RagDolly Reviews

All About Steve (2009)

Really not that bad...

[7/10 · 12 June 2011]

Maybe it helped that, having heard nothing but bad reviews of "All About Steve", I rented it on a particularly lazy evening with very low expectations. It was a nice surprise then, to find myself genuinely enjoying a sweet and original if flawed romantic-comedy.

"All About Steve" follows Mary Horowitz (Sandra Bullock), whose status as 'oddball outsider' is represented through a pair of gorgeous red boots and a tendency to make social situations extremely awkward. None more so than her brief blind date with Steve (Bradley Cooper). Things get worse when, seemingly naive to her inappropriate behaviour, Mary begins to follow Steve around, encountering a variety of unusual characters and extraordinary situations.

Towards the beginning of the film, I strongly disliked Mary and her treatment of Steve, but found that she gradually won me over with her increasingly charming turns and quirks. Stalking is an unusual subject matter for a mainstream romantic-comedy, but it was a breath of fresh air, with many funny lines and situations, but never in the way I expected. Supporting characters are caricatures, over-the-top but endearing and thoroughly entertaining.

Bullock is, of course, great. Her 'Mary' is annoying enough to not be a cop-out, but sweet-natured enough to be eventually likable. Cooper is, of course, a dreamboat (those eyes!) but also a great comedian, completely understandable and impossibly charismatic. Thomas Haden Church is fantastic, brilliantly funny and most memorable of the supporting characters.

However, there's no denying this film is far from perfect and I lay the blame on it's execution. If there were ever a story that needed a low-budget indie treatment, it was this. Except for the well-suited cast, everything seemed a little too flashy and at times, too epic for it's own good. What could have been charming and endearing on a smaller scale, came through as cheesy and... schmaltzy in this large production.

But, judging it within it's field, of mainstream Rom-Coms, this comes out near the top. I would much rather watch this imperfect but unique film than a formulaic comedy with strategically timed punchlines that has been done before.

Although it has it's flaws, "All About Steve" is different, refreshing and overall very fun and likable.

Titanic (1997)

A classic. Just incredible...

[10/10 · 17 July 2010]

'Titanic' is a film so revered and praised that it can become tiresome and many choose to bash it just to spite its popularity but the truth is that 'Titanic' is a classic and is worthy of any praise it gets.

Everybody knows how epic this film is. Everybody knows the extraordinary lengths that were gone to to make this such a memorable piece and everybody knows of the excellent performances given by Kate Winslet, Leonardo DiCaprio and the supporting cast. The incredible feat that this film achieves is, despite its huge scale, you can get entangled and wrapped up in each character. The simple love story of Jack and Rose is played out so intensely, it's beautiful and engaging to watch no matter how many times you've seen it before.

What I love about this film is the fact that I can pick out plenty of cheesy moments and lines and many instances where Cameron has tried to over-dramatise an already tragic and epic story, as well as one ill-timed cut to the 'modern' day subplot, but I don't mind. I can get carried away in the story and love those moments as well.

The truth is, this film is beautiful. The one-liners and funny moments early on that highlight the tragedy of the end, still touching and shocking despite the action and panic in them, are beaten only by the simplicity and beauty of the relationship between Jack and Rose. It sounds cheesy and cliché but it is still as beautiful and romantic as ever and this film will always rate highly with me.

Letters to Juliet (2010)

Sweet, lovely film...

[8/10 · 19 June 2010]

"Letters to Juliet" is a treat! A sweet, wonderful and enjoyable film. In my opinion, romantic comedies have been losing their appeal in recent years. I've found most of them stale and monotonous, and I think that "Letters to Juliet" has what they lack, which is the magic and fun that make these kinds of films so endearing.

It isn't massively original or unpredictable. The main character, Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) is rather perfect, but likable anyway. And Charlie (Christopher Egan) is a hilarious, harmless English stereotype. (I'm English and didn't mind at all.) Overall it's fresh and fun to watch and gave me that tingly feeling that any good romantic comedy should guarantee. With a supporting cast including Vanessa Redgrave and Oliver Platt, it must be doing something right. I'd definitely recommend it.

The Singing Detective (2003)

A great film with a bit of everything.

[7/10 · 7 February 2010]

Firstly, I have to admit, I haven't seen the original series "The Singing Detective", so I watched and am reviewing this film with fresh eyes.

And I loved it. This film is about Dan Dark, and all the events are from his perspective or in his mind. This means that the story often changes focus and jumps about a bit. But this didn't bother me, probably because Robert Downey Jr gives such a brilliant and engaging performance, you are actually interested in the character's thoughts, as strange as they may be.

The supporting cast, including some huge names, are fantastic as well. The film seems to have a bit of everything, comedy, romance, action, and interesting character developments and relationships. This film won't be for everyone, but I would definitely recommend it for it's unique style and a knock-out performance from Robert Downey Jr.

The Dark Knight (2008)

A masterpiece in every sense!

[10/10 · 5 August 2008]

A thrilling, action-packed, visually stunning movie that had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish! Hands down, the very best of 2008! It's impossible to imagine a more perfect film! Christopher Nolan delivers the prime example of what happens when so many perfect things come together to make a work of art! A brilliant, exciting storyline matched with an intelligent, witty yet deliciously dark script, makes the foundation for this incredible production. The look of the film, costumes, make-up, sets, locations all fit the atmosphere and make the Gotham City that this film requires.

And now the big one... The actors make this film as mesmerising as it is! Not a single one of them can be faulted! Christian Bale is an amazing Batman and a great Bruce Wayne. He handled the change in his character really well! Gary Oldman is awesome as Gordon, Michael Caine is the perfect Alfred and all those gangsters are brilliant! Maggie Gyllenhaal takes over the role of Rachel very well and Aaron Eckhart is simply incredible! He plays Harvey Dent, Gotham's white knight with charm but also vulnerability and then makes an almost too believable transition into Two-Face! But the best of the best, Heath Ledger, of course! His portrayal of the joker is legendary! Such a change from his other, also great, roles, but just as real! You know that you're a convincing villain when you can make 30 year olds hide behind their jumpers!

I could ramble on forever about this truly incredible film but, really, if you want to know what The Dark Knight is like, go and see it! It won't let you down! Promise!