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Reviews
The Cobbler (2014)
Fantasy Minus Magic
A promising premise with vast possibilities - None of which are realised.
The cobbler himself, devoid of charisma, plods through the plot a tad bemused.
Not so surprising given the script and some painfully lumpen humorous skits.
Even the 'Big Reveal' at the end was annoyingly obvious ten minutes in.
Intentionally so - Possibly so - But predictable endings deny satisfaction.
Once understated becomes underwhelming little remains of interest.
Method Man, Leon, brings life to his role - Skillfully contrasting saintly with evil.
The rest of the players, being under employed, wasted their character's potential.
Dubious writing, laid back direction, the forward momentum felt constantly thwarted.
A fantasy film quite lacking in magic - Carelessly cobbled together.
Jupiter Ascending (2015)
Derivative And Dated
She falls - He saves her. She's captured - He saves her. Ditto. Ditto. Repeat.
Out numbered - No problem. Out gunned - No worries. Our hero wins the day.
Is a basic requirement of Henchman Inc that all their employees be really bad shots?
The story's derivative, Dune and Pratchett. Original notions are noticeably absent.
Effects - Okay. Acting - Mundane. The only exception young Eddie Redmayne.
Gleefully heinous his character Balem whispers then shouts in a quite scary way.
Harvesting humans. Matricide friendly. Needless to say when he falls there's no saving.
As a non sequetar and apropos nothing, do actors take roles coz they really need money?
An idle thought, which may explain, how rather naff films garner really big names.
Predictable, dull and stereotypical. She falls - He saves. Again and again. The End.
Razzle Dazzle: A Journey Into Dance (2007)
An Astute Australian Absurdity
Regardless of tragedies happening globally our personal lives will always take precedence.
Disasters happen. Mayhem abounds. But stubbing your toe will supercede all. T'is part of the human condition.
In Razzle Dazzle, an excellent comedy, dance dominates the characters lives.
Their raison d'etre, their whole rationale, superficially presented as terpsichorean.
In truth, of course, there's far more involved - Egos, ambitions, needs and wants.
The setting's no more than a convenient device. We all take ourselves too seriously.
The deadpan delivery of patent absurdities. The self deception and lack of awareness.
All these conspire to raise a chuckle along with a certain empathic engagement.
You'll quickly forget it's a mocumentary. Mr. Jonathon's real - He's out there somewhere.
Names may change. Locations differ. A mirror might well prove useful.
John Dies at the End (2012)
Quintessentially Quirky
John Dies At the End ...
Or not ...
Since this is a spoiler free zone ...
Contains likable characters, an implausible plot, plus more than a modicum of laughs.
Played straight throughout, despite risible effects, the acting deserves an award.
Some great one liners, easily missed, and genuine moments of lateral thinking.
Quintessentially quirky, at times erratic, with tenuous twists which raise a smile.
Not for the kiddies or movie mavens - Nor for those dependant on logic.
But anyone prone to accept the improbable could certainly find this film rewarding.
It's different. Low budget. Yet somehow endearing. Worth watching for Bark Lee alone.