imagineda Reviews

Westworld: The Bicameral Mind (2016) Season 1, Episode 10

Deep and thought provoking

[10/10 · 31 May 2022]

One of the most stunning endings to a series. Hidden depths to many story lines are revealed, all at once. Westworld has almost outdone Bladerunner 2049, in fact with more time to build and empathise with characters both real and artificial, it has even more impact.

Like all the best sci fi, many big themes are examined. Is free will illusory? Are even our most self aware moments simply a story set down long ago? Is our life merely a sequence of 'loops'? Are we simply a glint in our creator's eye? Do our life's mistakes serve a greater evolutionary purpose? Is our desire to be entertained inherently cruel? Does freedom only come from real responsibility and consequences? Is the creator always doomed to be outlived by his creation?

Lawless (2012)

John Hillcoat's prohibition-era slow burner

[8/10 · 22 February 2013]

If you've seen The Proposition or The Road, then you pretty much know what to expect from John Hillcoat. This latest outing sees Hillcoat once again paired with Nick Cave as screenwriter. This pair of Australians excel in creating a smouldering, menacing atmosphere that feels true to the era, and Lawless is no exception to the rule.

The first fifteen minutes of the film are a bit shaky, the acting feels overdone and those southern drawls take a while to adjust to, but everyone settles into character soon enough. While some have criticised the slow pace of the film, you need to consider this is set in prohibition era deep south. For anyone with a bit of patience, there's a solid story here of sibling rivalry, strange family legends, slow burning romance and escalating violence, as the brothers and corrupt lawmen stake their claims.

A lot has been said of Tom Hardy's unintelligible Forrest; well, it's consistent with the inward, soft spoken man of principle that Hardy portrays, and I understood most of what he said. One of the real surprises for me was Shia Lebeouf as Jack; for once he is given a grown up role as the berated little brother who goes to great lengths to earn his older brother's respect. There are a couple of romantic side stories; Jack's courting of preacher's daughter Bertha (a pretty unlikely pair), and former dancer Maggie's (Jessica Chastain) flight from her seedy past and into the reluctant arms of Forrest - both well done and segue nicely with the main story.

Some of Cave's script can seem a little too poetic to be true, but on the whole it's gritty and original. Guy Pearce is downright slimy as corrupt special deputy Charlie Rakes; his contemptuous attitude towards the southern 'hicks' and numerous neurotic tics are something to behold. Gary Oldman and Noah Taylor are under utilised, but effective. And Jason Clarke as Forrest and Jack's brother Howard, conveys a lot with barely any dialogue.

There wasn't a massive budget here, but the film manages to convey dense atmosphere and feels like a realistic portrayal of a very violent era.

Dredd (2012)

Bad day at the office

[9/10 · 8 February 2013]

"Dredd" takes place in real time, over the course of a particularly nasty day at the office for a certain law enforcement officer, and his psychic rookie. The whole film takes place within a huge tower block, which has been locked down by the bad guys in an attempt to trap and eliminate Dredd & Co. This, of course, sets the scene for a barrage of very violent action, as Judge shows the bad guys who's boss, and his protégé gets some, uh, on the job experience.

This film just works. It's well cast, with Karl Urban mastering the deadpan Dredd delivery, Olivia Thirlby providing a great counterpoint as the psychic, sensitive rookie Anderson (who thankfully isn't wearing a helmet), and Lena Headey getting all dark and nihilistic as gang leader "Mama".

The confined setting and simple plot actually enhance the action, as we are kept more or less in real time, where the tension is constant and the stakes are high. It's a slow burner .. I usually abhor pointless violence and mindless action, but the gritty visuals and serious (but not too serious) tone are so faithful to the comic series, it really elevates this film above the usual mindless pulp. You could almost step thru the film and see the frames of a comic book unfold.

We get to see Dredd and Anderson's relationship develop, as Dredd is tested, Anderson grows in confidence, and Mama slowly implodes. Interestingly though, without Anderson's rookie character, I think Dredd would probably have been a failure. Thirlby is not only a rose among some pretty ugly thorns, but her innocent character kind of grounds a lot of the senseless violence in the film, and her actions at the end speak volumes.

Also the few 'slowmo' drug sequences offer a dreamlike change of pace, and are really well shot.

Burning Man (I) (2011)

Nonlinear storytelling peels back the layers of grief

[9/10 · 29 November 2012]

When we first meet Tom, we see a rude, selfish, out of control guy engaging in some pretty self destructive behaviour. Unsympathetic to the core, it's not until this unconventionally told story reveals more about him that we find out why he is this way. By the end of the film, your feelings about this guy will do a complete 180. You may even shed a tear or two.

The way this film is constructed is either going to deter you, or capture you hook, line and sinker. I'm in the latter group. It rightly won an award for Best Editing at the 2011 Film Critics Circle of Australia. The Australian vocalist from Dead Can Dance, Lisa Gerrard, does most of the soundtrack which also scored awards. From a budget of 9 million we have a beautifully shot, artistic and emotional film, with strong acting by the leads. It takes an unconventional look at what it would be like to lose someone close, and the process of grief, especially for men, who are not known for their outward displays of emotion.

Some of the transitions between scenes may seem a little contrived. I think the intention was to reveal the story in much in the same way that our memory works .. by association.

It loses a point for a few rather silly scenes. Burning Man deserves a much bigger audience, especially outside Australia. Looking forward to Jonathan Teplitsky's next feature.

Act of Valor (2012)

Realistic - to a point

[6/10 · 2 October 2012]

Most people are awed at the level of realism here. And it's impressive - they've strived for the feeling of a real engagement.

But let's be honest - this is still a stylised, slightly sanitised action film. Don't expect to see dismembered bodies, civilian casualties, or traumatised, limbless soldiers. Don't even expect a widow to cry. This began as a military recruitment video, and it remains so, to some extent. It reminds me of some of the video games I've played - intense, nonstop action, but still very detached.

As a film, viewed by a much bigger audience than wannabe soldiers, it owes us more than that. The guys do make some small talk and display a tiny bit of personality. They're non actors, and it's cheesy stuff. But despite constant references to wife and kids back home, it's unsentimental and devoid of emotion, right down to the service at the end of the film. I totally get that's how these guys need to be to do what they do.

According to the voice-over, to be dangerous, you need to stuff down feeling and channel it towards the enemy. It's no doubt the same thing the enemy tell themselves every night. It's probably what perpetuates the cycle of violence in the world. Nothing valorous about it, IMO. Don't think of the enemy as people with wives and kids at home.

Don't expect anything ambiguous about violence, or about good and bad. As a soldier, there's no room for ambiguity or reflection.

Wrath of the Titans (2012)

Ray Harryhausen was better

[3/10 · 18 August 2012]

It's not saying much, but Ray Harryhausen's films had more charm than this stuff, and his original "clash" still rates better on IMDb.

Rosamund Pike is not bad, you can see Worthington has tried harder, and the other big names have done more than just phone it in .. but the film completely fails to engage, in fact there are some laughably bad scenes. The script is dreadfully boring, stakes are not really established and there is no emotional pull .. the relationship between the three generations of men is not explored anywhere near enough. Also, like a lot of these films, it's completely devoid of any fun or humour, which is a shame.

No doubt a nice little earner for all involved. But please, please don't make another one, or if you do, have the good grace to call it "Cash of the Titans".

Lastly, I'm Australian, and I can barely understand a word of Sam Worthington's dialogue. We seem to have established a tradition of gruff male action heroes that mumble their way through action films. Voice coach, Sam?

Daybreakers (2009)

Bloody good vampire noir / B movie

[8/10 · 19 June 2012]

This is bloody good, intelligent take on the vampire genre, with a bit of noir, a bit of cheesy B- movie action, and some excellent prosthetic and CG effects, all made on a meagre $20 million budget. Starts out strongly and draws you in with its bizarre portrayal of a futuristic vampire society, and all the bizarre details that entails. And when the story gets too heavy, there are plenty of gory, blood-spattering scenes and silly car stunts to balance things out. Actually, of all the things, the worst part for me was seeing someone drinking coffee with a dash of blood in it. Still makes my stomach churn.

My only real gripe is that this had been Americanised heavily. The reasons are obvious, and perhaps it would not have made a profit otherwise, but it's disappointing to see Australian and New Zealand actors faking American accents in an Australian film, and the the US flag planted in an obviously Australian outback setting. It's a little sad that American audiences won't watch something unless they see and hear the reassuringly familiar, even when it is faked. I don't know how it got government funding to be honest, but it made a profit from US takings, so what do I know.

Anyway, go see it if you like a blend of horror, action, scifi and gore, with an intelligent storyline. I hope the Spierig Brothers are not a one-trick pony, and invest some of that profit into another great film - preferably one set in Australia.

In Time (2011)

Visually interesting, but lacking substance

[6/10 · 20 April 2012]

Gattaca is one of my all time favourite films, so I was naturally excited to see another scifi from Andrew Niccol. He's also a great writer. I think it's interesting to compare the two films, because thematically they are similar : a guy from the poor end of town gets his own back, by pretending to be someone he's not, essentially beating the system. In Gattaca we had an aspiring astronaut who was genetically inferior; here it's a guy from the (extremely tidy and unconvincing) ghetto, who plays Robin Hood to fix an unjust system. In Time is more of an action flick, aimed at a younger audience.

In both films, the protagonist is shadowed by a detective, which gives things a certain noirish feel; and Niccol's signature visual style, a kind of futuristic art deco, draws on past and future, which is disorienting, because it's partly familiar. Gattaca balanced this with warm, relatable characters, and a story that took its time; in the brothers who competed since birth, in the friendship between Vincent and Jerome, and a believable love interest.

In Time suffers from a lack of engaging characters, a subpar script, odd casting, and some rather confusing plot arcs. I was still struggling to understand why no one gets old (it's never explained) when the daughter of a wealthy aristocrat suddenly turns on her own society, and teams up with a guy from the cheap side of town, all in the space of a few frames. It could work, but too much detail is brushed aside, and Seyfried comes across as so blase about everything, I just wanted her daddy to ground her for a week.

In Gattaca, the emotion was visible, the risks palpable. Here, Timberlake throws himself into the action, but he is all good looks and no depth. It all feels too unreal - there's no emotion bubbling under the surface - nothing is really at stake.

The look and feel of the film is brilliant (car stunts aside) - Niccol came before the Matrix and its swathe of imitators, and he has a unique take on the future. But it all feels sterile. The central plot device is a little too gimmicky, and it gets monotonous seeing people checking the time over and over. It really needed a more convincing pair of leads. Cillian Murphy is great as the timekeeping detective, however.

The Adjustment Bureau (2011)

Some intriguing ideas, not fully explored

[6/10 · 6 July 2011]

This feature certainly feels like it was based on a short story.

The original idea comes from the legendary pen of sci-fi author Philip K Dick. That idea is essentially that the world is shaped and directed by a group of what I would call "God's bureaucrats", who intervene with human affairs in a darkly comic, cloak and dagger 50s spy film kind of way.

We explore the idea of free will and divine intervention through the experience of one man, played by Matt Damon, as he struggles to choose his own fate, even as it clashes with The Plan of "The Chairman". (Yes folks, Frank Sinatra is running things upstairs. But I digress..)

The beautiful Emily Blunt brings charm and emotional depth to the love story, so much so that I can almost forgive its predominance over the broader sci-fi elements. She can have all the screen time she wants.

But there's not enough juice here for sci-fi heads - the mind bending ideas are not fully explored, and we're left with more questions than answers. The Bureau remains a mysterious place, reminiscent of Get Smart's CONTROL. It's an entertaining ride, and a love story with a light philosophical bent, but it's not a Philip K Dick sci-fi.

Moebius (1996)

Unconventional sci-fi, in an unconventional place

[7/10 · 2 April 2011]

Just saw this and on balance thought it was a very good and unique film. Would like to add that the cinematography and lighting are excellent, and the locations chosen are amazing. The atmosphere created by these two things alone made me enjoy the film - I could pretty much forgive the strange storyline. This is coming from someone who loved "Pi" and "Primer" - good scifi must have plausible science and in my opinion, and this is where "Moebius" fell short.

Subterranean Buenos Aires is an interesting and probably challenging place to shoot a film - but these students pulled it off admirably. There are some clever camera angles and tracking shots, and what looks like some post-production that brings some rich colours to the film.

Recommended as an unconventional sci-fi, in an unconventional time and place.

Æon Flux (2005)

In the future, everyone talks and moves like pretentious robots.

[3/10 · 8 January 2011]

Futuristic sets and arty, angular cinematography abound. Unfortunately, that's as good as it gets really. The lovely Cherlize Theron does well enough with what she's given, but this film suffers from a flat, emotionless tone that's at odds with the action sequences which are too few and far between. The exposition of plot is plodding and rather boring, there is not enough backstory, and it's difficult to care about these monotone characters, no matter how sharply dressed they may be.

I guess if the action sequences were up to par, it would provide a welcome reprieve. But these lacked believability. I get the feeling this director comes from a music video or fashion background - aesthetics seem more important than pacing. Long, loving shots of the costumes and set pieces tend to wear thin rather quickly.

Yet another in a swag of sci fi films that take themselves too seriously, without a story good enough to compensate.

Adam (I) (2009)

I watched this film through Rose-tinted glasses!

[9/10 · 27 March 2010]

I'm huge fan of Rose Byrne, so not sure how objective I can be with this review. But 'Adam' was a joy to watch. If you have a heart, it will tug at it from the very beginning.

'Adam' is sensitively scripted, impeccably acted, and tautly directed. It also features such a gorgeous, bittersweet soundtrack that I sought it out shortly after seeing the film.

The relationship between Beth and Adam unfolds naturally and the leads are given a lot of space to explore and develop character, which is a small marvel in itself. Some of the supporting roles are worthy of mention too, particularly Adam's longtime friend Harlan, who helps ground him in reality when things get too overwhelming.

As I know very little about aspergers, I can't comment on the accuracy of Adam's portrayal of this illness. I am however a big astronomy buff, so I could relate to Adam's endless monologues better than most. I admired his enthusiasm for the subject!

I could also wax lyrical about the beautiful Rose Byrne. We know she can pull off action blockbusters (Sunshine, 28 Weeks Later), but this 'girl next door' role fits her like a glove. She's disarmingly natural and likable. Some have said that her character is a little on the mean side, but it seems appropriate given she comes from money and is still somewhat of a 'daddys girl'. I also believe that she wanted Adam to be truly independent.

I hope more people get to see this film, it's well worth seeking out.

Observe and Report (2009)

An sloppy, uneven slacker comedy with a few redeeming moments

[6/10 · 4 December 2009]

I'm usually complaining that the ending of a film is its undoing, however this time, the ending is the only redeeming moment in an otherwise uneven, messy, pointless film.

Yesterday I saw the other current slacker comedy out at the moment, I Love You Man. And I really loved it, man. Adorable characters, great storyline, very funny improvised lines. With this film however, I couldn't care less about this two dimensional mall cop. Nothing likable about him at all. His alcoholic mother was more interesting, in fact I only think I laughed at her lines.

I get that it's dark. I dig dark humour. But it just looks sloppily put together, like an unfinished pilot for a real film. And if it wasn't for the awesome music of The Pixies and Queen, the closing sequence would probably not have worked either.

Okay, the 'dream sequence' where he goes off the deep end after he stops taking his meds, and goes vigilante, is kind of clever. But a lot of people won't get it, and it makes the film terribly uneven.

Actually the flasher is a better actor than Seth Rogen. Bring back the flasher for a sequel. That might actually be funny.

The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008)

Must... go... to... McDonalds...

[4/10 · 15 May 2009]

I have no idea why, but since seeing this film I feel compelled to eat at McDonalds all the time. It's odd because I hate their food. Not only that, but I have also purchased an LG mobile phone, a Citizen watch, a Honda car, and some desktop computer thingy by Microsoft.

Seriously filmmakers.. product placement in big budget films is offensive. If you're going to have sponsors, the film should be free to watch.

There is a saying along the lines of "where commerce grows, art and culture die on the vine".. and that was definitely true here.

The film lost credibility for me when the camera lovingly caught the reflection of the golden arches in the windscreen, and Jennifer Connolly refrained "McDonalds?" I'm sorry, is this intermission? Is Klaatu going to tell me there is popcorn available in the lobby??

Babylon A.D. (2008)

Visually interesting film with largely French cast & crew

[7/10 · 6 April 2009]

I'm getting a little tired of the bedroom critics on IMDb, as a film seems to have to compete with the entire body of films ever created in order to raise even an eyebrow. Lets suspend our cynicism for a moment and just enjoy 90 minutes of popcorn munching action! (perhaps if some of these would-be directors had to get off their couches and make a film themselves, they'd have a bit more respect for film makers)

What I liked about this film (apart from the obvious ticks for action, chases, effects, and deadpan Vin Diesel) was the heavy French influence. Not only was the story written by a Frenchman; in front of the camera we had Charlotte Rampling (who plays an utter bitch to great effect), Gerard Depardieu and the beautiful Melanie Thierry.

The crew were mostly French also, and the set design and general look of the film brought to mind a cross between Luc Besson's "The Fifth Element" and "Mad Max III". Actually, the similarity between Aurora here and LeeLoo in the Fifth Element seems very strong to me. Both are young women with special powers that may save humanity from itself.

There was obviously a lot more to Aurora than was explained in the film, but as an adaptation I think they did a reasonable job of balancing action with the major plot points.

It's always refreshing to see a film set in unusual locales too, and the crumbling futurism of Russia with its refugee camps was an interesting take on things.

Basically I have enjoyed all of Vin Diesel's sci-fi films (the two Riddick Chronicles films, and now this) and I think he may even go some way towards filling the gaping void left by Arnold Schwarzenegger! Lets hope.

Max Payne (2008)

When I realised it was based on a game, I enjoyed it more

[7/10 · 20 March 2009]

Okay, I'm not a hardcore gamer.

At first I was criticising the hell out of this film.. Wahlberg just seems too nice a guy to play this dark, tormented cop. The dialogue is cheesy. A corporation gone mad.. cliché builds upon cliché. Then halfway through I realised it was based on a video game, and suddenly I actually enjoyed it.

I have not played the game but I've seen plenty of story lines unfold in other games. If you look at this as a film in its own right, the story seems very clichéd and the overly dark visuals look like "Underworld" on a bad day. But looking at it as one big video game makes the whole experience a lot more fun. Amazing sets, great slow-mo shootouts, and stunning cinematography and framing make for a fairly unique experience.

Visually this seems to be in a league of its own.. was expecting a "Sin City" styled film, but the visuals and atmosphere in this are unique. Perhaps the Toronto backdrop helped. Anyway, as long as you imagine you're watching one of those corny story animations from a video game, it's a fun ride.

War, Inc. (2008)

Dr Strangelove it ain't!

[4/10 · 13 March 2009]

I really wanted to like this, but in the end it's a poorly made film with too few laughs.

The politics are spot on, it's gonna offend the hell out of republicans but that's what it's designed to do. That alone gives me reason to chuckle.

The problem is, it looks like it was made in a REAL hurry (like about a week). And it contains a stupid subplot about some bimbo singer, which seems to be completely off topic.

Turiqistan is obviously Iraq, or Afghanistan, or any other number of countries the US has f**ked with since the 50s. The humour is a little dark (amputees dancing with prosthetic legs made by Tamerlane corporation) but it IS on the mark, especially with the corporations cashing in on the reconstruction ("democracy lite"!)

However like a lot of satire criticising the US, it seems terribly heavy handed and laboured. I guess it's running counter to so much bs propaganda so it has to bludgeon people over the head to make a point. Who knows. I prefer more of a nudge, wink approach - a bit of subtlety. But that's just me.

Anyway I might watch it again, perhaps I missed something.

I'm hoping "W" is more on the mark.

Wanted (2008)

Morally misguided train wreck

[3/10 · 21 February 2009]

After shooting someone in the head, our hero announces :

"This is me taking back control of my life. What the f**k have you done lately?"

Ahm... I'm sorry?

This was supposed to be just a bit of Saturday afternoon, popcorn munching action, so I wasn't expecting great character development. Just some CGI-laden film aimed at teens who spend most of their time playing video games.

But then...

A dead old lady on a meat hook is used for target practice. We're told that using real bodies is a better way to train. Oh.. okay.

A guy is responsible for a train wreck in which hundreds of innocent people are killed. But they clearly don't matter. We stay focused on the main character, he's clearly more important than them.

These kind of stories are what you get in an alienated, narcissistic society (or at least an alienated, narcissistic writer/director). None of the characters get close enough to one another to actually care, so the lives of others never seem to matter.

Life is a black and white choice between being a weak, powerless pussy, or becoming a hard, brutal killer. Trust no one. No grey areas there.

And the shocking last line of the film is a nail in the coffin.

Unless this is meant to be the blackest of comedies, the message appears to be : If you can't find any meaning in your life, go out and shoot someone.

Even Angelina Jolie's smirk can't save this one.

The Andromeda Strain (1971)

A detective story for the scientifically inclined

[9/10 · 20 December 2008]

I was born in 1971, so by rights this should seem pretty dated to me. It doesn't! Instead I found it totally intriguing and believable.

This is in many ways a detective film. We start with a "murder" scene, and the four scientists proceed to analyse the evidence (two survivors and some contaminated debris) to hone in on the culprit. The big difference here is that the murderer is less than 200 microns across.

I'm pretty tired of CGI animation, so I liked the realism achieved here using real scientific equipment, especially the robotic arms borrowed from a nuclear lab. I can understand some people might be put off by the jargon and cold, clinical atmosphere of the film. I think it's in a similar category to "Primer" - being that it is all about the science, and not so much about the fiction.

Another great film from the 70s that is every bit as enjoyable today. I wish more science fiction films were as focused on getting the science part right... it makes for a more credible and engaging story.

The King (2005)

The Destructive Capacity of Secrets

[8/10 · 20 November 2008]

Many have commented on some of the disturbing themes of this film, but few have picked up on the central theme - secrecy, and what it can do to a family. Elvis is a monster without doubt, but his acts are only made possible by David's inability to tell his children about his shady past, and Malerie's secrecy about her relationship with Elvis. Their secrets are pretty conventional ones, something most people could relate to. Elvis however, has lived his whole live as a "dirty little secret", so perhaps it's not unusual that he is a little annoyed.

As an adoptee myself, (with firsthand knowledge of the destructive capacity of secrecy), I actually got more from the subplot of David reconciling with his son. His soul-searching throughout the film is sincere and would have made for a good drama in its own right.. the way he moves from rejection to acceptance with his son. Of course this is, unfortunately, overshadowed by Elvis' pathological revenge.

Another interesting theme is repentance. In the closing scene, Elvis seems to be making a mockery of David's attempt to ask for forgiveness. He confesses right after the act, which definitely leaves you wondering things such as .. is he locked up for life? Does David lose his faith? There are some huge open-ended issues left there for audiences to ponder, but while I was initially frustrated by this, it actually adds to the gravitas of the film.

The Invasion (I) (2007)

Invasion of the zombie Hollywood execs

[3/10 · 9 August 2008]

It's hard to be original when dealing with the zombie genre. However generic this film may be, it does play with the interesting premise that separation and conflict are a mark of our humanity. This idea is developed further, when we see the main character (Kidman) letting people die all around her, in order to protect herself and her son. We really start to question how far we'd go in such circumstances.

Sadly though, this film then goes the same way as most Hollywood pap - it tries to please its audience instead of challenging them. Apparently screen test audiences need a story to be spoon-fed to them. Perhaps they are all on Ritalin, I don't know. So what we end with is a corny car chase, a chopper on the roof, "miracle boy" is whisked away to safety, and the world is saved. A few news flashes and the film abruptly ends. Poor Jeffrey Wright, who was so brilliant in "Basquiat", must have cringed at that script.

So what I suggest is this. Watch the first half to two-thirds, and then fill in the rest with your imagination. Unless you've watched too much Hollywood pap, in which case your imagination may be severely impaired.

Gerry (2002)

Poignant and brave film, but too implausible to enjoy

[6/10 · 3 August 2008]

There are so many things to like about Gerry. It's a challenging and original take on film-making. I love the subtle, tragic piano score, as well as the eerie electronic loop that plays as their silhouettes limp across the salt pan, in a scene oddly reminiscent of Star Wars (Damon even seems to have mastered the C3PO shuffle) The acting is natural and understated, and there is a lot of wonderful camera work as we follow the pair on their "hike".

But on balance, the story is too implausible to really engage the viewer. It requires a suspension of disbelief. The two Gerrys run a mile or two from their parked car, in a flat area with sparse bush. They get lost. But then we see them progressively moving from one alien landscape to another, high mountains, sandy deserts, enormous salt pans, rocky wastelands.

Several days pass like this with barely a word between them. It's an extreme form of male bravado, neither willing to admit they are lost. When they finally decide to verbally retrace their steps, its too late.

I also noticed a car in the background at 1:14:49 (for anyone who has the DVD). It was pretty hard to miss, a shiny object to the left of Affleck, "barreying" down the road as it were! Things like this just detract from the whole film.

Family Guy (1999– )

Totally original

[10/10 · 20 June 2008]

Here's Quagmire's take on a vaudeville musical number :

Make em laugh, make em laugh; Don't you know all the world loves to laugh; I always try to find the hottest chick in the place; I crack her on the noggin with a lamp or a vase; And then when she's unconscious I do stuff to her face; Make em laugh, make em laugh, make em laugh.

Not really the Simpsons is it?

The writing is top notch, but the plot often meanders to wherever the best gags are - pretty much stream of consciousness stuff. They cram an enormous amount of risqué humour, obscure pop culture references, and plot twists into twenty minutes, but some people might find it a bit much. Personally I think it will go down as a cult classic.

The Island (2005)

A rip-off of THX-1138... and a poor one at that

[5/10 · 20 April 2008]

Few people will have seen George Lucas' 1970 film, "THX-1138", but the story will be strangely familiar.. in a dystopian future society, where people are bred and their organs harvested, one man starts to question his controlled environment, and eventually escapes. I strongly recommend you see THX-1138, if only to watch the amazing closing scene... which bears a striking resemblance to the end of this film, but blows it out of the water.

As a Michael Bay treatment, this of course oozes gloss and an abundance of exploding helicopters (and Scarlett Johannson, adding an action film feather to her cap). But next to zero character development, making it a disappointing addition to the genre. The last third of the film is kind of original, but frankly I lost interest at this point.

For my money, THX-1138 and other 70s films such as Logans Run, would run this into the ground. But its nice eye candy if you want your characters two dimensional and your plots fed to you with a large, sugar-coated spoon.

THX 1138 (1971)

Groundbreaking, intelligent, raw and visual... death to CGI !!

[10/10 · 19 April 2008]

I just saw the directors cut of THX-1138, having a rather cynical view of Lucas' work after the disappointing Star Wars prequels. What a revelation this film is.

From the outset you are immersed in this stark, disjointed, orwellian world, and the film never lets up, with an intensely minimal visual style... worlds away from the CGI-laden films of today, and far more enjoyable for it. Philosophically, it reminded me of the Beckett play "Waiting for Godot" - primarily the scenes in the white prison.

Many sequences in the film appear with no discernible context - it has a jarring effect, but it works. A room full of heads apparently watches a kind of tennis match. Cut to another scene. A woman appears screaming in the white prison - then she disappears. Cut to another scene.

People who prefer their films to be spoon-fed will not enjoy this. It requires work but the payoff is huge - there are so much here for the intelligent viewer.

Things are conspicuous in their absence - so we can empathise with these characters, as they fumble for words to describe their inner void... something is missing, but what? But there is plenty of dark humour and irony in this patchwork bureaucracy... robots spewing out numbers as they casually prod the humans.

Drug evasion as a crime - now THAT's interesting. With our world dosed up on anti depressants, it's not far from reality either.

The influences on later science fiction film is clear :

1. The stark white room = the "construct" - in The Matrix.

2. The "modern retro" feel = Gattaca (which even uses some of the same locations as THX).

3. People's organs "consumed" = The Island (which seems to be a complete rip off of this film, just look at the closing scene!)

Watch the "sound effects only" version of the film for a really immersive experience!