dragonshield Reviews

Good Will Hunting (1997)

Basic drama writing at its very best

[8/10 · 6 October 2007]

Will Hunting is a troubled young man who spends his free time hanging around bars and cleaning the floors of a university. However, Will isn't a typical youngster as he has unbelievable mathematic abilities and an outstanding photographic memory. Will soon gets into trouble but a professor who's seen what he's capable of makes a proposition which includes Will to see a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist after another refuses to see Will anymore as he's so uncooperative. Will eventually meets his match, a psychiatrist Sean McGuire, who finally makes Will to open up his mind and think about what he wants to do with his life.

"Good Will Hunting" is a feel good movie. Though it is kind of a basic drama, it is still drama at its best. This is really what the drama -genre should be, as the film doesn't really go into other genres at all, it follows the pattern of a great drama, but it somehow manages to be surprisingly good. The story's interesting, though it isn't that unique after all, but it captures your attention right from the start. It's just something that's easy for your eyes and it's a real pleasure to watch. You don't feel stressed at any part of the film, every scene matters and there isn't anything unnecessary anywhere. Screenplay's written by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck and it is indeed very well written and you can really see where they were heading at with it. It hasn't really got any amazing twists and turns, it's just brilliant on its own. I'd like to see Damon and Affleck collaborate some more in the future, as this is what a true drama is really, and after all, about.

The film also includes great role performances, so that may be one of the reasons why it's also so surprisingly good. Matt Damon is great as Will Hunting, the main character. Stellan Skarsgård is perfect for the role of the professor Gerald Lambeau and his role performance is solid. Ben Affleck also does his job flawlessly, and I really think he is in fact a good actor but people just don't seem to get it because of what movies he's been in in the past. He doesn't get the chance of a perfect role for him, but hopefully that will also change in the near future. Just stop slaying the guy and let's see how far can he really go. Minnie Driver fits for the role of Skylar, the girlfriend of Will Hunting, and she has an incredible chemistry with Damon. All of the scenes where they are with each other are really strong and powerful, you can really see or sense these sincere emotions between them. Those scenes really speak for themselves and what is true drama acting at its best, as there happens the unquestionable and respected tearing away the actor from the character itself, which makes it seem like there is no acting involved at all. That's just how real it feels and looks like.

Despite that, that is not the best thing the film has to offer, as there is one actor above everyone else and that is Robin Williams, who's in the supporting role of the psychiatrist Sean McGuire. Williams is pure excellence, he's just absolute perfection and without a doubt the best thing you see in the entire film. McGuire is also a man with a troubled past, so the characters of Sean McGuire and Will Hunting find something in common, which firstly leads to an odd friendship, but then transforms itself into a true beauty where the word "friendship" gets a whole new meaning. The dialog between Williams and Damon is fantastic, being sometimes hilarious yet being smart and clever all of the time. Robin Williams even won an Academy Award from this devotion to the character, IE the best actor in the supporting role, which is a more than a deserved win. Overall I must say that the film shines with magnificent actors in the right roles, so the casting did pretty much a flawless job.

Although "Good Will Hunting" is also, as mentioned, hilarious at some points it's also very dramatic, so it slightly mixes up drama with comedy, although maintaining the main perspective in the drama -genre. It's definitely worth a watch after all. Movies like these with this kind of a special flow, which means you don't want it to end but you want it move along as well as it is just so entertaining all the time, don't come out too often. You just can't wait what will happen next. Directing is done by Gus Van Sant, who I think hasn't really done anything that amazing before or after "Good Will Hunting". Yes, the directing is great, but you can't really direct a bad movie if the screenplay's this good. Damon and Affleck even won an Academy Award from it, so question is why not write something together in the near future? The Academy Award really speaks for itself, ensuring the fact that writing together again would be a good idea. It would probably be worthwhile.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)

A timeless tale about love and honour, an unmistakable masterpiece

[9/10 · 28 September 2007]

"Wo hu cang long" aka "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" is a timeless adventure tale, which takes place in ancient China, the eternal empire of heroes, gods and miracles. Li Mu Bai is a great warrior whose good deeds are known all around East. He decides to give his magical jade sword to an old friend of his, but a mysterious martial arts expert manages to steal the ancient weapon. Li must find out the identity of the thief and find his precious sword. But, the way of a warrior isn't as straightforward - love and honour have their own demands.

I'm a big fan of Asian film making and to really watch Asian films you need this certain perspective, especially when it comes to these zen-films. Nevertheless this movie isn't a typical Asian film, as I'd more describe it as a film where Asian film making and Hollywood collide. You could think that it all goes wrong in the Hollywood -part, but for your surprise it doesn't. Ang Lee has created a fine piece of quality style, where you can sense both Asian and Hollywood which blend together like butter for a bread. The story, originally written by Du Lu Wang and turned into a screenplay by three writers, is absolutely beautiful, it includes twists and turns, it's dramatic and romantic, it's even thrilling and it has spectacular fighting sequences. To me the reason why this stands out from an usual eastern movie and where you can really know it's also Hollywood is the somehow different, even better, flow in the story and the amount of fighting sequences. Despite that I think this movie is suitable for both Asian and American audience, not forgetting the rest of the world. Each one gets satisfaction and you don't have to be a fan of Asian films or know anything about the history behind zen-movies, although you really need to be open minded.

This leads me to, once again, the one thing I think Asian directors are better than any other directors of different nationalities; The cinematography. If you'd think there isn't anything Asian in this film, you can't deny the fact that the cinematography is. Once again we are shown endless landscapes, mind painted sceneries and this undeniable and precise harmony of professional operation of the camera, which is to me just amazing. It holds this beauty which you can't compare to anything else and that, if something, is the real heart of true dedication of Asian film makers. You can't really do anything else than just thank them about it, but it's enough that you know it yourself. These landscapes are complimented with the utterly tremendous music composed by Tan Dun, who has composed a main theme that'll melt the heart of even the most cynical person. For Asian film making it's very common to fit the music with the cinematography and the story, but I just can't get enough of it, it's always just that good and you just don't get bored of it. The best thing about the music is that you can't hear music like it in any other films, so it's always fresh for your ears if you've only watched movies from Hollywood. Asian instruments are always strong and compelling, being really significant for the overall feeling of the film and what's left after it.

Even the role performances are excellent, so you'll get a full quality package. I think Yun-Fat Chow as Li Mu Bai makes his best role performance yet to date and Michelle Yeoh as Yu Shu Lien makes some pretty damn fine job as well. Ziyi Zhang is again the beautiful herself, being also a great actress as well, which makes her one of my favourite Asian actresses at the moment. Yun-Fat Chow and Michelle Yeoh have a really good chemistry with each other, which is somehow reflected as the chemistry between Ziyi Zhang and her co-star Chen Chang. Both couples work with each other superbly on screen, so the movie isn't a let down even in that department. When you get along with film you realise that these couples are sort of equal to each other, only that the characters have different names and the stories behind them are different; It's all about love in the end and when we finally get to the end there's an astonishing solution where tears won't be spared. When love and honour have their own demands they will become equal to each other, love will become honour and vice versa. It's really hard to explain and even harder to find out, but in any case the viewer isn't left without answers. You can make up your own mind about the ending though, so it's also really clever.

"Wo hu cang long" is without a doubt one of the best Asian films I've ever seen, everything in it matches and clicks, everything just gets along. The film isn't perfect, but to be honest it's really close in being one. It doesn't really have any major flaws and even the minor ones can't be explained. Like mentioned before you really need a certain perspective, or you need to be at least open minded, because let's face it; A film like this isn't for everyone. If you can't stand any films which define the laws of physics or which are somehow surreal I wouldn't really recommend this film to you. If you're just slightly open minded or at least have some remains of an open mind then please do watch it, as I'd say you won't be disappointed. "Wo hu cang long" even won a total of four Academy Awards, which is really an achievement for a foreign film. Just to name two, it won Oscars from the best cinematography and music, so I'm really not praising them for nothing. Just see this film. You even may be surprised by its magic and its affect on you.

Donnie Darko (2001)

An excellent blend of Sci-Fi, Drama and Mystery

[8/10 · 18 September 2007]

I bought this movie on DVD like 2 months before I watched it. The reason why I didn't watch it was that I was expecting one of the most disturbing films ever, so I never wasn't really "in the mood" so to speak. I wanted to see it, but it seemed like there never wasn't time for a movie like it. So one day I decided "What the heck? I have to see it in some point anyways.." so I watched it with my brother and friend. Looking at the trailers, the reviews, the plot outlines and everything it had to be sick, right? Well, the disturbance level wasn't even near the level I personally was expecting. Honestly, it isn't even disturbing apart from a couple of scenes.

The movie tells about what the title says, a teenager named Donnie Darko. Donnie may seem like an ordinary American guy, who lives with his family in a sleepy suburb. Nothing could be farther away from the truth; 18-year old Donnie has a large bunny rabbit named Frank as his imaginary friend, who inspires Donnie to do things which seem to be unreasonable. Frank saves Donnie's life when a huge aeroplane's engine falls in middle of the boy's room. Donnie "investigates" the bizarre accident and finds out unbelievable things that lets him to manipulate the streams of time and space. Donnie travels through daring and secret paths, he tries to understand the chaotic, raging universe around him and he finally sees the truth; Even the smallest acts can have serious consequences.

The film itself is a great blend of science fiction, mystery and drama. It cleverly leaps between the real world and the imaginary world, and it does it with such a credibility that the viewer won't get lost in any part of the movie, it stays in a tight package throughout. The screenplay is fantastic, it doesn't bother you with any unnecessary or pointless subplots or scenes, it stays in the main theme all the time and the end solution is just brilliant. Through the vision of Richard Kelly, who has written and directed the film, "Donnie Darko" offers you an intensive and interesting movie experience, which can not be compared to any other films because it's also original and pretty unique in its own genre. Although the film is pretty dark and gloomy, it still doesn't affect you as much as you could imagine, as the story's just so interesting you'll get hooked to it and instead of thinking how dark the movie is you keep on thinking of the twists and turns, and how brilliant the movie itself is.

Donnie is played by Jake Gyllenhaal who is outstanding in the role. Just like the leaping between the real world and the imaginary world in the story, also the character itself changes between these leaps which makes it pretty enjoyable to watch because of Gyllenhaal's strength on the screen. The character progresses really well too, as when we start off the movie the character is totally different in both of the "worlds" but as we move along the character crafts into a person who's surprisingly similar in the real world and the imaginary one. There are good actors in other roles too, for example Maggie Gyllenhaal, Patrick Swayze, Drew Barrymore and Katharine Ross, but they are left out in minor roles as the film concentrates on Donnie after all. These characters of the supporting actors do not have that depth like the main character does, but their purpose is in fact more like complimenting the character of Donnie, which is also pretty genius. Soundtrack is also marvellous; The music's composed by Michael Andrews and like the movie itself the music also mixes between soft and dark pieces of fine compositions. It's sometimes beautiful and it's sometimes really dark like the main theme, which works really well with the build-up of the film.

"Donnie Darko" is definitely one to watch, but only if you're open minded with films or if you just happen to be a sci-fi addict. If you're expecting heavy disturbance like I was don't be fooled, as even when you get something disturbing it isn't nearly as disturbing as you could imagine, so don't let the plot outlines or trailers fool you. To me "Donnie Darko" is all in all a great movie and at times it's pretty thrilling as well. It isn't sick or gross, it's a fine piece of film making which works really well in all of its styles, drama, mystery and sci-fi. Although it is a short film you should watch it when you really have the time for it, as it's just not one of those movies you can watch when ever you want to, it requires that certain mood which I was telling you about. Even when this is a movie which probably (and still) gets mixed opinions from really negative to really positive you should just see it yourself and make up your own mind. No-one's going to make it up for you anyways, so it's your decision.

Hero (2002)

Eloquent beauty in a flawlessly composed tranquility

[8/10 · 4 September 2007]

I remember watching this movie many times before, but only clips from it, so I had never seen it all the way through. Now, as the proud owner of the DVD, I finally saw it straight through and I was also very pleased on the overall result. "Ying xiong" aka "Hero" is indeed a great movie and a startlingly beautiful one as well. The story is based in ancient China, before the reign of the first emperor, warring factions throughout the Six Kingdoms plot to assassinate the most powerful ruler, Qin. When a minor official defeats Qin's three principal enemies, he is summoned to the palace to tell Qin the story of his surprising victory.

The story, with all its twists and turns, is very well written and it's a true epic, in a way that I personally love. It has a very good catch and you can't really see what'll be the final solution before the very end of the movie. There's also this unique way of using colours; Every time a same, but somehow different, story is told it is also told with different colours, which already by its own gives the movie this "hook" to keep the viewer interested. It's very original and prominent, being also visually so effective. The movie is throughout a visual masterpiece and the cinematography is absolutely amazing. As a fan of Asian cinematography I thought some of the scenes were so beautifully shot that it almost made my skin tremble - Those endless landscapes and soothing images truly gives you this heart warming feeling. You just keep on staring the screen because of the unquestionable beauty that flashes through your eyes. Marvellous.

"Hero" also has all in all very solid role performances. Despite the fact of people saying Jet Li can only do martial arts I still think he is great as an actor as well. Look at for example "Danny the Dog" (2005) where Jet Li pulled off an amazing role performance. The film industry doesn't let us see that he actually has great acting capabilities, it's just that he doesn't get the opportunity to use them very often. Jet Li was indeed at his best in "Hero", both acting and martial arts wise. The rest of the cast does a pretty satisfying job as well, so there isn't anything worth complaining when it comes to that department. The romantic story between Tony Leung Chiu Wai and Maggie Cheung works really well with the main story and the chemistry between them is undeniably a real treat. Ziyi Zhang is the beautiful herself, giving the movie a touch of sensitivity although her character being sometimes filled with anger and hate. Donnie Yen as "Sky" does his part and Daoming Chen as the "King of Qin" does his, so the role performances the movie offers are handled pretty well and they are also very significant for the whole progress of the film, keeping it in a tight package throughout.

The movie is mixed between nice storytelling and phenomenal fighting sequences, that real Asian specimen of skill. I once again thought that the battle scenes (or action scenes if you might call them that) were stunning and truly entertaining. They aren't really actual "action" scenes, as all of them are shot in sort of a calm and peaceful way, which fits with the main theme incredibly well. I'm certainly not forgetting the whole beauty of them, as even when the fighting proceeds itself into a fast phased rhythm it's still so serene and when accompanied with the absolutely gorgeous soundtrack composed by Tan Dun it's something that's not easily forgotten. It's like the cinematography; Beautiful, soothing, precise and detailed. Both, the fighting and the cinematography, follow each other in a compelling way and it's really absorbing, a fine achievement indeed.

"Ying xiong" is definitely not an action movie, so everyone who's expecting a mindless action flick will most certainly be disappointed. The film is an excellent example of how great a movie mixed with an epic, dramatic story and outstanding action can be, working really well on both sides and not forgetting either one of the sides to a minor role. It balances both of them and that, if something, deserves an enormous appreciation from me. The movie includes solid performances, mind blowing cinematography, detailed directing, an unique way on how to use storytelling not only as what we've used to but also as a visual way of making the movie itself lively and vivid, giving it an original, yet well crafted out touch. "Hero" isn't perfect, but it's still a strong milestone in the Asian film industry and will probably be referred to in the future. Everything still works in a fluent way, so this is one of those fine pieces of film making that everyone should see, hence the "Asian Masterpieces" -title in my four-movies-together DVD-box. I personally think this is one of the best Asian pictures made in the 21st century. You may be surprised or you may be not, but in the end you can't deny the beauty of it.

Ben-Hur (1959)

48 years after - It's still excellent

[9/10 · 28 August 2007]

I bought "Ben-Hur" on DVD more than one month ago. I had never seen the film, but as hearing so much good things about it and my brother literally praising it, it couldn't be that bad, now could it? I decided to watch it when I really had the time for it, the movie lasts for more than 3 and a half hours after all and it is said to be one of the finest movies in the whole history of motion pictures. That is something that really grows up the pressure of the viewer; You just can't start watching it whenever you want to and without having any expectations on it, it's just that simple. Well anyways, I finally looked up a free spot on my calendar and decided the day when I'd watch it. So, I took my time and watched it like a week or two ago and to be honest I was in a pretty good mood too so nothing could go wrong. Well, I am glad to say that even after 48 years, still to this day, "Ben-Hur" is an entertaining, fine diamond and an excellent motion picture. You really have to relate to the time when it was made, but even without relating it's surprisingly good. Considering its age some of the things occurring in the movie are just mind blowing.

The story in its wholeness is outstanding, it has everything an epic movie needs; Adventure, thrill, drama, romance, tragedy, just everything. And this is, indeed, an epic movie among the best. The story itself isn't just what described in the plot outlines; It has so many more levels of incomprehensible depth, so much power which takes it to an unexpected direction and based on what I saw I'd say it's undeniably one of the best epic stories ever seen or told on the big screen. Based on the novel by Lew Wallace, translated to a screenplay by Karl Tunberg it's quality writing and storytelling in an incredible level, from the beginning till the end. The film does get a bit heavy after the 2 and a half hours, which is really disappointing, as until that point it has a very good flow and the viewer doesn't get bored, but after that point it's slightly long-winded. Despite that the movie manages to be highly entertaining, so for the final rating and your overall opinion the heaviness isn't exactly as crucial as you may think. The music composed by Miklós Rózsa creates tension and comprehension while we progress throughout the movie and though it is as much as any other music in the movies made in the late 50's or early 60's it's still pretty awesome and it can not be ignored.

The one significant thing above everything else is how well the whole movie is made, especially when considering its age. It's simply phenomenal how much time and effort has been put to this movie and it can definitely be seen from every single scene streaming across the screen, one after another. The props, the dressing, basically everything is an achievement like no other and the numbers just speak for themselves; 100 000 costumes, 8000 assistants, 300 props and the biggest budget at its era. This all, and more, brought the movie 11 Oscars and it was the first movie to win such many of them. No other than two movies have achieved that to this day; "Titanic" (1997) and "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" (2003). You have to bear in mind that back in 1959 there wasn't any kind of possibility for a such thing as CGI so basically everything you see on the screen has really happened and has been shot, so even that alone is a huge achievement which really deserves all the attention this movie has. There was this one particular scene that I will most certainly remember forever and that was the scene which probably awoke contradictory opinions and views back then because of its bloody yet realistic violence - The horse race scene. That is a scene I think everyone has heard of and I am one of those people who were left mouth open, as it is indeed fantastic. Honestly, I stood up from the sofa and gave a little applause after the scene ended.

Judah Ben-Hur and Messala, played by Charlton Heston and Stephen Boyd, are very memorable characters and the chemistry between those two legendary actors is unspeakably overwhelming, as if the opposite personalities of the characters would compensate each other, which then forms that chemistry. Stephen Boyd is excellent as Messala, but Charlton Heston is even better as Ben-Hur and the role even brought him an Academy Award for the best actor in a leading role. It is no wonder. Like I've said before when I've reviewed older movies; The acting is totally different from the acting these days. It's a totally different art form of it's own and it just can not be compared to the acting this day. There is that certain extravagance if I may say it, it requires that relating to the age again, but it's still a real treat for your eyes and ears, giving you something different. It's like a fresh summer breeze.

"Ben-Hur" is definitely a movie worth watching, when first making sure you have the time for it, a movie which you can not stop and continue the next day. Though it does get a bit heavy like mentioned, it's still worth it in the end. The heaviness is the only reason why I'm not going to give this motion picture a perfect score. The film includes brilliant role performances, fantastic story and superior art direction, set decoration and costume design. If a movie like this was made now it would still work as butter on a bread, and that's really something, isn't it?

Gattaca (1997)

A fine piece of science fiction; Original story, solid performances and an excellent ending

[9/10 · 23 August 2007]

"Gattaca" is indeed a fine piece of quality science fiction and I really can't believe I've missed it before. Well, by an advice of a friend of mine I decided to buy the DVD and I watched it a week ago. I was very satisfied on the overall result the film had to offer. "Gattaca" tells a story happening in the future, where a man named Vincent Freeman is a natural birth or "In-valid", living in a world in which "designer people" - forged in test tubes - rule society. Determined to break out of his imperfect genetic destiny and fulfil his dreams, Vincent meets Jerome Morrow, a "Valid" willing to sell his prime genetic material for cash. Using Jerome's blood, urine, skin and hair samples, Vincent is able to forge a new identity and pursue his goal of a mission to space with the Gattaca Aerospace Corporation, and enjoy a blossoming romance with Irene, another "Valid". However, a week before his flight, a Gattaca mission director is brutally murdered and Vincent finds himself pursued by a relentless investigator threatening to expose his counterfeit life and reveal him as "In-valid", ending his dreams forever.

The main character Vincent is played by Ethan Hawke who makes a strong performance, being at his very best. The best role performance comes undeniably from Jude Law though, who plays the role of Jerome. I've really waited for Law to get a real lead actor role and though this isn't a lead role from him it's still the best of Jude Law I've seen. The character itself has some real depth and though he is sort of an asshole, being witty and using sarcasm as his defence, yet the viewer still feels so much sympathy towards him because of his disabilities and past. To me Jude Law just doesn't get the attention he needs and after this movie I was still left with hunger of more from him - A lead actor role in a drama wouldn't mind me, or even him. Other performances worth mentioning are the performances of Uma Thurman and Alan Arkin. Uma Thurman adds that plus to the movie, the whole romance which works really well with the main plot. Alan Arkin is the enjoyable himself and though he is in a minor role he still gives that certain edge for the film and with a cast like in "Gattaca" you can't go wrong. Solid and strong performances indeed.

I found the story very interesting and as I've now become a fan of certain science fiction, sci-fi that tells a story not so far in the future, I found this truly enjoyable throughout. The story is very original and the screenplay is very well written, though there are some unnecessary fill-ups in it. The film gets very thrilling after a while and it definitely has a good catch in it which keeps the viewer interested throughout. The romance -part handles itself pretty well as well and it doesn't bother the main plot at all as it also gets surprisingly significant. I thought the decoration and set-up department did a brilliant job, as the world is indeed detailed, especially the Gattaca Aerospace Corporation -center in its melancholic wholeness is very ponderous and plain, yet being so precise because of the story and it just fits so well with the even gloomy main theme. I still think that they could have made it even better, as in some parts I thought some things were left in half-way, which was a real pity, though it didn't matter so much in the end. The film itself stumbles a bit after the first half and it sort of doesn't move along in while, which was kind of disappointing. But in this case the thing that saves all the stumbling is the ending of the movie, which really makes you shed a tear, so a tear drop is indeed the saving Grace for the movie, as I thought the ending was one of the best endings I've ever seen in a motion picture. I am certainly not going to spoil it to you, as then the movie would lose its whole purpose in the end of the journey. Just see it yourself.

"Gattaca" is an amazing sci-fi movie and disappointingly a slightly underrated one as well. As I said, it could have been better, but my final rating is mostly going to be because of the stunning ending it offers. I'd recommend it to every science fiction fan or for those who seek for an original thrill, something unique. It includes solid performances, especially from the astonishing Jude Law, and a tight package throughout despite the already mentioned stumbling. It stays in the main theme and it doesn't get messy, although it has that usual unexplainable sci-fi stuff in it, that familiar sophisticated vocabulary, which no-one can follow even when the slow-motion's on. It's still there and it doesn't matter - It's science fiction after all and it belongs in it. All in all, "Gattaca" is a terrific motion picture and if it still doesn't interest you at all you can always watch it just because of the absolutely beautiful ending. Dreams can come true.

Life of Brian (1979)

Life of Brian - The bright side of that almost forgotten specific humour

[8/10 · 21 August 2007]

I bought "Montys Enzyklo Pythonia" -DVD package a while back. It contains all the three movies and unfortunately one of those movies I had not seen before - "Life of Brian" is a great comedy. It wasn't as good as I expected, but it sure was great. I have to admit that I still like "Holy Grail" the most from the Monty Python movies. I didn't like "The Meaning of Life" so much and I think it's the worst one of the three movies, though it isn't that bad after all. The story tells about.. Well, about the life of Brian, who is born in the exact same date as Jesus himself. After a few ten years Brian, a Jew in Roman-occupied Judea, is mistaken for a messiah which throws him into a plot he wouldn't want to be part of.

The story itself is surprisingly good and the storyline follows the movie really well, so it stays in the package throughout unlike "Holy Grail" which is just messing around with intelligent silliness and "The Meaning of Life" which doesn't even have a real plot. So, story-wise this movie is the best one of the three candidates, having a story which is also surprisingly entertaining and interesting. It isn't anything that serious though, as there still is that same Monty Python humour that no-one else than the Monty Python boys could come up with, and it is indeed hysterical. The movie is non-stop joking throughout and it doesn't really get boring in any part, which is especially good when it comes to comedies like these. The jokes are funny, some of them being not that funny and some of them being absolutely hilarious. I still didn't laugh as much as in "Holy Grail" though, so you shouldn't be expecting a comedy in the same level.

Again, Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin play various characters, which all of them have their different personalities; Hilarious, yet sometimes being familiarly sickening - The kind of personalities we know the Monty Python boys of. Once again, my personal favourites are John Cleese, Eric Idle and Michael Palin, who have always been the best actors Monty Python has offered, or at least for me. The other three, Graham Chapman who is pure excellence as the main character Brian Cohen, Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones also perform their roles flawlessly and of course with guaranteed Python style, which really can not be compared to any other comedy styles.

What I like about "Life of Brian" is the whole set-up of it; The milieu is Judea, but the Judean people themselves are all actually English, which is merely hilarious as its own - The whole story and the jokes are just a plus to that. As a fan of British humour, especially the accent, I find some of the jokes hysterical just because of the accent of the language; The use of words, different emphasis's and the whole body language which is also so significant for the entire purposes of the jokes. It's just so brilliant and the humour this movie has to offer has also surprisingly much intelligence inside it, though it is silly and it swings on the edges of stupidity.

I found "Life of Brian" entertaining throughout and I'm glad to say I have finally seen it. It's a must-see for every Python -fan there is and it's a must-see for every comedy-fan there is. Monty Python's humour is not for everyone and as far as I know it that specific humour has divided people to two different groups; Those who like it and those who don't, it just depends on the person you are. If you haven't liked the series I would still recommend seeing this film, as it's actually a bit different than the series, naturally, as it still is a full length motion picture after all. As I watched "The Meaning of Life" in slight disappointment before I saw "Life of Brian" I found this surprisingly refreshing - One thing I can also be glad of is that this isn't a disappointment. It's a sure recommendation for all those who want to have a laugh and a great time when watching a movie. No matter how much you'd hate it, you can Always Look on the Bright Side of Life - Even perhaps the Life of Brian.

Gladiator (2000)

A massive epic, Ridley Scott's work of art - Simply a masterpiece

[9/10 · 15 August 2007]

"Gladiator" is, to me, one of the best films ever made, probably even in my personal Top 10 Movies of All Time -list. It's a massive epic motion picture that pleases your eyes and ears with effective visuality, drama, romance and more. The story tells about a Roman general Maximus who gets betrayed by an evil prince. By the acts of the prince, Maximus's family gets murdered and he wanders into sorrow where tears won't be spared. He then finds himself captured to become a gladiator among other slaves, but he still seeks for revenge. Maximus tries to keep himself alive in battles which he is forced into, only that he might someday take his revenge against the evil prince. The story has so much more in it, but I'll just leave the rest of it for the viewers, as I certainly do not want to give away any spoilers.

Like I already said, the story is simply fantastic. It's so deep and touching, being very original at the same time. Despite of the movie being a massive epic one it still isn't cliché at all, it just maintains the level of drama in a level that doesn't go over the top. It has a nice flow too and there is no boring scene in any part of the movie, every scene matters and every scene is significant in its own way, that's just how incredible the storytelling is. The building of the main character, the whole theme from victorious to sad, from sad to anger and from anger to a satisfying ending, everything goes like it's supposed to. The creation of the world has been achieved terrificly well; The sets, the dressing, all the details, basically everything. Although there was a lot of CGI used in the creation of the world, the CGI department deserves a big plus on making everything so believable and realistic. Everything looks smooth and soothing, just the way you want it to look like. You can't complain, really.

What comes to role performances, well, in my opinion Russell Crowe does an absolutely phenomenal role performance as Maximus. The anger, the sorrow, all the expressions and body language, just great. I don't care if Crowe is an asshole in real life, because whatever they say in the press he still is an amazing actor. He has actually become one of my favourite actors because of his past role performances, he is just everything a director wants from an actor, performing every role flawlessly. He does have that sort of a rough appearance, but he can play a nice guy too. What comes to other role performances there is one more to mention; Joaquin Phoenix. To be honest, I've never liked Phoenix that much, don't know why, but I have to admit that he is too an amazing actor. As the evil prince Commodus he is that brilliant fierce himself again, a perfect actor for an evil role.

This is by far Ridley Scott's best film yet to date and when Hans Zimmer's music is put on top of the cake you just can't go wrong with that. The directing is superb and the music is magnificent. Like mentioned above the directing consists of mixtures of genres; Drama, romance, adventure and action. Every department is handled in superior way, in a way that leaves your notebook blank on the side of the faults the movie would suffer from. The music has this main theme in it, which is beautifully composed, including that beauty and also thrill and intensity. "Gladiator" is all in all a tremendous motion picture which everyone should see, a born legend some could say. Fantastic story, phenomenal role performance by the lead actor, superb directing and beautiful music; All this compile a film that I can't imagine to be a disappointment to anyone, a definite 9 out of 10.

Magnolia (1999)

A powerful, strong film which forms the story into a beautiful melancholy

[9/10 · 9 August 2007]

I wasn't sure what to expect from this movie, I didn't want to have too high expectations but the cast it had pretty much grew that pressure on my shoulders. Well, I wasn't disappointed at all and got even more than I expected. "Magnolia" is a fine piece of quality drama. The movie introduces us different characters which all are in search of love and happiness in their own specific ways. They all have their stories, deep and touching, which the viewer follows throughout the movie. A dying father, a young wife disappointed in her life, a passionate nurse, a male game-show host, a child genius long for his father's love, a daughter using drugs and a famous ladies' man - There's more, but I leave the rest of the analyzing to you.

"Magnolia" isn't a typical stories-bound-together -film. Despite the fact of it following the same theme as movies like these usually do it still manages to be original. The storytelling is absolutely brilliant, the whole building up of the characters follows the story in a fantastic flow and although the movie lasts for three hours it doesn't feel that long at all. The structure captures the attention of the viewer by first being depressive and sort of intense, but then it raises from a significant melancholy to a joyful experience and celebration, everything changes in a way that makes this film so unique and that is also surprisingly easy for your eyes and ears. The movie also includes one of the most surprising and twisted endings I've ever seen in a motion picture, you just can't see it coming unless you know it before-hand. The movie has this theme of unusual things happening throughout the human history and a message that these unusual, unimaginable, things are in fact occurring at this very moment and it happens all the time. Whether you believe it or not, it still happens and you can't change that. The film follows this theme along the progressions of the characters and their stories, and it is adapted to these stories in a terrific way.

What also makes this movie so damn good is the role performances, or should I say the actors/actresses doing them. Almost every performance is excellent and it is a real pleasure for your eyes to see such marvellous actors/actresses working together. Tom Cruise, who is in fact one of my favourite actors of all time, makes a stunning performance as Frank T.J. Mackey, the famous ladies' man. Cruise was even nominated for an Academy Award from the role. It's a real shame that Cruise doesn't do drama so much, as he is to me an ideal actor in a depressing and emotional drama. One of the reasons why I even bought this film on DVD was that it was a drama with Cruise in it, and the reviews weren't bad either. Then there's the always brilliant William H. Macy as the old child genius Donnie Smith, who now a loser and a failure in his own life, regretting his past. Macy is once again perfect in his role and he's one of those actors who can pretty much depress the whole audience by just pulling off a melancholy face, it's just that intense.

John C. Reilly as Jim Kurring, a cop seeking for love, also shows us that he can do impressive drama as well. Philip Baker Hall as the famous game-show host Jimmy Gator, Philip Seymour Hoffman as the emotional nurse Phil Parma, Jason Robards as the dying father Earl Partridge who now regrets the mistakes he has made in his life. Julianne Moore as Linda Partridge wasn't the best Moore I've seen. I think she wasn't so fit for the role itself and her performance was kind of a disappointment, though it isn't bad at all. I was just expecting more from her. Then there's the not so known actress Melora Walters as Claudia Wilson Gator, the daughter on drugs whose father seeks for her love. Walters also does an astonishing performance and when she is working together with Reilly the chemistry is overwhelming. Jeremy Blackman as Stanley Spector, the child genius long for his father's love, does one of the best performances I've seen from a child actor. The list just goes on and on and if you're seeking for a movie filled with excellent role performances then this is most certainly the movie you want to see.

Paul Thomas Anderson as the director does an amazing job behind the camera. We haven't heard much about him, but hopefully will be hearing much more about him in the future. His directing reflects the whole theme of the film so well and the music the movie has grows up situations which are larger than life. Anderson was nominated for an Oscar from this movie, for the Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen, so he was the man behind the pen and paper as well. The movie has this one particular scene which I thought was absolutely beautiful and probably one of the best scenes I've ever seen, or at least the best scene I've seen in a long time. In this particular scene, both directing and the music, are used in a superior way and it's just mind blowing. I won't spoil the scene by telling you what it is, but I all I can say is that the scene includes singing. You'll know what I'm talking about when you see the movie. Paul Thomas Anderson, I salute you. "Magnolia" is, all in all, a great film. It has everything a drama should have; Excellent role performances, superb directing, terrific music, amazing screenplay and storytelling, being also so emotional, deep and touching. It's powerful, it's beautiful and at its best moments it's a streaming river that goes by. For every drama fan it is definitely a movie to watch.

The Simpsons Movie (2007)

Non-stop laughs after non-stop laughing.

[10/10 · 2 August 2007]

I just saw "The Simpsons Movie" yesterday when I went to the cinemas. No matter how bad ratings and reviews it would have had I personally would have gone and see it anyways, as I have always loved the series. I've never really been a HUGE fan, but I'm one of those people who do not change the channel if Simpsons are on. I certainly don't want to give away any spoilers on the story, so I'll just leave my usual writing of the plot out, as in this case it's pretty crucial. All I can say about the plot is that it was a surprise to me how good it actually was and it certainly won't be a disappointment to any Simpsons fan there is.

Before this movie was out I heard people saying how the series had ran out of jokes and the movie can't be that good either. Well, it would be pretty obvious if the series ran out of jokes, but to me that has never been the case. I actually like the newer Simpsons more than the older ones, so I'm again one of those people. I can agree with everyone when I say that when watching this movie it felt like watching a longer episode of the series, but what made it more movie -like was the transferring to the big screen. I especially loved the animation; Though there is also 3D animation used besides the usual 2D, it still had that same heart as we all know the Simpsons of. This movie was most definitely one of the best "episodes" I've seen from the Simpsons. I guess the makers had lots of pressure on making a movie after the series had been on TV for 18 years and that is natural, but the way they have done it deserves an enormous appreciation as despite the pressure the makers have made a very successful from TV to a movie -translation. Probably the best we've ever seen.

The humor. Oh my, the humor. I'm being as honest as I can when I say that I haven't laughed that hard in ages, as the movie is throughout non-stop laughing and it is one of the funniest movies I have ever seen. Actually, there were only like 2 - 4 parts in the movie where there was a 30 second - 1 minute period of some drama where you didn't laugh, and that is so little time that you just can't complain. I myself found those parts entertaining as well and they were also surprisingly serious which caused moments that made you relate to the Simpsons, just like any other family. Anyway, despite those moments it was indeed non-stop laughing. Unluckily, I just felt that I was sitting in the wrong audience as I felt like laughing at parts where no-one else was laughing. I can see no other reason than the rest of the audience "not getting" the jokes, as there were also so much jokes only the Americans find funny. Or if you are a person who know about the current situation in the USA you'll be finding those jokes funny as well. There were also so much jokes, or more like hints I'd say, about the American politics nowadays which I found hilarious but the rest of the audience just didn't laugh and that to me was a disappointment. I didn't let it affect me so I continued to watch the movie without caring what the rest of the audience was laughing at or not.

Getting back to the story I found it very entertaining. It was actually a little bit different than the episodes of the series, as there was a real message in it and I also found it heart warming in a way that I've never seen the Simpsons before. Comedies like these are really hard to make, as when having so much humor throughout it usually tends to get a bit repetitive and boring. The Simpsons had one advance on their side and that was the fan base that had been growing for 18 years. But that doesn't make the movie an easy thing to do though, as that also increases the pressure on the makers's shoulders. What I mean by the fan base is that people have got known the Simpsons over the years and the movie wouldn't probably be even that funny without the series, obviously. For example every time Homer was on screen you just sensed the atmosphere it caused in the audience and people were stand-by for laughing, just because it was Homer Simpson. The humor doesn't get repetitive or boring at any part, which is a real achievement, as how many movies are there where you can honestly laugh from the beginning till the end? Yeah, not so many.

"The Simpsons Movie" does the impossible; By being a movie made from series it just doesn't disappoint you. Or at least I can't imagine it to be a disappointment to anyone. How many times you can honestly say that? Yeah, again, not so many. I don't care if I felt like watching a long episode of The Simpsons, as when laughing that hard throughout you can't really complain. It was an absolutely hilarious film, it makes history in the history of the comedy genre and it is a definite recommendation for every Simpsons fan there is. You don't see me giving 10's so much, but in this case I honestly have no other option. The movie is indeed as excellent and perfect as a comedy can pretty much get. Thanks for The Simpsons and thanks for the makers.

TMNT (2007)

Surpringly dramatic, surprisingly entertaining and surprisingly good. Surprisingly TMNT

[7/10 · 2 August 2007]

First of all to say I am a huge TMNT -fan, or at least I was back when I was a kid. I guess that still hasn't changed even now when I'm 20 years old, as I was more than thrilled to hear about a new Ninja Turtles movie. It was kind of a disappointment to hear it was only going to be an animation, but I didn't let myself down and decided to see the movie anyways. It was, after all, a brand new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie. The story itself wasn't quite what I expected, it was pretty corny and didn't actually include any twists, it was pretty predictable. The main plot is about, quoting one of the plot outlines, a tech-industrialist tycoon Max Winters who revives four ancient stone warriors and enlists the help of the foot clan to help capture ancient monsters.

Yeah, the main plot is indeed corny, but I was surprised how good the background story was and I was more interested of it rather than the main one. The movie is based on the time after the Turtles have defeated their old arch nemesis, The Shredder, and how they are after that grown apart as a family. The whole building up of the four brothers uniting together once again is also surprisingly dramatic, though it also does has its cheesy moments. I wasn't honestly so worried about the main plot, as I wanted to see the Ninja Turtles after all and the way I saw them was positively entertaining.

As I mentioned earlier I was kind of disappointed about the movie being an animation but to my surprise the CGI used in the film was superb and there really were some parts which could not have been done in live action. The CGI made the action scenes really spectacular and how the cinematography complimented those scenes the CGI wasn't a bad choice after all, not at all. You didn't even really think that you're watching an animation, as in some parts the CGI was simply magnificent and overall the whole animation department deserves a big plus on bringing the Turtles back on the big screen, though the Turtles themselves look more like the newer Turtles and not the old ones. There were even a main theme in the music for the Turtles and to me that was very fitting and compelling, by having Klaus Badelt (who we know for example from the first "Pirates of the Caribbean") as the composer the compositions changed from dramatic to explosive and followed the whole main theme in an astonishing way. The music played an important role in the movie and that was also one of the more enjoyable things I liked. There were also these cheesy punk/rock -songs playing out throughout the film, but they weren't so annoying, as they also belong to one of the things what we remember the Turtles of.

To me the voice acting was brilliant in this film, especially the voices of the Turtles as they pretty much represented the voices of the old turtles and definitely gave the old voices so much credit. To me it was kind of a surprise that Sarah Michelle Gellar did the voice acting of April O'Neil, but she wasn't as annoying I'd imagined her to be. I'd still have wanted someone else to be the voice of April, but Sarah Michelle Gellar was a pretty decent choice after all. Chris Evans did a good job as Casey Jones, Master Splinter's voice actor Mako was everything you could ask for Splinter's voice and Max Winters's voice actor Patrick Stewart is always brilliant no matter if it was a live action or an animated movie. We even heard Laurence Fishburne as the narrator and as his voice is so known especially from "The Matrix" he was a spot on pick as the narrator, though he narrated just a short period of time. Anyway, the voice actors of the Turtles; James Arnold Taylor, Nolan North, Mitchell Whitfield and Mikey Kelley were undeniably the best thing the voice acting department had to offer. Not only representing the old voices of the Turtles, but also representing the different personalities and actions of the Turtles. The humor is still there, but thank god it's not as over the top as you could imagine. Despite the fact of you hearing the word "dude" a lot it still brings a smile on your face and there are just a few corny jokes which really don't matter in the end.

By saying all this I am more than glad to say that "TMNT" didn't suck, it's a good film. As an animation it's also surprisingly violent, so it's not a movie for the youngest audience and it's not a movie for the adults either, it is something between and especially for the old school Turtle -fans. I myself am still waiting for a new fresh live action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles -film with a darker edge in it, so hopefully that'll change from a dream to reality some day. I personally would love to see a new TMNT live action movie and I think all the fans agree with me in that. Not a movie like those made in the 90's, as they were pretty much just an example of how wrong can you go with such superior characters, but a movie directed towards us old school fans and plus having that darker side. All in all, I am happy to say that the Turtles are back and after years of waiting the comeback is surprisingly satisfying. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles ruled back then and they rule now. "Cowabungaaaa!"

Live Free or Die Hard (2007)

One of the coolest characters ever seen on the screen makes a very successful and satisfying comeback

[7/10 · 31 July 2007]

I went to see the newest installment of the Die Hard series in the cinemas a while back and to be honest I pretty much got what I wanted, so I was very pleased on the overall result the movie had to offer. I was so glad that it didn't suck. First of all, the plot is rather cheesy or at some parts it is, so it's nothing that great but despite that it has a good catch which involves a couple of great twists here and there. When an internet-based terrorist organization attacks the United States by first hacking into the computers at the FBI's Cyber Crime Division to bring down the whole computer and technological structure that supports the economy of the country, no other man than the legendary John McClane has to take them on and bring justice to the world once again. With help of a hacker he fights against the organization through the cyber world and the real world. Sure, it is corny, but it sure is entertaining as well. Blood won't be spared.

After twelve years one of the coolest characters ever seen on the big screen hits back to us and by the outstanding essence of Bruce Willis it is done with style. Undeniably the best thing this movie has to offer is Bruce Willis as John McClane, no other actor could do the same as Willis does. The first time I saw Willis on the screen I felt like applauding, insanely clapping my hands together, that's just how cool he still is. When things naturally go over the top you just realise saying to yourself "No other than John McClane. It's John McClane, it's possible" I'm pretty convinced when I say that the hardcore Die Hard fans won't be disappointed, as John McClane still is as cool as he was twelve years ago. Although Bruce Willis is already 52 years old he still kicks ass and when he does it with such credibility you just have to appreciate that. That famous two thumbs up takes place once again. Despite the fact of Willis being the true heart and soul of this movie, the other cast does a pretty flawless job as well. Timothy Olyphant is a spot on pick as the main villain, as having those fierce eyes he does what an evil character should. Even Justin Long is convincing as Matt Farrell, the hacker, as he wasn't even near the annoy level I was expecting. Overall the cast is picked out well and there's not much to complain when it comes to role performances.

The film is throughout a celebration of guaranteed quality action, they don't seem to make action movies like these anymore. The real essence of the old Die Hard's have remained - What those movies were all about and how the almost superhero like but realistic main character affected people, not forgetting the absolute punchlines of John McClane. When the movie has its cliché moments the writers have replaced those moments with the sarcasm of McClane who kind of saves that entire over the top -theme the movie has, clever I'd say. The action scenes are all in all simply mind blowing and the entertain level I was looking for was more than filled. As a movie having so much action; Gun shots, explosions, car chases, fist fights, everything imaginable, it's a must-see for every action fan there is. I went to see the movie with my brother and I remember asking him how many times there will be a moment in the movie where you have to say "Yeah, awesome" My brother bet on seven times and I bet on ten times. Even the ten times were probably exceeded. That is how awesome the movie is.

"Die Hard 4.0" is one of the best action movies I've seen in a while. It offers the viewer a thrilling ride throughout, action packed sequences and most importantly John McClane, who makes an outstanding comeback to the big screen without the movie being just a lame sequel. When I heard that the director was Len Wiseman I was kind of afraid that the movie wouldn't stand out in any way, though Len Wiseman's previous "Underworld" -movies have been well crafted out when it came to the action scenes. I didn't like the actual movies though, but as I said, the action parts had potential. I'm glad that Wiseman did a satisfying job as the director. Though this probably final part of the Die Hard series is corny, it actually stays in a pretty tight package throughout and it doesn't lose the pieces as you could have imagined. You'll have a smile on your face, if not because of the absolutely hilarious punchlines by McClane then just because of the fact that you're watching a Die Hard -movie, a fresh new one. Live Free.. or Die Hard.

The Man Who Would Be King (1975)

Sean Connery and Micheal Caine equals a chemistry which can not be described with words

[8/10 · 26 July 2007]

I saw this movie about two weeks ago. By being a movie where the lead actors are Sean Connery and Michael Caine it can't be bad, now can it? Well, it can't and it wasn't. To be honest the movie wasn't quite what I expected it to be, but it sure was a great movie. The movie tells about two men, Daniel Dravot and Peachy Carnehan, who decide to resign from the Army and travel to Kafiristan to become kings. No white man has set foot in Kafiristan since Alexander, but as ambitious as Daniel and Peachy are they decide to give it a go and leave on the adventure.

Being a story by Rudyard Kipling it has all the right ingredients what an adventure movie requires. The film wisely uses those ingredients, but after I had seen the movie I honestly thought it could have been better. The film just has this certain style of telling the story, which can sometimes be a bit long-winded. It does seem that sometimes there isn't that much happening and it may be unbearable for some viewers. Well it is a movie from the 70's and movies were different even back then, though it isn't a long time ago at all. Despite that it's still a great adventure movie throughout and when it's directed by John Huston (who has also written the screenplay with Gladys Hill) it is indeed guaranteed quality. The cinematography's used how it's supposed to, when shooting in exotic locations you must shoot the beautiful landscapes as well to give the viewer that certain feeling of a real adventure. We see all kinds of astonishing sceneries throughout the movie and overall the movie is shot incredibly well by using every resource the milieu has to offer.

What makes this movie so great, despite the already mentioned and complimented story, directing and cinematography, is undeniably the chemistry between Sean Connery and Michael Caine. If the movie doesn't interest you at all, try at least for god sakes watch it for Connery and Caine. There's just this unspeakable chemistry which can not be described with words, undeniably one of the best I've ever seen in a motion picture. Both, Connery and Caine, have this certain charisma which can only be accomplished by just a few actors. And by putting all that charisma together, uniting it, you see a charisma which is more than you expect it to be. Sean Connery as Daniel Dravot performs the role flawlessly and same goes with Michael Caine who plays Peachy Carnehan. Just perfect. There is also a clever dialog between Dravot and Carnehan, which is a real treat for the fans. And when there's written this familiar witty sarcasm throughout the screenplay there honestly couldn't be better lead actors doing it, Connery and Caine exceed it.

"The Man Who Would Be King" is more than just an adventure movie. It also tells a story about a true friendship, how friends should help each other in tight situations and what a real friendship is all about. This evolves the movie into a beautiful story which also makes it surprisingly dramatic. Backed up by the fantastic music by Maurice Jarre it really makes you shed a tear, even tears. Despite the movie having an opportunity to be something much better it still hangs on to be a great movie by having such magnificent lead actors in it. When each other area works really well too the movie is much better than the ingredients given to it. Sean Connery and Michael Caine can't become kings, as they already are kings. If not actual kings, then at least kings in our hearts. My heart says they are.

Heat (1995)

Robert De Niro and Al Pacino at their best

[10/10 · 24 July 2007]

I saw this movie for the first time over two weeks ago and I was quite pleased on the overall result. "Heat" is an exciting thriller and it tells cleverly, quoting one of the plot outlines, about two men on opposite sides of the law - One being a detective and one being a thief. The movie starts off with a robbery, which is arranged by Neil McCauley, the thief, and his criminal crew. This brings Vincent Hanna, the detective, and his crew to investigation which leads up to a hunt, Hanna being the hunter and McCauley being the prey. The movie wisely mixes up with the two lives of these two men, making the viewer feel sympathy towards both ends.

First of all I must say that the screenplay is fantastic, it's very well written and despite the fact of the movie being a bit long-winded it still keeps the viewer interested all the way trough. It's exciting and includes great plot twists, having also some real depth in the whole background story. Emotions and feelings jump between happiness and sadness, having sympathy and hatred blended together with a really nice flow, although the flow sometimes not progressing as much as it should. It's just that sometimes it feels like the movie doesn't move towards, it just stops and stays there for a short period of time, which can be a bit irritating for some viewers. I guess those moments are there for building up the tension, but they could have been crafted out more carefully by considering the whole overall flow of the movie.

The movie has some great characters in it and above all of them are the characters of Neil McCauley and Vincent Hanna. These two characters who are played by such amazing actors are the characters which really make the movie what it is. Despite the movie having so much great characters some of them are sadly in need of some real depth, as those characters are sort of left out only as to be in minor roles, although they'd be important for the story itself. You really couldn't choose better actors for the roles of McCauley and Hanna, as they are played by the legendary actors Rober De Niro and Al Pacino, De Niro in the role of McCauley and Pacino in the role of Hanna. This is the reason why the role performances are what you expect them to be - Excellent. Other roles are played by such actors like Val Kilmer, Jon Voight, Tom Sizemore and also Dennis Haysbert and young Natalie Portman. Still, neither one of them reach on the same level as De Niro and Pacino. It's pretty obvious though. The movie also includes this superb scene between Pacino and De Niro, which is undeniably the best scene in the movie and probably one of the best tension-packed scenes in the history of movies. Although they just talk with each other it's still so exciting and it's pure candy for your eyes, as it is indeed a great pleasure to see such legendary actors working together in the same scene. By just the glance of their eyes De Niro and Pacino make a beautiful scene which couldn't be better in any way. Those who have seen the movie probably know what I'm talking about. Just superb.

Directed by Michael Mann it sure has that tension his movies seem to have. To me the directing is pretty much flawless and it's what directing should be in thriller/detective movies, it has this certain style of showing things on the screen and leaving some of the questions for the viewer to answer. Cinematography compliments the whole thing by being also what you expect it to be in a detective movie, precise and detailed, followed by the astonishing music. Composed by Elliot Goldenthal, who I haven't honestly heard of before, it is perfect for the movie and fits so well with the main theme as well. Music is a crucial instrument when it comes to thrillers as it is supposed to be significant for the tension a thriller should have. I am glad to say the music manages itself brilliantly in "Heat" All this; The directing, cinematography and the music makes "Heat" an exciting thriller, each area compliments each other.

"Heat" is a great movie but it could be better, as in the way it is now it's a bit too long and not so progressing it could be. The film is still definitely worth watching, especially for the thriller and Michael Mann fans, as those fans won't be disappointed. It's just that the progress sometimes gets so slow that it interferes with the flow. Well that may sound a bit too harsh, as it isn't actually so remarkable in the end, as you won't be left with a bad taste in your mouth after all. De Niro and Pacino are simply at their best and you just can't go wrong with them now can you? A great thriller which appeals to the feelings of the viewer surprisingly well by having also waterproof drama in it.

The Big Lebowski (1998)

A fine piece of quality comedy entertainment

[9/10 · 15 July 2007]

"The Big Lebowski" is a hilarious movie. It makes you laugh scene after a scene and that makes it a fine piece of quality comedy. It has a rather bizarre story which sometimes gets a bit silly, but it's still enjoyable all the way through. The story tells about a man named Jeffrey "The Dude" Lebowski. He is accidentally mistaken for a millionaire Jeffrey Lebowski and this leads him to things he wouldn't want to have experienced. With his bowling buddy Walter's help he tries to get things right but is constantly failed in his tasks, mainly because of Walter's strange personality and anger issues.

The best thing about this film is the characters and the role performances done by the actors. The characters are just great, they're vivid and they all have odd personalities and different ways of interacting. Jeff Bridges plays the character of "The Dude", a total looser who would have preferred bowling instead the things he accidentally mixes up with. Bridges is so real in the role, though the character itself is so surreal, sort of an ignoring person who pretty much defines stupidity. Although Bridges is superb in the role I thought John Goodman was more entertaining in the role of Walter Sobchak. The character of Walter is just so bizarre. He is a Vietnam veteran who constantly deals with his anger issues and thinks he's right when it comes to solving things, yet being pretty much wrong in every case. Trying to help "The Dude" he just makes things worse and doesn't even admit that he's been wrong. I've never really found John Goodman as entertaining as in this movie, so thumbs up for that. There are also other characters worth mentioning; The always enjoyable Steve Buscemi as Theodore Donald 'Donny' Kerabatsos who never seems to be able to speak up his mind as he is always bothered by Walter. Being a bowling buddy of "The Dude" and Walter he still remains as one member of the group and there is some sympathy showed towards him in the end. Julianna Moore is also in a so surreal role, the role of Maude Lebowski who is obsessed with sex, the British daughter of the real millionaire Lebowski. We also see for example Philip Seymor Hoffman and Peter Stormare in one of the roles.

The screenplay's very well written, written by Ethan and Joel Cohen it definitely mixes up everything from the beginning till the end. This what also makes the plot a bit confusing at parts. You really need concentration, as there is constantly this fast dialog between the characters and it's just impossible to know what is important for the plot and what is not. There is just so much fillings in the dialogs that it gets a bit messy. The directing pretty much does the same, directed by Joel Cohen. It can be described from what I described the plot and the dialogs. Being precise, entertaining and swift it also blends up with the story so well, making the whole movie this one big entity where the main theme is never lost. Although it does get a bit confusing it's still that definite quality and you just can't go wrong with that.

"The Big Lebowski" is a good movie, it's nothing phenomenal but it's definitely something worth watching if you don't want to watch something that serious, as it just does include these irrelevant and silly, yet hilarious parts which in their way are simply one crucial part of the movie. You will laugh, if not because of the great jokes or the dialog, then the odd silliness it has inside it. Great characters, superb role performances, a plot that evolves to something you couldn't have imagined and a guaranteed laugh-packed ride. "The Big Lebowski" does what it needs to, it doesn't have to exceed that.

Black Book (2006)

Visually stunning, hanging on Carice van Houten's beauty

[8/10 · 9 July 2007]

OK so I saw this film a while ago, but I never had the time to review it, but now I do. This was probably the first Dutch film I've ever seen and to be honest I was quite pleased with it as well. I also like the language a lot, it kind of fascinates me. To me it was sort of German and English blended together and I enjoyed hearing it. It's very easy for your ears. Anyway, the movie itself tells about a Jewish woman, Rachel Stein, who during the World War II hides from the Nazis in The Netherlands. By different circumstances and accidents she joins a dutch resistance group and under a false name Ellis de Vries she becomes a spy at a German headquarters.

The story is all in all very interesting and the screenplay is very good. It includes so much plot twists that the movie is an exciting experience throughout. The story is very original too as it's not just another story about WW2. An interesting way of coming up with a plot based on WW2 and that is what also makes it so fascinating. Though there are some battle scenes the main focus isn't on them, it's totally on the story which also has enough depth in it to keep the viewer far away from bored. Directing is also very enjoyable, directed by Paul Verhoeven, it definitely compliments the story by being accurate and precise, having this good tempo and a great way of describing or showing things. There are probably a couple of unnecessary scenes included and although for example the nude scenes are supposed to be realistic the nudity is also pretty useless and it doesn't wake up any emotions in the viewer, being basically just unnecessary.

The best thing this movie has to offer is undeniably the role performance of Carice van Houten who plays the role of Rachel Stein aka Ellis de Vries. The movie pretty much hangs in the hands of van Houten, the role performance is simply superb and she just shines with her beauty. She is just so beautiful in the film that it makes the viewer adore her, probably even worship her. Being so real and so true she keeps the movie on its feet, being simply the definite glaze of the movie. Another role performance worth mentioning is the role performance done by Sebastian Koch, who plays the role of Ludwig Müntze, an SS-officer who meets Rachel at a train smuggling weapons. The meeting comes more important than Rachel thought, as when she becomes the spy at the German headquarters the headquarters is actually lead by Müntze. Koch is just so brilliant in the role. I thought he was more enjoyable in "Das Leben der Anderen" though, but there's nothing to complain about him in "Zwartboek" either.

What catches your eyes besides the beauty of Carice van Houten is how visually stunning the movie is. The use of colours is just magnificent and all the other visual sides are all in all an incredible achievement. I have to raise my hat for the whole art department and also the department responsible for the costume design, as that was also a pleasure for your eyes as well. The glaze of Carice van Houten actually makes me think of older movies and the first one coming up to my mind is "Casablanca" where Ingrid Bergman did pretty much the same thing, although these two movies can not be compared together, even when it comes to the beauty of van Houten and Bergman. Bergman's beauty is just so classic, when van Houten's represents the world today, although it is probably also going to be a classic after 50 years. At the moment comparing is just out of question. The music used in the film is very old fashioned and it just fits with the them so well, well it's based on WW2 after all. Composed by Anne Dudley it gives more of that realistic edge for the movie and by beautiful and gloomy compositions it's more than important, it's necessary. And it's brilliant.

"Zwartboek" is all in all a good movie. It had the chance of being much more than that, but it somehow goes wrong in some part. Not actually wrong, but it kind of looses it's flow, although it somehow is interesting throughout. Hard to explain really, but that's how it is. The movie is definitely worth watching though it isn't phenomenal. It doesn't have to be, as when being good a movie is always worth watching. If you want to recall the old times when movies were made with style and with a lead female actor who melted the hearts of men then this movie is definitely for you, though I could describe it as a modernized version. A good movie, a good achievement from Verhoeven.

Seven Samurai (1954)

Requires concentration and real nerves, but in the end it'll all be worth it

[9/10 · 28 June 2007]

Like probably everyone else who haven't seen this movie, I also had huge expectations on it. This is one of those movies which I was ashamed of not seeing, as it's still a classic in the history of motion pictures and the one of Akira Kurosawa's films that is described as "a must-see" for every movie freak there is. Having an 8.8/10 rating and standing on the mighty 9th place at IMDb's Top 250 movies of all time -list it's pretty hard to watch it without having those huge expectations. The movie tells a story about a village which is constantly attacked and robbed by bandits. The village's eldest wise man suggests that the villagers should hire samurais, respected warriors, to defend the village, so some of the villagers leave their home to find samurais for the job. It doesn't take so much time until they find the ones, and these samurais form the group of the seven samurais, who each have their own personalities and ways of interacting.

First of all, you really have to relate to the time when the movie was produced. It's nothing near the movies these days, it's completely different, obviously. I've watched a lot of Japanese movies in the past and this is no exception when it comes to this certain style of this specific tension seen from the screen. I wouldn't say it's boring, but it's somehow tedious. I mean, the movie requires this certain mood for the viewer, so you can't really watch it like any other film. The tempo is slow and sometimes the scenes seem like they're too lengthened, which needs a lot of concentration and nerves, yet it's all worth it after all. The tempo of "Shichinin no samurai" has this nice way of speeding up towards the end, so it gets faster and faster all the time, though there are some of those slow scenes between. I can't really describe those scenes in any other way than "slow", as it's really hard to explain it after all. Over three hours of one movie is always pretty heavy, no matter what the movie itself was. This is a heavy movie, but that doesn't mean it wouldn't be worth watching. The music is these dark and gloomy orchestrations, which really fit in the main theme of the movie so well and though it doesn't include relaxed or soothing compositions it still is overall a great experience, composed by Fumio Hayasaka it builds up tension in a flowing way and it's sort of adapted in the exactly right places. It definitely has that 50's feel to it, but it's still original.

One thing that immediately crosses your mind when the movie progresses itself is how incredibly well it's made considering when it is actually made. If you look at the 50's, there weren't any computers so CGI was obviously out of question. This basically means that everything you see on the screen is actually the real deal, everything that moves actually moves and everything that happens actually happens. This is what you have to pay attention to when you're watching the movie, as then you finally realise why it truly was such a big hit back then and why it immediately formed itself as a classic. A born legend some could say. The cinematography compliments the whole credibility the film offers for the viewer. It is a little bit different than Japanese cinematography nowadays, but there's still that same feeling and emotion. To me as a fan of Japanese cinematography "Shichinin no samurai" didn't disappoint me; Wide endless landscapes, those beautiful boundless hills and lands, it's honestly always a treat for you. Japanese also tend to use so much more still shots than any other nation and that is one of the things that form that certain well-known feeling and emotion.

When you really relate to the time the directing doesn't disappoint you either. It's no wonder people have been buzzing about this film for ages as it is indeed Akira Kurosawa's masterpiece, a real specimen of skill. The thing that surprised me though was that the role performances can actually be compared to role performances these days, in Japanese films that is. The acting in this movie still has that certain anger, that somehow believable incredibility, that Japanese original way of acting, which also can not be compared to any other nation. Japanese films live in their own time and hopefully that'll always be the case, as when you're bored of Hollywood you can always change to a different perspective; The Japanese perspective.

"Shichinin no samurai" is timeless. It doesn't matter if you'd watch it even after 100 years from its release, it's a movie everyone should see, though it does require certain age from the viewer. This is not a movie for children after all as it's pretty violent too. Having huge expectations on a movie always gets me so stressed and to be really honest I thought the movie would have been better. But as a person in my 20's what can you really expect from a movie made in the 50's? It's like eating the same cereals years after years and then suddenly changing to porridge with sugar and milk in it. It's like drinking a long drink and then changing to whiskey. The difference gap is just so huge. "Shichinin no samurai" is a brilliant film if you can relate to the time, though it is pretty long-winded it does get better after a few days when you've seen it. You don't really "get it" at first, but just give yourself some time to repeat the events occurred in the movie and soon you see yourself perceiving the whole meaning of the movie, what's it all about and what it tries to tell you, the whole purpose of it. Magnificent indeed.

12 Monkeys (1995)

Intelligence in its purest form

[9/10 · 26 June 2007]

"Twelve Monkeys" is odd and disturbing, yet being so clever and intelligent at the same time. It cleverly jumps between future and the past, and the story it tells is about a man named James Cole, a convict, who is sent back to the past to gather information about a man-made virus that wiped out 5 billion of the human population on the planet back in 1996. At first Cole is sent back to the year 1990 by accident and by misfortune he is taken to a mental institution where he tries to explain his purpose and where he meets a psychiatrist Dr. Kathryn Railly who tries to help him and a patient named Jeffrey Goines, the insane son of a famous scientist. Being provocative and somehow so sensible, dealing with and between reason and madness, the movie is a definite masterpiece in the history of science-fiction films.

The story is just fantastic. It's so original and so entertaining. The screenplay itself written by David and Janet Peoples is inspired by a movie named "La Jetée" (1962) which I haven't seen, but I must thank the director and writer of the movie, Chris Marker, for giving such an inspiration for the writers of "Twelve Monkeys". I read a little about "La Jetée", it's not the same story but it has the same idea, so this is not just a copy of it. David and Janet Peoples have transformed this great deal of inspiration to a modernized story, which tells about this urgent need for people to find a solution for maintaining human existence and it does it in a so beautiful and a realistic way that it's a guaranteed thrill ride from the beginning till the end. The music used in the film is odd and somehow so funny and amusing it doesn't really fit until you really get it and when you do you realise that it's so compelling, composed by Paul Buckmaster.

Terry Gilliam, who we remember from Monty Python, as the director of the movie was a real surprise for me, as I really never thought him as a director type of a person. I know he has directed movies before, but I really couldn't believe that he could make something this magnificent. It shouldn't be a surprise though, as he does an amazing job. You can still sense that same weirdness as in the Python's, but for me the directing is pretty much flawless though in its odd way of describing things it also makes some scenes strangely disturbing. Yes, it is indeed odd, weird, bizarre and disturbing, so it also makes the movie a bit heavy too, so the weak minded viewers will probably find it hard to watch the movie all the way through. It's not as heavy as you could imagine, but it just has these certain things which in their own purpose are sometimes pretty severe to watch. Despite that, the movie holds this pure intelligence inside it and through flashbacks, dreams, jumps between the past and the future it mixes up the whole story in a very clever way and it doesn't even make the plot messy in any part, though it does need concentration from the viewer after all.

What comes to acting, well the movie doesn't even go wrong there. The role of James Cole is played by the mighty Bruce Willis, who probably does his best role performance yet to date. Now people may disagree with me, as he did some fine job in for example "The Sixth Sense" as well, but for me the role of James Cole was so ideal for Willis and he performs it incredibly well. The character is very well written too, yet performed even better. Cole starts to question his own existence and he deals with himself, starting to question his actual time of living, trying to survive and find the crucial missing piece of the puzzle. By hardship he starts to loose his faith, questioning if he can even trust or believe himself. Other role performances worth mentioning are the performances of Madeleine Stow and Brad Pitt. Stow plays the role of Kathryn Railly, the psychiatrist of James Cole, who sees something strangely familiar in Cole and decides to help him to deal with his madness. She somehow starts to believe Cole's story but as a believer of science she tries to find solutions through it and tries to deal with reason when it comes to unbelievable things. Brad Pitt is so good in the role of Jeffrey Goines and he also does one of his best role performances yet to date. The insane yet hilarious personality of the character brought Pitt even an Oscar nomination for it, so I guess I'm not praising the honestly fabulous performance for nothing.

All in all, "Twelve Monkeys" is a great science-fiction experience and it will surely be a recommendation for everyone, especially for the sci-fi fans. It includes brilliant characters and superb role performances, especially from Willis and Pitt, and an original and an entertaining story which forms a plot that's so intelligent and clever. Yet being that already mentioned weird and disturbing it definitely captures the viewer's attention by making it interesting and witty. It's also an explosive thriller and it has romance in it too, so it's all that in same package and that makes it one of the best sci-fi motion pictures I've ever seen. Through the odd yet terrific vision of Terry Gilliam it manages to keep itself in balance despite the somewhat bumpy yet somehow stable ride. Hard to explain really, but that's how it is, it's mind blowing.

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007)

A visual spectacle

[7/10 · 16 June 2007]

The third and the final installment of the "Pirates of the Caribbean" -trilogy came out to the theaters not so long ago and as I liked both of the previous movies I decided to go and see the third one as well, obviously. I'm not a hardcore fan, but I think the movies are one of the most entertaining movies ever made. "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" continues where the second part left us; Captain Barbossa, William Turner, Elizabeth Swann and the rest of the crew leave on a journey to get Jack Sparrow back from the land of the dead. Along the adventure they have to face villains like Davy Jones and Lord Cutler Becket. The story includes so much more, which really can't be explained shortly, as there is just so much twists and tweaks in the plot. I wouldn't even have to describe the plot more specifically as everyone has probably seen the movie already, so I just get the to review itself already..

The final part of the trilogy is pretty satisfying. I just don't like the way they've overdone the humour; They did it with the second part and now they've done it with the third part. The first movie, to me at least, was more like a serious movie and it had its humour, not being overdone or not playing a major role in the movie itself. The character of Jack Sparrow was hilarious in the way it was and that was it, they didn't overdo it. When the second part came out, they had pretty much overdone it all, there were punchlines and other humour just trickling all over the place and the character of Jack Sparrow didn't have that depth like it used to. It's like they dragged the movie down one level and to children it was a pleasant surprise but for us more mature viewers it was a disappointment, although the humour was actually funny, but I was just hoping for a more serious movie. The third part of the trilogy continues the same joking as the second movie did, although being funny it also leaves the whole depth of the story in a minor role, which is pretty disappointing after all. It sadly turns the movie to a hollywoodised sequel.

Don't get me wrong, the movie itself is great, but it's pretty much on the same level as the second part was, so I still think the first one is the best one of the trilogy. The things which make these movies so magnificent is the original characters and the story, not forgetting the spectacular visual effects. The character of Jack Sparrow, played superbly by Johnny Depp, is without a doubt one of the best characters ever written on paper and ever seen on screen. He is amiable, so sympathetic in a way and the audience favourite, the definite crowd pleaser. He is so original, being a hilarious swashbuckler who definitely knows his things, though being somewhat mentally unstable. To me the character is just so ideal and in all of these three movies Johnny Depp does his best role performance yet to date. Then there's William Turner, the golden boy played by Orlando Bloom. Elizabeth Swann, the beautiful girlfriend of Turner, played by Keira Knightley. Geoffrey Rush as the fierce Captain Barbossa, you can't really choose a better actor for the role, as he is just so perfect in it. The always enjoyable Bill Nighy as the evil Davy Jones is just top notch in the role. The whole cast is simply amazing and in the third movie we see such actors as Chow Yun-Fat, Stellan Skarsgård and also Keith Richards in supporting roles. The character of Keith Richards was hilarious, though he only had a few lines and didn't play any major role in the movie. What made it hilarious was that it actually was Keith Richards and when both me and my brother saw him the first time on the screen we both laughed, just because it was Keith Richards.

"Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" is, like already mentioned, visually spectacular. There were running all kinds of visual effects on the screen throughout the movie which made the movie a masterpiece in entertainment. Explosions, sword fights, rain and tornadoes, all this junk just flying all over the place, quality stuff indeed. The third movie is all in all what I expected, though some of the things being silly it's still that quality entertainment you want and it won't be a disappointment in the department to anyone. The story does get a bit messy, everyone is cheating everyone and there are so many twists that it's sometimes really hard to keep up with the plot. The movie is also a little bit too long, or at least for me it was. Especially when there wasn't any breaks in the theatre, you just had to sit there nearly 3 hours. Anyway, if you want to see entertainment then this is what you want to see, as you just won't be disappointed like mentioned earlier. This is a trilogy which is a must-have for every action fan there is, I'm probably going to buy the trilogy-DVD-box when it comes out. Who wouldn't like pirates, eh? Arrrrr matey!

New Police Story (2004)

A pleasant surprise on the drama side, although the realization of the story being just ridiculous

[6/10 · 14 June 2007]

I rented "New Police Story" a few days ago. I was just looking for an easy action movie, nothing serious, so I was browsing through the DVD's at the renting store and the name of Jackie Chan in one of the covers just popped into my eye. So I watched the movie and I was very surprised how dramatic it also was besides the action it, it's not often you see Jackie Chan doing drama anyways. And to be honest, the main focus to me was more on the drama, so the whole story had surprisingly much depth in it too, the action side was just sort for spicing up the movie a little bit and a good spice that was. The movie tells a story about a police, Inspector Chan Kwok-Wing, who's entire team gets killed in a tragic mission. Kwok-Wing feels guilty for the deaths of his fellow police officers and becomes a drunk without hope and not being capable of forgiving himself. A young man pretending to be a police officer suddenly comes into Wing's life, helping him to get back on his feet and stop the gang who's guilty in the deaths of the team.

There's the main plot about the gang and its members, then there's these subplots which include a love story, a story about friendship and a story about courage and not giving in. The subplots are the best thing the movie has to offer, as the main plot itself is just silly. The members of the gang, cop haters, are somehow obsessed with video games and decide to make a game about how they killed the team mates of Wing. It could work if done properly, but the thing which makes it so bad is the acting done by the gang members, all the screaming and shouting when they're excited is just so overacted it's garbage. The cheering which is repeated annoyingly too much throughout the movie just doesn't work in any part of the movie, the characters of the gang are so unrealistic and have nothing to do with reality. However, the character of Wing does. I was so surprised of the fact that Jackie Chan can actually do drama as well, the acting he does is believable and it's overall a pretty flawless role performance as well. I've always known that Chan is a master when it comes to facial expressions, but drama, honestly? Jackie Chan doing drama. You're kidding, right? No, I'm not. I honestly have to raise my hat for him, as he was so enjoyable in the movie, both drama and action wise.

There wasn't as much action I expected, but that's alright, as the drama side of the movie was more enjoyable, although the action scenes are once again incredible. The movie sadly suffers from a slight dullness, it is actually a bit too long. You just wait for something to happen and there's this part of the movie where it feels like the movie would simply stand on its feet without moving along. You don't receive as much as you hope. Anyway, everyone knows Jackie Chan does his own stunts and you just have to give some respect for the guy. When you know the actor himself is doing his own stunts it really gives the movie that extra something and the stunts are simply better than they actually are. The fighting scenes are definite entertainment and when it comes to Chinese action it's always an art form of its own, it even can't be compared to Hollywood action. Hollywood may do it more visually, but China does it more technically and with experience and you just got to love it. The action scenes in this movie are guaranteed Chinese quality action and they won't be disappointing you, although there are just a few of them.

If you're looking for action and nothing else, then this movie isn't for you. If you're looking for a decent action/drama movie, then this will be a recommendation for you. It's nothing phenomenal, but it's a good film. Nothing to be praised but nothing to be slaughtered either. The love story, the slight humour, the whole depth in the plot besides the main plot and the great Jackie Chan are the best thing this movie has to offer. Though some of it may be a bit too cliché it's still enjoyable, it's not THAT serious after all. "New Police Story" isn't a light movie, but it's not a heavy movie either. If you want to see Jackie Chan doing a good role performance, I suggest you watch this movie right away, as you will most certainly be surprised. Hopefully as much as I was.

Taxi Driver (1976)

One of the best character progressions ever written on screen, though the movie itself being slightly disappointing

[7/10 · 13 June 2007]

"Taxi Driver" is a good movie, it's nothing phenomenal, but it's good. Like Martin Scorsese's movies usually it is also over-hyped, or at least that's what I think. Don't get me wrong, I liked the movie, but the rating of 8.5 at IMDb is probably a bit too much, it is not that great. The movie tells a story about Travis Bickle, a Vietnam veteran who works as a taxi driver at nights. He is constantly disturbed by the life around him and that gets him mentally unstable. He thinks the streets of New York City are full of trash and by that he is referring to people, and all the injustice and corruption the world around him has. Bickle doesn't have any real friends and he starts to question his own existence, he is lonely and a complete outsider to everyone, failing to make any emotional contact with anyone. The film follows Travis's story's progress from attempts to desperation and it deals with mental issues along with the search of love and happiness.

The best thing this movie has to offer is Robert De Niro, who does an amazing role performance in the role of Travis Bickle. The character itself is very well written as well, so De Niro only had to translate the character on to the screen and he managed that pretty flawlessly. The whole progress of the character is just brilliantly acted out, all the facial expressions and the whole body language changes along the progress in a fantastic way and De Niro makes one of the best role performances he has done this far. It was also pretty interesting to see De Niro in such a "young" age, as he was magnificent back then as well, even he actually was 33 years old when the movie was made. The story focuses completely on Travis and there aren't much scenes where he wouldn't be, although there are supporting actors/actresses along the way. The one in the most supporting role is Jodie Foster, who in the age of 14 plays a child prostitute. I was very surprised how good actress she was even back then, in the age of 14! She is so real and performs the role of Iris superbly, I just can't believe she was only 14. Two small parts are played by the legends Peter Boyle (god bless the man) and Harvey Keitel, Boyle in the role "Wizard", another taxi driver in New York City who gives advice to Travis and Keitel in the role of "Sport", a pimp in New York City who for example sells Iris for money and who Travis just can't stand.

Directed by Martin Scorsese, the movie is definitely recognizable as his, as it certainly has that Scorsese touch in it, though I think it is darker than Martin's movies usually. Scorsese always seems to describe violence in a very violent way and he doesn't hide the truth, though sometimes a fictional truth, behind the true violence and other disturbing images. This movie is all in all very disturbing and like Scorsese's movies usually it's also pretty heavy, so the weak minded viewers won't be enjoying it and watching it all the way through. The heaviness is also caused by that slight dullness the movie starts to have after the first hour and it seems like stretched, you keep on watching these irrelevant scenes which don't even matter so much in the end and the movie sadly loses its flow. It does get better towards the end, but there's just this one part of the movie where it seems to stumble a little bit. Maybe I'm being too harsh, so don't slay me because of that, but after all that is just my opinion. The screenplay is pretty much only the building of the main character, the movie is after all a story about Travis Bickle and no-one else. Despite the fact of the screenplay being almost nothing else than the story about the character it still manages to have surprisingly much depth in the plot, which is a very nice thing, as it also drops the heaviness level a little bit.

"Taxi Driver" offers you a disturbing, yet psychologically clever experience, not forgetting the intelligence it has inside it. Robert De Niro is undeniably the best thing the movie has to offer, so I'm recommending the movie for everyone who is seeking a movie with an astonishing role performance. Like mentioned before this movie isn't for the weak minded, but if you still want to see it then it's your decision and you have been warned. "Taxi Driver" is partly all in all interesting, above decent without a doubt and it could be described as an artistic rather than an ordinary movie. So for those who are in search of a light and an easy movie for the Friday evening to watch with a girlfriend, then this isn't for you. It requires concentration and nerves, thinking and collecting pieces of the puzzle afterwards. It's not a phenomenal one, but it's definitely a good one. If all this still doesn't satisfy you, then for god sakes please watch it just because of the experience of seeing the hilarious long dark curly hair Harvey Keitel has in it. Marvellous.

L.A. Confidential (1997)

How detective movies should be made

[9/10 · 12 June 2007]

First of all, I wasn't expecting so much about this movie. It had a pretty high rating at IMDb and it's praised all over the place, but I just wasn't so interested of it. Well, it turned out to be an excellent movie. The movie tells a story happening in Los Angeles in the 1950's and it tells about a corruption occurring all over the police force and a committed murder, which three different polices start to investigate in their own unique ways. Ed Exley, the golden boy of the police force, smart and the one obeying the law. Bud White, a rough man ready to break the law to seek justice. Then there's Jack Vincennes, a celebrity detective being the one who does the job for publicity and press photos, but still managing something with his smart, yet somewhat crooked ways.

There are two things about this movie which make it so magnificent; The storyline and the cast. The storyline is filled with excitement and it keeps on going all the way through. After the first hour the movie kind of stops a little bit and it seems like it starts to stumble, or that's at least what you think. There are these scenes which seem like irrelevant, but they eventually get important for the whole plot in a genius way. This movie is a perfect example of how to make a real crime/detective movie, there's the crime in the beginning and after that there's just this fantastic progression of the whole investigation from the very beginning till the very end, detectives finding interesting and also very surprising clues during the progress. Then there's the amazing cast; Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, James Cromwell, Kim Basinger, David Strathairn, Danny DeVito.. Honestly, can you think of any better? Great indeed.

This leads up myself to the acting the movie has to offer. The role performances are all in all fantastic. Ed Exley is played by Guy Pearce and I really haven't seen Pearce in a role like Exley before, but I am happy to say that he is great in it. Then there's the always superb Russell Crowe playing Bud White, the real bad ass cop. If someone can play a bad ass and look so furious it's Crowe without a doubt. He's just so frightening. Finally there is Kevin Spacey as Jack Vincennes and as I've watched more than a few Spacey movies recently I'm starting to like him more and more and he is starting to be one of my favourite actors. In this movie he still is as excellent as you can pretty much expect from him. Pearce, Crowe and Spacey shine with astonishing role performances and they are the best thing the cast has to offer. I'm not underestimating the rest of the cast at all though, as there is the fierce James Cromwell, the beautiful Kim Basinger, the somewhat charismatic and cool David Stathairn and then there's the tiny but incredible Danny DeVito, who I haven't really seen in a more fitting role and he does some damn fine job in it too. Cromwell is enjoyable as usual, Basinger does what she does best and Strathairn is the coolness itself, though in my opinion he was better in "Good Night, and Good Luck." Still a great achievement though.

"L.A. Confidential" offers you a great movie experience. It sets mark on how detective movies should be made and how the whole crime investigation process should be progressing. It's exciting and it's interesting, doing that all the way through. It includes fantastic role performances and brilliant characters which all in their vivid personalities will most certainly not disappoint the viewer. It doesn't get messy in any part so the viewer won't be missing anything and won't get lost, so the film is also easy for your eyes. Directed by Curtis Hanson who captures the real essence of 1950's through images and music and based on the novel by James Ellroy which is translated to a magnificent screenplay in the hands of Brian Helgeland and the director Hanson himself, it just doesn't go wrong. I'm recommending this movie to everyone; The pleasure was all mine when watching it and I hope it will be yours as well.

Life Is Beautiful (1997)

A superb role performance by Roberto Benigni, who offers you true love and real happiness in the same beautiful package

[9/10 · 7 June 2007]

"La Vita é Bella" is a beautiful story about love, courage and life's little things. The movie tells about a man named Guido Orefice, who with his original personality falls in love with a schoolteacher Dora. Although Dora being currently with another man, Guido still fights for her and after 5 years he and Dora are married together and have a son, Giosué. While Guido is living his fairy tale life, not caring about the bad things in life, Italy is suddenly occupied by the German forces during the World War II. Guido and his son are taken to a concentration camp where Dora voluntarily follows them. In the camp men and women are naturally separated from each other, but Guido somehow finds a way to communicate with his wife and protect his son. Although the movie also tells about war and its sad consequences, it tells about it in a so beautiful and a happy way I've never seen before.

The one thing above everything else which makes this movie so astonishing is Roberto Benigni, who plays Guido and who is also the director and the second writer of the movie. The movie got 7 Academy Award nominations and won 3 of them, you don't hear a foreign movie doing that every day, so it's a pretty huge achievement I'd say. Roberto Benigni won the Oscar of the Best Actor in a Leading Role, an Oscar more than deserved indeed. I remember Benigni saying somewhere something like it's a pretty funny thing to win an Oscar from playing yourself. If Benigni is really like Guido, then we need more people like that in the world. The character of Benigni has this unique, vivid personality which can not be described. It's like he wants everyone else to feel better than himself and he cares about his wife and son more than himself. Although the character being slightly surreal Benigni does the impossible by making the character reality, making it so believable. He is so likable, sympathetic and simply happy in a way that just makes you smile throughout the movie. An amazing role performance indeed, if I'd have three thumbs I'd put them all up.

OK, if we forget about the main character in the movie the story isn't so original after all. A family driven apart during the war, forced into a concentration camp, doesn't sound so original anymore now does it? The movie pretty much hangs in the hands of the character Guido Orefice, which just makes the whole movie so brilliant, not forgetting the fantastic dialogue between the main character and other characters. This makes the screenplay very good, telling an already heard story which is always a treat for you if done well, but adding this overwhelmingly superior character to it, raising the whole movie from good to brilliant. This is complimented by the excellent music composed by Nicola Piovani, who won an Oscar from it as well. Adding so much more beauty to the story, making the funny and hilarious scenes also so dramatic and beautiful.

"La Vita é Bella" is all in all a brilliant film. It translates the sadness to happiness and beauty in an already mentioned way, a way that can not be described. The movie isn't just playing a fool on screen and getting some recognition from it, it's about true love and real courage evolving as we understand it. This is without a doubt all in all one of the happiest movies I've ever seen in my entire life. There is sort of mixed comedy and drama, but the real focus being on the drama after all, although the comedy side being absolutely hilarious and making you laugh. If someone succeeds in making you laugh and making you emotional at the same time that is always an achievement worth mentioning. This is a movie recommendation to everyone and for god sakes please watch the original Italian version, as I like to think that dubbed versions are more like a sin. Especially when the movie includes a role performance this amazing. Roberto Benigni is a genius.

Children of Men (2006)

Absolutely phenomenal, I am stunned

[10/10 · 5 June 2007]

I had seen this movie before but I had to memorize things from it for reviewing so I watched it again 4 days ago. It still is as excellent as a movie can pretty much get. I actually had to shorten this review as it passed the 1000 word -limit, so I apologize as some things are obviously and sadly left out. For example comments on Julianne Moore, the plot and a more detailed commenting on the story's depth. So don't get frustrated, as you may find some parts of this review simply missing something.

The best thing about this film is how incredibly well it's made. The way the futuristic world is made is probably the best I've ever seen in a motion picture. It is so detailed and so believable. All the visible corruption, trash all over the street, ruins of buildings and this darkness and sadness is just so top notch it makes you wonder how the hell did they make it. I mean, it's just so realistic that it makes the movie one of those movies that leave you with your mouth open. The visual side of the movie is just so effective.

I am very happy to say that Clive Owen finally has the perfect role for him. To be honest I've never liked Clive Owen before as he has always been sort of tense and annoyingly stiff, and that deep voice he has hasn't really helped him in his past roles either. Owen does an astonishing role performance as Theo Faron and he is just perfect in the role, he in fact is the character itself. I especially liked the verbal work he did, it sort of boosted up the character and really gave it a true soul. Then there was the great Michael Caine, who is by the way one of my favourite actors of all time. To me the role of Jasper Palmer, an aging hippie selling his own self grown weed, was so ideal yet so surreal for Caine and he did a truly amazing role performance. Caine surely was at his best and if you ask me, the role performance was so good that it should have been at least worth an Academy Award nomination for best actor in a supporting role, but sadly he never wasn't nominated for it.

The brilliance of this movie doesn't end here, as it also includes surely one of the best cinematography I've ever seen in a motion picture. Probably even the best one. Most of it is hand-held, but there are still shots as well, which kinda balances the whole overall cinematography a bit so it won't be a "shaking ride" throughout. Usually hand-held cinematography these days is used for symbolizing depressing moments and it gives the actors more room for improvising, which we've seen over and over again, and happily that isn't the case of the cinematography in "Children of Men". Hand-held is also a very effective way of shooting when it comes to war movies and the action scenes in them, it gives that true edge of a real battle and the viewer feels like he is in fact in a middle of a massive fight. Not only using hand-held to figure the action scenes, "Children of Men" does more than that with it. It kind of makes it feel like a real future, so it makes the whole sci-fi thing something that could actually take place some day, so it makes the movie even more believable and it also high-lights the whole theme of sorrow and sadness. It makes it reality. A truly superior achievement indeed.

The story in its wholeness is simply stunning. The screenplay written by Alfonso Cuarón, Timothy J. Sexton, David Arata, Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby is very well written and I could presume that Alfonso Cuarón as also the director of "Children of Men" has been the head writer of the movie. Of course I can't be sure, so I can't really praise it as Cuarón's work, but I can harmlessly praise it as the work of the writer of the original novel written by P.D. James. She has invented a dramatic, a true and a real story with a depth that can not be measured. It is just so deep and so detailed. There's so much tension and intensity in it as well, which also makes the movie a very thrilling thriller, backed up by the totally terrific directing by Alfonso Cuarón. This is complimented by the fantastic music the movie has to offer. It mainly consists of these songs that are just so fitting for the main theme of the movie, but there is also this relaxing and absolutely beautiful opera/new age -song which is repeated several times throughout the movie, making the film overall a soothing, peaceful experience despite its actual focus on the action and the thrill.

"Children of Men" shines with excellence and to me it is all in all just so perfect. It has a very original, unique story which I can't honestly imagine being a disappointment to anyone, though some viewers may find it slightly disturbing. In my opinion, the overall attention the movie got wasn't nearly what it deserved and it should have been at least nominated for an Academy Award for the best motion picture of the year. You don't see me giving 10's so often, but this movie deserves the highest score without a doubt. It is one of the best visions of the future ever translated on the big screen being that provoking and effective itself and it will most certainly climb up to my personal Top 5 Movies of All Time -list. I just love this movie, it is simply superb and I feel ashamed that I can not compliment it enough. There were many great movies last year, but if you ask me, this was the best one.

American Beauty (1999)

Kevin Spacey - Need I say more?

[8/10 · 1 June 2007]

I remember seeing this film back in the year 2000 or so and as I didn't remember so much about it, I decided to have another go and I watched it again two days ago, after 7 years. I actually remembered a lot more than I thought, which was a shame really as I seemed to remember all the crucial parts which were significant for the whole plot. Anyway, it is still a great movie and I can imagine it is one of those movies you can watch all over again, as it's just so easy to watch. The movie itself tells a stereotypical story of a middle aged man named Lester Burnham and how his life is pretty much as boring as it gets. His daughter and wife thinks he's a loser and he also pretty much agrees with that. He's depressed, but suddenly one day he feels this desire of love and another life when he sees his daughter Jane's friend Angela for the first time. He decides to turn his life around and finally start living it.

To be honest, the beginning arrangements of the plot aren't so original. There has been so much movies with a middle aged man who's in a life crisis and decides to take over his life and so on and so on. Despite that, this movie actually does it in a pretty good way and the whole storyline is so brilliant when it builds up. It's hilarious and it's dramatic, both well done and in the same package. It's not just the story which makes it so good, it's the characters who are pretty much stereotypical yet performed by an amazing cast. I've been watching a lot of Kevin Spacey -movies recently and I must say that the role of Lester Burnham is one of the best fitting roles I've seen him doing. He's just so excellent in the role and he even got a well deserved Academy Award of it. There's just something about Kevin Spacey I like, I don't know if it's the whole personality and substance or is it that perfect, I wouldn't say monotonic, but a flat voice which just has this certain charisma and credibility. Spacey also narrates the movie as Lester and the voice and the way he speaks is just so superb when you're looking at the whole main theme of the movie. Kevin Spacey is without a doubt the best thing the movie has to offer.

The man responsible for the music is Thomas Newman, who I haven't heard composing even anything near average, his music is always top notch no matter what the movie was. I'd say there are two different music themes in "American Beauty", one taking place when the funny comedic scenes take part and the other one being beautiful and slow when the dramatic scenes take part. The music sort of transports the whole movie forward, being so necessary for the plot as well. I shouldn't just praise Spacey's performance yet he surely takes the cake by far. Like I mentioned before, the whole cast is amazing. Lester's wife Carolyn played by Annette Bening, who I really haven't enjoyed as much as in "American Beauty". Being a total hypocrite dreaming of a better luxurious life it makes the role of Carolyn a spot on for Bening. Then there's Thora Birch as Lester's daughter Jane, who's an insecure teenager, Wes Bentley as Ricky Fits the real estate king and Mena Suvari as the school's dream girl and Jane's friend Angela who Lester fixes his eyes on. It was also a pleasant surprise to see Scott Bakula in a so surreal role as one of the gay neighbours after seeing him constantly on the cult classic "Quantum Leap".

Although the movie being very good I think it still is pretty overrated. There's actually nothing particularly unique in the movie, expect those amazing role performances. It really doesn't offer anything mind blowing as even when it has originality it still is more like a stereotypical image of life seen many times on the screen. I wouldn't say I'm bored of it, but more like just wanting someone to invent something really new and unique even when having stereotypical beginning arrangements on the plot. This movie is a pretty good achievement in that category but like said it still isn't as unique as you could imagine. This might be just because I had seen the movie before and I remembered all the twists of the plot unconsciously. It's a real pity as this might have been a total different review if I'd seen it for the first time. Somehow it still manages to be a great movie and despite me jumping all over the negative and positive sides of the movie it still is a definite recommendation and because of the flow it is really easy to watch. Kevin Spacey is starting to be one of my all time favourite actors and not just because of this movie, but the amazing work he always does.