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Reviews
The Island (2005)
half and half
This film is a mixed bag. It starts off as a futuristic thriller, well paced and measured. I found myself captivated by the pace of the plot development, as the ripple of main character's unease in the too clean and clinical world he lives in slowly gets stronger and he discovers more and more cracks in the reality presented to him until it culminates in the realization of his suspicions. That is the first part of the movie. From there the pace lifts instantaneously into action and doesn't slow down until the end of the movie. For the first couple of minutes this feels forced due to sudden change but it proceeds in standard Hollywood action mold so it doesn't take long to get used to. The second half of the movie is in a 'near future' world and the action is fast and furious till the end. Visually the film is engaging, full of textured closeups and color filters and, in the second half, lots of special effects. I could have done with less camera shaking during the action scenes, sometimes I thought it substituted for special effects as in parts it is hard to see whats going on. The dialog is snappy with a few traditional gags through the action moments. Ewen McGregor is very good in the role and so is Scarlett Johansson although she is underused in the movie. The film is very entertaining but a little thin, mostly due to the second half being very formula. A little more plot substance could have been good there. Overall: good, entertaining viewing. PS: When Steve Buscemi's character talks to Johansson's character about memories I had a major deja-vu to "Blade Runner" scene where Harrison Ford's character talks to Sean Young's character about memories. The scenes to me feel so similar.
The Village (2004)
More mood and suspense from Mr Shiyamalan
I have enjoyed all major releases from this director starting with the 'Sixth Sense' and this film is no exception. It is beautifully shot, the cinematography and camera-work are superb. The pace is excellent with just the hints of unusual at the beginning of the movie, tension and suspense rising steadily throughout, building up to the climax and resolution. The cast is perfectly matched to the roles - William Hurt, Joaquin Phoenix and Bryce Dallas Howard are perfect for their characters and deliver great performances. Bryce Dallas Howard is mesmerizing at times. The dialog is tight with very little out of place and so is the plot. Everything in the beginning has a meaning later on in the film. This is a film that deals first and foremost with people and human condition and it is cinematographically rich and beautiful experience. For this reason I preferred it much more to 'Sixth Sense' for instance, which follows a more conventional format. I have heard mixed reviews of this movie and a lot of complaints were with the twist at the end. Maybe you'll like the twist maybe not but it is a compelling watch just getting there and it is well worth the time.
Headrush (2003)
Entertaining crime romantic comedy.
This offering is another one in tradition of 'Lock, Stock', 'Snatch' and many more. If you haven't seen those movies, to sum it up there is a cast of colourful characters, most of them shady, who go through a chain of unusual situations with liberal use of equally colorful language. It helps if they are from the British Isles, colorful accents adding to the movie. This title is a drug/crime/romantic comedy. It doesn't offer any new material and mostly sits completely in the genre. It is well done with funny jokes, funny situations, a few good, original scenes, a fast moving plot and competent dialogue. It doesn't really stand out but if you like this sort of thing, it is entertaining. The Uncle character reminded me of Brick Top Polford from Snatch. Not as good but similar. Maybe it is becoming a prerequisite for a film in this genre.