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Reviews
Sonikku adobenchâ 2 (2001)
The Last of the Great Sonic Games
Since a very young age, I have been an avid fan of Sonic games. From the Megadrive, up to the Playstation 2 games, I have played a wide range of the games. However, I have seen a dramatic decline in these games, as can be seen with some of the recent games. 2001, in my opinion, is the last time a great sonic game has been seen in the form of Sonic Adventure 2.
This game, along with it's older brother, made up a significant part of my childhood, due to it's impressive graphical display, talented voice acting and innovative story. The characters were original, the replay value was high and the stages, while keeping a sense of the old game's traditions, were imaginative, especially the "City Escape" level. However, the aspect that gave me the most amusement had to be the Chao Gardens. I cannot understand why, but the idea, in my opinion, was genius, and was the part that I have missed most about this game. And that is what sets this apart from most other games, and is it's most memorable quality: when the Dreamcast, which I had this game on, "died" and my console fell into disrepair, I found something I have found with only one other game since: I began to mourn for the loss of the game, and began to miss it terribly. I can only hope that the game will be re-released on a more recent console.
I'm finding it hard to find anything bad to say about this game, so I'll leave that to anyone who didn't like this game. All I shall say is this: Sonic Adventure 2. You are, and shall remain to be missed
The Wicker Man (2006)
I really hate Hollywood! When are they going to stop taking everyone else's films and making them God awful?
First The Ring, then The Italian Job, then The Grudge... now The Wicker Man! When I first saw the trailer for this film, I honestly thought it was a joke. I mean, who would be so stupid as to try and remake a brilliant classic horror like The Wicker Man? Well, it turns out they really weren't joking, but I wish they had have been!
There are certain films that no one should ever remake. The Wicker Man is one of them. I thought, however, this film would be much like The Omen remake and would be a word for word replica of the original, which would not be as bad, but may just invite a new generation of younger cinema goers to watch the original film, which in 99% of the time, is better than the remake. Wrong! They changed almost the entire story, with the island mainly being run by women, under the leadership of Sister Summersisle. Where did Christopher Lee's character go? Everybody knows that Lord Summerisle is the best character in the original!
And what were they thinking casting Nicolas Cage in the part that is unbelievably similar to Edward Woodward's? Nicolas, you're not a great actor at the best of times. Maybe you should just keep to films where you can just pout and display no discernible acting skills whatsoever? I think that would be best for all.
I've heard some people describe this as a sequel, rather than a remake. To those of you that are thinking that, why make a film that is similar to the original in far too many ways to be distinguishable from it? If this is indeed what the filmmakers where thinking, they should step aside, and allow writers with actual talent to write screenplays from now on.
Honestly, this film is just a 100 minute waste of your life, and if you are a true fan of the original, you'll just leave the cinema feeling cheated and sick to you stomach.
And just a quick suggestion to the people who made this film, and indeed, to Hollywood in general, if you have run out of ideas, stop making films. Don't just take other people's films and remake them into horrible monstrosities and try to pass them off as films. Its not working!
Superman Returns (2006)
Severely underrated!
I went to see this film, not really having such a high expectation of it. I'm not a huge fan of the original Superman film, and although the trailer was impressive, I assumed it would just be another mindless Hollywood blockbuster that is made solely on it's SFX. It turn's out I was wrong!
I can't describe how much I enjoyed it! It's a lot less "silly" than the original and the performances are spectacular. And surprisingly enough, the thing I enjoyed most about this film was not it's SFX (which, by the way are breath-taking, especially the plane crash sequence), but it was the performance of the beautiful new-comer, Brandon Routh. Not only does he light up the screen just as his predecessor, Christopher Reeve did with his amazing looks and general charm, but he has taken to this role magnificently, not just as the "Man of Steel" but also as his mild mannered secret identity, Clark Kent.
I also found the use of "Biblical Iconography" interesting in this film, i.e. the return after a period of time; sent from afar to help and protect the people of the world; the "death" and resurrection; and finally him passing on his legacy to his son.
I'm utterly thrilled that Lois Lane was finally given a decent role and personality in this film. She has much more strength and is not always the "Damsil in Distress!" I wasn't too keen about her fainting out of the plane after superman saves it from a near catastrophic crash, but I suppose one girlie cliché is acceptable!
However, as good as this film was, there were some down sides. Kevin Spacey's part, as the evil genius, Lex Luthor was severely under written. I would have preferred to see much more of him in this film, as his performance is so good. Although I have said I was happy with Lois Lane's part, I don't really like that Kate Bosworth was cast. She did a better job than I thought she would, and she had good chemistry with Routh, but I think a different actress would have done the part more justice.
If you haven't seen this film already, I suggest you do ASAP, because I think you'll love it, even if you didn't like the original ones, or haven't even seen them. There is something for everyone in this film; action, romance, comedy and suspense. If you don't go and see it you're missing out on something special.
Waiting... (2005)
Not really what I expected... "Laugh out loud" funny!
I first want to say that I don't normally go for films like this, mainly because they're usually really bad. I refer of course to films such as Zoolander, Van Wilder, and the Scary Movies (I know I just upset a lot of people by saying that, and I'm sorry!), so when I saw the trailer for this film it got the compulsory eye role, the sigh, and was assigned to the black list of films I knew I never wanted to see. Unfortunately, I have a friend who loves films like this, and since she had to "endure" The Da Vinci Code last week, I was emotionally blackmailed to come and see this with her.
I'm sooo glad I did! At one point I laughed so hard I thought I was going to wee!
It starts quite slow, and there's about 15 minutes at the start that just focuses on a bunch of characters you don't really care about, and then Ryan Reynolds comes in! He's not particularly funny in this, doing his usual one liners and cleverly timed eye brow wiggles. Its mainly how the other characters react to him that's so pant wettingly funny, especially the angry, slightly psychotic waitress (you'll see).
The let down in this film though is its over focus on Justin Long's character. He's the cliché young person who doesn't really know what he wants to do with his life, and therefore has found himself being a waiter for too long. He does OK but he's really boring!
I really did enjoy this film, and it wasn't too long so I didn't get bored as I usually do with the majority of the American teen comedies. Its definitely worth a watch, and has made me think twice about judging a film by its genre!
The Da Vinci Code (2006)
Its fiction!! Get over yourselves!
I would first like to say how amazed I was to see how many people are taking this film so seriously. Its a story designed to entertain people! Dan Brown wrote The Da Vinci Code based on one of Catholicisms conspiracy theories, and that's all it is, not what is seen as truth.
Now that's out of the way I loved this film. Of course, I have to say what has become a cliché when a film is adapted from a book... the book is better, so if you liked this film (or didn't like it) and haven't read the book yet, I suggest you do.
The film is very entertaining with a brilliant cast. The only person I have to say I was disappointed with is Sir Ian McKellen, who was definitely "chewing the furniture" in this one as the eccentric Sir Leigh Teabing. He took it a tad too far! The star of the film is most definitely Paul Bettany who is simply terrifying as the albino monk, Silas. Its nice to see him in a film that isn't a chick-flick or a romantic comedy! As always, Jean Reno is very good, but unfortunately we didn't see enough of him.
If you like a good thriller, and don't like films that instantly spell everything out for you, go and see this film. Its definitely worth the price of a ticket and you're bound to find some part of it entertaining. But if you don't like these kind of films, or your moral values are likely to be offended by the content matter (and we all know what that is. Its had enough attention from the press world wide for goodness sake!) then don't go and see it. Its as simple as that!!
Silent Hill (2006)
Sacrifices a coherent plot for horror and gore.
Has everyone seen a different film to the one I've just seen? Are there two films called Silent Hill? I cannot believe the amount of reviews I have read saying they enjoyed this film. It was incoherent, full of clichés and about 30 minutes too long.
I went to see this film after one user wrote on IMDb that it was the scariest movie they had seen in years. I know now not to make the mistake of believing everything I read. Not being much of a gaming person, I knew very little of the story for those of you who don't know, Silent Hill is adapted from a game) and wanted a good horror film. Saidly, this is not what I saw.
This film starts off with so much promise. The combination of the missing child and the scary deserted town make a very effective, frightening setting. The strange happenings and terrifying images begin soon after the characters arrival in the town of Silent Hill. The burning, children demons (you'll see!) grab your attention immediately. Let me assure you, the plot rapidly deteriorates from here on in.
As Rose (Radha Mitchell) continues the search for her lost daughter, the plot becomes more and more confusing, with the addition a police woman, an unkempt looking child, and a highly religious, witch-burning cult hiding inside a church.
And a word to the wise, if you are a fan of Sean Bean, DO NOT GO TO SEE THIS FILM! He attempts an American accent that does not go down well. You have been warned!
Honestly, if you do not want to spend 2 hours wondering what on earth is going on, trying to decipher a film from a none-existent ending, I'd steer clear of this one. But if you only go to watch films for their violent content and the use of special effects, then be my guest. Just don't say I didn't warn you!
V for Vendetta (2005)
Unbelievable!
I went to see this film for the one reason that it had received a lot of press attention and mixed reviews, and I wanted to have an opinion myself. I didn't expect to be impressed, and I was right, I wasn't. I was blown away!
I'm wasn't a fan of the films I had seen that had originated from graphic novels (being very disappointed with From Hell) until I saw Sin City (anyone who hasn't seen it should do so immediately!). I was convinced by a friend to come and see V for Vendetta at the cinema and not wait for it to come out on DVD like I had planned to do, and I'm so glad I listened to her!
First of all, Hugo Weaving is superb as V, even though his face is never seen. This adds something to the film. His character is wrapped up in an enigma that unravels as the film progresses. It is done in such a good way, mainly by the use of flash backs and memories of the different characters in the film.
I also enjoyed the fact that there is very little mention of what had happened before the events of the film start, so it leaves you to concentrate more on what's happening in the film, rather than how the events were brought about in the first place.
I definitely need to mention Natalie Portman, who, in this film firmly establishes her status as a "grown-up actress", and has stepped away from the Padme type figure. Good for you Natalie! She is very impressive and her transformation during the course of this film is mesmerising.
The rest of the cast are very good including Stephen Rea as the brooding Inspector Finch and John Hurt as the terrifying and power obsessed Chancellor Sutcliffe. The only person I was disappointed with was Stephen Fry, who is just a little bit too "British" in this film!
Overall, this film is spectacular, and refrains from the over use of slow motion, unlike the Matrix films (although, there is one scene at the end, but I suppose one is allowed!). With the excellent mixture of good performances and an original script, V for Vendetta is a voluptuous, visual, view of the veracious vigilante done in a very good way (I don' think V could have done better himself!)! Go and see it!
An American Haunting (2005)
Not as scary as I thought, but still a good ghost story.
Let me first say that I love ghost stories! This is a good one. It's jumpy, and set in New England during the 1800's where all the best ones are set. However, if you're looking for something to terrify and shock you, this is probably not the film for you. It's very well done and there are some bits in it that will make you jump, but these are caused mainly by the good score and clever use of lighting, and not so much the overall story. So don't worry if you go to see this film... I doubt you'll have to sleep with the light on!
The ending is clever as it is something that, at the beginning, or even half way through the film, I would not have guessed.
However, if you're a fan of Donald Sutherland and are not impressed by his recent choice of roll or the descent in stature of his once excellent acting career, I'd steer clear of this. He's pretty wooden and doesn't seem to get into the rhythm of the character.
All things said, it is a good creeper and is definitely worth the price of a cinema ticket, but go with someone, so you can jump together at the scary bits, and laugh at the parts that really don't work!
In the end, if you're like me, and you enjoy films like The Others, The Village, and The Sixth Sense, then this film is for you. If not, and you like something a bit more intense or frightening... Saw 2 has recently come out on DVD. You might want to give that a go instead.
Antwone Fisher (2002)
A truly touching and heart-warming story of the transition between childhood and adulthood. Everybody should see this film!
Not only is this a beautiful and well made directorial debut from Denzel Washington, it is also carries a magnificent screenplay, written by none other than the protagonist of this film; Antwone Fisher.
This is the powerful and moving story of Antwone Fisher, a confused and misguided young adult, who is sent in the direction of Dr Jerome Davenport, a navy psychiatrist who sees Fisher's potential to grow into a healthy and well rounded individual.
During the course of Fisher's therapy, it is revealed that he has become very detached from the people in his life, due to the cruelty and neglect he suffered as a child living with his foster mother, the dreaded Ms Tate. In order to banish the demons from his past, he must go back to his birth place in Cleveland and confront the people from his childhood who he feels have made him suffer unnecessarily.
One of the most touching elements of this film is the strong bond that Fisher and Davenport develop during their time together.
Throughout this film, I found myself both smiling with joy, and holding back tears. It is a story that most of us can relate to; if only to understand the rocky transition between childhood and adulthood.
With breathtaking performances from Denzel Washington and Derek Luke, Antwone Fisher is set to become one of the most Owe inspiring films of the 21st century.