princy Reviews

Australia (2008)

Opening Night in Western Australia

[6/10 · 26 November 2008]

Expecting a large audience at a local major cinema, I purchased the tickets for the movie two hours in advance, and even showed up 30 minutes before the scheduled start time expecting a huge line-up. Anyway, me and my three companions ended up with about a half dozen other people in the cinema to watch the movie. There are a few possible reasons for this that I can think of. First reason, the critics negative comments regarding this movie have put a lot of people off wanting to see it. Second reason, the looming recession is putting people off forking out for over-priced movie tickets. Third reason, Australians aren't as interested in this movie as the producers would have liked. And so on.

What ever the reasons, IMHO this isn't a must see movie. The story is shallow, the CGI looks cheap, the acting is second rate, and the characters are two dimensional. For a movie that took so long to make and cost so much money to produce, the end result isn't anything special.

Gangs of New York (2002)

Has Scorcese sold out?

[6/10 · 15 January 2003]

This movie is a sad sign of the times. If you compare this film with any of Scorcese's other work you will notice some remarkable differences. Gone is the gritty realism which has been a trademark of his work, and replaced by formulaic acting and storyline. I mean could you really compare the comic book character of Daniel Day Lewis to anything DeNiro has done in Scorcese's films? As for the obligatory love interest between DiCaprio and Diaz, Scorcese has never resorted to using romance as a filler to pad-out the story in his films before. As for the performances of these two actors, Leo was mediocre as usual, and Diaz was only slightly better.

What this movie did for me was re-affirm the direction Hollywood film-making has taken in the last few years. In order to reach the mass market, many Hollywood movies are being pitched at a very low level and as a result films such as Titanic, Pearl Harbor, and Gladiator are churned out. These films achieve the desired goal of earning mega-dollars at the box office, but as a result are made up of uncomplex storylines, stereotypes, and two dimensional characters. When you compare these movies with films such as The Godfather or Silence of the Lambs which were complete with characters and storylines of depth and complexity, it is easy to see from here the direction Hollywood is taking.

What this movie also re-affirms for me is a suspicion that Hollywood is buying up award votes. Apart from receiving a Golden Globe nomination for best picture, Cameron Diaz has also been nominated for her part. Her Golden Globe nomination (and I'm sure an Oscar nomination will follow) is right up there with Nichole Kidman (Moulin Rouge), Gwyneth Paltrow (Shakespeare in Love), and Marissa Tomei (My Cousin Vinny) as one of the most undeserving nominations given to a female actress. As a result, I am convinced that this movie will go along the same tracks as other "simple-minded" movies such as Titanic and Gladiator where it will be showered with Academy Award Nominations that it clearly won't deserve.

If this movie had been made by any other director I would have brushed it off with a laugh, but the fact that it was directed by Scorcese is sad. Was he only complying with studio heads in order to make this film? I only hope this is a one off for Scorcese. I would hate to think that the likes of Taxi Driver and Goodfellas will not be seen again. All being said, at least foreign films are still being made where they they are driven by the characterizations rather than a lame plot. I can still watch them.

Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002)

A Must See for John Howard

[8/10 · 18 December 2002]

For years now Australian Aborigines have wanted a public apology from the country's government for the stolen generation. They have yet to receive it (if ever they will). This movie gives people both inside and outside of Australia an understanding of the plight of the stolen generation as well as showing a dark part of the country's past.

Full credit to the cast, crew, and production company for making this film.

Once Upon a Time in the West (1968)

Spaghetti Trash!

[3/10 · 11 December 2002]

I can't believe that this movie has received so many great reviews. One of the five greatest westerns ever made said one article. Clearly there is something to these Italian made spaghetti westerns that I am not getting. I still am undecided as to whether or not this is supposed to have been a send-up of western movies, and if so then maybe I can understand the atrocious acting. All in all, Italians make the worst westerns and horror movies (I should have known better when I saw Dario Argento's name in the credits)

Samson and Delilah (1949)

Still Great!

[8/10 · 4 October 2002]

Yeah sure, you've heard it before, Hedy and Victor were not the greatest of actors, but who cares. Two of the best looking stars of all time make this movie work. Watch this film if you get a chance

Dracula 2000 (2000)

Worst Vampire Movie of All Time!

[5/10 · 6 November 2001]

Dracula 2000 is that bad that, in comparison, some of the old B-grade vampire movies from the 1930's and 40's look like works of art. This movie just goes to prove that the Dracula franchise is starting to run out of ideas and that the whole vampire genre is in need of a little revamping.

The Girls of Pleasure Island (1953)

Cute

[8/10 · 31 October 2001]

This is a pleasant little comedy/romance which is unfortunately tainted by a couple of obviously racist remarks. Other than that, the attractive leads and cute uncomplex storyline make this film an enjoyable experience.

Show Me Love (1998)

Excellent!

[8/10 · 16 September 2001]

The more I watch foreign movies the more I am convinced that they are superior to the films made by Hollywood studios. Rather than concentrate solely on plot, this movie lets it's characters drive it forward, and what a drive it is. Except for some shody camera work, this film is flawless.

The Langoliers (1995)

Too long with a silly ending

[6/10 · 4 September 2001]

This movie started off rather well, building up suspense in a good fashion. Unfortunately it dragged on a bit too much, killing off the suspense it had built, and finally falling into complete ruin with some mediocre special effects.

Mädchen in Uniform (1931)

Exceptional!

[9/10 · 4 February 2001]

This was more than a gay classic, this film was a social commentary on the time period it was set in. We all now well know the views held on homosexuality by Hitler's socialist party which was coming into power during the time this movie was made. The entire film foreshadowed many of the things that would happen to people who were not seen as desirable in the eyes of the German government. One part especially, where the students and teachers were forbidden to have contact with Manuela, spoke of the public shunning of Jews and other so-called undesirables who were forbidden contact with other people. Of the three movies that Leontine Sagan directed this was the only one made in Germany. Given the fact that Sagan was of Jewish ancestry and the main theme of this movie was of love between women, it's not hard to see why her career in Germany was short lived.

Varsity Blues (1999)

What a Dud

[5/10 · 27 December 2000]

Unless you are one or more of the following: 1. From the USA 2. An American football fanatic 3. A fan of teenage college movies 4. Have no interest in intellectually stimulating storylines keep well away from this film.

We of the Never Never (1982)

Outstanding Australian Movie

[8/10 · 23 December 2000]

A remarkable movie about a woman overcoming sexist and racial prejudice in outback Australia. McGregor is very convincing as Jeannie Gunn as she battles constantly to be seen as an equal amongst the menfolk on the station on which she lives with her husband. The fight seems a losing battle however as the views held by the men (regarding both women and indigenous people) are hard to overcome.

Anyone outside of Australia who is interested in an accurate portrayal of the early relations between Australian Aborigines and white Australian's then this movie is for you.

God's Lonely Man (1996)

Superb!

[8/10 · 22 December 2000]

This is definitely the 'Taxi Driver' of the 90's. The acting was first rate in this film which makes me wonder why I have never heard much of the lead actors, and even more so the director. No stereotypes or formulated storyline, just gritty realism in this film which is a breath of fresh air.

Recommended

Keeping the Faith (2000)

Outstanding!

[9/10 · 21 December 2000]

I haven't been moved by a film like this for a long time. Edward Norton has certainly come up with the goods on this film marking himself as a talented director as well as actor. This was also the first time I have seen Jenna Elfman on the screen and she was well suited for the role.

I gave this a 9/10

Nutty Professor II: The Klumps (2000)

Terrible

[5/10 · 19 December 2000]

A hopeless sequel that resorts to using fart gags and movie send-ups to pad out the story. The worst part was that given its PG rating here in Australia, I made the mistake of taking some young children with me. Because of some crude scenes, the film is not really suitable for kids.

Horror of Dracula (1958)

Dracula Hammers!!

[9/10 · 8 October 2000]

Terence Fisher has to be one of the greatest directors of horror movies ever. The king of the Hammer horror movies scores a winner with this version of Dracula which has to be one of the best ever. Being free of modern day special effects and gore, it succeeds primarily on its storyline and cinematography. It also boasts one of the best musical scores in any horror movie.

An absolute must see for any fan of this genre

Psycho (1998)

Well made remake

[7/10 · 4 October 2000]

It's not as good as the original, the black and white photography of the original suits the film better, the acting wasn't as good, BLAH BLAH BLAH. This movie has been unfairly treated. Most reviewers don't judge this movie on its own merits, but rather write it off because they don't find it as good as the original. The fact is that this is a good film, well directed, and thoroughly entertaining, not to mention that Hitchcock is introduced to a whole new generation.

Lawn Dogs (1997)

Highly Recommended

[9/10 · 1 October 2000]

This is one of the best movies I have seen all year. There is an amazing blend of surrealism and realism that makes this movie work. The overuse of color and the picture perfect scenery used in creating Devon's neighborhood allows the audience to see the artificial world she lives in. This is offset very well by Devon's more realistic and down to earth life style.

I can continue to ramble on about how great this movie is, but really you must see it for yourself.

An outstanding success!

Gang Land (1998)

Aptly named film!

[3/10 · 12 September 2000]

This movie should be treated as a pariah for anyone in search of entertainment. It looks as though the whole thing has been thrown together in the space of a couple of days by a bunch of film students to cash in on the success of American History X.

Sara (1997)

an obscure classic

[7/10 · 11 September 2000]

Why haven't I heard of this movie before? I happened to catch it on late night television simply because the video I had hired turned out to be unsatisfactory, and I am glad for that. This movie was highly entertaining as an action movie, and rather daring regarding the love theme.

Highly recommended

Wildflower (1991 TV Movie)

forget it!

[4/10 · 20 August 2000]

I didn't even bother to finish watching this one. The movie unfortunately looks as though it were directed by a novice, complete with bad acting and an inconsistent storyline. One glowing fault with this movie is that, even though Reese Witherspoon and her brother are supposed to be preparing poor old Patricia Arquette to interact with the rest of society, they talk to her as if they were speaking to a child (shouldn't they have been speaking to her as an equal?).

Happy, Texas (1999)

Very average

[5/10 · 8 August 2000]

Except for a couple of scenes, I found this movie rather dull. Another tale of men pretending to be gay for one reason or other, and not as well done as other movies with the same theme. The only actor that was of any note was William H. Macy, the rest weren't anything special.

A Place in the Sun (1951)

The brilliance of George Stevens

[9/10 · 25 June 2000]

A Place in the Sun first caught my attention in an article I had read about Montgomery Clift. Even though the article went into no great depth about explaining the plot or story-line of the film, what was written about it was rather favourable. I decided to have a look at some reviews and even some viewer comments on the IMDb to get a better idea of what the film was about, and to see what other people thought of it. Based on what I found written about it I decided that I might be interested in looking at it, even though it sounded suspiciously like another Hollywood love story.

The film turned out to be one of the best dramas I have ever seen, in fact it was so good that not even Elizabeth Taylor's mediocre talent could ruin it. The characterizations and story line were outstanding, far surpassing those of George Steven's other masterpieces, Shane and Giant. This was one of those rare movies, another being 'Dead Man Walking' where I found myself not knowing whether or not to feel sympathy for the main character, which I imagine was exactly the audience impartiality that Stevens was aiming for.

There is more than one theme prevalent in this movie which makes it so good, the main one centering on love breaking through social barriers, not an uncommon theme, but well executed. There is also an underlying theme of betrayal which is offsets the former theme and is what makes this movie such a success.

Even though the movie is centred on the characters of Montgomery Clift and Elizabeth Taylor, it is Shelley Winters that steals the show. Winters performance is flawless, successfully gaining sympathy for her character, which in turn is what creates a confliction of feelings for the audience towards the main character.

An absolute must see

Moulin Rouge (1952)

WOW!

[9/10 · 29 May 2000]

This is the second John Huston movie I have seen in the space of one week, the other movie being 'The Maltese Falocon'and I am impressed. I sure hate to use an old cliche but they don't make them like they used to. The cinematography in this film was superb, and the way the camera was used inside the Moulin Rouge was a work of pure art. This was the first time I have seen Jose Ferrer perform and I would have to say that his talent as an actor was obvious, in fact it should have won him an oscar. Gary Cooper won the oscar for best actor that year for 'High Noon' and even though his performance in that was good, there is no way it was better than Ferrer's.

It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

It's a Wonderful Movie

[9/10 · 24 May 2000]

What an absolutely wonderful movie, the first Frank Capra film I have ever seen and I am impressed. The story line is a breath of fresh air from the usual Hollywood story, and the fact that a movie that was made in 1946 would tackle the subject of suicide is remarkable. I have only seen James Stewart in a handful of movies, the last being 'Rear Window', and I have to say that he is one of the finest actors I have ever seen. This is also the second time I have seen Donna Reed in a movie, the other time being 'From Here to Eternity' and she delivered an even better performance in this film. This movie is a "Must See" for anyone of any age.