FEBRUARY 2006 MOVIE VIEWING #809 - #817

27 Monday
Runaway Train (Andrei Konchalovsky 1985) 3/5
[DVD] #817
Two prisoners escape on an out of control runaway train through the snow mountains- simple story which is actually quite thrilling. The cast of Jon Voight and Eric Roberts work well with each other - considering the majority of the film is on the train. Both received Oscar Nominations which was interesting consider the low budget feel of the film. Worth watching.

23 Thursday
Throw Momma From The Train (Danny DeVito 1987) 1.5/5
[DVD] #816
Disappointing comedy from Danny DeVito- infact Crystal and DeVito really didn't gel well, and the majority of the film is not only unfunny, but a rip from 'Strangers on a Train' (which is actually playing on the movie). Anne Ramsey as the mother received an Oscar Nomination but she was nothing special.

22 Wednesday
Mysterious Skin (Gregg Araki 2004) 3.5 /5
[DVD] #815
Disturbing film about child sexual abuse- told in flashbacks. Great cast, and very confronting images and narrative. Overall and enjoyable film but several moments are difficult to watch and upsetting. Powerful and provocative.

20 Monday
Die Hard (John McTiernan 1988) 1/5
[DVD] #814
Dated film about one man's attempt to thwart a terrorist attack. Run of the mill story where we already know the end result. Whilst Bruce Willis is credible in the role, the whole idea and the execution of it, is far fetched.

16 Thursday
The Day of the Jackal 4/5
[DVD] #813
A fantastic account of the attempted assassination of the Charles DeGaulle. Told from the point of view of both 'The Jackal' and the police is an exciting, rivetting chronological account of the months leading up to the day. Edward Fox is prefect in the role of the Jackal, and the ending is so rewarding, that it is worth waiting two hours to experience.

13 Monday
Leap of Faith 1/5
[DVD] #812
Steve Martin as an evangelist who visits a small town and transform its residence into god believing citizen- but is everything as it seems. A nice idea but badly executed with Martin not really fit for this part- his over the top action are too much, and the supporting cast including Liam Neeson can't do much better.

12 Sunday
Walk the Line 4/5
[DVD] #811
Joaquin Phoenix is truly stunning as Johnny Cash in this biopic on the 'Man in Black'. Not only does Phoenix looks like Cash without much transformation, he sings with his own voice- a truly great achievement- highlighted particularly when Cash attempts to cut his first record at Sun Records. Although the format of the film - told in flashbacks- it typical for biopics, this one works quite well , but unfortunately finishes just after Cash's performance at Folsom Prison. Reece Witherspoon is not as effective as June Carter Cash, but still sings with her own voice which is a fine achievement.

11 Saturday
Quick Change (Howard Franklin / Bill Murray 1990) 2.5/5
[DVD] #810
This film really starts off well with a thoroughly entertaining and rewarding bank heist conducted by Murray. Once that is over, the film in part becomes quite slapstick, rather than the darker offbeat style which permeates Bill Murray's character. Jason Robards unfortunately portrays a cop who just always seems to be one step behind and can't catch Murray. Murray himself has the best character of the film, and it in several scenes is quite funny- Murray directed his own performance too.

7 Tuesday
Keeping it Mum (Niall Johnson 2005) 1/5
[Highpoint Cinema 2] #809
Odd beat dark comedy about a housekeeper who is a murderer. This film has several Desperate Housewives moments, however it is so slow and plodding that it loses all potential build up, development and humour. Maggie Smith is quite credible in the role as the housekeeper but really only the shining light