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trow61
Reviews
Knowing (2009)
Pointless, awful story.
Films like this really sadden me. They could have built a dozen schools in Africa with the money they spent on this, and, saved everyone who watched it over 2 hours of their lives.
Nick Cage is supposed to be a Professor of Physics but spends the entire movie without displaying any kind of scientific thinking. There are lots of derivative plot lines involving number sequences channeled through children by aliens, attempts to reconcile science and faith, fatalism and free-will.
For some reason, aliens decide to use a child to provide a cryptic clue, that is buried for 50 years, then dug up 3 days before then end of the world is nigh. Why? Why does it have to be buried for 50 years, what purpose do these 'prophecies' serve? All that happens is that Cage fails to avert 2 disasters, and is able to cause global panic when he realises an apocalyse is pending. Nothing Cage's character, or any other character for that matter does throughout the whole movie has any impact whatsoever on the outcome. Despite their parents actions, the children are saved, and the Earth dies.
Avoid this movie if you have any self esteem.
Le guetteur (2012)
As good as any other French crime thriller
I wasn't expecting too much from this film given the previous reviews. That said, other reviewers seemed to really quite enjoy it but, at the same time, awarded a low score?! I didn't find it too predictable (which is my pet hate), though that's largely because I didn't expect it to stray into another genre.
The acting, direction, and production were all good. The action was surprisingly brief, which I liked too - more realistic than the twenty minute free-running/car chase scenes to which we're routinely subjected.
OK, this film probably employed a sub-plot or two too many, was morally questionable, and, was a bit fanciful, but hey, that's French crime thrillers for you?!
Skyline (2010)
Very poor indeed
The CGI was quite good.That's it really, I can't think of one other positive comment to make. I felt sorry for the cast who, I imagine, will want to omit this film from their CV's?
Skyline just has to be the result of someone seeing Cloverfield and thinking to themselves "I can make a bit of cash on the back of that". Whilst Cloverfield isn't my favourite film, it was at least original, and, had an interesting approach to 'monster movie' making. Skyline tries to emulate Cloverfield but the characters are poorly conceived, their reactions to the situations are not at all believable, and if they were as stupid as they appear to be would be the first to succumb to the aliens not some of the last as we're asked to believe.
One reviewer excused the film for having a tiny budget ($10,000,000). John Carpenter allegedly made Dark Star for $5000 which, for me, is his finest work.
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011)
Sublime
This film really is my cup of tea. I loved the acting, I loved the pace, I loved the story, in short it was, for me, 2 hours 7 minutes of cinema heaven! That said, I can see it's not for everyone.
I did not catch the BBC TV series, and have not read the book but, I had no difficulty with the plot. The understated direction and lack of Jason Bourne style action was refreshing and undoubtedly a lot closer to real-life espionage. Another reviewer described the pace as "glacial", that's probably fair but, a glacier is one of the most powerful and majestic forces of nature, you just need a bit of patience to see the massive impact it can have.
If you're an action-film-only fan then best not bother with this one. - though, if you already have, don't be too harsh (like saying nobody should ever watch it) but, instead, try and appreciate there are horses for courses. Personally I have time for both Smiley AND Bourne but Smiley is just a bit more my style.