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Reviews
Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009)
a colourful, sweet and funny rom-com
Take an adorable girl, dress her with a few complications, add some slapstick comedy, throw in just a pinch of romance; et voilà, a colourful, sweet and funny rom-com.
This movie adaptation of the Shopaholic books delivers a light but yet truly enjoyable comedy. Isla Fisher's is back on the screen with an interpretation that matched the one that catapulted her career in Wedding Crashers. A sweet and lovable personality that will overshadow the less likable facets of lies and compulsive buying in which she draws herself. The romance doesn't steal the show either, flourishing gently on the side and giving the final note of a well executed feel good comedy.
You could argue the lack of seriousness in which this disorder is being treated but I believe this is not what the movie tries to achieve. Don't look for an intellectual masterpiece but instead sit down, get comfy and relax cause this is a chick flick that will give you a few laugh-out-loud moments.
Live! (2007)
nail biting...
While in a plane, flicking through the large choice of movies, I came across Live! almost accidentally. oh boy! what a choice.
I remembered vaguely seeing the trailer over a year ago and completely forgot about it expecting no more than another cheesy nonsense movie about a stupid reality show. Now I can easily say this has been a hell of a ride. I don't remember last time I have been so excited, terrified. Not sure if it was the high altitude playing with my senses, but the suspense grow gradually through the movie until reaching a climax where you can't turn away from the screen, literally sitting on the edge of your seat and biting the remaining nails you've got.
You will first go through a personal moral assessment of where you stand about the righteousness of the show. You will drift from thinking "how come the human being can be so vicious" to "why not after all?".Ask yourself would you do it. Then learn about the contestants, their motives and start guessing. You will then watch contestant pulling the trigger one by one and get excited even though you know the first candidate is safe.
Good acting, good directing, with a movie experience that reminds you those old movies where you knew what would happen in the next scene but still were craving for more.
*Spoilers* couple of things i would have changed:
- the casting of the contestants. i have really been moved by the farmer and we should have had a bit more like him. The idea of a rich writer who wants to be famous is a bit stupid, it felt like you didn't care about some of the contestants. Although this might have been done on purpose, i think the audience should have been able to associate with the majority of the contestants. - game rules, a big glitch :
what happens if the 5th contestants doesn't die when he pulls the trigger. do you seriously think the last standing guy will pull the trigger and execute himself!!! they should have given a chance to all contestants to live, ie: if 5th is a blank too, then no one dies.
interestingly I haven't been bothered too much by this bad points cause i really had a good time. just wish i had some popcorn with me!
Quantum of Solace (2008)
A step to far?
Here is a franchise that clearly wants to set itself apart from its roots. Casino Royale already set the tone and managed to capture its audience with its more realistic approach when compared to the later Brosnan's interpretation of the legendary spy. No more invisible car, or gadgets we will still dream of in 100 years, were relatively well welcomed by the audience but Quantum of Solace pushes the concept even further. Bond is now driving cars with window that shatters on bullet impact, he is no longer immune to punches, and seems to hurt himself when falling from a 3 stories roof... He now also expresses human feelings. After exploring love, Bond is animated by his thirst of vengeance making him forget his original assignment, projecting an image of an assassin at times instead of the secret agent we all know... this new style stays in line with the previous movie but some things appear to be missing and distorting the Bond experience. Out of the window the Vodka Martini, the "My name is Bond... James Bond" or even the original theme which only appears at the end credit... is that a step to far?
This is not where the film really disappoints. This sequel is let down by a poor script. The story is rushed bringing the audience from one location to another without any connection, the plot and motives of the villain could have been rethought. He is more motivated by pulling off his scam rather than terrorising the people and being evil. Does he really deserve his fate....
Thankfully it is not all gloomy in Bond's new universe. Daniel Craig gives another charismatic performance making the character more believable. The stunning action scenes and stunts will certainly satisfy those looking for popcorn action in the theatre.
So in a sentence, stirred but not shaken!