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fellattiouk
Reviews
Hero Wanted (2008)
What was he thinking?
On the outside a film about revenge, anguish and justice along with a 'nothing-to-loose' attitude makes a pretty good film, its been attempted many times before, most lately: Death Sentence, Punisher and Payback. All done really well, especially Payback - truly genius.
What this film gained in story and good lead actors (Cuba Gooding Jr - Oscar winning actor and Ray Liotta) failed miserably with actors from the other end of the spectrum, that let alone possessed bad acting skills but even managed to bring the lead roles acting abilities down a notch. Part of me thinks this was all an attempt by the director to dull down the picture, make it seem 'real' and gritty..... But bad acting is bad acting! If a more gritty appeal was at the forefront of the directors aims, the production team should look closely at the camera work, any attempt to make a gritty, natural experience would quickly diminish with really bad camera angles and pace during the action sequences.
Above all, the musical score is terrible, what place does sultry jazz music play in 21 Century motion pictures? I could feel myself cringe as the melo-dramatic tones of 'cheesy' jazz would play over the lonely scenes with Liam Case (Cuba) battling with his emotions before embarking on a revenge trip. Even Cuba Gooding's acting ability couldn't break through the thickly spread seedy jazz tones, in-experienced camera work and poor acting talents.
Worth watching for the story maybe..... But leave all movie taste at the front door.
The Number 23 (2007)
Provocative, Gritty and Clever Storyline
I over-looked this film many times before, knowing that it was another attempt from Jim Carrey to cross-over from 'rubber face' comedy acting in pursuit of a more 'serious' role. However, I wish I'd seen it earlier. For me, Jim Carrey's attempts have finally paid off - as he carried the story line superbly well, especially as you watch his character delve deeper and deeper into this creepy, psychological paranoia.
To some, the plots twists and turns maybe foreseeable, but I feel it is Jim Carrey's (Walter Sparrow) and supporting actor Virginia Madsen's, believable and strength of acting that pushes through these criticisms and takes the viewer on a surprisingly well balanced and clever storyline. As Walter Sparrow becomes obsessed and engulfed within the thick of the story, such disturbing paranoia is well portrayed and reminds me of Joel Schumachers' other films, i.e. 8MM and Phone Booth. Where the characters lives are twisted, ruined and unrecognisable.
The grittiness and over-exposed (lighting effects) used, when the book is read by Walter Sparrow adds another element to the film, you get a true feel for the secondary characters and reminds me of old-fashioned detective films in black'n'white, those of you who have played Max Payne will know exactly the mood that this bleak, dark and disturbing type of cinematography can achieve.
Above all, a well written, well balanced, thought provoking film, with the perfect amount of pace and suspense to keep you intrigued till the end credits - don't get to obsessed though, as it will get you thinking about the numbers in your birth-date?
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
A middle-earth everyone should experience.
I feel Tolkien would be glad that his work was masterfully portrayed on the big screen. The atmosphere and realism created throughout the middle-earth landscape and characters brought much excitement. The power of the ring penetrates through the movie screen as you see the constant struggle within Frodo and the demise and mischievous nature of Gollem.
Spider-Man (2002)
what responsibility?
For the first thirty minutes the movie was great, depicting the scene of the school 'geek' turn super hero learning how to use his new found powers. But I feel the so called responsibility was too much for the hero and the rest of the movie was highly predictable. The arch enemy 'green goblin' felt like a villain from the 'power rangers' and no satisfying climax was reached. In comparison with the first 'Batman' movie which conveyed the reality of savior and the mysterious path which the hero took was far more entertaining.
I sincerely hope the next installment or the spiderman meets superman spin off can take the super hero genre to the next level.