TeamFilm Reviews

Getaway (I) (2013)

So Bad, So Very, Very Bad

[1/10 · 25 January 2014]

This film is about as bad as you can get. Seriously, it is awful.

For a start it looks like it was shot on a handicam. No, we are not talking cool video a-la Collateral or Drive, we are talking i borrowed my sisters iphone 3 to shoot this.

Next it makes no sense. The story is completely up the spout, in fact i am being kind - this film has no story.

As a film this is the worst kind of Hollywood visits Eastern Europe rubbish. It's clear that the producers sold it as a 20 mill film and instead paid Selena and Ethan enough to make a creative decision based on a pay check and meanwhile made the film for who knows how little. My guess - about half what everyone was told it was being made for.

So anyway, don't waste your money on this one. Honestly, its bad.

Beyond the Edge (2013)

Fantastic Mountain Film

[10/10 · 11 September 2013]

Watched this film at TIFF 13 and completely enjoyed it. The 3D takes you there and on the big screen in the Scotiabank theatre it felt like i could walk onto the mountain with Hillary and Tenzing.

Dramatic, tense and at times splendid in its visual depiction of Mt Everest this is must watch for anyone interested in this epic story and the men behind it.

The director takes her cue from films such as 'Senna' by completely doing away with talking heads and instead capturing the story entirely with the voices of the men who were actually there, aided only at times by the sons of Ed and Tenzing and a few select mountain experts.

A great watch and a mountain/adventure classic.

Love Birds (2011)

A warm, funny and surprisingly good movie from New Zealand

[10/10 · 15 February 2011]

I just saw this film and have to say that i was surprised and warmed by the kind of films they are making in New Zealand.

As a European i had no idea what to expect (from New Zealand) coming into the film. Its not perfect, but in the end i didn't care, for i laughed, had a tear in my eye at times and had an all round good time.

The performances are strong from both Kiwi comedian Rhys Darby and up and coming English star Sally Hawkins, as well as strong back up performances from Emily Barclay and veteran Aussie Bryan Brown.

The real treat however for music lovers is the soundtrack provided courtesy of rock legends Queen. There was around 9 or 10 of Queen's greatest tracks in the film including 'Somebody to Love', 'Bicycle Race', 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love'.

As i said, its not perfect. But you know what, you wont care. Its just a good old fashioned movie of the type that we need more of.

Overall this is a very sweet film with a difference and shows that New Zealand cinema is unique, alive and well.

8/10

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (2010)

Awful, Awful, Awful

[1/10 · 30 June 2010]

Summit must be worried right now.

I just walked out of a screening filled with hundreds of die hard fans. Those same fans as they walked out talked of nothing but bitter disappointment. For the truth is that the film is nothing but awful. In fact it is a car wreck of a movie.

Nothing happens, it is just talking heads, all talking about nothing. Endless 'I love you's', endless nothing that made me want to saw off my leg.

Quite simply this film is a write-off.

Summit must be very worried indeed.