be retold through our era? And the themes Shakespeare wrote about make it so easy to do that! It doesn't mean not staying true to the original and I'm sure the old guy isn't rolling in his grave. But this was Roman's decision and I respect him for it, just you can understand how I was a bit hesitant to watch the film.
The film starts off with great promise with the wicked performances from the witches and the eerie fog covering the screen as the title imposes over the screen, boasting its brilliance. Then, for a while, things tone down. It feels very slow to begin with and I felt too much time was focused on irrelevant scenes. I know Polanski wants to build a foreground - try and evidence to the audience Macbeth's ambition - but he does this for too long and not with enough excitement to hold you. None of the performances were too gripping either, which is what the main basis of Shakespeare's plays rely on.
Regardless of all this, the film does have a lot to offer and shapes up immensely in the second half. Performances build up more and more and emotions really start to flow, showing the best of Polanski's direction. Even though an original Shakespeare production, Polanski has edged in a lot of his own unique touches, giving the film a freshness - the mirror scene is pure Polanski brilliance. The effects are also very amazing and advanced for the time of filming and the final scene with Macduff and Macbeth is some real excellent cinema. Overall, this is an impressive adaptation with a lot more on offer than I expected.
Hamish Kearvell A.K.A Screaming Japan Productions - www.myspace.com/screamingjapanproductions
Sin City (2005)
A Sin to Miss
Miller fans had always been waiting for a film adaptation of his graphic novels, and when Sin City finally hit the silver screen, you can imagine the kind of cult following it brought with it. But not only did it bring a long awaited adaptation for fans, but it also brought a brilliant, artistic film, blended with a mixture of film noir and modern cinema that amazed masses.
Sin City is an achievement in the comic-to-screen adaptation genre after countless failures from predecessors. With an absolute A-list cast, stunning cinematography and flawless direction, Sin City delivers everything anticipated. The translation from the comic to the film is almost identical and Rodriguez keeps everything true to the novels. The black-and-white film mixed with emphasized glimpses of color is a beautiful addition and the performances are absolute spot on for the most part, especially Rourke, who completely shines. Elijah Wood was another impressive, diverse performance, regardless of how brief or speechless it is.
I have very little to criticize this film about - it truly is a fantastical, fresh experience. Maybe some of the script came out a bit corny in places, just as expected when translating from a graphic novel but I have seen this film many times and never tire of its brilliance. A true achievement.
Hamish Kearvell A.K.A Screaming Japan Productions - www.screamingjapanproductions.com
Drillbit Taylor (2008)
An experiment with certain success.
Apatow are back again with their new project, "Drillbit Taylor". In this film, Apatow decide to take a different turn from their usual explicit material full of drugs, language and sex, focusing this time on a younger audience. Drillbit Taylor revolves around two students, Wade (Nate Hartley) and Ryan (Troy Gentile, The Pick of Destiny) on their first day of school, who end up rubbing the wrong people the wrong way, specifically one Filkins (Alex Frost, Elephant). He continues to make their highschool lives living hell. Desperate, the boys hire the help of bodyguard, who comes in the form as Drillbit Taylor, played by Owen Wilson. While this film does have charm and works as a nice piece of experimental work from the Apatow boys, something about this film just isn't right.
The acting was occasionally awkward, especially that of Hartley's, who always looked like he was about to laugh in almost every scene. The script felt crooked and didn't seem to run smoothly with the characters. But what really disappointed was the amount of over-the-top sequences throughout - the scene where Filkins is chasing the boys in his car is just one example. I really wanted to believe in the story and what the boys were going through, but felt I couldn't really do so due to this. This film could have been so much better if it relied on the simplicity that made Superbad so good. It's only until about the last third of the film that things really start shaping up.
Look, not everything about this film is bad. Owen really does carry the film, not to mention Frost's exceptional performance, showing us once again what talent he has to offer. He genuinely felt like a real, living bully and didn't rely on too many stereotypes. Plus, the laughs are genuinely there. Definitely not Apatow's finest work but I commend them and Rogen for making a change of pace and trying something new.
Hamish Kearvell A.K.A Screaming Japan Productions - www.myspace.com/screamingjapanproductions
Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny (2006)
Destined to rock!
Tenacious D is one of the best comedic bands out there, and finally band members Jack Black and Kyle Gass have taken to the big screen in The Pick of Destiny. Everyone knew it would happen eventually, but I don't think everyone knew it would rock so much! Black plays himself, JB, along with Gass, again, as himself, KG. Both do great jobs and bounce off each other throughout the whole film. There's some great cameos too from the likes of Foo Fighters front man, Dave Grohl, SNL star, Amy Poehler and producer Ben Stiller. But its the songs that make this movie really shine.
Let's face it. When watching a film like this you really just want to see JB and KG rock it out, and that they do very well. If you try and look any deeper than the band and their performances, you will probably be unsatisfied, so don't try to. This movie is really just an opportunity for fans to watch their heroes' journey to the top, while busting riffs along the way. Fans will be familiar with the crude humor and will not be disappointed. I think I can easily say now that people unfamiliar with Tenacious D will most likely not enjoy it. I have to admit, even as a fan, that the jokes in between the songs are good and plentiful, but not hilarious.
Aside all this, The Pick of Destiny perfectly captures the era of metal that dominated the 80', mixing it with comedy and music. I thoroughly enjoyed this film and any metal-head should give it a go.
7.5/10
Hamish Kearvell A.K.A Screaming Japan Productions - www.myspace.com/screamingjapanproductions
Vantage Point (2008)
Missed the Point...
When Vantage Point first came out in the movies, I was intrigued enough to want and go see it, but never got around to it. And thank God for that! Still curious, I did although rent it the other day with a fair amount of expectation which was horribly let down well and truly before the movie was even over. It starts off with promise, but by the second or third POV you can tell how tiring and unsatisfying the rest of the film is going to be.
First up, this movie is a perfect example that a line up of renowned stars doesn't make a great movie, with not one of the many actors making any real impact. All of them seemed far too unrealistic and emotionless as characters in the scenario they were in. Then there's the plot structure, which is just plain messy. At one point, I couldn't even remember who's POV we were in as it seemed it had blended with everyone else's. I don't think there is even 8 POV's like the tagline says! The script is eternally bland and the story is a poor man's attempt at "Crash", treating its audience like idiots. One man being able to take on a league of terrorists? An old President able to break free from his captives? And then there's the cream of the crop. After having killed thousands of innocent civilians and doing anything to achieve their goal, the terrorists are stopped by a girl wandering across the road. I mean, come on! Who do you take us for? Do you not give us any credit? Look, I know what Levy was trying to do and I give him credit for it. He wanted to make something different and he took a shot at it, and good on him for going out there and doing it. Unfortunately, there is just too much wrong with this movie to applaud it for a lot other than a nice car chase. Ultimately, a let down.
Hamish Kearvell A.K.A Screaming Japan Productions - www.myspace.com/screamingjapanproductions
Pineapple Express (2008)
A benchmark in the stoner comedy.
Apatow's genius cinema mind strikes the silver screen once again, this time in the latest hit, Pineapple Express. It stars, yep, you guessed it, Seth Rogen as your average pot smoking guy and James Franco as his hilarious drug dealer. Seth Rogen is, as always, spot on with the comedy, though I can't help but feel his character is almost an exact replica of many others in his other films, especially that of "Knocked Up". James Franco is also superb, stealing the screen, showing he should definitely stick to comedy from now on. Most of the other performances, that of McBride, Corrigan and Robinson, are impressive, though Cole and Perez are almost pointless - so much more could have been done with their characters.
But regardless of that, the moment the movie begins it is an hilarious epic full of comedy, violence, crime, drugs, language and plenty of other stuff you haven't ever seen before in cinema. But what was most appealing to me about this movie was its utter uniqueness. Green has done a great job in taking a risk and creating something completely different, weird, absurd yet brilliant all at the same time, blending the type of humor we're all familiar with Green's own wonderfully strange touches.
With all that said, though, I know not everyone will like it, including regular Apatow fans, as it is a bizarre, profanity filled ride not for everyone's tastes. But I definitely encourage you to take the ride and see for yourself. Personally, Apatow and Green achieve again.
8.5/10 Hamish Kearvell A.K.A Screaming Japan Productions - www.myspace.com/screamingjapanproductions
ShakespeaRe-Told: Macbeth (2005)
Great film? Yes! Shakespeare? Not so sure...
I just finished watching this with the rest of my English class as part of our study on Macbeth. Personally, I really enjoyed it and so did the rest of the class. But one thing that has seemed to strike everyone, even me and my English teacher, about this film, is that it is missing too many of the vital elements that make a Shakespearean film, Shakespearean.
First off, the language isn't Old English, which already takes that authentic feel away from it. This may help, and it did, viewers understand the story better, but that is the primary genius of Shakespeare - his language. It was always so beautifully scripted and used in a way no one had ever done so before, creating some of the best storytelling of our time. But, even with this said, this is definitely not enough to make a modernized Shakespeare film bad, which this film definitely was not.
I think the main thing that didn't help with this film was the lack of references to the original. Many important scenes, like the floating dagger and the ghost of Banquo, were either almost non-existent or barely delved into. Then, in the absence of these things, many ideas thought up by Moffat were incorporated to add his own touch to the film, which I don't have a problem with, some were even quite clever, but a mix of the two - lack of original context from Shakespeare's story and the personal additions done by the writer - make for something that definitely works as a film, but not quite so much as Shakespeare. The thing is, Macbeth is such a simple story, like many of Shakespeare's works, that it can be applied to a huge variety of different, unique plots. They would have been better off getting rid of the Shakespearean elements and making this film as an original creation. I understand how this is easier said than done, due to the nature of why this film was written, but it would have made for a much better reception.
If you don't know the classic, don't watch this as a way of experiencing it, as too much is missing. Watch it for its good acting, clever play on words and kick-ass music. And if even that doesn't catch you, watch it just for McAvoy's performance, which is very impressive. If you already know the story, I recommend you watch this as it is still a great attempt at recreating an old tale for modern audiences and you will find a lot to still enjoy.
Hamish Kearvell - A.K.A Screaming Japan Prodcutions - www.myspace.com/screamingjapanproductions
Be Kind Rewind (2008)
Be Kind, it's actually quite good!
I recently saw the DVD release of Be Kind Rewind after missing it in the cinemas and, despite some of the negative reviews I read before watching, I thoroughly enjoyed the most of it. It's a nice, experimental film with a lot of simple cinematography, charm and most important of all, it's just good ol' plain fun.
The problem I found a lot of people did have with Be Kind Rewind though was that they took it too seriously. This film is a light-hearted comedy not for critics to try and find something deeper in it or criticize the actualities of the events ever happening in real life. That's what makes this film, and certain others, so genius. Like Being John Malkovich, you completely throw away the logical possibilities of a portal into a person's mind away and just enjoy it for what it's worth.
OK, so the script isn't great and sub-plots sometimes go nowhere, but it doesn't matter, because what this film does have is heart. And at the center of that heart is charm and humor that is genuinely very funny in parts. Also, it was good to see Black play such a warm role. I enjoyed this film quite a lot and see it becoming a cult classic in the near future.
7.5/10
Hamish Kearvell A.K.A Screaming Japan Productions - www.myspace.com/screamingjapanproductions
The Dark Knight (2008)
Posthumous Oscar, coming right up!
Batman returns to the big screen once again in The Dark Knight, sequel to already brilliant Batman Begins. But as good as Batman Begins is, this truly is epic in comparison. Christopher Nolan returns again as the director and co-writer and creates the movie of his career. As we all know, the hype was everywhere. Many were skeptic of whether it would live up to it. And it didn't. It surpassed it! Even after waiting a whole week for the brilliance of The Dark Knight to fully set in and assure myself I, myself, wasn't just caught up in the hype, the only thing I can still say is, "Wow". There really is no place to start. The acting, the writing, the plot structure, effects, action scenes - each of these showing the best of what cinema has to show for each section. But, in a messy, misguided attempt, I will start with what I saw as the most impressive arc of The Dark Knight, the acting.
Now, I think we all know who steals the show. It is, undeniably, that of Heath's performance as the Joker. This truly is a milestone in film history and is definitely the performance of Heath's life (no pun intended). It's up there with such unforgettable legendary roles as Marlon Brando as Don Vitto in both dedication and delivery and a posthumous Oscar is well on its way. Every minute he is on screen, your eyes devour it, savoring every second he appears, and craving it again once he is gone. But as good as Heath is (and he really is that good), you cannot oversee the other excellent performances by many of the cast, especially that of DA Harvey Dent by Aaron Eckhart, who tragically becomes Two-Face later on. And who ever thought Gary Oldman could be versatile enough to play such a good character so damn well.
Well, let's move onto the next aspect of The Dark Knight that I saw as almost impeccable. The script. Once again, the Joker's script is one that any writer can only ever dream of writing, full of clever wit and some of the best quotes cinematography will ever be graced to. Every word is like a piece of beautifully woven poetry, but not only that of Heath's but by everyone.
But aside from all the genius that is packed into this almost 3-hour masterpiece, it is not perfect, just like any other film. And to push aside these blemishes and try and forget them would be ignorant. The first problem seems to be a case of too much to do in too little time. I felt the plot structure, as good, no excellent, it is, it is a little messy and I just felt Nolan tried to bite off a bit more than he could chew. No, more like a nibble. Also, we can't deny that, even with a change from Holmes to Gyllenhaal, Rachel's character is just plain badly written. Though Gyllenhaal's performance was a fresh breath of air and her acting overshadowed that of Holmes, it still had that same dry, bland feeling I felt with Holmes. Finally, I did think the ending, the last 15 minutes or so, were a bit drawn out, filled with what are good final quotes, but utter spoon feeding.
But believe me, it took me a week of nit-picking to find any faults, and all of them are very small. Even with all that said, this movie is a triumph and must be seen by everyone.
Hamish Kearvell A.K.A Screaming Japan Pictures - www.myspace.com/screamingjapanpictures