Manil's Reviews

The Notebook (2004)

10/10

26 November 2005

What can I say that has not been said already? I only had this movie because of a curiosity in Rachel McAdams after seeing Mean Girls. I had forgotten the why when I watched it, not expecting much. It starts off slow, but give it about ten minutes and you are hooked! It's a captivating story far beyond the average movie.

This is one of the most beautiful and romantic films I have ever seen! It moved me like no other movie has. Sure I have felled a few tears before, but this time I was in tears, not in sorrow, but because their love was so beautiful! When he reached the end of the notebook, I thought there was no way it could benefit from any further storytelling. I paused the movie and calmed down a bit before I went on, only to be in tears when the credits rolled. It's just beautiful! Need I say I'm a 27 year old man? I cry once a year. Maybe! If you haven't seen this film yet and have a heart in your body, you have to see it! Especially recommended for couples of all ages. Or perhaps for people searching for that special someone.

It is the story of true love. (and maybe you need to have experienced it to truly value it.)

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Duplex (2003)

1/10

I really really disliked this movie

14 August 2005

Warning: Spoilers

I rarely feel the urge to comment a movie, but this one really got me ANGRY. Maybe that was the point, but I do not enjoy being angry. I prefer leaving a comedy happy. Do yourself a favor and skip this one. Watch the news, or some commercials instead. Trust me it's better!

I like Ben Stiller and really love Drew Barrymore, which was why I watched this movie at all. It starts off with a sweet background story and a very sweet couple you root for as the bad luck begins.

HERE BE SPOILERS!!!

Being a comedy, I was hoping into the very end that it would have a happy ending. Instead I was more and more frustrated, irritated, agonized and angry!!!¤%¤ I really hate movies which base their humour on the misery of others. Even more so if the misery is partially due to stupidity. What annoyed me was first of all how the couple tolerated the mistreatment. And why on earth didn't they respond with the same medicine: annoy the lady even more! Make her miserable. Beat her at her own game! And the story was weak and transparent: it was apparent early on that the lady was doing this intentionally, and that the house salesman was in on it. Or enter hit-man, for when they would be desperate enough to think that was a good idea.

The only surprise was their lame idea to wreck the house so she might leave. For a second I thought they were finally going to make HER life miserable, only to find out they were trying to electrocute or gas her to death. (Ever heard of life sentence for murder?) In the end they wrecked their house, were humiliated and tortured (sleep deprivation is an effective kind of torture), lost their jobs, sold everything they loved, payed repairs and new TV for the lady, sold the house at a huge huge (sic) loss, and on top of that left seeing the lady dead just when they've signed over the house. - The last 'happy' scene is just a joke in my face.

/ END SPOILERS !!!

I have no idea if anyone cares enough to read my entire review. But if you are a fan of Drew Barrymore or Ben Stiller, do yourself a favour and DO NOT SEE THIS MOVIE. It is a complete waste of your time, and will only leave you disappointed.

Now if you are a fourteen year old who enjoys killing ants, and who laugh when your friend falls and breaks a leg, then this is your cup of tea.

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The Hot Chick (2002)

7/10

Put a smile on my face

24 May 2005

A silly happy movie for less serious moments when you just want to see something light and funny. Grab a pal, a drink and some popcorn.

This is not the Lord of The Rings. You are not supposed to take this kind of movie seriously. Sure Rob Schneider is odd, but you know what kind of humour you get, and sometimes that's just what you want. Rachel McAdams is pretty and all, but I think I've fallen in love with Anna Faris who is just wonderful. I just love those faces she does at Rob.

The weak part of it actually, is that you don't get to see the crook exploring possibilities with the girls body. Perhaps for the best as it most likely wouldn't be appropriate.

In the end you have a very screwy story, with a funny guy you cannot help but like, some charming girls and a sweet story with a happy ending. It made me feel good and satisfied, which not all movies do, even if more sophisticated.

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George and the Dragon (2004)

6/10

A simple light medieval story. Probably made for a younger audience.

19 February 2005

Returning from the crusades, our hero George wants nothing else than to get a piece of land and to settle down. Soon he finds himself on a quest to find a lost princess. A princess who turns out to have quite a big secret.

George and the Dragon is a simple, and light medieval comedy that takes on the story of St:George and the dragon. But foremost it is a traditional knight-rescuing-princess story with a dragon, a king, some bandits, an evil guy and a few good fights. It would probably fare well amongst the younger movie viewers.

Michael Clarc Duncan is far from convincing as a moor with that wide American accent, but that does not matter. The filmmakers seem to have focused more on having fun than trying to outdo the LOTR-series. And if you still were in doubt, you will be convinced by the clumsy thatcher falling in the town scene. The movie is pleasantly free from overbearing Hollywood cliché humor that most simple comedies are contaminated with.

The story is very simple, and quite skittish: first this happens, then he did that, then they did this. No quirky explanations or long winded story, and there are really no surprises you could not figure out far ahead. Nothing for the movie buff, but perhaps just the thing for a younger audience. Especially since the violence is quite harmless, and of course there is a happy ending. My only complaint is how the Picts (scots?) are depicted (no pun intended) as simple grunting savages. But hey! I guess SOMEONE had to play that part.

George (James Purefoy) is charming as the hero, and the princess (Piper Perabo) is willful and strong, although she feels like a college sweetheart at some points. The role of Garth seemed made for Patric Swayze, and the rest of the cast are quite likable as well.

If you are looking to be dazzled with a good story, sparkling action and mesmerizing effects. Look elsewhere, or be disappointed. If you accept this as a simple happy-go-lucky knights tale, you'll be better off. Perhaps not worth the movie admissions, but should be great on TV, or as a rental for the kids. Who knows, it might turn out to become a childhood classic, just as The Princess Bride.

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