tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292361582011-04-22T11:20:28.693+10:00an ongoing attempt at listing every film that i have seen in my life time.Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.comBlogger671100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-70986056551160348832008-12-24T15:17:00.000+11:002008-12-24T15:18:15.233+11:00(It is alphabetized until number 880)<br /><br />1 10 Things I have about you<br />2 101 dalmations<br />3 12 Angry Men<br />4 12 Monkeys<br />5 15 Minutes<br />6 200 Cigarettes<br />7 2001 Space Odyseey<br />8 2010 The year We Made Contact<br />9 21 Grams<br />10 25th hour<br />11 28 days later<br />12 3 Men and a Baby<br />13 39 Steps<br />14 3rd Man<br />15 8 Femmes<br />16 84 Charing Cross Road<br />17 8mm<br />18 A Beautiful Mind<br />19 A Clockwork Orange<br />20 A Knights Tale<br />21 A Night to Remember<br />22 A Passage to India<br />23 A Pure Formality<br />24 A Sound of Thunder<br />25 A.I<br />26 ABC Murders (TV Movie)<br />27 About Schmidt<br />28 Absence of malice <br />29 Absolute Power<br />30 Ace in the Hole<br />31 Act of Violence<br />32 Addam Family 1<br />33 Affliction<br />34 After the Sunset<br />35 Air Force One<br />36 Airport<br />37 Alfie<br />38 All about Eve<br />39 All the Kings Men<br />40 All the Presidents Men<br />41 Almost Famous<br />42 Along came a spider<br />43 Amadeus<br />44 Amelie<br />45 American Beauty<br />46 American Dreamz<br />47 American Pie 1<br />48 American Pie 2<br />49 American Psycho<br />50 America's Sweethearts<br />51 An inconvenient truth<br />52 Analyse This<br />53 Anastasia<br />54 Anatomy of a Murder<br />55 And then there were none<br />56 Anderson Tapes<br />57 Annabel Cheong Story<br />58 Annie Hall<br />59 Antitrust<br />60 Antz<br />61 Any Given Sunday<br />62 Apollo 13<br />63 Apt Pupil<br />64 Arachnaphobia<br />65 Around the World in 80 days<br />66 Ash Wednesday<br />67 Assasination of Richard Nixon<br />68 Assault on Precinct 13<br />69 Astronauts Wife<br />70 Atlantic City<br />71 Austin Powers 1<br />72 Austin Powers 2<br />73 Austin Powers 3<br />74 Auto Focus<br />75 Awakenings<br />76 Bachelor Party<br />77 Back to the Future 1<br />78 Back to the Future 2<br />79 Back to the Future 3<br />80 Bad Education<br />81 Bandits<br />82 Barbarian Invasions<br />83 Barefoot in the Park<br />84 Baseball by Ken Burns<br />85 Basic Instinct<br />86 Batman 1<br />87 Batman and Robin<br />88 Batman Begins<br />89 Batman Forever<br />90 Batman Returns<br />91 Batman the TV Series Movie<br />92 Battle over Citizen Kane<br />93 Battleship Potemkin<br />94 Beatles Anthology<br />95 Before Night Falls <br />96 Being John Malkovich<br />97 Being There<br />98 Best in Show<br />99 Bewitched<br />100 Beyond The Mat<br />101 Big Clock<br />102 Big Daddy<br />103 Big Fish<br />104 Big Trouble In Little China<br />105 Billy Elliot<br />106 Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss<br />107 Birds, The<br />108 Birth<br />109 Birthday girl<br />110 Black Hawk Down<br />111 Blackmail<br />112 Blade<br />113 Bladerunner<br />114 Blair Witch 1<br />115 Blow<br />116 Blow-Up<br />117 Blue In the Face<br />118 Bob Roberts<br />119 Body, The<br />120 Bodyguard<br />121 Bone Collector<br />122 Boogie Nights<br />123 Bourne Identity<br />124 Bourne Supremacy<br />125 Bowfinger<br />126 Bowling for Columbine<br />127 Boys from Brazil<br />128 Braveheart<br />129 Brazil<br />130 Breaker Morant<br />131 Breakfast at Tiffanys<br />132 Bring it On<br />133 Bringing Down the House<br />134 Bringing Out the Dead<br />135 Brokeback Moutain<br />136 Brooklyn Bridge<br />137 Brother Bear<br />138 Brothers Grimm<br />139 Bruce Almighty<br />140 Bugs Life<br />141 Bull Durham<br />142 Bullworth<br />143 Bully<br />144 Bus 174<br />145 Cabaret<br />146 Caine Mutiny<br />147 Camp<br />148 Candleshoe<br />149 Cape Fear (orig)<br />150 Cape Fear (remake)<br />151 Capote<br />152 Capricorn One<br />153 Capturing the Friedmans<br />154 Casablanca<br />155 Casper<br />156 Castaway<br />157 Cat Ballou<br />158 Cat People<br />159 Catch Me If You Can<br />160 Category 6: Day of destruction<br />161 Cats Meow<br />162 Cell, The<br />163 Cellular<br />164 Central Station<br />165 Chaplin<br />166 Charade<br />167 Chariots of Fire<br />168 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory <br />169 Charlies Angels 1<br />170 Charlies Angels 2<br />171 Charly<br />172 Chicago<br />173 Chicken Run<br />174 China Syndrome<br />175 Chinatown<br />176 Chocolat<br />177 Chopper<br />178 Cider House Rules<br />179 Cinderalla Man<br />180 Cinema Paradiso<br />181 Cinncinati Kid<br />182 Citizen kane<br />183 City of angels<br />184 City of God<br />185 City of Lost Children<br />186 City Slickers<br />187 Civil Action<br />188 Civil War by Ken Burns<br />189 Clerks<br />190 Close Encounters of the Third Kind<br />191 Club, The<br />192 Clue<br />193 Cold mountain<br />194 Collateral<br />195 Colour Me Kubrick<br />196 Confessions of a Dangerous Mind<br />197 Contender, The<br />198 Conversation, The<br />199 Count of Monte Christo<br />200 Court Jester<br />201 Coyote Ugly<br />202 Crash<br />203 Critters<br />204 Crocodile Dundee 1<br />205 Crocodile Dundee 2<br />206 Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon<br />207 Cruel Intentions 1<br />208 Cruel Intentions 2<br />209 Cry Wolf<br />210 Cube<br />211 Cube 2 Hypercube<br />212 Curse of the Cat People<br />213 Dances with Wolves<br />214 Dante's Peak<br />215 DaVinci Code<br />216 Day after Tomorrow<br />217 Day The Earth Stood Still<br />218 Dead Man on Campus<br />219 Dead Man Walking<br />220 Dead Poets Society<br />221 Death and the Maiden<br />222 Death in Venice<br />223 Death on the Nile<br />224 Deathtrap<br />225 Deep Blue Sea<br />226 Deep End<br />227 Deep Impact<br />228 Delinquents<br />229 Deliverance<br />230 Derzu Usala<br />231 Devil and Daniel Webster<br />232 Devil Wears Prada<br />233 Dial M for Murder<br />234 Dick Tracy<br />235 Die Hard<br />236 Dirty Dancing<br />237 Dirty Pretty Things<br />238 Dirty Rotten Scoundrels<br />239 Dish, The<br />240 Disturbing Behaviour<br />241 Dodgeball<br />242 Dog Day Afternoon<br />243 Dogma<br />244 Donnie Darko<br />245 Don't Look Now<br />246 Don't Say a Word<br />247 Double Jeopardy<br />248 Dr Strangelove<br />249 Dreamcatcher<br />250 Dreamers, The<br />251 Driving Miss Daisy<br />252 Duel<br />253 E.T<br />254 East of Eden<br />255 Ed TV<br />256 Ed Wood<br />257 Edward Scissorhands<br />258 Eight Men Out<br />259 Election<br />260 Elephant<br />261 Elvira (IMAX)<br />262 Emperors Club<br />263 Emperors New Groove<br />264 Empire of the Air: The Men who made Radion<br />265 Empire of the Sun<br />266 Encounter 3rd (IMAX)<br />267 Enemy of the State<br />268 English Patient<br />269 Entrapment<br />270 Erin Brocovich<br />271 Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind<br />272 Event Horizon<br />273 Everafter<br />274 Evil Angels<br />275 Evil Under the sun<br />276 Exorcist, The<br />277 Eyes Wide Shut<br />278 Face/Off<br />279 Faculty, The<br />280 Fahrenheit 451<br />281 Fahrenheit 911<br />282 Fail Safe<br />283 Fallen<br />284 Falling Down<br />285 Family Plot<br />286 Fantastic Four<br />287 Fargo<br />288 Father of the Bride (remake)<br />289 Father of the Bride 2<br />290 Fear X<br />291 Ferris Buellers Day Off<br />292 Few Good Men<br />293 Field of Dreams<br />294 Fifth Element<br />295 Fight Club<br />296 Final Destination 1<br />297 Final Destination 2<br />298 Final Destination 3<br />299 Finding Forrester<br />300 Finding Nemo<br />301 Finding Neverland<br />302 Firm, The<br />303 First Wives Club<br />304 Five easy Pieces<br />305 Flags of Our Father<br />306 Flightplan<br />307 Flintstones, The<br />308 Flying High 1<br />309 Flying High 2<br />310 Follow Me Quietly<br />311 For Love of the Game<br />312 For Your Eyes Only<br />313 Forrest Gump<br />314 Fortune Cookie<br />315 Four Days in November<br />316 French Connection<br />317 Frenzy<br />318 Frequency<br />319 From Here to Eternity<br />320 From Russia With Love<br />321 Fugitive, The<br />322 Full Metal Jacket<br />323 Full monty<br />324 Game, The<br />325 Gangs of New York<br />326 Garden State<br />327 George Harrisson Tribute<br />328 Get Real<br />329 Get Smart Again<br />330 Ghostbuster 1<br />331 Ghostbuster 2<br />332 Gift, The<br />333 Gladiator<br />334 Glengarry Glen Ross<br />335 Go<br />336 Godfather 1<br />337 Godfather 2<br />338 Godfather 3<br />339 Gods and Monsters<br />340 Gods Must Be Crazy<br />341 Godzilla (Remake)<br />342 Golden Child<br />343 Goldfinger<br />344 Gone With the Wind<br />345 Good Bye Lenin<br />346 Good Morning Vietnam<br />347 Good Night and good Luck<br />348 Good Thief<br />349 Good Will Hunting<br />350 Gosford Park<br />351 Gossip<br />352 Great Escape<br />353 Great Gatsby<br />354 Green mile<br />355 Gremlins<br />356 Greystoke The Legend of Tarzan<br />357 Grinch, The<br />358 Grizzly Man<br />359 GroundHog Day<br />360 Guess Who<br />361 Guess Whos Coming To Dinner<br />362 Guns of Navarone<br />363 Hannibal<br />364 Hard Rain<br />365 Head On<br />366 Heat<br />367 Hercules Returns<br />368 Hero<br />369 Hidalgo<br />370 High Noon<br />371 Hills Have Eyes<br />372 Hitch<br />373 Hollow Man<br />374 Home Alone 1<br />375 Home Alone 2<br />376 Honey I Shrunk the Kids<br />377 Hoosiers<br />378 Hotel Rwanda<br />379 Hours, the<br />380 House of Sand and Fog<br />381 House on the Haunted Hill<br />382 Hulk<br />383 Hunt for Red October<br />384 Hunted, the<br />385 Hurricane, The<br />386 I am a fugitive of a Chain Gang<br />387 I am Sam<br />388 I Know What you Did Last Summer<br />389 I Robot<br />390 I Still Know What you Did Last Summer<br />391 I Walk With a Zombie<br />392 Ice Age<br />393 Identity<br />394 Illusionist, The<br />395 Il Postino<br />396 In and Out<br />397 In the Bedroom<br />398 In The Heat of the Night<br />399 In the Line of Fire<br />400 Incredibles, The<br />401 Independence Day<br />402 Indian Runner<br />403 Indiana Jones 1<br />404 Indiana Jones 2<br />405 Indiana Jones 3<br />406 Inherit the Wind<br />407 Insider, the<br />408 Insomnia (Original)<br />409 Insomnia (Remake)<br />410 Interpreter, The<br />411 Intolerable Cruelty<br />412 Ishtar<br />413 Japenese Story<br />414 Jawbreaker<br />415 Jaws<br />416 Jean De Florette<br />417 Jeepers Creepers<br />418 Jeffrey<br />419 Jerry Maguire<br />420 Jesus Son<br />421 Jetsons the Movie<br />422 Jewel of the Nile<br />423 JFK<br />424 Jindabyne<br />425 Judas Kiss<br />426 Jungle Book<br />427 Jurassic Park 1<br />428 Jurassic Park 2<br />429 Jurassic Park 3<br />430 Karate Kid<br />431 Keeping It Mum<br />432 Ken Park<br />433 Kill Bill Vol 1<br />434 Kill Bill Vol 2<br />435 Kind Hearts and Coronets<br />436 King Kong<br />437 King Kong <br />438 King of Comedy<br />439 Kingdom of Heaven<br />440 Kingsey<br />441 Kiss Kiss Bang Bang<br />442 Kramer vs kramer<br />443 La Confidential<br />444 Laddar 49<br />445 Lady from Shanghai<br />446 Lady on a Train<br />447 Land of the Dead<br />448 Lantana<br />449 Last Days<br />450 Last Gangster<br />451 Last Hurrah<br />452 Last of Sheila<br />453 Last Orders<br />454 Last Samurai<br />455 Last Voyage<br />456 Laurel Canyon<br />457 Lawrence of arabia<br />458 League of Extraordinary Gentleman<br />459 Leap of Faith<br />460 Legally Blonde<br />461 Legend of 1900<br />462 Les Diabolique<br />463 Lethal Weapon 4<br />464 Liar Liar<br />465 Licence To Kill<br />466 Life and Death of Peter Sellars<br />467 Life Aquatic of Steve Zissou<br />468 Life As A House<br />469 Life Boat<br />470 Life Is Beautiful<br />471 Life of David Gale<br />472 Lightning Jack<br />473 Little Caesar<br />474 Lodger, The<br />475 Lolita<br />476 Looney tunes Back in Action<br />477 Lord of the Rings 1<br />478 Lord of the Rings 2<br />479 Lord of the rings 3<br />480 Lost in Translation<br />481 Lost Weekend<br />482 Love Actually<br />483 Love and Death on Long Island<br />484 M<br />485 Madagascar<br />486 Magnificent Ambersons<br />487 Magnolia<br />488 Man for All Seasons<br />489 Man on the Moon<br />490 Man who Knew Too Much (Original)<br />491 Man Who Knew Too Much (remake)<br />492 Man Who Wasn’t There<br />493 Manchurian Candidate (Orig)<br />494 Manchurian Candidate (Remake)<br />495 Manhunter<br />496 Manon De Sources<br />497 Mark of the vampire<br />498 MASH<br />499 Mask of Zorro<br />500 Mask, The<br />501 Master and Commander<br />502 Match Point<br />503 Matchstick Men<br />504 Matrix 1<br />505 Matrix 2<br />506 Maverick<br />507 Me , Myself and Irene<br />508 Meet the Parents<br />509 Memento<br />510 Men in Black<br />511 Men in Black 2<br />512 Mexican, The <br />513 Michael<br />514 Midnight Express<br />515 Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil<br />516 Mighty Wind<br />517 Million Dollar Baby<br />518 Minority reports<br />519 Miracle Worker<br />520 Misery<br />521 Miss Congeniality<br />522 Miss Congeniality 2<br />523 Mission Impossible<br />524 Mission Impossible 3<br />525 Mission to Mars<br />526 Mister Hollands Opus<br />527 Monsters Ball<br />528 Moonstruck<br />529 Motorcyle Diaries<br />530 Moulin Rouge<br />531 Mr and Mrs Smith<br />532 Mr Bean<br />533 Mrs Doubtfire<br />534 Much Ado About Nothing<br />535 Mummy 2, the (remake)<br />536 Mummy, the (remake)<br />537 Munich<br />538 Muppet Christmas Carol<br />539 Muppetts Take Manhattan<br />540 Murder<br />541 Murder by Death<br />542 Murder on the Orient Express<br />543 My Big fat Greek Wedding<br />544 My Darling Clementine<br />545 My Favourite Year<br />546 My Left Foot<br />547 Mysterious Skin<br />548 Mystery Men<br />549 Mystery Science Theatre 3000<br />550 Mystic River<br />551 Naked Gun 1<br />552 Naked Gun 2/5<br />553 Naked Gun 33/3<br />554 Napoleon Dynamite<br />555 Natural, The<br />556 Negotiator<br />557 Network<br />558 Never Been Kissed<br />559 Nick of Time<br />560 Night of the Hunter<br />561 Nightmare before Christmas<br />562 Nine Queens<br />563 Ninth Gate<br />564 Nixon<br />565 North by Northwest<br />566 Nothing to Lose<br />567 Notorious<br />568 Notting Hill<br />569 Nude Bomb<br />570 Nutty Professor<br />571 Nutty Professor 2<br />572 O' Brother Where Art Thou<br />573 Oceans Eleven<br />574 Oceans Twelve<br />575 Odd Man Out<br />576 On Golden Pond<br />577 One Day in September<br />578 One Eyed Jack<br />579 One Hour Photo<br />580 One Two Three<br />581 One, The<br />582 Open Water<br />583 Opposite of Sex<br />584 Ordinary People<br />585 Other Sister, The<br />586 Others, The<br />587 Over the Hedge<br />588 Ox-Box Incident<br />589 Paleface, The<br />590 Panic Room<br />591 Paper, The<br />592 Papillion<br />593 Parallex View<br />594 Party, the<br />595 Passion of Christ<br />596 Patch Adams<br />597 Paths of Glory<br />598 Patton<br />599 Payback<br />600 Pearl Harbour<br />601 People vs Larry Flint<br />602 Perfect Catch<br />603 Perfect Storm<br />604 Phar Lap<br />605 Philadelphia<br />606 Phonebooth<br />607 Pianist, The<br />608 Picnic at Hanging Rock<br />609 Pirate of the Carribeean<br />610 Pitch Black<br />611 Planet of the Apes (remake)<br />612 Platoon<br />613 Player, The<br />614 Pledge, The<br />615 Pollock<br />616 Poltergeist<br />617 Pork Chop Hill<br />618 Poseidon<br />619 Prairie Home Companion, A<br />620 Presumed Innocent<br />621 Pret A Porter<br />622 Pretty Woman<br />623 Primal Fear<br />624 Primary Colours<br />625 Primer<br />626 Prisoner of Paradise<br />627 Proof<br />628 Psycho (Original)<br />629 Psycho (remake)<br />630 Queen, The<br />631 Querelle<br />632 Quick Change<br />633 Quiet American<br />634 Quills<br />635 Quiz Show<br />636 Rain Man<br />637 Rainmaker<br />638 Rat Race<br />639 Ray<br />640 Rear Window<br />641 Rebel Without a Cause<br />642 Recruit , The<br />643 Red Badge of Courage<br />644 Red Dragon<br />645 Red Eye<br />646 Red Violin<br />647 Remains of the Day<br />648 Remember the Titans<br />649 Requiem for a Dream<br />650 Resident Evil 2<br />651 Return, The<br />652 Reversal of Fortune<br />653 Right Stuff<br />654 Risky Business<br />655 Road to Perdition<br />656 Roadkill<br />657 Robin Hood Prince of Thieves<br />658 Rocking Horse Winner<br />659 Rocky<br />660 Rocky Horror<br />661 Romancing The Stone<br />662 Romeo and Juliet (orig)<br />663 Romeo and Juliet (Remake)<br />664 Ronin<br />665 Rookie, the<br />666 Rope<br />667 Rounders<br />668 Rules of Attraction<br />669 Runaway Bride<br />670 Runaway Jury<br />671 Runaway train<br />672 Rush Hour<br />673 Rush Hour 2<br />674 Rushmore<br />675 Sabouteur<br />676 Saint's Double Trouble<br />677 Sapphire<br />678 Saving Private Ryan<br />679 Saw<br />680 Saw 2<br />681 Saw 3<br />682 Scary Movie 1<br />683 Scary Movie 2<br />684 Scary Movie 3<br />685 Scent of a Woman<br />686 Schindlers List<br />687 Score, The<br />688 Scream 1<br />689 Scream 2<br />690 Scream 3<br />691 Se7en<br />692 Sea Inside<br />693 Seabiscuit<br />694 Séance on a Wet Afternoon<br />695 Searchers, The<br />696 Secret Window<br />697 See Jack Run<br />698 Serenity<br />699 Seventh Seal<br />700 Sexy Beast<br />701 Shadow of a Doubt<br />702 Shadow of a Vampire<br />703 Shakespeare in Love<br />704 Shattered Glass<br />705 Shaun of the Dead <br />706 Shawshank Redeemption<br />707 She Wore a Yellow Ribbon<br />708 Shes All That<br />709 Shootist, The<br />710 Shrek<br />711 Shrek 2<br />712 Sideways<br />713 Signs<br />714 Silence of the Lambs<br />715 Silent Running<br />716 Sin City<br />717 Singin In the Rain<br />718 Sixth Sense<br />719 Skeleton Key<br />720 Sleepers<br />721 Sleepy Hollow<br />722 Sleuth<br />723 Small time Crooks<br />724 Smoke<br />725 Snakes on a Plane<br />726 Snatch<br />727 Somersault<br />728 Sommerstrum<br />729 Son's Room<br />730 Sorry Wrong Number<br />731 South Park<br />732 Space Jam<br />733 Speed<br />734 Spellbound<br />735 Spider<br />736 Spiderman 1<br />737 Spiderman 2<br />738 Split, the<br />739 Star Trek 3: The Wrath of Khan<br />740 Star Trek Insurrection<br />741 Star Wars A New Hope<br />742 Star Wars Attack of the Clones<br />743 Star Wars Phantom Menace<br />744 Star Wars return of the Jedi<br />745 Star Wars Revenge of the Sith<br />746 Stars Wars empire Strikes Back<br />747 State and Main<br />748 Station Agent<br />749 Step Mum<br />750 Stigmata<br />751 Sting, The<br />752 Straight Story, The<br />753 Stranger on the third floor<br />754 Strangers on the Train<br />755 Studio 54<br />756 Suddenly<br />757 Sunset Boulevard<br />758 Superman Returns<br />759 Sweet and Lowdown<br />760 Sweet Hereafter<br />761 Sweet Home Alabama<br />762 Sweet Sixteen<br />763 Swimming Pool<br />764 Taking Lives<br />765 Taking of Pelham 1,2,3<br />766 Talented Mr Ripley<br />767 Talk to her<br />768 Tall Target<br />769 Tallegda Nights<br />770 Targets<br />771 Teen Wolf<br />772 Tempted<br />773 Ten Commandments (remake)<br />774 Tender Mercies<br />775 Terminal, The<br />776 Terminator 2<br />777 Terminator 3<br />778 Terminator, The<br />779 The Aviator<br />780 The Cell<br />781 The Day of The Jackal<br />782 The Departed<br />783 The Inside Man<br />784 The List of Adrian Messenger<br />785 The Prestige<br />786 The Rollercoaster<br />787 The Unknown<br />788 The Weather Man<br />789 Thelma and Louise<br />790 Thin Red Line<br />791 Thing from another Planet<br />792 Third Miracle<br />793 Thirteen Days<br />794 Thlema and Louise<br />795 Thomas Crown (Orig)<br />796 Thomas Crown (Remake)<br />797 Three Colours Blue<br />798 Three Colours Red<br />799 Three Colours White<br />800 Throw Momma From The Train<br />801 Tigerland<br />802 Tin Cup<br />803 Titanic<br />804 To Catch a Thief<br />805 To Kill a Mockingbird<br />806 Tom White<br />807 Top Gun<br />808 Top Secret<br />809 Topkapi<br />810 Touching the Void<br />811 Towering Inferno<br />812 Toy Soldiers<br />813 Toy Story<br />814 Toys<br />815 Traffic<br />816 Training Day<br />817 TransAmerica<br />818 Trial<br />819 Trip to Bountiful<br />820 Trouble With Harry<br />821 Troy<br />822 True Lies<br />823 Truman Show<br />824 Two Hands<br />825 Two Minute Warning<br />826 Unbreakable<br />827 Under Suspicion<br />828 Under the Sand<br />829 Unforgivable Blackness<br />830 Unforgiven<br />831 United 93<br />832 Untouchables<br />833 Usual Suspects<br />834 Vanilla Sky<br />835 Vanishing, The (Orig)<br />836 Varsity Blues<br />837 Verdict, The<br />838 Vertigo<br />839 Victor / Victoria<br />840 View to Kill<br />841 Village, The<br />842 Virgin Suicides<br />843 Volcano<br />844 Von Ryans Express<br />845 Wag the Dog<br />846 Wages of Fear<br />847 Wait Until Dark<br />848 Walk the Line<br />849 Wall Street<br />850 Wallace and Gromite: Curse of the Were-Rabbit<br />851 War of the Worlds (remake)<br />852 WaterBoy<br />853 Weekend at Bernies 1<br />854 Whale Rider<br />855 What Lies Beneath<br />856 When Trumpets Fade<br />857 When We Were Kings<br />858 White Men Cant Jump<br />859 Who Framed roger Rabbit<br />860 Whole Nine Yards<br />861 Whos Afraid of Virginia Woolfe<br />862 Wicker Man (orig)<br />863 Wild Things<br />864 Willy wonka<br />865 Without a Clue<br />866 Witness<br />867 Witness for Prosecution<br />868 Witness to Murder<br />869 Wolf Creek<br />870 Wonder Boys<br />871 Woodsman, The<br />872 World's fastest Indian<br />873 Wrong Man<br />874 X Men<br />875 X Men 2<br />876 Yankee Doodle Dandy<br />877 You can count on me<br />878 Young Einstein<br />879 Zoolander<br />880 Little Miss Sunshine<br />881 Pursuit of Happyness<br />882 Boston Strangler<br />883 Philadelphia Experiment<br />884 Spiderman 3<br />885 Thin Blue Line, The<br />886 Kennel Murder Case, The<br />887 Great Train Robbery, The<br />888 King , The (TV Movie)<br />889 Last Waltz, The<br />890 Robo Cop<br />891 Men in Tights<br />892 Babel<br />893 For All Mankind<br />894 Andromeda Strain<br />895 Hoax, The<br />896 Vanishing, The (Remake)<br />897 Transformers<br />898 Murder on a Sunday Morning<br />899 Marlene<br />900 Simpsons<br />901 Dr Jekyll and Hyde<br />902 Mystery Street<br />903 Rocky Balboa<br />904 Hindenburg<br />905 Decoy<br />906 HollywoodLand<br />907 Sicko<br />908 Death of a President<br />909 Ocean Thirteen<br />910 Venus<br />911 Pans Labrynth<br />912 Wordplay<br />913 For Your Consideration<br />914 In Cold Blood<br />915 King Kong<br />916 Who the Fuck is Jackson Pollack<br />917 So Long at the Fair<br />918 Monseiur Verdeaux<br />919 Number 23<br />920 Fracture<br />921 Notes on a Scandal<br />922 Iris<br />923 Bourne Ultimatum<br />924 Bobby<br />925 National Treasure<br />926 I Am Legend<br />927 Noise<br />928 Half Nelson<br />929 Psycho 2<br />930 No country for old men<br />931 Infamous<br />932 They Live By Night<br />933 Assassination of Jesse James<br />934 The Condemned<br />935 The Party's Over<br />936 Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy<br />937 The Staircase<br />938 Into the Wild<br />939 A Good Year<br />940 Vantage Point<br />941 The Dresser<br />942 Dot the I<br />943 Next<br />944 Cloverfield<br />945 Wooden Horse<br />946 In the Shadow of the Moon<br />947 Alien vs Predator 2<br />948 This Film Is Not Yet Rated<br />949 Jaws The Revenge<br />950 A Mighty Heart<br />951 Jaws2<br />952 Contact<br />953 Final Countdown, The<br />954 Wizard of Oz<br />955 Cleaner, The<br />956 3:10 To Yuma (2007)<br />957 Swarm, The<br />958 Westworld<br />959 Sleuth (remake)<br />960 Cinemania<br />961 Young Sherlock Holmes<br />962 Appointment with Death<br />963 Death on the Diamond<br />964 Clearing, The<br />965 The Spy Who Loved Me<br />966 Lars and the Real Girl<br />967 Dark Knight<br />968 The Thieving Hand<br />969 Great Train Robbery<br />970 The King of Kong<br />971 Paradine Case<br />972 Stand and Deliver<br />973 Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull<br />974 Flawless<br />975 Death Defying Acts<br />976 Shiner<br />977 X Files Movies 2<br />978 Jumper<br />979 Tropic Thunder<br />980 Soylent Green<br />981 Time Lock<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-7098605655116034883?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-307594758033650802008-06-23T21:39:00.001+10:002008-06-23T21:41:51.302+10:00Title: 3:10 to Yuma (Remake)<br />#: 956<br />Format: DVD<br />Rating 1.5<br />Viewing Date: 24.6.2008<br /><br />Synopsis<br /> <br /><br />Review:<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-30759475803365080?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-53229663414156779412008-06-23T21:38:00.002+10:002008-06-23T21:39:51.214+10:00Title: The Cleaner<br />#: 955<br />Format: DVD<br />Rating: 1.5<br />VIewing Date: 22.6.2008<br /> <br />Synopsis:<br />A crime scene cleaner accidentally removes evidence of a crime scene.<br /> <br />Review: To Come.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-5322966341415677941?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-61171009383741148672008-06-23T21:37:00.002+10:002008-06-23T21:38:11.107+10:00Title: The Wizard of OZ<br />#: 954<br />Format: DVD<br />Rating: 3.5<br />Viewing Date: 19.6.2008<br /><br />Synopsis:<br />Dorothy travels to the magical land of Oz<br /><br />Review:<br />To Come.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-6117100938374114867?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-48386279182633589402008-06-23T21:35:00.003+10:002008-06-23T21:36:44.470+10:00Title: The Final Countdown<br />#: 953<br />Format: DVD<br />Rating: 1.5<br />Viewing Date: 15.6.2008<br /><br />Synopsis:<br />A Navy ship travels back in time moments before the Pearl Harbour Attack.<br /> <br />Review:<br /> To come.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-4838627918263358940?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-51827814089229550632008-06-15T15:53:00.002+10:002008-06-15T16:20:30.056+10:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_EVdxbwAO32E/SFS0gODZ6pI/AAAAAAAAADU/Fh9zbLSOKb4/s1600-h/contact.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_EVdxbwAO32E/SFS0gODZ6pI/AAAAAAAAADU/Fh9zbLSOKb4/s320/contact.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211989134395697810" /></a><br /><br />Title: CONTACT<br />#: 952<br />Format: DVD<br />Rating: 2<br /><br />Synopsis:<br />A message from outer space is identified by Jodie Foster. <br /><br />Review:<br />An interesting concept, and a star vehicle for Jodie Foster. She has this ability to really command a scene, with both sincerity and authority despite features which state otherwise.<br />The film I feel, does take a long time to get into the main plotpoint, but when it does, the revealation of the initial message and the subsequent government intervention is very interesting.<br />This film also contains one of the scariest moment in cinema i have seen- it occurs at the initial spaceship launch with an intruder who simply turns towards a security camera.<br />Directed by Robert Zemeckis, this was his first film after his Oscar Winning film Forrest Gump.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-5182781408922955063?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1332944326711458392008-06-15T15:24:00.002+10:002008-06-15T15:35:18.412+10:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_EVdxbwAO32E/SFSqBoT5AuI/AAAAAAAAAC8/EOh3QPU7zQI/s1600-h/jaws_two_ver3.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_EVdxbwAO32E/SFSqBoT5AuI/AAAAAAAAAC8/EOh3QPU7zQI/s320/jaws_two_ver3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211977613751943906" /></a><br /><br />Title: JAWS 2<br />#: 951<br />Format: DVD<br />Rating: 2.5<br /><br />Synopsis: <br />Chief Brody again must save Amity from a killer shark.<br /><br />Review:<br />For three quarters of the film, it was quite a good film- considering it is a sequel and a different director (Jeannot Szwarc - director of tv shows like Boston Legal, Without a Trace). But the finale was a let down, again as a result of unrealistic character development and storylines.<br />However before that disappointment, there are very strong performances from Roy Scheider and Lorraine Gary in the key roles, and it is nice to see some of the cast from the first film , make an appearance as well (see Murray Hamilton as the Mayor).<br /><br />It is this film that spawned the great tagline 'Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the water'<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-133294432671145839?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-38307520402890361792008-06-15T15:11:00.002+10:002008-06-15T15:23:09.139+10:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_EVdxbwAO32E/SFSnBV72k7I/AAAAAAAAAC0/klzVtXWROME/s1600-h/51CEt0n1e3L.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_EVdxbwAO32E/SFSnBV72k7I/AAAAAAAAAC0/klzVtXWROME/s320/51CEt0n1e3L.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211974310284399538" /></a><br /><br />Title: A Mighty Heart<br />#: 950<br />Format: Box Office HD<br />Rating: 3/5<br /><br />Synopsis:<br />Wall Street Journalist Daniel Pearl is captured whilst reporting Pakistan. This true story, ends tragically.<br /><br />Review:<br />A very strong performance by Angeline Jolie as Marianne Pearl, the wife of the hostage Daniel Pearl. Infact, this film could be Jolie's best performance ever (not a hard thing though).<br />What makes this film enjoyable is the strong and concerted pace the film takes. It does not over exaggerated, and handles the difficult subject matter in a respectable matter. The majority of the film is shot hand held and the colour / contrast of the film is deliberately altered in certain scenes.<br />Highly recommend for Jolie's performance.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-3830752040289036179?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-88802256789714203692008-06-15T15:03:00.003+10:002008-06-15T15:46:28.951+10:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_EVdxbwAO32E/SFSsp--PD8I/AAAAAAAAADE/EDa7bSZFFNE/s1600-h/B00008WFU5.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_EVdxbwAO32E/SFSsp--PD8I/AAAAAAAAADE/EDa7bSZFFNE/s320/B00008WFU5.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211980506053152706" /></a><br />FILM: JAWS THE REVENGE<br />#: 949<br />FORMAT: DVD<br />DATE: 1/6/2008<br />RATING: 1 /5<br /><br />SYNOPSIS:<br />Ellen Brody escapes the nightmares of her family shark attacks and leaves for the Bahama.<br /> <br />REVIEW:<br />Very disappointing film- could have been so much more, using Ellen Brody's character (Lorraine Gary) in a more psychological scenario without the appalling shark subplot.<br />Get this, Ellen Brody leaves for the Bahamas to escape the shark- which successfully swims and beats her to her destination.<br />Silly premise that could have been so much more. The ending in particular is appaling with the most extraordinary return of a character who clearly should have died. The script is appalling, and the appearance of Michael Caine's character doesn't add much to the film.<br />Famous for the scene where MIchael Caine swims through the water, only to appear on the boat completely dry moments later.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-8880225678971420369?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-46347855006266764842008-06-14T17:04:00.002+10:002008-06-15T15:51:35.059+10:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_EVdxbwAO32E/SFStiYsxlcI/AAAAAAAAADM/Ru2Uz0bVCs8/s1600-h/thisfilmisnotyetrated.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_EVdxbwAO32E/SFStiYsxlcI/AAAAAAAAADM/Ru2Uz0bVCs8/s320/thisfilmisnotyetrated.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211981475031913922" /></a><br />THIS FILM IS NOT YET RATED<br /># 948<br />Format: World Movies<br />Rating: 2.5<br /><br />SYNOPSIS:<br />A behind the scene documentary look at the nameless people whose role is to rate films for classification for the cinema.<br /><br />REVIEW:<br />Interesting concept- who are the people who classify films for the cinema, and why is it such a secrecy, and why is there such inconsistent.<br />This investigative documentary raises alot of good points, including comparisions in classification between different films- showing the inconsistencies of the board.<br />But the film loses its way a bit, when there is an unneccessary focus on the lesbian life of the private investigator. A subplot that had no direct correlation to the main story, and worst still, had no resolution.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-4634785500626676484?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-87438839459622348592008-05-29T15:39:00.004+10:002008-05-29T15:50:27.053+10:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_EVdxbwAO32E/SD5Bo_fPAOI/AAAAAAAAACs/RjauiVwrb9c/s1600-h/alien-vs-predator-ff07.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_EVdxbwAO32E/SD5Bo_fPAOI/AAAAAAAAACs/RjauiVwrb9c/s320/alien-vs-predator-ff07.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205670391779885282" /></a><br /><br /><br />FILM NUMBER: 947<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">TITLE: ALIEN vs PREDATOR 2</span><br />FORMAT: DVD<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">RATING: 1.5 / 5</span><br />VIEWED: 29 May 2008<br /><br />Synopsis:<br />Alien and Predators descend on earth to battle against each other and humans.<br /><br />Review:<br />Amazing to think, that a film can spawn (pardon the pun) a sequel, where the two title character dont' even talk.<br />There is only so much stalking and fighting one can do. So to fill in the gaps, the filmmakers have incorporate short, mindless,<br />scenes involving human interaction (boy delivers pizza) (boy and girl in swimming pool) - but which each link to the ongoing battle between Alien and Predator.<br />In particular, one plot point is driven by the loss of a Pizza Delivery boys car keys down the sewer drain. You can really only take this film on the face value that it portrays- mindless action sequences, building to an ultimate showdown.<br /><br />The two title characters are no longer scary. Their appearances is overblown by fast editing and dark scenary- rather than letter the characters tell the story in their actions.<br /><br />A disappointing sequel , and really an unneccessary one- but it had to be made consider Alien vs Predator 1 made enough money. The only shining light is Johnny Lewis as Ricky Howard character- but even that goes to prove in slasher scary films, that the most vulnerable characters are always the ones the ulimately survive.<br /><br />Directed by Colin Strause - whose only claim to fame is Nickelback Videos (and even those are deplorable), and his brother Greg Strause also co-directs. Both the Strause should stick to visual effects, of which they are strong at doing (see: Poseidon, MI 3, The Day After Tomorrow)<br /><br /><br />Film Trivia:<br />For the first time, the Predator is never seen by humans, without its mask.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-8743883945962234859?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-30917878539283893752008-05-29T15:16:00.002+10:002008-05-29T15:35:39.909+10:00Since the last post was movie #860, I need to bring everyone up to date on the films I have watched and their rating.<br />So below is a simple screen capture of the films I have seen since October 2006 up until 29th May.<br /><br /><br />For the record, my 900th film, was The Simpsons Movie on 29 July 2007 at Highpoint Shopping Centre Hoyts Cinema, with Jim.<br /><br />Mission Impossible 3 2.5 5/10/2006<br />Match Point 3 6/10/2006<br />Follow Me Quietly 2.5 1949 15/10/2006<br />The Rollercoaster 2 21/10/2006<br />The Departed 2.5 26/10/2006<br />Saw 3 1.5 11/11/2006<br />Flags of Our Father 2.5 11/12/2006<br />The Prestige 2 16/12/2006<br />United 93 4.5 24/12/2006<br />An inconvenient truth 3 2/01/2007<br />Over the Hedge 3 13/1/2007<br />Double Jeopardy 1 15/01/2007<br />Absolute Power 15/01/2007<br />Presumed Innocent 2.5 26/1/2007<br />Queen, The 3.5 27/01/2007<br />Evil Angels 3 16/2/2007<br />Little Miss Sunshine 2.5 26/2/2007<br />Pursuit of Happyness 2 27/2/2007<br />Illusionist, The 1 3/03/2007<br />Boston Strangler 4 28/3/2007<br />Philadelphia Experiment 3 1984 21/4/2007<br />Spiderman 3 1.5 2007 5/04/2007<br />Thin Blue Line, The 3 5/09/2007<br />Kennel Murder Case, The 2.5 1933 20/5/2007<br />Great Train Robbery, The 2.5 1979 22/5/2007<br />King , The (TV Movie) 4 2007 23/5/2007<br />Last Waltz, The 2.5 28/5/2007<br />Robo Cop 2 1/06/2007<br />Men in Tights 1.5 3/06/2007<br />Babel 2.5 12/06/2007<br />For All Mankind 3 14/06/2007<br />Andromeda Strain 3 21/06/2007<br />Hoax, The 3.5 23/06/2007<br />Vanishing, The (Remake) 2.5 26/06/2007<br />Transformers 3.5 23/07/2007<br />Murder on a Sunday Morning 4 24/07/2007<br />Marlene 3 26/07/2007<br />Simpsons 3.5 29/07/2007<br />Dr Jekyll and Hyde 3 4/07/2007<br />Mystery Street 2.5 16/08/2007<br />Rocky Balboa 2 22/08/2007<br />Hindenburg 2 27/08/2007<br />Decoy 2.5 27/08/2007<br />HollywoodLand 2.5 8/09/2007<br />Sicko 1.5 1.5 9/09/2007<br />Jindabyne 2.5 1/10/07<br />Death of a President 3 8/10/2007<br />Ocean Thirteen 3 9/10/2007<br />Venus 3 10/10/2007<br />Pans Labrynth 2.5 11/10/2007<br />Wordplay 3.5 14/10/2007<br />For Your Consideration 0.5 19/10/2007<br />In Cold Blood 3.5 27/10/2007<br />Prairie Home Companion, A 3 2/11/2007<br />King Kong 3 1976 4/11/2007<br />Who the Fuck is Jackson Pollack 2 6/11/2007<br />Good Night and good Luck 3.5 5/12/2007<br />So Long at the Fair 3.5 6/12/2007<br />Monseiur Verdeaux 3.5 7/12/2007<br />Number 23 0.5 8/12/2007<br />Fracture 2.5 23/12/2007<br />Notes on a Scandal 3 26/12/2007<br />Iris 2.5 1/01/2008<br />Bourne Ultimatum 3 2/01/2008<br />Bobby 3 5/01/2008<br />National Treasure 2 11/01/2008<br />I Am Legend 2 12/01/2008<br />Noise 4 16/01/2008<br />Half Nelson 3 18/01/2008<br />Psycho 2 2.5 20/01/2008<br />No country for old men 3.5 26/01/2008<br />Infamous 2 16/02/2008<br />They Live By Night 2.5 3/03/2008<br />Assassination of Jesse James 4 7/03/2008<br /> The Condemned 2 8/03/2008<br />The Party's Over 2 9/03/2008<br />Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy 2 13/03/2008<br />The Staircase 5 16/03/2008<br />Into the Wild 4 1/04/2008<br />A Good Year 3 2/04/2008<br />Vantage Point 2 5/04/2008<br />The Dresser 3 10/04/2008<br />Dot the I 3 21/04/2008<br />Next 2 27/04/2008<br />Cloverfield 3 2/05/2008<br />Wooden Horse 3.5 5/05/2008<br />In the Shadow of the Moon 4 6/05/2008<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-3091787853928389375?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-47298282104527447782008-05-04T23:19:00.000+10:002008-05-04T23:20:06.147+10:00well<br />can you believe it.<br />1 and half years.. and i decide to reblog.<br /><br />standby<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-4729828210452744778?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1160912752531238802006-10-15T21:39:00.000+10:002006-10-15T21:45:52.536+10:00<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/270058288/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/87/270058288_8aa450fd62_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/270058288/">Cry Wolf - #860</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/10792250@N00/">rhettrospective</a>. </span></div>[2005] Jeff Wadlow<br />1/5<br /><br />Opinion:<br />8 Students encounter a killer on school grounds who is out to kill everyone as part of earlier game.<br /><br />Synopsis:<br />A dull, dreary, and unforgettable thriller. Not only is the concept really bad, but the narrative so obvious, that any twist at the end is quite unsurprising.<br /><br />There really is nothing terrifying about this film- infact the first death doesn't occur until a good 50 minute into the film. What it tries to do is build up the stories of eight characters , through the eyes of Owen (played by Julian Morris). But really, no one carea about the character and whether they live or die.<br /><br />Pass on this one if you can. the only redeemable feature may be the performances of Julian Morris and Jared Padalecki, who are strikingly good looking and steal most scenes.<br clear="all" /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-116091275253123880?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1160911912879256012006-10-15T21:25:00.000+10:002006-10-15T21:31:53.010+10:00<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/270050891/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/119/270050891_3c9b90cbf8_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/270050891/">Talledaga Nights</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/10792250@N00/">rhettrospective</a>. </span></div>[2006] Adam McKay<br />1/5<br /><br />Synopsis:<br />Ricky Bobby, Nascar driver, must overcome his fear and personal issue to succeed once more.<br /><br />Opinion:<br />Not the best movie vehicle Will Ferell has done. I quite liked him in Anchorman, as his character had several nuances about him, but Ferell writing of his character in this film lacks depth and in particular honest motivation.<br /><br />Sure this film is more of a romp through half ass Nascar jokes, ladies in bikinis and alot of racing speed- but the lack of the central characters motivation, and really the weak script doesn't hold up for for 108 minutes.<br /><br />Actually, the higlhight of the film is Gary Cole, as Ricky Bobby's father Reece- his character has some honesty about him, but that too doesn't cover up the fact for his lack of motivation and depth.<br /><br />This film clearly isn't meant to be anything great, but it even fails to be good. Mainly all of it's joke are flat and unmemorable. The only saving grace of this film is the sound editing and sound effects.<br clear="all" /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-116091191287925601?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1160392517138908212006-10-09T21:08:00.000+10:002006-10-09T21:20:06.440+10:00<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/264855956/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/88/264855956_81cb042793_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" > <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/264855956/">Devil wears Prada</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/10792250@N00/">rhettrospective</a>. </span></div><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">2006 [David Frankel] 2/5</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Synopsis:</span> A young woman gets the job of the lifetime as the personal assistant of Miranda Priestly, the ruthless New York magazined editor.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Opinion: </span><br />A flashy film , with a dynamic supporting performance by Meryl Streep as Miranda Priestly, in which she exhibits cunningness, and ruthlessness all at the raise of an eyebrow and smirk. <br /><br />Interestingly, the film is told through the eyes of Anne Hathaway, as Andy Sachs and therefore she is the central character and Meryl is actually the supporting actress (although critics are raving her as a lead actress). But the casting of Hathaway is deeply flawed- she is far too young, and unconvincing, and regardless of the attempt to justify her elevation to the role of Personal assistant, as a viewer you find it difficult to believe.<br /><br />Streep however is quite dynamic, her performance relies on her mannerisms and cold comments and it is refreshing to see her revel in this style of acting. I don't think her performance is anything wonderful, her lines are ideal and direction is the main reason why many would call her performance outstanding.<br /><br />Adrian Grenier, as Hathaway's boyfriend, who gets lost in the cirucs of Hathaway's work life, probably comes out of this film the best, as his character is very honest and his portrayal real.<br /><br />An enjoyable film, with Streep's performance the eye catcher- but sadly , not many high points in this film.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-116039251713890821?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1158396132401504022006-09-16T18:36:00.000+10:002006-09-16T18:46:51.523+10:00<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/244410564/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/98/244410564_4704495ca0_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" > <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/244410564/">Dial M For Murder</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/10792250@N00/">rhettrospective</a>. </span></div>4/5<br />A film I revisited for the first time in several years.<br />Made in 1954, directed by Alfred Hitchcock, starring <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Ray Milland </span>in his attempt to hire a murderer to kill his wife, <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Grace Kelly</span>.<br /><br />One of Hitchcock's quintisenntial films, brilliant in its execution of the stage play of the same name. Simply, filmed like a stage performance, the actor's moves within the frame rather than the camera, with almost the entire film contained within the apartment.<br /><br />As well, Hitchcock manages to execute the impossible, the viewer feels for both Grace Kelly, then Ray Milland, then<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"> Anthony Dawson</span> (Charles Swann pictured), then <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Robert Cummings</span>. All four protagonists of the films, some evil, some good, yet all at some point in the film, apart of our instinctive rooting towards them to either, escape, commit, fail, or love.<br /><br />Grace Kelly had yet to become the cinematic superstar she was to be. Her only major performance prior was in Gary Cooper driven<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> 'High Noon'</span>, and this was her first of three performances in Hitchcock films (+ <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">North by Northwest, To Catch a Thief</span>). She was however by this time, a cinema beauty, and Hitchcock's subliminial use of colour, and costume, adds to her beauty and to the brilliance of the film.<br /><br />Take for instance, Kelly dressed in light colours in her early scenes with Milland, and in deep red colours with Cummings. Her costumes as well become strikingly darker throughout the film.<br /><br />Ray Milland's performance is one of his career's best. The suave, confident, convincing plotter of his wife murder, you can't help but be attracted to his magnetism on screen. His performance, it is worth noting, is simliar to one's he would performance with great skill in later <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">'Columbo'</span> episodes.<br /><br />Eagle eye viewers, watch out for the peformance of <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Sam Harris III,</span> his appearance as the dinner guest who holds up the phone box for Ray Milland is a lovely fleeting appearance. Harris was born in Sydney, Australia and IMDB.com list his career performances at a staggering 331, beginning with the Oscar winning film <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">'Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde'</span>.<br /><br />This is not often cited as a powerful Hitchcock film, but although it preceded <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Rear Window</span> (made same year),<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> Man Who knew Too Much</span> (remake), <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Vertigo, North by Northwest, Psycho</span>, it still is as powerful as any of those.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-115839613240150402?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1157256906525800012006-09-03T14:09:00.000+10:002006-09-03T14:21:34.266+10:00<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/232374804/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/83/232374804_8cf6aa8dc5_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" > <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/232374804/">snakesonaplane</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/10792250@N00/">rhettrospective</a>. </span></div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">[Village Gold Class] [David R Ellis]</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">1/5</span><br /><br />Synopsis:<br />Snakes are on a plane. That's pretty much it.<br /><br />Opinion:<br />The B Grade film that has created so much interest in the Internet and Bloggers world. Why ? The concept is so tacky, <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">Samuel L Jackson</span>, a movie actor of considerable note attaches his name to it (and gets billing above the movie title), and you just know the script is going to be dodgy. But all together it creates an interest in movie goers as just how bad will this be ?<br /><br />Well, it is very bad. The characters are very one- dimensional and typcial of disaster type films (the hostess on her last flight before retiring, the mother and her new born baby, the two kids- one who hates flying, so the other is looking after them), and because of this there is hardly an originality in this film. Infact the MacGuffin of the film (a Hitchcock term: google it to find the defintion) is Sean Jones (played by <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Nathan Jones of Wolf Creek fame</span>). He literally does absolutely nothing on screen, and the same goes for his character, so much that when someone compliments him for all the help he has given, you literally scream out that he has done none at all.<br /><br />The only saving graces for this film is that there are some terrifying moments, but some big action sequences are ruined by poor acting and obvious computer generate snakes. Pass.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-115725690652580001?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1157018517978669742006-08-31T19:56:00.000+10:002006-08-31T20:18:23.456+10:00<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/229920118/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/76/229920118_59ad633ec3_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" > <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/229920118/">blackboard jungle</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/10792250@N00/">rhettrospective</a>. </span></div>The man who appeared in literally every film in the 1950's , and graced our movie screen in 109 films in 54 years has died.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Glenn Ford </span>, the epitome of 'strong thoughtful protagonists' was 90 years old when he passed away on August 30 2006.<br /><br />His most powerful performance, was in <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">'Blackboard Jungle',</span> portraying teacher Richard Dadier and his attempts to inspire rebellous teenagers to embrace life. <br /><br />His breakout film was <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">'Gilda'</span> opposite Rita Hayworth, and most cinema goers will remember him as Superman's father, in the Christopher Reeve driven<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> 'Superman' </span>film.<br />For me, Glenn Ford seemed to epitomise cinema acting in the 1950's. His characters were strong inside, his performance always powerful, and his delivery and presence on screen, unmatchable.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-115701851797866974?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1156678560694001972006-08-27T21:30:00.000+10:002006-08-27T21:36:00.813+10:00<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/225956996/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/75/225956996_6af02b03e3_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/225956996/">GoldClassEntry</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/10792250@N00/">rhettrospective</a>. </span></div>Here's my problem with Gold Class Cinema.<br />I received two Gold Class Tickets on 31 August 2005, and had yet to use them before the expire date of 31 August 2006. <br />So with that in mind, I went off to see Snakes on a Plane with a friend, Jim, at Gold Class in Sunshine.<br />Now to get to the Gold Class entry you have to navigate corridors and ramps, before you are greeted at the door by an ever smiling hostess willing to take your order.<br />I felt like I had walked into a hotel lobby.<br />The whole concept of Gold Class Cinema I think, actually decreases the cinema experience. There is something jolting about waitresses walking in during the film to deliver champagne, or chicken wings to you in your reclining chair. It firstly, makes you lose any suspension of disbelief when viewing a movie.<br />Secondly. I think the purpose of the Gold Class Cinema for people is to enjoy each other's company, not to enjoy the film. <br />A couple near us, bought in their small child (age no more than say 5), to watch Snakes on a Plane! They spent more time talking to each ther and keeping the baby hapy , in between champagne drinking.<br />Gold Class Cinemas should only be used for premieres of films, and by the public who want to watch a film and experience film making, rather than wining and dining as their priority.<br clear="all" /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-115667856069400197?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1156666208335341372006-08-27T18:04:00.000+10:002006-08-27T18:13:31.213+10:00<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/213807576/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/85/213807576_018b2ec9b2_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" > <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/213807576/">Superman Returns</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/10792250@N00/">rhettrospective</a>. </span></div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">[Hoyts Cinema] [Bryan Singer]</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">2/5</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Opinion: </span><br />After a hiatus, Superman Returns to battle the forces of Lex Luthor.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Synopsis:</span><br />Not the best Superman film out there, but it has some enjoyable aspects. The majority of the film is disappointing, with major plot queries to obvious for any movie goer to ignore (why doesn't Lois Lane have a scratch on her after the air rocket incident).<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Brandon Routh</span> is disappointing as Superman, but nails the performance of Clark Kent perfectly. He doesn't seem to fit the bill as Superman, he is modelled too much on Christopher Reeve and his face and demeanor is too 'perfect' for the Superhero role. However, his bumbling Clark Kent is quite comical and controlled.<br /><br />Lois Lane on the other hand is atrocious. The appalling mis-casting of<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"> Kate Bosworth</span>, makes it seem like Lois Lane is a teenager, with her fragile presence on screen distracting and uninspiring.<br /><br />As for villians- <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">Kevin Spacey</span> as Lex Luthor is also disappointing, with his motivations and characterisations uninspiring. It seems only Parker Posey's over-the-top performance as Kitty Kowalski is the saving grace of an otherwise disappointing line-up of villians.<br /><br />Two key cameos are rewarding for film buffs. <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Marlon Brando's</span> outtakes from previous Superman's make an appearance at the films beginning and end, and this is both amazing and moving , for the late actor.<br />And <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Eva Marie Saint</span> as Clark Kent's elder, in her short appearance is a lovely performance.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-115666620833534137?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1156664932559521292006-08-27T17:43:00.000+10:002006-08-27T17:54:48.336+10:00<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/225854187/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/97/225854187_036a666875_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" > <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/225854187/">Terminator3: Rise of the Machines</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/10792250@N00/">rhettrospective</a>. </span></div><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">[DVD] [Jonathan Mostow]</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">2.5/5</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);">Synopsis:</span><br />On the verge of the rise of the machine, a female terminator (T-X) hunts down John O'Connor. Again, the Terminator must protect John and civilisation.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);">Opinion :</span><br />What I consider the best of the three films, because of strong performances by all casts and the completion of the narrative, built up in Terminator 1.<br /><br />The standout performance for me, was <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Claire Danes</span>, in arguable one of her most competent performance to that date , as she manages to portray the confusion and heroism her chacter demands.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Nick Stahl </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">(Bully) </span>is believable as an older John O'Connor, but the poor development of this character in the last sequel means , for the audience, there is nothing new in his character for us to be surprised with.<br /><br />The inclusion in this sequel of a female terminator <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">(Kristanna Loken)</span>, is probably the weakest of the three terminator villians, as her character is one dimensional, and does not have the same destructive feel as say for instant, the second film's villian.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Schwarzenneger</span> however, in his final Terminator performance, fits in well considering his age and the year difference from the first film to this. He is so at ease now with the character , the in-jokes, and the stilted performance that it becomes natural to him.<br /><br />Overall a nice way to end the trilogy and worth seeing.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-115666493255952129?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1156503677447282852006-08-25T20:56:00.000+10:002006-08-25T21:06:07.860+10:00<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/224372772/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/58/224372772_6bd78aa8c3_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" > <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/224372772/">Maynard Ferguson</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/10792250@N00/">rhettrospective</a>. </span></div>You may not recognise his face, but you'll recognise his music. Trumpeter Maynard Ferguson died Aug 23rd 2006 aged 78.<br /><br />His most iconic piece of film music was the powerful trumpet powered 'Gonna Fly Now' from the Rocky movies- arguably one of films most identifable theme songs.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-115650367744728285?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1155729760252376712006-08-16T21:57:00.000+10:002006-08-16T22:05:29.106+10:00<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/216788841/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/91/216788841_8dfb10af5f_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" > <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/216788841/">Godfather2</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/10792250@N00/">rhettrospective</a>. </span></div><br />The man who played, amongst other roles, the young <span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Clemenza</span> in the flashback scenes of <span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Godfather 2</span> has died. <br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Bruno Kirby </span>(pictured on the far right) was 57 when he succumbed to Leukemia on August 14th 2006. In Godfather 2, he portrayed the young man who befriends a young Vito Corleone, and together they they break into houses and steal. He only appeared in the flashback sequences, but his performances was full of confidence and very convincing that he remains in your memory long after the film ends.<br /><br />Other movie fans may also remember him as Billy Crystal's best friend in <span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">'When Harry Met Sally'.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-115572976025237671?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1155632322621677702006-08-15T18:53:00.000+10:002006-08-15T18:58:42.626+10:00<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/214892655/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/84/214892655_d9cf5e5c57_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/214892655/">Rank Gong</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/10792250@N00/">rhettrospective</a>. </span></div><br />Remember J. Arthur Rank films ?<br />They were the old black and white films which always started with a shirtless man banging a large gong prior to the opening credits.<br />Sadly, the last gong man has died. Ken Richmond, not only left a memorable opening credit shot, but also won was a 1952 Olympic Bronze Medallist in wrestling. Richmond will always be remember as the man who bangs the gong, (albeit a cardboard one he later admitted; and the fact he never actual touches the gong).<br />Almost no cinema studio since has had a more imaginative and hypnotic opening to their films.<br clear="all" /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-115563232262167770?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1155629776863845952006-08-15T18:11:00.000+10:002006-08-16T22:08:26.450+10:00<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/213807326/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/76/213807326_0a1f445f0a_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" > <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/213807326/">Terminator 2</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/10792250@N00/">rhettrospective</a>. </span></div><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">[1991] [James Cameron]</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">2.5 / 5</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Synopsis:</span><br />Another terminator is sent back in time to kill John Connor before he can grow up and lead the resistance against the machines.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Opinion:</span><br />A better version than the original, mainly due to the higher quality special effects and the introduction of a stronger, and more fascinating supporting character in T-1000.<br /><br />Schwarzenegger seems to now become more confident in his Terminator character, and using this, James Cameron insert some wry and occassionally funny references to the original Terminator film.<br /><br />Linda Hamilton, reprising her Sarah Connor role is more than adequate in what is essentially a leading female aciton hero role. She is limited by her characters role and those around her but ends up performing well amongst a load of special effects.<br /><br />The real miscast of this film is Edward Furlong as the young John Connor. His performance seemed stilted and lacking the relevant emotion required under the narrative, and because of that, the audience loses a sense of affection towards his character that otherwise should have been there.<br /><br />Overall, an improvement on the original film, and certainly some enjoyable action sequences, in particular the Police Cycle and Helicopter scene.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-115562977686384595?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1155454721877148092006-08-13T17:33:00.000+10:002006-08-13T21:24:21.136+10:00<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/208990867/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/85/208990867_65d21fa395_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" > <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/208990867/">Charly</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/10792250@N00/">rhettrospective</a>. </span></div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">[Ralph Nelson] 1968</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">2.5 / 5</span><br /><br />Synopsis:<br />A mental retarded adult, agrees to participate in a life-changing operation.<br /><br />Opinion:<br />A delicate film, subject wise, with a sensitive performance by Cliff Robertson <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">(Spiderman).</span> Infact, his performance in anyone elses hands may not be as powerful, as he manages to portray the sensitiveness, and childness of his character. Assisting him throughout the film is Alice Kinian <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">(Claire Bloom : Limelight)</span>. She plays a strong female lead role, and has quite a presence, without stealing the limelight away from Robertson.<br /><br />The downfall in this film, is the psychedalic scenes. It not only seems out of place (although this was made in 1968), but it completely erodes the pace of the film. The look of the film is interesting as well, a grainy quality which gives it an antiseptic feel and look to compliment the story.<br /><br />Overall, an enjoable film with honest and sincere meanings, but which loses its way several times in the middle. Recommend.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Film Title: 'Charly' is the name of the main character, and the childish way his name is written reflect how it is written on his blackboard.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Film Fact: This is the film which won Cliff Robertson the 1969 Best Actor Oscar. He was not present, and so Gregory Peck accepted his award.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-115545472187714809?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1154957438234188702006-08-07T23:25:00.000+10:002006-08-13T21:21:35.823+10:00<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/208989779/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/57/208989779_2b7f7a3526_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" > <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/208989779/">Terminator</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/10792250@N00/">rhettrospective</a>. </span></div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">[James Cameron] 1984</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">2/5</span><br /><br />Synopsis:<br />A cyborg is sent from the future on a deadly mission- to track down and kill Sarah Connor. Sarah's only hope is to be guarded by Kyle Reese, who must battles with the Terminator.<br /><br />Opinion:<br />An interesting premise, more so considering that the film has three major screen time protagonists- Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton), The Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger) and Kyle Reese (Michael Biehn). Considering that, it's the Terminator whose role is the most important, and Schwarzenegger's portrayal of the cyborg is perfect for his limited acting ability.<br /><br />Interesting this film doesn't hold up well in the special effect compartment- many 'lasers' and 'explosions' look like something from the 70's and on top of that, the use of a mannequin for key scenes is obvious. <br />It is interesting the Cameron hasn't tried to revisit this film and alter the effect, as I feel that would benefit the story.<br /><br />Linda Hamilton fits in comfortable with the role of the distressed Connor, who gains strength and courage through the film and becomes a central character again the sequel. <br /><br />For it's day, the film is disappointing, the acting is wooden and the special effect are flawed, but the film has becomes such a part of the cinema, that is undeniably influential.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-115495743823418870?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1153537174025836362006-07-22T12:55:00.000+10:002006-07-22T16:38:48.903+10:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/147/1984/1600/TwelveAngryMen.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/147/1984/320/TwelveAngryMen.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>One of the two last remaining <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">'Twelve Angry Men'-</span> Juror Number 7, has died.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Jack Warden,</span> famous for his supporting roles in films like <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Shampoo, Heaven Can Wait</span>, <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Brian's Song</span> and <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Being There</span>, died at the age of 85. He left behind performances in 153 movies, from his debut in 1951 to his last in 2000.<br /><br />For movie goers, he will be famous for many supporting roles. For me, he will always be remembered as Juror #7, the salesman who keeps pushing for a quick decision in the murder case in Sidney Lumet's screen version of 'Twelve Angry Men'. And for his performance opposite Peter Sellers in 'Being There', where he portrays the President of the United States. Other performances include the football coach in Brian's Song, and as Doctor Bressner in the all star cast of <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">'Death on the Nile'</span><br /><br />Sadly now, there is only one remaining 'Twelve Angry Men' left- that being Jack Klugman.<br />Cinema has lost a wonderful supporting actor.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-115353717402583636?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1153303384592565262006-07-19T19:58:00.000+10:002006-07-19T20:12:56.826+10:00<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/193268071/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/61/193268071_f721a4d4bc_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" > <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/193268071/">Sorry Wrong Number</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/10792250@N00/">rhettrospective</a>. </span></div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">[FOX Classics] [Anatole Litvak 1948]</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">2/5</span><br /><br />Synopsis:<br />Bed-ridden hypochondriac <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Barbara Stanwyck</span> attempts to contact her husband and instead overhears a phone conversation of two people plotting a murder that night.<br /><br />Opinion:<br />A film based on a radio play by <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Lucille Fletcher</span>, plays out better on radio than it does on screen. There is nothing wrong with Barbara Stanwyck, she manages to competently protray the defenseless, innocent lady, destined to discover the murderous plot, but the suspense itself is all but eroded until the last 2 minutes.<br /><br />Stanwyck herself received the last of her 4 Oscar nominations in her career <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">(Stella Dallas, Ball of Fire, Double Indemnity + Sorry Wrong Number)</span> and maintained a strong presence throughout this film.<br /><br />I was surprised at the number of flashbacks used in this film to tell the backstory of the characters and their motiviation. Whilst it is imperative to the plot, it diminishes any terror one feels at both the start and the end.<br /><br />It almost feels that the film fails to reach its 89 minutes, as some of the subplots lumber on and cause confusion amongst the viewer and the film tends to drag in the middle. Stanwyck basically controls this film in the present, whilst Burt Lancaster is the focal point of the flashback.<br /><br />This film is disappointing, and is such a waste of a brilliant concept. Stanwyck is convincing and in most cases warrants her Oscar Nomincation for Best Actress for that year, and the final two minutes of the film are chilling, terrifying and memorable. But the rest of the film is a shame.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-115330338459256526?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1153023601622367272006-07-16T14:15:00.000+10:002006-07-16T14:26:31.556+10:00<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/190488592/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/78/190488592_74e8ce15c4_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" > <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/190488592/">Nick_of_Time</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/10792250@N00/">rhettrospective</a>. </span></div><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 255);">[Showtime Greats] [John Badham 1995]</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">1/5</span><br /><br />Synopsis:<br />To save his daughter's life, Gene Watson <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">(Johnny Depp)</span> must assassinate the Governor within 75 minutes. If he fails, his daughter will die.<br /><br />Opinion:<br />Interesting concept, flawed by the casting of both<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> Christopher Walken</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">('Deer Hunter')</span> and Johnny Depp. Walken's performance is over the top, a killer who just always happen to be in every place at once. Because of his distinct acting style, the focus of the film is shifted from Depp's character to him, which for the viewers makes us care less and less about the film outcome.<br /><br />Depp as well is out of his league. He can't pull off the 'father tortured by grief' acting, and in several scenes , his acting comes across as staged (ie: in the elevator when he first meets the Governor). This film came at an interesting time for Depp, who had yet to hit the big time as he has now (circa 2005-2006), as he was in the midst of a string of serious performances <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">(Dead Man, Donnie Brasco )</span> before finding his feet in future years as a light- hearted hero ('Ninth Gate', Sleepy Hollow')<br /><br />This film interestingly plays out in real time, and with the potential to capitilse on the time factor, manages to squeeze only random moments of suspense. For the majority of the film you can feel the actor going through the motion and can pick the twists ahead of time. A film which had potential but failed to deliver in performance, casting, and direction.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Film Fact: The writer Patrick Sheane Duncan wrote 'Mr Holland's Opus' in the same year.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Film Title: References the short amount of time Depp has to fulfill the murderous wishes of Christopher Walken.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-115302360162236727?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1152958982357994902006-07-15T20:18:00.000+10:002006-07-15T20:27:16.140+10:00<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/189937652/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/77/189937652_01ea7ea268_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" > <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/189937652/">Fortune Cookie</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/10792250@N00/">rhettrospective</a>. </span></div><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">[Movie Greats] [Billy Wilder 1966]</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">3/5</span><br /><br />Synopsis:<br />At a football game, CBS camerman Harry Hinkle <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">(Jack Lemmon)</span> is injured when he collides with football player Luther 'Boom Boom' Jackson<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"> (Ron Rich)</span>. But his injuries are exagerrated when Hinkle's brother-in-law <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">(Walter Matthau)</span> lawyer realises the potential lawsuit on offer against CBS.<br /><br />Opinion:<br />This is the film that won Walter Matthau is Oscar, and deservedly so. He is scintillating, literally tearing the screen apart with his cynical, conniving performance of a man realising the potential to sue. All future Matthau performance pale into significancy as he profoundly impact this film with strong presence, smart dialogue and fake emotion. Of course where this film succeeds is in the script- brilliantly written by <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">I.A.L Diamond</span> and <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"><br />Billy Wilder-</span> with its biting humour and behind the back tricks. Jack Lemmon himself, succeeds in maintaining screen presence ammongst the script and Matthau. His performance exhibits the confusion and many emotions his character feels and throughout the film he is both fragile and independant.<br /><br />The story is told in scenes, each numbered (ie: 1. The Accident ), and this gives a real novel, carnival atmosphere throughout the film. Ron Rich as the depressed football player who genuinely feels remorse is a strong performance, yet his character and its motives gets lost amongst the remainder of the film.<br />Highly recommended.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Film Fact: The first time Lemmon and Matthaus appear in the same film. It would begin their 11 movie partnership.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Film Title: References the message Lemmon receives in whilst eating his Chinese Food</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-115295898235799490?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1152942301769216072006-07-15T15:40:00.000+10:002006-07-15T16:01:09.866+10:00<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">[ABC TV] [Anthony Pelisser 1950] </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">3/5</span><br /><br /><div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/189801591/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/60/189801591_616b93f0d8_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" > <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/189801591/">Rocking Horse Winner</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/10792250@N00/">rhettrospective</a>. </span></div>Synopsis<br />A struggling British family celebrate Christmas, where the young son receives a Rocking Horse as a gift. Upon riding it he discovers he can correctly predict the winning horse of future races. From a short story by <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">D.H.Lawrence</span><br /><br />Opinion:<br />Probably one of the most unique narratives I have seen on film. A little British film which lures you in with it's sexual undertones (a young kid flogging the Rocking Horse and riding faster and faster) and it's unpredicatable devastating ending.<br />Couple that with angled camera shots, abruptly edited close ups and shrieking music, and you have yourself a handy little British thriller.<br />Starring <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">John Mills (Ryan's Daughter 1970)</span> , who also produced the film, the young kid is played by John Howard Davies, whose gangly physique and unqiue look matches this slightly askew film.<br />It works on the level as a small time horror film, and as an exponent of a family torn apart from greed and ignorance. Mills is quite good as 'Bassett' (pictured) the stable hand who urges Davies on , and teaches him how to ride the Rocking Horse. But it is Davies who you will remember for a long time, a young innocent boy, gracefully unaware of the terror he causes and of the undertones he enacts. Not a film that will be considered a classic, but one which remains with you long after viewing it.<br />Also starring Valerie Hobson ('Bride of Frankenstein' 1935) who had made a good career choice two movies earlier by playing the lead female role in the brilliant British comedy <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">'Kind Hearts and Coronets'</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Film Fact: John Howard Davies would go on to direct Fawlty Towers and Mr Bean TV Series.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Film Title: Named for the fact that upon riding the Rocking Horse, Davies correctly predicts winning races.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-115294230176921607?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1152865505173415422006-07-14T18:20:00.000+10:002006-07-14T18:29:02.706+10:00<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/189288688/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/47/189288688_49bf28fc9b_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" > <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/189288688/">Red Buttons</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/10792250@N00/">rhettrospective</a>. </span></div>The man known as Red Button, who won the 1958 Best Supporting Actor for his role in Sayonara has died.<br /><br />His real name was Aaron Chwatt, but audience would know him simply as Red Buttons though his self titled comedy show in the 1950's, and his supporting appearances in the original Poseidon Adventure , and They Shoot Horses Don't They ?. He was 87.<br /><br />He is pictured here receiving his Oscar from Lana Turner.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-115286550517341542?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1152700041081502332006-07-12T20:23:00.000+10:002006-07-12T20:44:57.396+10:00<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" > <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/187954421/">Titanic_SpecialCollectorsEdition</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/10792250@N00/">rhettrospective</a>. </span></div><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/187954421/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/62/187954421_9c1fd2f3d0_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br />Titanic Special Edition contains 3 separate audio commentaries. So consider, you have to put aside 9 hours of your time to listen to them all.<br />Commentary One: Director James Cameron<br />Commentary Two: Remaining cast and crew<br />Commentary Three: Two Titanic Historians.<br /><br />This review is simply for Commentary One.<br />I always thought the sub story of Jack and Rose was weak, and historically incorrect admidst a powerful , historical film. So I was interested in the thoughts of Cameron about his film. <br />He starts interestingly by noting that he doesn't believe in audio commentaries because he believes a film should speak for himself, however viewers will be most surprised by his refreshing commentary.<br />Not only does Cameron come across as extremley intelligent on the Titanic subject, but also passionate toward historical accuracys- so much so many times he identifies alteration to his model ship which he should change but can't as he can't reshoot the scene.<br />Throughout the film Cameron provide relevant information about on screen action, as well as behind the scene information and speaks for the entire length of the film.<br />He is fair in his commentary, both correcting common errors assumed by movie viewers (the paintings depicted were early versions of finished paintings) whilst also acknowledging errors in his production<br />He correctly identifies unanswered questions (what happened to the captain?), whilst at the same time, submitting his answer on the screen (he dies at the wheel of the ship).<br />You appreciate as the viewer the many special effects used and the intricate details Cameron and his team took to ensure accuracy across the film.<br />One of the best commentaries heard- worth listening too, which enhances the enjoyment of viewing.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-115270004108150233?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1152367500426331562006-07-09T00:01:00.000+10:002006-07-09T00:12:38.930+10:00<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" > <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/184722318/">Strangers on a Train</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/10792250@N00/">rhettrospective</a>. </span></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/184722318/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/44/184722318_29d4220fc8_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br />Wikipedia announced that <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Kasey Rogers</span>, who played Louise Tate on the TV Show 'Bewitched' has died.<br />But movie fans will know Kasey for one very important role- that of Miriam Haines in Alfred Hitchcock's <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">'Strangers on a Train'.(1951)</span><br />Yes, she was the actress who was killed in the famous carnival grounds scene by Robert Walker.<br />In a great cinematic moment, Walker follows Miriam into the carnival , as part of his supposed murder deal with Farley Granger. He slowly walks up to Miriam and lights a cigarette lighter on her face, 'Excuse me, but are you Miriam Haines' he casually ask. 'Yes' she replied, before he strangles her to death. The remainder of the murder is played out in the reflection of Miriam's glasses which have fallen on the ground.<br />For Hitchcock fans who love this film (like me), and will always be left with the indelible image in their mind, Kasey Rogers' passing is very sad indeed.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-115236750042633156?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1152354406041048262006-07-08T20:22:00.000+10:002006-07-08T20:46:09.866+10:00<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/184642604/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/55/184642604_113a4fddec_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" > <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/184642604/">Inherit the Wind</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/10792250@N00/">rhettrospective</a>. </span></div><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">[Movie One] [Stanley Kramer 1960]</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">3/5</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 204);">Synopsis:</span><br />Evolution is on trial, with Spencer Tracy defending Dick York's (B.T.Cates) right to teach Darwin's Theory of Evolution . A court case ensues, based largely on the real life trial from 1925. Frederic March argues that 'man' comes from the bible, whilst Gene Kelly portrays the smarmy newspaper reporter, wrestling with his prejudice.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 204);">Opinon:</span><br />A film , which I largely had stayed away from for many months, mainly because I expected this film to be very technical in it's explanation of Darwin's Theory of Evolution. however it is anything but, more so, a fiery battle of opinions and wits between Tracy and March.<br />Tracy is superb, totally convincing, in his laid back, matter of fact, deeply honest and humourous delivery. March's over the top, exaggerated performance of a lawyer - minister complements the story, and although at times he seems to overact his performance, it is always within the scope of the character he is playing.<br />Gene Kelly's appearance is quite surprising (he wouldn't appear in another movie for 4 years: 'What a Way To Go! (1964) . For me he is always associated with musicals, (in particular Singin In The Rain)- but his turn here as the brash talking, sarcastic newspaper reporter has shades of his Singin In The Rain character. At times you feel maybe he is out of his depth, and that his role is mainly to add humour to the film- but Kelly's power in this film lays at the end, when he questions Tracy's motive,and is on the receiving end of the moralistic Tracey's understanding of who we are.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">'A giant once lived in that body, but Matt Brady got lost because he looked for God too high up and too far away'</span> Tracy says about his courtroom opposition.<br />And it's this sincerity to humans, and Tracy's ongoing quest to urge the right to learn how you want to learn, by whatever means, and to be yourself, that is at the heart of this film.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">'When you go to your grave there won't be anyone to pull the grass up over your head, nobody to mourn you, nobody to give a damn. Your all alone'</span> Tracy assures the emotionless Kelly.<br />Kelly's responds : <span style="font-style: italic;">' Your wrong Henry, you'll be there. Who else will defend my right to be lonely'</span><br /><br />The film is also layered with the haunting song 'Give Me That Old Time Religion'- provocatively played at the film's startling crisp beginning and throughout in many musical guises. A song that remains with you long after the film.<br />Highliy Recommended and relevant today as it was in 1960.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Film Fact: In Spencer Tracy's previous film, and subsequent 3 films, he would play, a Mayor (</span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">'The Last Hurrah'</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">), a Lawyer (</span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">'Inherit the Wind'</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">), a Priest (</span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">'Devil at 4 O'clock)</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> and a Chief Judge (</span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">'Judgement at Nuremberg'</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">)</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Film Title: 'Inherit the Wind' is from Book of Proverbs 11:29 ' He that troubleth his own house shal;l inherit the wind'</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-115235440604104826?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1152271286855595222006-07-07T21:17:00.000+10:002006-07-07T21:22:56.890+10:00<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/183991139/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/70/183991139_3220d5e2c2_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" > <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/183991139/">John Hinde</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/10792250@N00/">rhettrospective</a>. </span></div>I read on Wikipedia the passing of 92yr old movie critic John Hinde.<br />For those old enough to remember him, I have fond memories of Hinde on the ABC, previewing old scratchy black and white British films in the late evening.<br /><br />Infact, his voice was so unique, this whiny scratchy sound, that it was one of televisions most recognisable. So much so, that I used to, and still do , to this day, impersonate him.<br /><br />I have vivid memories of being introduced to the 1939 version of 'The Hound of the Baskervilles' on ABC by the inimitable tones of John Hinde.<br />Sadly Missed.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-115227128685559522?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1152268636411930922006-07-07T20:33:00.000+10:002006-07-08T20:47:12.153+10:00<span style="font-style: italic;">''In films, what everyone is striving for is to produce moments'' </span>- Jimmy Stewart<br /><br /><div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/183978737/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/74/183978737_5e0ab5389b_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /></div><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" > <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/183978737/">Fail Safe</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/10792250@N00/">rhettrospective</a>. </span></div>Sidney Lumet's stunning nuclear film, made the same year as Doctor Strangelove, about the same idea contains one of the most chilling cinematic moments.<br />It's rare that I react strongly to a scene enough to let out an audible gasp, but I did so near the end of <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Fail Safe</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">.</span><br /><br />With Henry Fonda as the American President, he must convince the Russia Prime Minister that the 'bombers' heading for his country are an error caused by an electrical error and that they can't be called back as no contact can be made. With the accidental bombing of Moscow imminent, Fonda decides on an extraordinary course of action, both courageous and savage.<br /><br />You must, under all circumstances, witness this film, to see the decision Fonda makes. It is a decision that reverberates so much through the film, into the viewer, that you are left shuddering and shaky , long after the film ends.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-115226863641193092?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1152021291427274922006-07-04T23:50:00.000+10:002006-07-08T20:32:22.630+10:00<span style="font-style: italic;">''In films, what everyone is striving for is to produce moments'' </span>- Jimmy Stewart<br /><br />And so it is with that quote, that profoundly impacted me, that I begin posting what I believe are these 'moments' that Stewart talks about. Those Cinematic Moments which remain with you , long after the film is over.<br /><br /><div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/181543453/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/60/181543453_e2d421b594_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" > <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/181543453/">GroundHog Day</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/10792250@N00/">rhettrospective</a>. </span></div><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);"></span>So , here is my first entry, from the comedy <span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 255);">GROUNDHOG DAY</span><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 255);">.</span><br /><br />In the alleyway shown in the picture, Bill Murray befriends a homeless man, who is struggling to survive day to day.<br />Knowing that each day is simply repeating itself, Murray takes the old man to a shelter and feeds him - thereby performing a good samaritan act, even though he is becoming tried of the same 'groundhog day' experience. However, once the old man has been fed, he collapses and dies in the alleyway.<br />What is profound about this scene, is what happens next.<br />Because he knows the same thing will happen tomorrow, Murray attempts to change the future, but taking the old man to the shelter, feeding him, and then trying to resuscitate him. But he fails again. And his despair and anger overwhelms him.<br />It is in this scene that we as the viewer are reminded, that we cannot escape death.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-115202129142727492?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1151670016736058142006-06-30T22:16:00.000+10:002006-06-30T22:24:36.643+10:00<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/178314423/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/48/178314423_6dd10b7853_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" > <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/178314423/">FaceOff</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/10792250@N00/">rhettrospective</a>. </span></div><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Face/Off</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">#846</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">[DVD] [John Woo]</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 153);">Synopsis:</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 255, 255);">An FBI agent agrees to have the face of his wounded nemesis transplanted onto his, so he can infiltrate his organisation. However, not everything goes to plan.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 153);">Opinion:</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 255, 255);">An exciting idea with potential to develop into either a scary narrative or meaningful story about true identity. However this film is lost in the director's attempt to glorify and glamourous the concept.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 255, 255);">It's hard to comment about Cage's performance, mainly because Woo shoots him in slow motion constant, almost to emphasis the importance of a scene or moment. But that concept runs dry very quickly and only assists in slowing down the narrative.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 255, 255);">Travolta on the other hand has a more difficult time. His characterisation of an FBI agent is conventional and uninspiring, and the lack of acting range Travolta has is evident in this film.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 255, 255);">The sound quality and sound effects are impressive and do increase some of the action scenes, but this film takes too many standard turns and becomes a typical thriller. Although as viewer you can suspend your disbelief for part of the film, the fact that neither Cage nor Travolta have any physical scars from the face surgery is something that is difficult not to question.</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">2/5</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Film Fact: The name of the floating prison is 'Erewhon', which is 'Nowhere' spelt backwards</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Film Title: Face/Off refers to the surgical procedure both Cage and Travolta undertake.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-115167001673605814?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1151140747033125012006-06-24T19:15:00.000+10:002006-06-24T19:37:40.420+10:00<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/173691561/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/76/173691561_36568d7b9d_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" > <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/173691561/">The List of Adrian Messenger</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/10792250@N00/">rhettrospective</a>. </span></div><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"></span>[FOX Classics] [John Huston 1963]<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 153);">Synopsis: </span><span style="color: rgb(102, 255, 255);">George C. Scott plays Anthony Gethryn, who is trying to discover the connections between 10 names, on a piece of paper provided to him by Adrian Messenger. Soon he realises, one by one, that each person listed has died a mysterous death, and it is a race against time to find the murder and the motive.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 153);">Opinion:</span> <span style="color: rgb(102, 255, 255);">This film quite possibly contains the best cast in a film ever. Consider, George C Scott ('Patton') in the main role, Kirk Douglas ('Lust for Life') in many disguises, Burt Lancaster ('BirdMan of Alcatraz') unrecognisable, so too Robert Mitchum ('The Night of the Hunter') and Frank Sinatra ('Manchurian Candidate'). Throw in also Herbert Marshall ('The Little Foxes') and the directorial skills of John Huston ('Maltese Falcon') and it is pretty hard to top.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 255, 255);">Because this film has such a fascinating premise, you can't help but be lured into the story. George C Scott cuts a fine figure and is endearing and intelligent, he manages to show alot of warmth in his character. A good run of films for Scott, whose next scree appears was in Doctor Strangelove (1964)</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 255, 255);">Kirk Douglas is wonderful in a man of many disguises, which is difficut considering his striking look. But it's when he is out of disguise that he is so compelling to watch, harnessing all his star power to deliver a fine performance. Mitchum, Sinatra and Lancaster are all unreocgnisable behind heavy makeup yet reveal themselves at the end in a delightful postscript to the film.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 255, 255);">There are many locations used in this film which intesifies the plot, from hunting grounds, to wharfs to alleys, and the overall film is given a dreary England feel. </span><br />Highly recommended murder mystery. <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">4/5<br /><br />Film Fact: John Huston, the director, appears as Derek Burttenholm in the final fox hunting sequence.<br /><br />Film Title: Adrian Messenger (played by John Merivale ' A Night to Remember') possess a list of ten names , of which he is one of them. It is this list, which propels the story of the film.<br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-115114074703312501?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1150724178811856922006-06-19T23:32:00.000+10:002006-06-20T20:01:06.370+10:00<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/170443053/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/49/170443053_df3f7cf6a4_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" > <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/170443053/">THE UNKNOWN</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/10792250@N00/">rhettrospective</a>. </span></div><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">The Unknown</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">#844</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 255);">[DVD] [1927 Tod Browning]</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 255, 255);">A film which runs only 50 minutes long. Lon Chaney, a silent star, plays an armless knife thrower in a travelling circus, where murder and love rules.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 255, 255);">Torn between his deadly secret and his circus love (a young Joan Crawford), Chaney takes unprecendented steps to ensure his gets his love, but is unprepared for the sad turn of events that occurs.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 255, 255);">Regarded as one of the most fascinating silent films, Lon Chaney's performance is exceptional and utterly convincing, especially his menacing stares. An enjoyable film, albeit some of the TCM score is more obvious than what it should be</span>. <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">2/5<br /><br />Film Fact: John George, the midget, who plays Alonzo's assistance (Chaney) would appear exactly 30 years later in 'The Man Of A Thousand Faces' - a film on the life story of Lon Chaney. In that film, he plays an extra in the bullpen.<br /><br />Film Title: Originally it was called 'Alonzo the Armless' in the draft script. But 'The Unknown' may refer to the mysterious nature of Chaney's character. Interestingly, when this 'long lost' film was discovered in the Cinematheque Francais, because no title card was found it was simply listed as 'unknown'.<br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-115072417881185692?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1150719125429472242006-06-19T22:08:00.000+10:002006-06-20T19:49:02.000+10:00<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/170401414/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/74/170401414_93b9528027_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" > <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/170401414/">Madagascar</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/10792250@N00/">rhettrospective</a>. </span></div><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">Madagascar </span><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">#843</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 255);">[FBO] [2005 Eric Darnell / Tom McGrath]</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 255, 255);">A DreamWorks animation around a group of zoo animals, who escape the confides and end up in Madagascar, where they learn the lessons of the wild.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 255, 255);">Some really nice animation here, especially of Alex (the lion), whose distinct style, and impressive voice work could potentially make the character one of animations best. The supporting cast is pretty good too, a hypochondriac giraffe, a hippopotamus who think she is a star, and the out of control zebra. But where this film falls down is the story- the jokes are few, and when they do come, they aren't that funny. Sure the animation is impressive but without a strong story, these characters very slowly become boring.</span> <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">1.5 /5<br /><br />Film Facts: Yes, that is a blatant reference to The Wicker Man and then Planet of the Apes right after each other on the Madagascar beach, but damn it's funny.<br /><br />Film Title: Madagascar is the place where the key animals end up after being thrown overboard.<br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-115071912542947224?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1150605125288360102006-06-18T14:28:00.000+10:002006-06-20T19:24:36.746+10:00<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/169340671/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/48/169340671_b029113ac3_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" > <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/169340671/">Colour Me Kubrik- John Malkovich</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/10792250@N00/">rhettrospective</a>. </span></div><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Colour Me Kubrick</span> <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">#842</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">[Highpoint Cinema] [2005 Brian W Cook]</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 255);">John Malkovich plays Alan Conway who pretends he is reclusive director Stanley Kubrick. Despite not resembling Kubrick in any way whatsoever, Conway succeeds in siphoning money from innocent gawkers, as well as never ever paying for bills, dinner or even writing cheques. Malkovich's performance is so over the top and flamboyant that it is fascinating and annoying at the same time. He changes not only his appearance each time (obviously Conway assumes Kubrick wears flamboyant clothes and hats) but also his accents, ranging from British to a mixture of other dialects. And all this, in just 86 minutes- which goes to prove what I always believe, that films should ideally run no more than 90 minutes. Some lovely in joke references to Kubrick's film, but ultimately where this films falls down is that after one or two con-jobs by Conway, we basically get more of the same throughout the film. It would have ben better to expand on the subplot of those trying to track him down, to give this film more strength.</span> <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">3/5<br /><br />Film Fact: The telephone ringing in Conway's apartment during the film wonderfully forms part of the 2001 Space Odyssey soundtrack<br /><br />Film Title: Probably a metaphor on the different identifites Conway possess to become Kubrick.<br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-115060512528836010?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1150541670260080922006-06-17T20:51:00.000+10:002006-06-20T19:37:27.416+10:00<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/168794682/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/51/168794682_fd4dfa40af_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" > <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/168794682/">Hills Have Eyes</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/10792250@N00/">rhettrospective</a>. </span></div><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">The Hills Have Eyes</span> <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">#841</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 255, 255);">[DVD] [2006 - Alexandre Aja]</span><br />If you like your horror films then this is your cup of tea, if you don't then stay away. It follows the standard Horror genre trademarks- a family go on a journey, meet an odd petrol station attendant and are lured through a dirt road in the middle of nowhere to ultimate death. Because of these trademarks, there isn't much originality in the script or performances, although (spoiler alert), Kathleen Quinlan's performance in her death scene is quite moving. Because of the lack of originality, only the scary soundtrack and violent scenes are any reason to see this film. <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">1.5 /5<br /><br />Film fact: The film set in New Mexico was actually filmed in Morocoo (with thanks to Horror and Sci Fan fan Jim P.)<br /><br />Film Title: A metaphor on the fact that the hills where the family end up spending the night is inhabited by mutated humans watching them.<br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-115054167026008092?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1150371394153056072006-06-15T21:33:00.000+10:002006-06-20T00:00:34.293+10:00<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/167622237/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/76/167622237_28846435e9_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" > <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/167622237/">Match Point</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/10792250@N00/">rhettrospective</a>. </span></div><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Match Point</span> <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">#840</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">[Rivoli Cinema] [2005 Woody Allen]</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 255);">Woody Allen takes a change of pace, and comes out with a dark drama about lust and obsession. Set amongst the backdrop of Jonathan Rhys Meyers (pictured) as a tennis coach falling for Scarlett Johansson, who infact is engaged to Matthew Goode (as Thomas Hewett).</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 255);">A cast of gorgeous people find it difficult to genuinely express what is written in the script. Some of the phrases and sentences are aimed more at something out of 'Gosford Park' than spoken by these young actors. Infact, sometimes, the film becomes to big for its own boots, however I was surprised by the twist that occurs closer to the film's end. Pretty good to watch.</span> <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">3 / 5</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 102, 51);">Film notes: 124 minutes- it is Woody Allen's longest film to date.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 102, 51);">Film title: Really just a play on words, with the 'tennis' terminology connected to Jonathan Rhys Meyers' occupation. If you think deeper however, it may refer to the feeling of an impending result, or impending decision, in the mind of the actors.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-115037139415305607?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1150370573115243412006-06-15T21:19:00.000+10:002006-06-20T00:10:10.336+10:00<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/167617542/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/74/167617542_c62b2b9303_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" > <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/167617542/">5/6/2006 POSEIDON</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/10792250@N00/">rhettrospective</a>. </span></div><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Poseidon</span> <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"># 839</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">[Highpoint Cinema] [2006 Wolfgang Petersen]</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 255);">A remake of the 1972 film (directed by Ronald Neame) of a luxury ocean liner hit by a gigantic wave and capsized, causing the survivor to make their way through the ship to safety.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 255);">The majority of the special effects occur at the beginning (with an impressive wave), and infact the story literally gets going from the first shot. But after that, there is only a certain number of times you can see these survivors wander around the ship, one by one slowly dying. infact, it could be said that there were too many survivors for the film to focus on. Having said that Josh Lucas (as Dylan Johns) is impressive- he reminds me of a young Paul Newman. But overall this big film really doesn't leave you breathless.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51);">Film note: Only one known original member of the 1972 Poseidon appears in this remake, that of Sheila Allen, who played a nurse in the original teaching Ernest Borgnine about suppositories.<br /></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51);">Film title: The ship in film is called 'Poseidon' hence the name.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-115037057311524341?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1150369255500317262006-06-15T20:57:00.000+10:002006-06-15T21:09:05.226+10:00<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/167611659/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/46/167611659_4ae6d37490_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" > <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10792250@N00/167611659/">transamerica</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/10792250@N00/">rhettrospective</a>. </span></div><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">TransAmerica </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">#838</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">[DVD] [2005 Duncan Tucker]</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 255);">Felicity Huffman's performance as a woman playing a man, wanting to become a women is a strong performance through the film. In what is essentially a 'road movie' we follow Bree Osbourne (Felicity) as he travels across America after learning that a son he fathered has become a hustler on the streets. Complimenting this performance is Kevin Zegers who is extremley convincing as the hustler unaware of the family connection with Bree Osbourne. Both warm, funny and at times confronting, this film is certainly one to watch. <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">2.5 / 5</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);">Film notes: Felicity Huffman was nominated for the 2006 Best Actress Oscar.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0);">Film Title: 'TransAmerica' is a reference to the transgender journey Huffman takes across American states.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-115036925550031726?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1150366973052430622006-06-15T20:10:00.000+10:002006-06-20T19:23:05.603+10:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/147/1984/1600/khan.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/147/1984/320/khan.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Star Trek 3: The Wrath of Khan</span> <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">#837</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">[1982 Nicholas Meyer] [DVD Special Edition]</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 255);">Only the second Star Trek movie length film I have seen (other than Star Trek: Insurrection). In this film, Khan (original villian from 1967 episode Space Seed), returns for revenge against Spock and James Kirk. This film loses interest as it moves on, mainly because the performances are very wooden. However, I was extremley impressed by James Kirk's entrance, behind smoke and darkness and the reference to past Star Trek episodes. It was interesting to see Ricarldo Montalban reprise a role from 25 years earlier.</span> <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> 2/5</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51);">Film Notes: Kirstie Alley's film debut.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51);">Film Title: 'Wrath of Khan' references the character 'Khan' portrayed by Ricarldo Montalban in a 1967 Star Trek episode called 'Space Seed' and his attempt at revenge on Spock and Kirk (hence his 'wrath').</span><br /></span></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-115036697305243062?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1150120475302392782006-06-12T23:34:00.000+10:002006-06-15T20:04:28.633+10:00<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:130%;" >28 Sunday<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Lolita </span>(1962 Stanley Kubrik)<span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"> #836</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">[DVD TCM] 2.5/5 </span>*Spoiler*<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Not my favourite Kubrik film, but nonetheless, a film which has some intriguing moments. I was surprised the amount of screen time Peter Sellars had and the fact he was cast in a serious role. Of course as always James Mason is the standout (such an underrated actor), and the scene with him and Shelly Winters prior to a screen death is outstanding. The film does travel on for a while, and becomes a bit disjointled along the way. I would have rather it not had been bookend with the same scene, but it certianly is a film which pushes boundaries. Scenes between Mason and a young Sue Lyons for its time is quite risque.</span><br /><br />20 Saturday<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">DaVinci Code </span>(2006 Ron Howard) <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">#835<br />[Highpoint Cinema] 1.5/5<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Disappointing adaption of the world famous book. Tom Hanks and Audrey Tatou have little chemistry between each other, and Tatou in particular is dreadfully miscast, with the majority of her screentime being taken up with mindless facial expression of quizzicalness. I guess the highlight of this film is the Last Supper revelation speech by Ian McKellan, but in a film that runs nearly 3 hours, it is not enough.</span><br /></span></span><br />13 Saturday<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">World's Fastest Indian</span> (2005 Roger Donaldson)<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> #834</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">[Highpoint Cinema] 3.5/5</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">A gem of a film, with Anthony Hopkins playing New Zealander Bert Munro who attempts to break land speed records using his ancient 1920 Indian motorcycle. Hopkins really is such a warm character in this film and it is hard not to be moved in certain scenes. Highly recommended.</span><br /><br />12 Friday<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Good Night and Good Luck</span> (2005 George Clooney)<span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"> #833</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">[DVD] 3.5 /5</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Very enjoyable look at broadcast journalism in the 50's and the impact of McCartheyism. David Straithairn is wonderful as broadcaster Edward R Murrow and the black and white look of film is absolutely stunning. All cast are great including George Clooney who directed , wrote and acted. Worth seeing.</span><br /><br />10 Wednesday</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:130%;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Mission Impossible 3 </span>(2006 J.J.Abrams)</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >#832</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >[Highpoint Cinema] 2.5/5</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Probably the best of the Mission Impossibles because a majority of the story is told in silence and with actions rather than mindless chatter between villian and hero. Phillip Seymour Hoffman is pretty convincing as a madman, considering his turn earlier in the year as Capote. The less we see of Cruise in this film the better. Worth viewing.<br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:130%;" >4 Thursday</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);font-size:130%;" >Tall Target</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:130%;" >(1951 Anthony Mann)</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >#831</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >[ABC] 1.5 /5</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:130%;" >A man attempts to assassinate Abraham Lincoln as he travels on his way on a train to his inauguration. The policeman who is in charge of the investigation has the unique name of John Kennedy (!). Quite an enjoyable movie, although, for its time there is a lot of scenes involving characters discussing plot points- so would have like to see more action. The ending however is really impressive.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-115012047530239278?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1149514414723123522006-06-05T23:02:00.000+10:002006-06-12T23:17:44.323+10:00<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" >30 Sunday<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Perfect Catch</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">(Bobby Farrelly / Peter Farrelly) <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">#830</span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">[DVD] 2.5 / 5</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Surprisingly good film around Drew Barrymore falling in love with Jimmy Fallon and having to balance the relationship with Fallon's favourite pastime, Baseball. Filmed ironically the same year the Boston red Sox finally won a World Series, it is a great look at how two people must compromise for a relationship to work. Disappointingly though, Barrymore needs to break away from these kinds of films.</span><br /><br />29 Saturday<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"></span></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Final Destination 3 </span>(2006 James Wong) <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">#829</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> [Highpoint Cinema] 1.5/5</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">A disappointing follow up to the second film (which was quite good). This film starts of well with a thrilling rollercoaster flash back, and while some of the plot ideas are nice (ie: photographs), the whole concept becomes a bit far fetched and unrewarding.</span><br /></span></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"><br />After the Sunset</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">(2004 Brett Ratner)</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">#828</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">[DVD] 2.5/5</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Whilst not as good as The Thomas Crown Affair (remake), Pierce Brosnan portrayal of a diamond jewel thief perhaps trying one last heist is still quite credible. The downfall of this fim is Woody Harrelson's character, a bumping detective following the trail of the jewel thief. Disappointing that a potential good film was ruined by poor character development.</span><br /></span><br />21 Friday<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">The Weather Man <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">(2005 Gore Verbinski) </span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">#827</span></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">[DVD] 2/5</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">The story of Nicholas Cage and his attempt to piece together his relationship with his family while trying to overcome the pitfalls of being a weather presenter. More of a black comedy than anything else, Cage, as always, looks as though he is acting. Michael Caine, as always is the standout, as Cage's dying father. See this film only for Caine's performance.</span><br /><br />16 Sunday</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" >A Sound of Thunder </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">(2005 Peter Hyams) </span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" >#826</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" >[DVD] 1/5</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-family:lucida grande;" >Such a disappointing film considering the book is quite fascinating. When hunters travel back in time to prehistoric times, they accidentally alter the future, but don't realise how. This film went straight to DVD in Australia and it shows, with a B Grade feel to it. So disappointing.</span><br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" >14 Friday</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" >Primer</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"> (2004 Shane Carruth) </span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" >#825</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" >[DVD] 1.5/5</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-family:lucida grande;" >Sparse story about a group of men who discover a way to travel back in time. A film which has the same atmoshphere feel to it like 'Cube', it is a story which becomes quite convaluted if full attention is not paid. Only view if you are in a 'thinking' mood.</span><br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" >13 Thursday</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" >Stranger on the Third Floor </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">(1940 Boris Ingster)</span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" > #824</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" >[ABC] 2/5</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-family:lucida grande;" >Peter Lorre as always is very good in this black and white mystery about a reporter who'se circumstantial evidence ends up convicting an innocent man. Plagued by an extraordinary dream sequence, (which for its time is very interesting) where he envisions that he is the cause of the murder, this B grade film isnt great but then again it isnt too bad.</span><br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" >9 Sunday</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" >The Inside Man</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"> (2006 Spike Lee)</span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" > #823</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" >[Highpoint] 2/5</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Spike Lee's attempt at a heist film is disappointing. Told in flashback, it is the story of a series of bank roobers who attempt to pull of the perfect crime. But it falls down in its confusing narrative and unanswered questions- and to be honest, the twist at the end isn't that amazing.</span><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 255);">2 Sunday<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Grizzly Man </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">(2005 Werner Herzog 2005) <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">#822</span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">[DVD] 2.5 / 5</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">The documentary of a man who lived amongst Grizzly Bears for a large part of his life and his attempt to ensure their survival. A moving documentary made even more so by the tragic finale. The song over the closing credits 'Coyote' is powerful, simple and deeply moving. Werner Herzog at his finest</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">.</span><br /><br />1 Saturday</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">The Cinncinati Kid</span> (1965 Norman Jewison) <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">#821<br />[DVD] 2.5 / 5<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Paul Newman challenges Edward G Robinson in this poker game drama. Robinson is great, mainly for the fact that by this time on screen he has aged and behind him are all the screen credit from his gangster films in the 1930's - 1940's.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">This film builds to a great crescendo of the final poker game.</span><br /></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-114951441472312352?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1149428712429536572006-06-04T23:44:00.000+10:002006-06-04T23:50:00.396+10:00<span style="font-family: lucida grande;font-size:130%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 255);">17 Friday</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Saw II </span>(Darren Lyn Bousman 2005) <b> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">1.5/5</span></b><br /> [DVD] #820<b><br /> </b>Disappointing sequel to the box office hit Saw 1. This time, Jigsaw has locked his victims in a house, with a deadly gas seaping in through the vents.l All the usual tricks and blood from Saw 1 appear in this film, and whilst there is a twist at the end, it was not as compelling as the original. Some nice ideas in the film, but the final product of very quick edits, loud sound mixing , makes it difficult to really get into this film.<b><br /><br /><br /> </b><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">4 Saturday</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Capote</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> </span>(Bennett Miller 2006) <b> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">4/5</span></b><br /> [Rivoli Cinema 1 2.15pm] #819<br /> Very enjoyable study of author Truman Capote's attempt to write his non fiction book 'In Cold Blood'. Phillip Seymour Hoffman's performance is one of the best of the year- his mannerism, speech and movement ideally suited to the portrayal of the eccentric author. All cast members are great, with Catherine Keener as Harper Lee both warm and calculated. Fine story, fine acting.<br /><br /> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">The Muppets Take Manhattan</span> (Frank Oz 1984) <b><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">1/5</span></b><br /> [DVD] #818<br /> The Muppets meet Broadway in this disappointing vehicle - where all your favorite Muppets converge on Manhattan. But it really isn't funny, or enjoyable, and with so much potential with cameo stars it re falls flat.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-114942871242953657?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1149428523936338632006-06-04T23:40:00.000+10:002006-06-04T23:42:03.943+10:00<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -6.1pt; font-family: lucida grande;"> <span style="font-size:130%;"> <span style="color:#0000ff;">27 Monday</span><br /> <span style="color:#cc0033;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Runaway Train</span> </span>(Andrei Konchalovsky 1985) <b><span style="color:#0033ff;">3/5</span></b><br /> [DVD] #817<br /> 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.<br /> <br /> <span style="color:#0000ff;">23 Thursday</span><br /> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);" >Throw Momma From The Train </span>(Danny DeVito 1987) <b><span style="color:#0033ff;">1.5/5</span></b><br /> [DVD] #816<br /> 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.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -6.1pt; font-family: lucida grande;"> <span style="font-size:130%;"> <span style="color:#0000ff;">22 Wednesday</span><br /> <span style="color:#cc0033;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Mysterious Skin</span> </span>(Gregg Araki 2004)<b><span style="color:#0033ff;"> 3.5 /5</span></b><br /> [DVD] #815<br /> 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.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -6.1pt; font-family: lucida grande;"> <span style="font-size:130%;"> <span style="color:#0000ff;">20 Monday</span><br /> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);" >Die Hard </span> (John McTiernan 1988)<b><span style="color:#0033ff;"> 1/5</span></b><br /> [DVD] #814 <br /> 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. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -6.1pt; font-family: lucida grande;"> <span style="font-size:130%;color:#0000ff;">16 Thursday</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><br /> </b> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);" >The Day of the Jackal </span> <span style="color:#0033ff;"><b>4/5</b></span><span style="color:#cc0000;"><br /> </span>[DVD] #813<span style="color:#cc0000;"><br /> </span>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.</span><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"><br /> <br /> </span> <span style="font-size:130%;color:#0000ff;">13 Monday</span><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> Leap of Faith </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;color:#0033ff;"><b><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);">1/</span>5</b></span><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"><br /> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">[DVD] #812<br /> 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.</span><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"><br /> <br /> </span> <span style="font-size:130%;color:#0000ff;">12 Sunday</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#cc0000;"><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> Walk the Line </span></span><span style="color:#0033ff;"><b><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">4/</span>5</b></span><span style="color:#cc0000;"><br /> </span>[DVD] #811<br /> 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.<b> <br /> <br /> </b> <span style="color:#0000ff;">11 Saturday</span><b><br /> </b> <span style="color:#cc0000;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Quick Change</span> </span> <b> </b>(Howard Franklin / Bill Murray 1990) <b> <span style="color:#0000ff;">2.5/5</span><br /> </b> [DVD] #810<b><br /> </b> 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.<b> </b> Murray himself has the best character of the film, and it in several scenes is quite funny- Murray directed his own performance too.<b><br /> <br /> </b> </span> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#0000ff;">7 Tuesday</span><b><br /> </b><span style="color:#cc0000;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Keeping it Mum</span> </span>(Niall Johnson 2005) <b><span style="color:#0000ff;">1/5</span></b><span style="color:#cc0000;"><br /> </span>[Highpoint Cinema 2] #809<span style="color:#cc0000;"><br /> </span>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</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-114942852393633863?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1149428319050224212006-06-04T23:35:00.000+10:002006-06-04T23:38:39.060+10:00<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -6.1pt; font-family: lucida grande;"> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#0000ff;">31 Tuesday</span><b><br /> </b><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);" >Brokeback Mountain</span> (Ang Lee 2005) <b><span style="color:#0000ff;">2.5/5</span><br /> </b>[Sun Theatre Grand)<b> </b>#808<b><br /> </b>Underwhelming story of two straight cowboys who fall in love on Brokeback Mountain. A film built around so much expectations of both the director and actors that ultimately it fails to deliver the emotional impact required. Jack Gyllenhal is the best of the two leads, and there are some startling scenery shots, but without an emotional connection to Ledger, this film fails.<b><br /> <br /> </b><span style="color:#0000ff;">28 Saturday</span><b><br /> </b><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);" >Rocky</span> (John G. Avildsen 1976)<b> <span style="color:#0000ff;">1/5</span><br /> </b>[DVD] #807<b><br /> </b>Quite a disappointing film, considering for its time it inspired alot of people with the 'underdog feel'. But this film has lost much of the last 3 decades, the fight scenes are unconvincing and unmotivational, the performance of Stallone in some scenes is awkward and the sub plot with Talia Shirt and Burgess Meredith is unfulfilled. Disappointing.<b><br /> <br /> </b><span style="color:#0000ff;">27 Friday</span><b> </b><br /> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);" >Munich</span> (Steven Spielberg 2005) <b> <span style="color:#0000ff;">3.5/5</span><br /> </b>[Highpoint Cinema 6] #801<b><br /> </b>Eric Bana is wonderful as Avner, the leader of 5 men employed to track down and eliminate the masterminds of the 1972 Munich Olympics tragedy. Infact all of his assistants are very well portrayed, and although the film is quite long, the look (colour, tint) of the film along with the lighting is really first class. Some very powerful scenes and memorable scenes, including the 'telephone assassination' and the introductory scene of the Munich killings.<b> <br /> <br /> </b><span style="color:#0000ff;">26 Thursday</span><b><br /> </b><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);" >Family Plot</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> </span>(Alfred Hitchcock 1976)<span style="color:#0000ff;"><b> 3/5<br /> </b></span>[DVD] #800<b><br /> </b>The Master of Suspense's' last ever film, and it still has some exciting Hitchcock touches. The story of a phony psychic whose life intercepts with that of a pair of kidnappers. William Devane is truly wonderful as Arthur Adamson the kidnapper, his delivery in particular is a highlight of the film.<b> </b>Some thrilling touches by Hitchcock especially nearer the end of the film.<b><br /> <br /> </b><span style="color:#0000ff;">25 Wednesday</span><br /> <span style="color:#cc0000;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Hard Rain</span> </span>(Mikael Salomon 1998) <span style="color:#0000ff;"><b>1.5/5</b></span><br /> [DVD] #799<b><br /> </b>Basically a cat and mouse film about a group of men trying to locate $3 million hidden by security guard Christian Slater during a small town flood. Your standard good guy vs bad guy vs good guy who is actually bad story, along with the typical last minute rescue of all main cast from near death. Nothing special about this at all, although they do get right into the story from the start.<b><br /> <br /> </b><span style="color:#0000ff;">24 Tuesday </span><b><br /> </b><span style="color:#cc0000;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">The Hunt for Red October</span> </span>(John McTiernan 1990)<b> <span style="color:#0000ff;">1.5/5</span><br /> </b>[DVD} #798<b><br /> </b>Not a bad film about a Russian submarine captain who may or may not be defecting to the USA. Some nice shots and scenes on here, and Connery is quite convincing, especially when he puts on a russian accent. Sam Neil and Tim Curry are both horribly miscast. Special effects at the end are quite poor considering the high quality during the film.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -6.1pt; font-family: lucida grande;"> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);" > Napoleon Dynamite</span> (Jared Hess) <span style="color:#0000ff;"><b>1/5</b></span><br /> [DVD] #797<b><br /> </b>Disappointing and unfunny look at an alienated teenager and his dysfunctional family.<b> </b>Enough said.<b><br /> <br /> </b><span style="color:#0000ff;">22 Sunday</span><b><br /> </b><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);" >Dantes Peak </span>(Roger Donaldson 1997) <b><span style="color:#0000ff;">1/5</span><br /> </b>[DVD] #796<b><br /> </b>Disappointing disaster film, mainly because Pierce Brosnan is terribly miscast, some scenes in the film as so unrealistic it takes away from any suspension of disbelief (ie: paddling through lava with a coat wrapped around the arm), and part of the story of rescuing the grandmother didn't work because we weren't given enough time to care for the grandmother.<b><br /> <br /> </b></span> <span style="font-size:130%;color:#0000ff;">21 Saturday<b><br /> </b></span> <span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Deep Impact</span> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">(Mimi Leder 1998) <b><span style="color:#0000ff;">1.5/5</span></b></span><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"><br /> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">[DVD]</span><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">#795<span style="color:#cc0000;"><br /> </span>Standard disaster film about a comet hurtling towards earth, on the path to total destruction. But rather focussing on the impact itself, the film is focussed more on the attempts to stop the comet, the relationship of key characters and the decisions people make to continue life. Having said that, the character of Jenny Lerner (Tea Leoni) was lacking an emotional connection with the audience and infact several scene of her as a newsreader were unconvincing. A good cast all round, with Richard Schiff and Vanessa Redgrave the standouts.<span style="color:#cc0000;"><br /> <br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> King Kong </span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">(M</span>erian C. Cooper / Ernest B. Schoedsack 1933) <b> <span style="color:#0000ff;">3/5</span></b><br /> [ABC] #794<b><span style="color:#0000ff;"><br /> </span></b></span><span style="font-size:130%;">A film crew travels to a tropical island where they encounter a giant gorilla who takes a fancy to the female blonde star. A film which still remarkably holds up well today. Several of the stop motion action sequences between Kong and other Dinosaurs are realistic and in some cases brutal. The big improvement this film has over sequels is the speed at which the story is told- in particular the return to New York and scaling of the Empire state Building. In retrospect, this film is mainly a silent film, with little dialogue during key scenes on the island. Quite a good film.<br /> And yes, the pilot and gunner who eventually kill Kong are none other than the directors of the film.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -6.1pt; font-family: lucida grande;"> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#0000ff;">13 Friday<br /> </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);" >Mr and Mrs Smith</span> (Doug Liman 2005) <span style="color:#0000ff;"><b>2/5<br /> </b></span>[DVD} #793<span style="color:#0000ff;"><br /> </span>A better film than what I expected. this is the film the Pitt and Jolie supposedly fell in love on. It is interesting to watch this film for their chemistry, which is really good amongst some cringe worthy staged conversations. A film that really flows quickly, but, with no real knowledge of the bad guys in the films, we really don't care what happens to our 'heroes' or for that matter anyone else. This is merely a star vehicle to show off Pitt and Jolie. Nothing else.<b><br /> <br /> </b><span style="color:#0000ff;">12 Thursday<br /> </span><span style="color:#cc0000;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Crash</span> </span>(Paul Haggis 2004) <b> <span style="color:#0000ff;">2.5/5</span></b><span style="color:#cc0000;"><br /> </span>[DVD] #792<span style="color:#cc0000;"><br /> </span>Multiple storylines set in Los Angeles around two night culminating for some, in a crash and explosion of belief, taunts and racial issues. This film is quite good at creating the importance of first impressions and how often they are wrong or merely hide further issues under the skin. Whilst there were no standout performances Matt Dillion did have two crucial character scenes as a racist cop. This style of film jhas been down several times before (especially Magnolia), and I felt that all the characters seemed to be weighed down by this racial prejudices for me to really feel anything for them.<b><br /> <br /> </b></span> <span style="font-size:130%;color:#0000ff;">9 Monday <br /> </span><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> Birth</span> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">(Jonathan Glazier 2004)</span><span style="font-size:130%;color:#0000ff;"> <b>3.5/5</b><br /> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">[DVD] #791</span><span style="font-size:130%;color:#0000ff;"><br /> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">Nicole Kidman encounters a ten year old boy who claims to be a reincarnation of her former husband. A really fascinating and thought provoking film. What if reincarnation exist ? How would you and your family handle the sudden unexpected appearance of it? Kidman is quite convincing as the desperately confused, broken heart wife who yearns for the past with her husband. Lauren Bacall is quite good as her mother but the standout is Cameron Bright- as the 10 year old Sean- a truly powerful controlled piece of acting. Whether you believe in it or not, this film is worth a look, apart from the last shot of Kidman on a beach (why didn't they stop the movie the shot before!)<span style="color:#0000ff;"><br /> <br /> 3 Monday<br /> </span><span style="color:#cc0000;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">GroundHog Day</span> </span>(Harold Ramis 1993)<span style="color:#0000ff;"><b> 3/5<br /> </b></span>[DVD] #790<span style="color:#0000ff;"><br /> </span>Bill Murray experiences the identical day each morning, until it teaches him to become a better person and values other peoples lives. A really original idea executed well. Murray is quite good in the role of the cynical weatherman who eventually realises what is needed to court the love of his life Andie MacDowell. The scene where Murray befriends a homeless man, only to have die that evening, and then attempt to alter the man's life is a great cinematic moment.<span style="color:#0000ff;"><br /> </span><b><br /> </b><span style="color:#0000ff;">2 Sunday</span><b><br /> </b><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);" >Rat Race</span><b><span style="color:#cc0000;"> </span></b>(Jerry Zucker 2001)<b> 1/5<br /> </b>[DVD] #789<b><br /> </b>Basically a remake of 'It's A Mad Mad Mad World', guests at a hotel/casino all invited to locate 2 million dollars hidden in a locker in New Mexico. A cast full of many wonderful comedians, but which fails to deliver in all parts. Disappointingly, the majority of the jokes are corny, or simply unfunny, although the ending itself was the best that could be salvaged from the script.</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-114942831905022421?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1149427932711029912006-06-04T23:30:00.000+10:002006-06-04T23:34:38.296+10:00<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -6.1pt;font-family:lucida grande;"> <span style="font-size:130%;"> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">31 Saturday</span><br /> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">King of Comedy </span>(Martin Scorsese 1983)<b> 2.5 / 5</b><br /> [DVD] #788<br /> A change of pace for Scorsese, the very dark comedy about one man's obsession to fit into society and become the comedian he has dreamed of. With Robert De Niro as the self absorbed, unrelenting comedian, stalking, and eventually kidnapping Jerry Lewis.<br /> A nice film indeed, with De Niro able to project both sympathy and anger in his role. Jerry Lewis is very fine as the studio's number 1 comedian maintaining manners whilst De Niro pressures him often. A fine insight into the world of celebrity and infamy.<br /> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"><br /> Miss Congeniality 2</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> (Joh n </span>Pasquin 2005) <b>2/5</b><br /> [DVD] #787<br /> Not as enjoyable as the first film, still this sequel manages to throw up some enjoyable bright scenes and interesting cameos. Whilst Bullock fits into this character extremley well, it is disappointing not seeing more of William Shatner in his role as Beauty Pageant MC.<br /> <br /> I felt the film had too many sub plots happening, the relationship between Bullock's character and Regina King's character ( Fuller, the bodyguard), the fact that Bullock's love life is non existent anymore, the relationship with the hierachy at the FBI and the impact she has on females of all ages as a role model. As a result it was difficult to complete all these plots, along with the major kidnapping plot (which was weak), by the film's end.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -6.1pt;font-family:lucida grande;"> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 255);">14 Wednesday</span><br /> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">King Kong</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> </span>( Peter Jackson 2005) <b> 2.5/5</b><br /> [Highpoint Cinema]#786<br /> Over long remake of the original 1933 horror film by the same name. Peter Jackson has made a King Kong mistake in several aspects of this film. Firstly, the film is far too long, divided into three clear sections, the opening section needs to be tighter to segue into the second acts.<br /> <br /> In the second act- Jackson has some nice moments, the appearance of Kong is a great special effect and Naomi Watts is quite convincing, but it is the disappointing special effects with the charging Brontosaurus that left a bad taste in my mouth- this from a man who has provided us with flawless special effects before! There is obvious uses of blue screen and CGI and it does ruin the moment in the second act.<br /> <br /> The casting of Jack Black and Adrien Brody are wrong, with Black's slightly humorous take completely out of fashion with the film. Infact the majority of his lines are poorly conceived and several jokes (not needed anyway) fall flat.<br /> <br /> I came away from this film underwhelmed, now matter how big that damn monster was.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -6.1pt;font-family:lucida grande;"> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);font-size:130%;" > 9 December<br /> </span><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" > Alfie</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);font-size:130%;" > </span><span style="font-size:130%;"> (Charles Shyer 2004) <b>4/5</b></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);font-size:130%;" ><br /> </span><span style="font-size:130%;"> [DVD] #785</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);font-size:130%;" ><br /> </span><span style="font-size:130%;"> Enjoyable witty drama comedy about a handsome womaniser who tries to understand and learn from his mistake. Jude Law is absolutely perfect as Alfie, the man who wants to be with every woman he encounters. This film is such a smash, great costume, perfect script and ideal casting all around. Highly recommended</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -6.1pt;font-family:lucida grande;"> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);font-size:130%;" > 4 Sunday<br /> </span><span style="font-size:130%;"> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Brothers Grimm </span>(Terry Gilliam 2005) <b> 2/5</b><br /> [Highpoint Cinema 5 ] #784<br /> Intelligent idea for a film, following the lives of the Grimm Brothers as they encounter a real life fairytale curse. Matt Damon and Heath Ledger are the Brothers Grimm, with Ledger the standout performer. But the film becomes too confusing, and fairytale characters blend into each other and it all becomes a bit of a mess at the end, which is a shame as the idea and the first half of the film was good.</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-114942793271102991?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1149411862900232162006-06-04T19:00:00.000+10:002006-06-04T19:04:22.906+10:00<span style="font-family: lucida grande;font-size:130%;" ><span style="color:#0000ff;">20 Sunday<br /> </span><span style="color:#cc0000;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Cube 2: Hypercube</span> </span> (Andrzej Sekula 2002) <b>0/5</b><br /> [DVD] #783<br /> Disappointing sequel to Cube- although the same premise applies- 8 people trapped inside a series of cube for no apparent rhyme or reason. The reason why this sequel fails to create interest is that there is not enough clues, information or development to maintain interest. And at the end of the film, the result and the outcome is uninspired. Disappointing.<span style="color:#0000ff;"> </span> Check out the original instead.<span style="color:#0000ff;"><br /> <br /> 19 Saturday<br /> </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);" >In</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);" >dependence Day </span>(Roland Emmerich 1996) 1/5<span style="color:#cc0000;"><br /> </span>[DVD} #782<span style="color:#cc0000;"><br /> </span>Far too long blockbuster film about aliens attacking the world. Great idea, and some nice moments, but this film did not know whether to be serious, or light hearted or witty, and as a result there was no sympathy for any of the characters. That and the fact the film goes on for far too long, and that the majority of the dialogue and scenes are simply outrageous and laughable.<br /> <span style="color:#0000ff;"><br /> 18 Friday<br /> </span><span style="color:#cc0033;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">The Anderson Tapes</span> </span>(Sidney Lumet 1971) 2.5/5<span style="color:#0000ff;"><br /> </span>[DVD] #781<span style="color:#0000ff;"><br /> </span>Sidney Lumet always directs fascinating films (see: Fail Safe), and this is quite a taut heist film. Sean Connery (who I rarely enjoy in movies) is the head of a gang wanting to rob a series of wealthy apartments all in the same building. Martin Balsam is really wonderful in the supporting role (as always!) and he brings a sense of enjoyment and sparkle to the film. In the same vein of Oceans 11 (remake), all characters are used quite well and the use of editing between present and future towards the end works well. <span style="color:#0000ff;"><br /> <br /> 15 Tuesday<br /> </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);" >Kiss Kiss Bang Bang </span>(Shane Black 2005) 2.5/5<span style="color:#cc0000;"><br /> </span>[Highpoint Cinema 6] #780<span style="color:#0000ff;"><br /> </span>Original conceived idea of Robert Downey Jnr caught up in murder and mayhem whilst apparently furthering his Hollywood career. Sharp witty dialogue punctuated by a strong performance by Val Kilmer, makes this film quite unique. Yet something is missing, maybe it is the convoluted storyline which now and then takes away from the film. Nice use of voice over and by far the most enjoyable opening credits since 'Catch Me If You Can'.<span style="color:#0000ff;"><br /> <br /> 10 Thursday</span><b><br /> </b><span style="color:#cc0000;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">FlightPlan</span> </span>(Robert Schwentke 2005) 2/5<span style="color:#cc0000;"><br /> </span>[Highpoint Cinema 6 9.30pm] #779<br /> Jodie Foster portraying a bereaved woman, along with her daughter, flying back to America with the body of her husband in the cargo of the plane- but not all is what it seems, especially once her child disappears and there is no record of her boarding the flight. With similarities to Hitchcock's 'ROPE' and Schumacher's 'PHONE BOOTH', the majority of this film is spent on one location. While Foster is good , the storyline unfortunately becomes bad once the revelation occurs. A film which could have been so much more, but wasn't.<span style="color:#0000ff;"><br /> <br /> 5 Saturday</span><b><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> </span></b><span style="color:#cc0000;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">The Woodsman</span> </span>(Nicole Kassell 2004) 3/5<span style="color:#cc0000;"><br /> </span>[DVD] #778<span style="color:#cc0000;"><br /> </span>Strong performance by Kevin bacon as a child molester trying to start a new life after 12 years in jail. However his past is on the verge of reawakening as he struggles with his demons, being ostracised and hounded. A well directed film, with some interesting plot developments involving Bacon and another character called 'Candy' (Kevin Rice). Worth a look.<b><br /> <br /> </b><span style="color:#0000ff;">3 Thursday</span><b><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> </span></b><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);" >Cellular </span>(David R Ellis 2004) 1/5<span style="color:#cc0000;"><br /> </span>[DVD] #777<span style="color:#cc0000;"><br /> </span>Nice idea, but really, this film was too far fetched and not only that, had plot developments that were simply ridiculous. A young mother (Kim Basinger) is kidnapped, yet manages to re-work a broken phone using the wires and makes contact with a young man (Chris Evans), in the hope that he can rescue there. A film which wasn't even slightly suspenseful, nor did anyone care for the characters.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: lucida grande;"> </span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-114941186290023216?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1149411391053712362006-06-04T18:46:00.000+10:002006-06-04T18:59:42.706+10:00<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -6.1pt;font-family:lucida grande;"> <span style="font-size:130%;"> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">30 Sunday<br /> </span><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Court Jester</span> </span>(Melvin Frank / Norman Panama 1956) 3.5/5<br /> [FOX Classics 8.30pm] #776<span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><br /> </span>Fast moving colourful story of Danny Kaye attempting to steal a king's key to gain access to a secret tunnel to overthrow him. A brilliant vehicle for Kaye who is simply wonderful as the Court Jester in disguise. With unforgettable lines (the pellet with the poison...), and a wonderful cast including Basil Rathbone, Angela Lansbury, Mildred Natwick and Alan Napier (of Batman TV series fame as Alfred the butler)<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><br /> </span> <b><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /> </span></b><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">28 Friday</span><br /> <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Last of Sheila </span></span>(Herbert Ross 1973) 4/5<br /> [ACMI 10pm Cinema 2] Third Viewing<span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><br /> </span>On the third viewing this film gets better. Aware of all the red herrings and plot twists, one can focus on James Mason truly humorous and intelligent performance, the brilliant dialogue and one liners. Disappointing that the print shown was simply the DVD version of the film, however still worth the price of admission.<span style="font-style: italic;"><b> </b> </span>The premise is simple, 6 people attend a games weekend on a ship, where a murder happens. Stellar cast of Mason, James Coburn, Richard Benjamin, Raquel Welch, Dyan Cannon, with a script by Stephen Sondheim and Anthony Perkins.<br /> <b><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /> </span></b></span><span style="font-size:130%;"> <span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 255);">14 Friday</span><b><span style="font-style: italic;"> <br /> </span></b><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Silent Running </span></span>(Douglas Trumball 1972) 1.5 / 5<span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><br /> </span>[DVD] #775<span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><br /> </span>The last forests from earth are held and maintained in Space, by the one main who truly understands their importance. So it is his murdering of his fellow astronauts to continue the forest's life than catapults this story forward. However, once that plot point is established not much else happen. An odd song here and there, some humorous by play with two robots, but this film fails in it's ultimate attempt at humanity and the environmen<span style="font-style: italic;">t.</span><b><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /> </span></b></span><span style="font-size:130%;"> <span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 255);"><br /> 13 Thursday</span><b><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /> </span></b><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">A Night to Remember</span> </span>(Roy Ward Baker 1958 ) 3.5 /5<span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><br /> </span>[DVD] #774<span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><br /> </span>A documentary style retelling of the 1914 Sinking of the Titanic. Really lovely crisp images and well directed. Good use of multi characters to convey the sense of failure, courage, sacrifice and redemption. A film which still remains quite striking nearly 50 years on. Better than James Cameron's Titanic.<span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><br /><br /> </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 255);">12 - Wednesday</span><b><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span></b><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> Event Horizon </span></span>(Paul W.S Anderson 1997) 1/5<span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><br /> </span>[DVD[ #773<span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><br /> </span>Crew members on board a spaceship rendezvous with a missing spacecraft, only to encounter strange activities. A nice idea, but really this film loses itself halfway through and rather than answering questions, raises more than is needed. A really disappointing film.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -6.1pt;font-family:lucida grande;"> <span style="font-size:130%;"><b> <span style="font-style: italic;"></span></b></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);font-size:130%;" >8 Saturday<br /> </span><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> The Nightmare Before Christmas</span> </span><span style="font-size:130%;"> (Henry Selick 1993) 2 /5<br /> [DVD] #772<br /> Beautifully made stop motion animation about the inhabitants of Halloween Town, who attempt to celebrate Christmas. Some wonderful creations, especially the Mayor of Halloween Town. Some of the songs are difficult to follow and as such make you lose part of the narrative, but on the whole, the story is fresh, and moves along quite well.<br /> <b> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br /> </span></b></span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);font-size:130%;" >7 Friday<br /> </span><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> The Last Voyage</span> </span><span style="font-size:130%;"> (Andrew L Stone 1960) 1.5 /5<br /> (Movie Extra) #771</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);font-size:130%;" ><br /> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">Every possible disaster film plot point can be found in this film about a cruise ship on the verge of sinking. The stubborn captain (George Sanders), the trapped innocent mother (Dorothy Malone) and the heroic husband (Robert Stack) who refuses to let his wife die. Sanders performance is quite good until the end when some of his motivations and decision as captain seem far fetched. Some nice thrilling moments at the end, but ultimately nothing great about this film. Andrew Stone even managed to partially sink a real ship- the S.S Ile De France to add to the authenticity. <b> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /> </span></b> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">5 Wednesday<br /> </span><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Cube</span> </span>(Vincenzo Natali 1997) 2/5<span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><br /> </span>[Movie Extra] #770<span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><br /> </span>7 strangers are trapped in a series of booby trapped cubes with seemingly no way to escape. Original and fascinating idea by Natali, but ultimate, one would like complete closure on the film. Some very smart plot devices and good creation of characters but ultimately the ending was lacking.<b><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /> </span></b> </span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);font-size:130%;" >3 Monday</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /> </span></b></span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">The ABC Murders (TV Movie)</span> </span><span style="font-size:130%;"> (1992) 2 / 5</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><br /> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">[Hallmark] #769<br /> David Suchet as Hercule Poirot solving a series a murder seemingly related only by the victims surnames which are running in alphabetical order. This wasn't a bad telemovie, and the majority of Poirot films are good, but it seemed that the ending was slightly lacking (blame the book ?) in resolution. As always everyone performed well, however I would have liked to have seen the Doncaster Race Course utilised better in the story.<b><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /> </span></b></span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Category 6: Day of Destruction</span> </span><span style="font-size:130%;"> (Dick Lowry 2004) 1 / 5</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><br /> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">[Hallmark] #768<br /> A hurricane and a tornado converge, creating a Category 6 storm over Chicago. Every potential disaster cliche appears in this Tele-Movie. The pregnant wife stuck in an elevator, the mother and child stuck in a bank fighting for their life, and a father piloting an aeroplane who must navigate the storm's eye to land and rescue his wife. It all comes together in a very B Grade feeling with weak unconvincing acting and poor graphics.<b><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /> </span></b></span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);font-size:130%;" >2 Sunday</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /> </span></b></span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >The Sea Inside </span><span style="font-size:130%;">(Alejandro Amenbar 2004) 3 / 5</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><br /> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">[DVD] #767<br /> Javier Bardem portrays real life quadriplegic Ramon Sampedro who wants to die rather than live the remainder of his life in bed. A very strong film with particular fine performances by Bardem and Tamar Novas (as Javier). Some very nice touches and use of music, in particular Bardem's first 'flying dream' . This film won the 2005 Academy Award for Best Foreign film and some say, Bardem should have been nominated as Best Actor.<br /> <b> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br /> </span></b></span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);font-size:130%;" >1 Saturday<br /> </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> Serenity </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;">(Josh Whedon 2005) 2.5 / 5</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><br /> </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:130%;">[Highpoint Cinema 3] #766<br /> Sci Fi fim which has just the right amount of seriousness and light heartedness. Sure, the majority of the film is by the book, but there are several moments which shock. Particular impressive acting by Chiwetel Ejiofor as 'The Operative'. A film that fans of the TV series 'Firefly' will predominately like (apart from one or two plot points), and </span>that general movie goers can have fun with</span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"> </span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-114941139105371236?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1149410703564785852006-06-04T18:41:00.000+10:002006-06-04T18:45:03.583+10:00<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -6.1pt; font-family: lucida grande;"> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#0000ff;">25 Sunday</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><b><br /> </b> </span><span style="color:#cc0000;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Cinderalla Man</span></span><b><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span></b>(Ron Howard 2005) 3/5<b><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /> </span></b>[Rivoli Cinema 6 - Advance Screening] #765<b><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /> </span></b>Ron Howard's directorial film about the life story of the Cinderalla Man - boxer James J Braddock. Russell Crowe portrays Braddock with stunning success, displaying poise, anger and courage as he works his way up during the depression to win the Heavyweight Title of the World. Renee Zellweger is quite good as his wife, so too Paul Giamatti as his faithful manager. A better boxing film than Million Dollar Baby, and yes, the neighbour Sara Wilson is played by Rosemarie DeWitt- Braddock's real life grand daughter- a nice touch.<b><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /> <br /> </span></b><span style="color:#0000ff;">24 Saturday</span><b><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /> </span></b><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">28 Days Later</span> </span> <b><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span></b>(Danny Boyle 2002) 1.5/5<br /> [DVD] Film #764<span style="font-style: italic;"><b><br /> </b> </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"> Some say the scariest film since The Exorcist. A virus is unleashed and London is devastated 28 days later when everyone is turned into raging murderous. For a horror film it contains some gorgeous music and cinematography which often feels out of place in the whole scheme of the movie. Standard paint by numbers kind of film, with some truly awful scenes and sounds. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -6.1pt; font-family: lucida grande;"> <span style="font-size:130%;color:#0033ff;">23 Friday<br /> </span><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> The</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Interpreter</span> </span><span style="font-size:130%;"> (Sydney Pollack 2005) 1.5 / 5<br /> [DVD] Film #763<br /> Difficult, muddy film involving Nicole Kidman, as an interpreter, overhearing an assassination plot on a U.N Head of State. Kidman's accent is too distracting, and whilst Sean Penn is quite convincing as the Secret Service agent, his acting seems contrived in parts. The story is very formulistic with several typical stereotypes (cop with coffee all the time). Again, as with a lot of films, we don't feel any empathy towards certain characters that we are supposed too- so we don't care what happens to them.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -6.1pt; font-family: lucida grande;"> <span style="font-size:130%;color:#0033ff;">22 Thursday<br /> </span><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"> Empire of the Air: The Men Who Made Radio </span> <span style="font-size:130%;">(Ken Burns 1991) 3/5<br /> [DVD] Film #762<br /> Interesting story about the three men who each in their own way, created AM and FM radio. As per Ken Burn documentaries there are some terrific insights from 'talking heads' and the footage from 'This is Your Life' is especially touching.<br /> Burns really does have a tight, brilliant control over all subjects he films- and this is no exception.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -6.1pt; font-family: lucida grande;"> <span style="font-size:130%;"> <span style="color:#0000ff;">21 Wednesday<br /> </span><span style="color:#cc0000;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Red Eye</span> </span>(Wes Craven 2005) 1.5 / 5<br /> [Hoyts Highpoint Cinema 2. 9.00pm] Film #761<br /> Predictable edge of the seat thriller set predominantly on an airplane. Fails however because we don't care enough about the 'heroes' of the film, in particular Brian Cox. Because of this, we don't care what happens for them, nor feel any empathy towards them.<br /> Granted there are some nice plot devices in her which keeps the story going, but with the generic characters, and predictable finish, this film is nothing new. </span> <span style="font-size:130%;"> <span style="font-style: italic;"><b><br /> <br /> </b> </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"> <span style="color:#0000ff;"> 18 Friday<br /> </span><span style="color:#cc0000;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit</span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color:#cc0000;"> </span><span style="color:#000000;">( Nick Park 2005 ) 3/5</span></span><br /> [Victoria Gardens Cinema 8 8.50pm] Film #760<br /> The first full length feature film involving the animation of Wallace and Gromit. This film was just the perfect length, and the script was predominately strong. There were some flat points , however you can't help but marvellous at the meticulous work required to get this kind of animation on the screen. Some lovely movie in jokes (Harvey), and nice vocal turn by Ralph Fiennes.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -6.1pt; font-family: lucida grande;"> <span style="font-size:130%;"> <span style="color:#0000ff;"> 11 Sunday<br /> </span><span style="color:#cc0000;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Sapphire</span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color:#cc0000;"> </span><span style="color:#000000;">( Basil Dearden 1959 ) 2.5/5</span></span><br /> [ABC] Film #759<br /> A black girl, passing herself off as white is found murdered in a park. Interesting film about racial tensions and bigotry in Britain. Nigel Patrick as SuperIntendent is quite convincing. Some parts of the film feel abstract and seem to lose connection at some point. Some intruging ideas and fascinating characters.<b><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /> <br /> </span></b></span><span style="font-size:130%;"> <span style="color:#0000ff;"> 10 Saturday<br /> </span><span style="color:#cc0000;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> I Am A Fugitive From a Chain Gang</span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);" > </span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">( </span>Mervyn LeRoy 1932 ) 3.5/5</span></span><br /> [TCM] Film #758<br /> Paul Muni is stunning as a fugitive who escapes from a chain gang, only to return voluntarily for 90 days in exchange for being pardoned for his crime. However, his pardon never eventuates and he must escape again to survive. Some genuine heartstopping moments with Muni's performance emotional and compelling. Fast moving narrative and nicely photographed, with an ending that is cinema at its best<span style="color:#0000ff;"><br /> <br /> </span> <span style="color:#cc0000;"> <span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Seance on a Wet Afternoon</span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> </span><span style="color:#000000;"> <span style="text-decoration: none;">( Bryan Forbes 1964 ) 3.5/5</span></span><br /> [ABC] Film #757<br /> Fine haunting film about a couple who plan to kidnap a child, then advise the parents that they know the child's whereabouts after hosting a séance. Kim Stanley is frighteningly wonderful as the mother and psychic holding together their plan whilst her weak-minded husband (Richard Attenborough) realises the sadness of their motives. Strikingly beautiful in black and white, with wonderful narrative structures.<b><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /> <br /> </span></b><span style="color:#0000ff;"> 5 Monday<br /> </span> <span style="color:#cc0000;"> <span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Little</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Caesar</span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> </span><span style="color:#000000;"> <span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">(</span>Mervyn LeRoy 1931 ) 2/5</span></span><br /> [DVD] Film #756<br /> The film which made Edward G Robinson a star. A gangster who climbs up that underworld ladder to become the underworld crime boss. Robinson's delivery is so unique that he is compelling to watch- he is almost a caricature of himself. The story itself is difficult to follow and feels stilted. Famous last line is cinema history.<br /> <b> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br /> </span></b><span style="color:#0000ff;"> 2 Friday<br /> </span> <span style="text-decoration: none;"> <span style="color:#cc0000;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Charlie and the Chocolate Factory</span> </span><span style="color:#000000;">(Tim Burton 2005 115mins ) 2/5</span></span><br /> [Rivoli Cinema 1 7.00pm] Film #755<br /> </span> <span style="font-size:130%;"> <span style="color:#000000;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Colourful remake of the Roald Dahl children book by the same name. Johnny Depp's portrayal of Willy Wonka is a cross between reclusive Howard Hughes, and scary Michael Jackson- but it doesn't quite come off.</span></span> <br /> There are several disappointing aspects of this film - the Oompa Loompa's are played by one actor, and as a result, the computer effects of that are pretty poor. The storyline between Willy Wonka and Charlie's Grandfather (Grandpa Joe- played by David Kelly) showed a lot of promise, considering Grandpa Joe worked in the Wonka factory all those years ago- but the potential for a moving subplot never eventuate. Odd, considering Burton is a master at 'mending' relationships (aka Big Fish).<br /> On the plus side, the cast of all children was wonderful, and the look of the film was impressive , although I felt under whelmed by the look of the Chocolate Factory inside.</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-114941070356478585?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1149408822564889522006-06-04T18:10:00.000+10:002006-06-04T18:15:31.946+10:00<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -6.1pt;font-family:lucida grande;"> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> 28 Sunday</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><br /> </span> <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Muppet Christmas Carol</span></span><a target="_blank" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0046268/"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"> </span></a> <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"> </span>(Brian Henson 1992 85 mins) 2.5/ 5<br /> [DVD] Film #754<br /> First Muppet film seen. Short and enjoyable telling of the Charles Dicken novel. Michael Caine is great as Scrooge who detest Christmas until he is visited by 3 ghosts of christmas. Highlights - Beaker and Bunsen and the Swedish Chef- and Michael Caine's strong convincing performance. Maybe one song too many in the film but kept my interest all the way through.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><br /> <br /> </span> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0418819/"> <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Skeleton Key</span></span></a><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0046268/"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"> </span></a> </span> <span style="font-size:130%;">(Iain Softley 2005 104 mins) 1.5/ 5<br /> [Coburg Drive-In 1 9.20pm] Film #753<br /> The first ever film I have seen in a drive-in. A thriller about a girl (Kate Hudson) who tends to a stroke victim (John Hurt) in a house owned by Gena Rowlands. Some strong visuals and editing , but ultimately the film is let down by unfinished plot points- the bad casting of Kate Hudson, and the lack of interest in the narrative. Strong points include the performance of Gena Rowlands and John Hurt.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -6.1pt;font-family:lucida grande;"> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);font-size:130%;" > 24 Wednesday</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><br /> </span> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0418819/"> <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Land of the Dead</span></span></a><a target="_blank" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0046268/"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"> </span></a> (George A Romero 2005 93 mins) 1.5/ 5<br /> [Highpoint Cinema 1 9.15pm] Film #752<br /> Horror film director George Romero's slightly comical zombie film. While this film has only a handful of scary moments, the majority of the film is taken up with exposition, comical moments- and really doesn't know what direction to take. The open sequence braces us for a gruesome film- but then the film turns comical right away and loses that scary connection. Dennis Hopper has one scene in particular where he is very good - and the nice touch of the old Universal Logo at the start of the film made me smile. <b> <span style="font-style: italic;"> <br /> <br /> </span></b><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> 21 Sunday</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><br /> </span> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0061385/"> <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Barefoot in the Park</span></span></a><a style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);" target="_blank" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0046268/"> </a> (Gene Saks 1967 104 mins) 3/ 5<br /> [DVD] Film #751<br /> A really enjoyable film about newly weds trying to live in an apartment at the top of 6 flight of stairs. Jane Fonda and Robert Redford make a very enjoyable couple, with Fonda outstanding with her bubbly, happy-go lucky personality, and Redford with his suave demeanour. But, it is Mildred Natwick as the mother who is wonderful - a really genuinely funny performance with unequal delivery and movement. A surprisingly fresh movie which still stands the test of time.<b><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /> <br /> </span></b><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> 21 Sunday</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><br /> </span> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0046268/"> <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Wages of Fear</span> </span></a> (Henri - Georges Clouzot 1953 156 mins) 2.5/ 5<br /> [DVD] Film #750<br /> 4 men are hired to transport an urgent Nitro-glycerine shipment by two trucks- without the necessary safety equipment. A film which starts off slow- before the main narrative kicks in a quarter of the way thorough and builds to a shattering crescendo.<br />Yves Montand is great as the driver of one van, and the leader of them all. Some very striking moments in this film- the destruction of one truck , the oil pit scene and the last scene of the film- the astounding piece of direction and editing involving the music of The Blue Danube and the way it connects the triumphs and tragedies.<br /> <br /> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> 13 Saturday</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><br /> </span><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082106/"> <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Bad</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Education</span> </span></a> (Pedro Almodovar 2005 104 mins) 2/ 5<br /> [DVD] Film #749<br /> Pedro always directs odd films- in this film, told with flashbacks within flashbacks, a movie script is being directed about the lives of two young boys and priest. The subject matter is not for the faint hearted, and Gael Bernal performance is , as always, strong. But I found the narrative to be confusing at time, and that some of the characters motives did not match the character themselves.<b><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /> <br /> </span></b><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> 6 Saturday</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><br /> </span><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082106/"> <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">The Wicker Man</span> </span></a> (Robin Hardy 1973 99 mins) 1/ 5<br /> [DVD] Film #748<br /> The strangest film I have seen since Querelle (Number 693). A cult classic amongst film buff, a policeman travels to an island to investigate the disappearance of a girl and is caught up in bizarre rituals from the island folk. Certainly worth watching for the sheer bizarreness of the story and Christopher Lee's over the top performance. Some nice images. <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><br /> <br /> </span><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082106/"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Brooklyn Bridge</span></span></a></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">(</span>Ken Burns 1981 58 mins) 3/ 5<br /> [DVD] Film #747<br /> Ken Burn's first ever documentary- a short 58 minute look at the building of the Brooklyn Bridge. It is fascinating to compare this documentary to later Burns documentary in respect to style and length of chapters. This dvd is quite short and contains 2-3 minute mini chapters whereas more recent documentaries have lengthy chapters. Still has the same Burns style to it, and I found this story to be quite informative and interesting. <b> <span style="font-style: italic;"> <br /> <br /> </span></b><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> 3 Monday</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><br /> </span><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0374102/"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Open Water</span></span></a></span><a style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);" target="_blank" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0374102/"> </a><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">(</span>Chris Kentis 2003 79 mins) 2.5/ 5<br /> [DVD] Film #746<br /> Strong film of a couple left in shark infested ocean after a scuba diving expedition. some moments of the film are truly terrifying and in particular the remaining 15 minutes of the film is quite brilliant. in some situations early in the film the dialogue sounds a bit corny- but the majority of the film keeps your interest and builds suspense.<b><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /> <br /> </span></b><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> 1 Monday</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><br /> </span><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"> <a style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);" target="_blank" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0387564/"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Saw</span></a></span><a style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);" target="_blank" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0044121/"> </a><u style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> </u> (James Wan 2004 102 mins) 3/ 5<br /> [DVD] Film #745<br /> Great idea for a story- two guys wake up chained to a bathroom, and there is a dead body in between them. The flashbacks and characters and plot twists are very well handled, apart from the overall twist- which I picked in the early part of the film. Other than that, a real tour-deforce for first time director. Maybe slightly long and drawn out, but all the markings of a true genuine thriller.</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-114940882256488952?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1149408382194433022006-06-04T18:03:00.000+10:002006-06-04T18:07:58.136+10:00<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -6.1pt; font-family: lucida grande;font-family:lucida grande;"> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> 31 Sunday</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><br /> </span><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0044121/"> <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson</span></span></a><a style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);" target="_blank" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0044121/"> </a>( Ken Burns 2004 214 mins) 3.5/ 5<br /> [ACMII] Film #744<br /> Ken Burn's three and a half hour documentary of the first ever black heavyweight champion. Viewed as part of the Melbourne Film Festival a thoroughly enjoyable documentary, punctuated by extraordinary footage and analysis of early Johnson fights. If anything, the film is slightly too long , but the footage almost makes up for it. Ken Burns is a brilliant film maker, and whilst his 20 hour documentary on Baseball is his apex, this film is still of the high quality.<b><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /> <br /> </span></b><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> 30 Satu</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">rday<br /> </span><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 51);"> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0044121/"> <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> Thing</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">from another Planet</span></span></a></span><a style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);" target="_blank" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0044121/"> </a>( Christian Nyby 1951 87 mins) 1.5/ 5<br /> [ABC] Film #743<br /> B Grade Sci Fi film famous for the ending 'Watch the Skies'. Some nice moments , in particular shots of the alien backlit and plot points including 'Dogs' and a 'Greenhouse'. Other than that, a very talky film- with an emphasis on scientific aspects of extra-terrestrial life. This film seemed to lack<br />a credible scary monster and should have focussed more on heightening tension.<b><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /> <br /> </span></b><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> 23 </span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> Wednesday<br /> </span><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 51);"> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">I Walk with a Zombie</span></span><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 51);"> </span>(Jacques Tourner 1943 69 mins) 1.5/ 5<br /> [SBS] Film #742<br /> My second Jacques Tourner film, and certainly not as superior as 'The Cat People' . This film revolves around voodoo, and whilst the atmosphere is moody and dark, the storyline itself was really weak. The acting overall was quite good and cinematography striking in many scenes- but in 69 minutes it did not hold my attention.<b><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /> <br /> </span></b><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> 20 </span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> Wednesday<br /> </span> <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 51);"> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Sommersturm</span></span><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 51);"> </span>(Marco Kreuzpaintner 2004 98 mins) 2/ 5<br /> [SBS] Film #741<br /> Two childhood friends go on a rowing competition trip, where love blossoms for Achim, while his childhood friend Tobi experience his sexually awakening. Not a bad film- the acting was very strong and the story was engaging. Kostja Ullman's performance as Achim is smouldering and mesmerising - a stunning actor who is engaging in everyway on the screen. <b> <span style="font-style: italic;"> <br /> <br /> </span></b><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> 19</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> Tuesday<br /> </span> </span> <span style="font-size:130%;"> <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 51);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">The Last Gangste</span>r </span>(Edward Ludwig 1937 81 mins) 1.5/ 5<br /> [TCM] Film #740<br /> Edward G Robinson is sent to Alcatraz and spends ten years there before his release- and then tries to track down his wife and kid. A film I didn't really enjoy, sure Robinson had some nice scenes and the Gangster character suits him perfectly, but the film itself did not seem to capture me with any interest.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -6.1pt; font-family: lucida grande;font-family:lucida grande;"> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);font-size:130%;" > 17</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> Sunday<br /> </span> <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 51);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">The Hulk </span></span>(Ang Lee 2003 102 mins) 0/ 5<br /> [DVD] Film #739<br /> Poor comic book film - where the Hulk is an extremely badly generated computer image. Because of that it is impossible to care about this character. Also- there is no bad guy, or reason for his destruction other than his rage. A comic book hero needs an enemy. Stay away from this film.<br /> <b> <span style="font-style: italic;"> <br /> </span></b><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> 16</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> Saturday<br /> </span><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0374536/"> <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 51);"> <span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Sin City</span></span></span></a><a style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);" target="_blank" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0374536/"><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span> </a>(Frank Miller / Robert Rodriguez 2005 124 mins) 2/ 5<br /> [Rivoli Cinema 6) 3.50pm. Film #738<br /> A very difficult film to connect to- possibly the most violent film I have seen. Shot entirely with CGI, it is impossible to feel compassion for any character. The good ole 'double cross' storyline is played out several times, that you find that you almost can predict what is going to happen next. The film certainly moves at a fast pace and has all the looks and feel of a comic book- but was it worth it ?<b><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /> <br /> </span></b><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> 12</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> Tuesday<br /> </span> <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 51);"> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0374536/"> <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 51);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Bewitched</span></span></a></span><a target="_blank" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0374536/"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 51);"> </span></a>(Nora Ephron 2005 102 mins) 3/ 5<br /> [Highpoint Cinema) 7.15pm. Film #737<br /> This was a very enjoyable film- far above the expectation I had. Farrell and Kidman really worked well, and Farrell himself shone through. however the movie was stolen by Shirley MacLaine's turn as Endora. A really enjoyable cinema experience, the only draw back is the length of the film.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><br /> <br /> 11</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> Monday<br /> </span><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120667/"> <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 51);"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Paths of Glory</span></span></span></a></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> </span>(Stanley Kubrik 1957) 3.5/ 5<br /> [Astor Cinema] 7.30pm. 2nd viewing<br /> The first film on the Kubrick Double Bill including 'The Killing'. When I first watched Paths of Glory I found the narrative to be extraordinary. On the second viewing, I discovered that there is little time spent actually on the main point of the story- that is the order to bomb their own soldiers to get them out of the trenches and into battle. I guess, then my expectation was too high- but still, Kubrick's camera movements are great, and Douglas and Adolphe Menjou are outstanding and in some circles of cinema- the last scene is claimed to be one of cinema's most moving. Downgraded from 4.5 to 3.5 on second viewing.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -6.1pt; font-family: lucida grande;font-family:lucida grande;"> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);font-size:130%;" > 9</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> Saturday<br /> </span> <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 51);"> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120667/"> <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 51);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Fantastic Four</span></span></a></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> </span>(Tim Story 2005 106 mins) 1/ 5<br /> [Jam Factory] Cinema 9. 9.10pm. Film #736<br /> Very lame attempt at a comic book movie. The only redeeming features were that the casting was spot on, which the right actors playing the right characters- in particular those of The Thing and Johnny Storm. Haven't we had enough of these Marvel Comic book movies now ? Yes.<b><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /> <br /> </span></b><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> 4</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> Monday<br /> </span><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0048748/"> <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 51);"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">City of Lost Children</span></span></span></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> </span>(Marc Caro / Jean-Pierre Jeunet 1995 112 mins) 1/ 5<br /> [DVD] First viewing. Film #735<br /> Visually striking film - but , what was the plot ? A film that gets very confusing and difficult to follow.<b><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /> <br /> </span></b><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> 2</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> Saturday<br /> </span><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0048748/"> <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 51);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">War of the Worlds</span></span></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> </span>(Steven Spielberg 2005 116 mins) 4.5/ 5<br /> [Highpoint Cinema 6] Film #734<br /> Genuinely thrilling film, of Martians attacking earth. The one thing that stands out in this film is the Sound. Exciting, Scary, overpowering. Wonderful acting, and the film just goes along at a great pace. Some may not like the ending, however, in Spielberg fashion it falls within his trademark. Some very ironic moments and stand out shots- bodies floating down a river, train on fire, noises in the difference. A truly exhilarating film. Highly recommended.</span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"> </span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-114940838219443302?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1149407965840380932006-06-04T17:58:00.000+10:002006-06-04T18:01:54.710+10:00<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -6.1pt;font-family:lucida grande;"> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> 22</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> Wednesday<br /> </span><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0048748/"> <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 51);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Magnificent Ambersons</span></span></a> (Orson Welles 1942 109 mins) 2/ 5<br /> [ABC] 2nd viewing.<br /> </span> <span style="font-size:130%;"> Not as strong as Citizen Kane but some startling cinematography, and fine acting by Joseph Cottons. Welles' voice over work is brilliant, great narration and the end of the film is so original and unique. Whilst not a great film, an important film as this was one of the two films that Welles had complete control over, but lost that control when he went overseas and the studio heads re-shot and recut the film.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -6.1pt;font-family:lucida grande;"> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);font-size:130%;" > 21</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> Tuesday<br /> </span> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0048748/"> <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 51);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Trial</span></span></a> (Mark Robson 1955 141 mins) 2/ 5<br /> [TCM] 1st viewing. Film #733<br /> Glenn Ford is a Legal University Lectures without any courtroom legal experience. He therefore agrees to take on a case involving a Mexican boy charged with murder. as requested by a local lawyer. He soon becomes embroiled in fund raising politics while ultimately believing in the justice system when everyone else is ignorant of its failings. Not a bad film, Glenn Ford is quite convincing here. Arthur Kennedy received an Oscar nomination for his portryal of a corrupt lawyer, and Katy Jurado is convincing as the Mexican boy's mother. Some nice pieces of cinematography by Robert Surtees ( of The Sting / Last Picture Show / The Graduate / Ben Hur fame)<b><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /> <br /> </span></b> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> 14 Monday<br /> </span><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0121766/"> <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 51);"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Batman Begins</span></span></span></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> </span>(Christopher Nolan 2005 141 mins) 1/ 5<br /> [Rivoli Cinema 1] 1st viewing. Film #732<br /> <br /> Such a disappointing film- considering the director (of Memento fame), and main star Christian Bale (of American Psycho fame) are two of my most favourite movie people and are so talented. This film is far too long firstly. Secondly, the story was boring. Not only that, but I had no idea what was going on in the first part of the film, with characters introduced with really no back story. Bale, while out of costume cuts a suave Bruce Wayne figure, he didn't seem to really fit the Batman model I was hoping. I guess the fact I didn't care about villains or what they were doing added to my disinterest. The only redeeming quality would be the look of the film, but even that caused confusion during fight scenes. Pass on this film.<b><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /> <br /> </span></b> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> 13 Monday<br /> </span> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0121766/"> <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 51);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Lady on a Train</span></span></a></span><span style="font-size:130%;">(Charles David 1945 94 mins) 2.5/ 5<br /> [FOX Classics] 1st viewing. Film #731<br />Very simply, Deanne Durbin witness a murder from the window seat of the train she is travelling on. The remainder of the film, is the bumbling, accidental way she goes about solving the murder. An enjoyable film which gets the story rolling right from the first shot. Deanne is really wonderful , with a really enjoyable disposition and the situations she gets herself into and out of are quite comical. More of a black comedy than a serious murder mystery. Deanne sings three songs including 'Silent Night' over the phone to her father. Nice cinematography and good acting all around , especially by Edward Everett Horton as Mr Haskell.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /> <br /> </span></b> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> 11 Saturday<br /> </span> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0121766/"> <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 51);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Suddenly </span></span></a> (Lewis Alen 1954 95 mins) 3.5/ 5<br /> [DVD] 1st viewing. Film #730<br /> A wonderful idea of a film- the President of the United States is on a train that will stop in a small town called 'Suddenly.' It is here that the hitman Frank Sinatra plans to assassinate the president by hijacking a house on the hill near the train station. This is the film Lee Harvey Oswald saw days before he assassinated JFK. Sinatra is wonderful in his portrayal of a killer fighting the demons of his war past. He is perfect for this role, and the moments where he turns and talks directly to the camera are effective. Good cast all around- some of the dialogue is a bit staged but great concept which holds the interest right to the end.<br /> <br /> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> 5 Sunday<br /> </span> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0121766/"> <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 51);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">The Assassination of Richard Nixon</span></span></a><a target="_blank" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0084565/"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 51);"> </span></a> (Niels Mueller 2004 95 mins) 3.5/ 5<br /> [Rivoli Cinema 5 4.50pm 1st viewing. Film #729<br /> An intriguing studying into the mind of Samuel Bicke (Sean Penn), who believes it is wrong in society to lie, especially as salesmen, but then contradicts his life by lying about many things throughout the film which ultimate drives him to wanting to fly a plan into the White House.<br />Sean Penn is mesmerising in this film, and Jack Thompson is really quite good (surprisingly) as his salesman boss. The look of the film, with its drained colours and the bookend narrative really works well. An enjoyable film that most people will find depressing but which is an intriguing look into the mind of man slowly going mad. Also worth mentioning Naomi Watt's performance, it took me ages to figure out it was her.</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-114940796584038093?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1149406724617679012006-06-04T17:37:00.000+10:002006-06-04T17:39:25.160+10:00<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -6.1pt;"> <span style=";font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" > <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> 28 Saturday<br /> </span> <a style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);" target="_blank" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0121766/"> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Shaun of the Dead</span></a><a style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);" target="_blank" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0084565/"> </a> ( Edgar Wright 2004 99 mins) 2/ 5<br /> [DVD] 1st viewing. Film #728<br /> It had it's moments. Interesting idea, a spoof on all those zombie films throughout the years. Some very intelligent scripting and editing. And, it must be said, the death of the mother was quite moving considering the context of the film. While it was nothing great, it was a simple brainless film which passed the time.<b><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /> <br /> </span></b> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> 21 Saturday<br /> </span> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0121766/"> <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 51);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Star</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Wars : Episode Three: Revenge of the Sith</span></span></a><a style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);" target="_blank" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0084565/"> </a> ( George Lucas 2005 140 mins) 2/ 5<br /> [Rivoli Cinema 1 1.15pm] 1st viewing. Film #727<br /> <br /> I'll start by saying I am not a Star wars fan. However when the Star Wars title came up, and the music, I had the biggest smile on my face. Something wonderful about experiencing a movie like this in a packed cinema. The film itself wasn't too bad. There were part of the dialogue that were poor, but I felt the film really got going upon Skywalker's transformation with the Supreme Chancellor. It was fun, the effects were brilliant, and although you knew how it ended, it was still fascinating to watch.<b><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /> <br /> </span></b> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> 21 Saturday<br /> </span> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0069995/"> <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 51);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Don't Look Now</span></span></a><a style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);" target="_blank" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0084565/"> </a></span> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"> ( Nicholas Roeg 1973 110 mins) 3/ 5<br /> [Channel 9] 1st viewing. Film #726<br />Interesting thrilling about Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie experiencing premonitions involving their daughter's death whilst in Venice.<br /> If you only see this film for one reason, it will be for the structure of the story and the way that this structure is edited into the film. <br /> Some extremely fascinating moments and one very revealing sex scene makes this film one that is hard to shake from your memory.</span></span><span style=";font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" ><b><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /> <br /> </span></b> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> 14 Saturday<br /> </span> <a style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);" target="_blank" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0289944/"> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Fear X</span></a><a style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);" target="_blank" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0084565/"> </a> ( Nicholas Winding Refn 2003 91 mins) 2/ 5<br /> [DVD] 1st viewing. Film #725<br /> <br /> A film, in many ways similar to One Hour Photo. John Turturro plays a security guard who tries to track down the murder of his wife in the shopping centre. Whilst the premise is interesting the film just loses it's way and becomes far too complicated and uninspiring.<b><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /> <br /> </span></b> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> 8 Sunday<br /> </span><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0043456/"> <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 51);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> Kingdom of Heaven</span></span></a><a style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);" target="_blank" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0084565/"> </a></span> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;"> <span style="font-family:lucida grande;">( Ridley Scott 2005 159 mins) 1/ 5</span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"> [Highpoint Cinema 7 12.45pm] 1st viewing. Film #724</span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"> Didn't think much of this film- I thought the previews looks quite good. I had no idea was what going on storywise- the action sequence was so intense it was difficult to actually comprehend what was occurring. Whilst there were some nice Ridley Scott-esque shots, the film was rather dull and uninteresting. Didn't care much for Orlando Bloom's character.</span> </span></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-114940672461767901?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1149406274878049612006-06-04T17:27:00.000+10:002006-06-04T17:32:57.510+10:00<span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" > 29 Friday<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="font-family: lucida grande; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0043456/"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Love Actually</span></a><a style="font-family: lucida grande; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);" target="_blank" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0084565/"> </a><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family:lucida grande;"> ( Richard Curtis 2003 135 mins) 3.5/ 5<br /> [DVD] 2nd viewing.<br /> This film still makes me laugh out loud and in the very next scene feel sadness. A truly great experience, and wonderfully executed considering there are numerous storylines at once. On the second viewing I found some intelligent sound editing, in particular with the music and songs. Bill Nighy steals the show as the ageing Rock Star- one of the cinema's most funny supporting performances.</span><b style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /> <br /> </span></b></span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" >28 Thursday<br /> </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="font-family: lucida grande; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0043456/"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Guess Who</span></a><a style="font-family: lucida grande; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);" target="_blank" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0084565/"> </a><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family:lucida grande;"> ( Kevin Rodney Sullivan 2005 120 mins) 1/ 5<br /> [Highpoint Cinema 10 8.45pm] 1st viewing. Film #723<br /> Remake of 1967's Guess Who's Coming to Dinner. This film was unnecessary and I found it offensive to today's society. I believe the characterisations were offensive and over the top- and that this film is not required in this day and age of racial acceptance. The only good thing about the film was the performance of Judith Scott (1) as Marilyn Jones.</span><b style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /> <br /> </span></b></span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" >25 Monday<br /> </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="font-family: lucida grande;" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0043456/"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 51);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Wait Until Dark</span></span></a><a style="font-family: lucida grande; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);" target="_blank" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0084565/"> </a><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family:lucida grande;">( Terence Young 1967 107 mins) 3.5/ 5<br /> [Movie Greats] 1st viewing. Film #722<br /> Now this is a very good film. Told mainly in the one apartment, with Audrey Hepburn as a blind woman, trying to prevent two men from locating a doll hidden in the house containing drugs. Suspenseful with two very shocking moments, which, although I saw coming, were still most frightening. Hepburn is wonderful in this film, and Richard Crenna is simply superb!. The plot and the ideas in this film are so well done that I recommend this film very highly.</span><b style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /> <br /> </span></b></span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" >24 Sunday<br /> </span><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 51);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" ><a target="_blank" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0043456/"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 51);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">The Day The Earth Stood Still</span></span></a></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="font-family: lucida grande; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);" target="_blank" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0084565/"> </a><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">( </span>Robert Wise 1951 92 mins) 2.5/ 5<br /> [FOX Classics 1st viewing. Film #721<br /> I am not a Sci - Fi fan. However I did not mind this film, mainly because it was attempt to have a message, and the characters were all there for a particular reason, to be the voice of the multitudes of our generation and the generation of the 1950's. The look of film, cinematography, was very crisp. Even the set direction and costume, in particular Gort, was impressive. Sure it wasn't a wonderful film, but the acting was convincing and overall it was enjoyable. The film is still relevant 50 years on.</span><b style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /> <br /> </span></b></span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" >22 Friday<br /> </span><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 51);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" ><a target="_blank" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0084565/"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Querelle</span></a></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="font-family: lucida grande; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);" target="_blank" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0084565/"> </a><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> </span>Rainer Werner Fassbinder 1982 108 mins) 2/ 5<br /> [VHS] 1st viewing. Film #720<br /> My first Fassbinder film. A dreamlike story of a sailer (Brad David) who basically, learns about his sexuality in a whorehouse. Certainly one of the most strange films I have seen. Some of the costume and feel of the film were very well done. The cast of Brad David was brilliant. But I don't think Fassbinder is my kind of stylish director.</span><b style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /> <br /> </span></b></span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" >17 Saturday<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="font-family: lucida grande; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0050976/"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Assault on Precinct Thirteen</span></a><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"> </span>( Jean Francois-Richet 2005 109 mins) 1.5/ 5<br /> [Highpoint Cinema 2. 4.30pm] 1st viewing. Film #719<br /> You know the film is in trouble when you pick the ending. This is what happened with this film. Infact, there were many questions that were raised during this film, and many holes in the narrative. Other than that there were some nice moments, and Ethan Hawke was okay- though not overly convincing. Brian Dennehy was probably the highlight of the film.</span><b style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /> <br /> </span></b></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" >16 Saturday<br /> </span><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" ><a target="_blank" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0050976/"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">The Seventh Seal</span></a></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"> </span>( Ingmar Bergman 1957. 96 mins) 2/ 5<br /> [World Movies} 1st viewing. Film #718<br /> The two things which struck me about this film, was how quickly the narrative began, of the Crusader playing Chess with Death. And secondly, the humour which permeates throughout the film. Max Von Sydow was convincing as the Crusader who on his returns, tries to defeat Death in a game of Chess to prolong his life. There is a great cinematic moment whereby Sydow knocks the pieces on the chess board. My first Ingmar Bergman film, and while the print was quite poor, the film was quite striking.</span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" ><br /> </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><b style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-style: italic;" lang="EN-AU"><br /> </span></b></span><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" ><a target="_blank" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0033014/"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 51);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">The Saint's Double Trouble</span></span></a></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"> </span>( Jack Hively 1940. 67 mins) 2/ 5<br /> [ABC TV] 1st viewing. Film #717<br /> Just an average film. George Sanders plays the Saint , who also happens to look identical like a jewel thief- so George Sanders is playing both roles. For it's time , the special effects of both characters on screen at the same time are quite good. It really is just a simple film - nothing brilliant about it. The last 20 minutes is the best- with Sanders in a sinking boat, and the scene at the jail- but the highlight for me is seeing Bela Lugosi in a non-vampire role.</span><b style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /> <br /> </span></b></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" >12 </span> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family:lucida grande;"> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">Tuesday</span></span><b style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-style: italic;" lang="EN-AU"><br /> </span></b><a style="font-family: lucida grande;" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0362270/"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Topkapi</span></span></a><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"> </span>( Jules Dassin 1964. 120 mins) 2.5/ 5<br /> [FOX Classics] 1st viewing. Film #716<br /> I have been wanting to see this film for many years.<br /> Interesting heist film which builds to an exciting conclusion. Peter Ustinov was quite good, but I found he was more a main character, rather than a supporting role (for which he won his Oscar). I did find the accent of Melina Mercouri to be difficult to understand at times- whilst Maximilan Schell portrayed the head of the robbers quite well. The film really does hit the peak with around 30minutes to go, when they enter the Topkapi Museum for the heist- maybe the ending after that was a bit of a let down.</span><b style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /> <br /> </span></b><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">9 Saturday</span></span><b style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-style: italic;" lang="EN-AU"><br /> </span></b><a style="font-family: lucida grande;" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0362270/"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Frenzy</span></span></a><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"> </span>( Alfred Hitchcock 1972. 116 mins) 3/ 5<br /> [FOX Classics] 1st viewing. Film #715<br /> Proof that the Master of Suspense was still brilliant right up to the end. Great narrative based on the 'wrong man accused' theme. Strong and believeable performances by all, mainly because they unrecognisable actors. Wonderful moment when the 'Necktie Murderer' propositions his next victim out the front of the bar. Great music and use of sound.</span><b style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /> <br /> </span></b><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">2 Saturday</span></span><b style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-style: italic;" lang="EN-AU"><br /> </span></b><a style="font-family: lucida grande;" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0362270/"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Yankee Doodle Dandy</span></span></a><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"> </span>( Michael Curtiz 1942. 126 mins) 3.5/ 5<br /> [TCM] 1st viewing. Film #714<br /> Wow this film is still fresh 60+ years later. The one thing I learnt from this film is , James Cagney can dance. Brilliant scene in which pretending to be an old man, he shows a young lady that he can dance. Great musical numbers. This is such an enjoyable , eye opening film. Memorable music. Highly Recommended.</span><b style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /> </span><span style="font-style: italic;" lang="EN-AU"><br /> </span></b><a style="font-family: lucida grande;" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0362270/"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Pork Chop Hill</span></span></a><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> </span>( Lewis Milestone 1959. 97 mins) 2/ 5<br /> [Movie Greats] Film #713<br /> Not a bad film . Gregory Peck is convincing as the Lieutenant in charge of capturing a Hill inhabited by the Chinese Army, that really has no bearing on the war or anything. The Hill and the fight for it becomes a metaphor for fears and the decisions made in war. Worth seeing for the cast- Gregory Peck, Rip Torn, Robert Blake and Martin Landau.</span></span><b><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;" ><br /> </span></b></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-114940627487804961?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1149405718899912102006-06-04T17:13:00.000+10:002006-06-04T17:23:35.080+10:00<span style="font-family: lucida grande;font-size:130%;" > <span lang="EN-AU"> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">29 Tuesday</span></span><b><span style="font-style: italic;" lang="EN-AU"><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> </span></span></b><a style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0362270/"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Dersu</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Uzala</span></a><span lang="EN-AU"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"> </span>( Akira Kurosawa 1975. 141 mins) 4 / 5<br /> [World Movies ] Film #712<br /> Striking, beautifully paced film. Maksim Munzuk is extraordinary as Dersu Uzala, the hunter who guides Yuri Solomin on his expedition. A heartfelt, warm narrative of two men and their bond. A film that touched me deeply.</span><b><span style="font-style: italic;" lang="EN-AU"><br /> <br /> </span></b><span lang="EN-AU"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">25 Friday</span></span><b><span style="font-style: italic;" lang="EN-AU"><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> </span></span></b><u style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0362270/"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou</span></a></u><span lang="EN-AU"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> </span>( Wes Anderson 2004. 118 mins) 3 / 5<br /> [35mm Sun Theatre- Trocadero Cinema 1.30pm] 1st viewing. Film #711<br /> Quirky, original, colourful and witty. A great story with wonderful supporting cast. Bill Murray's best performance. The look of the film, with its mutli style of shooting was brilliant- as was the choice of soundtrack.</span><b><span style="font-style: italic;" lang="EN-AU"><br /> <br /> </span></b><span lang="EN-AU"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">19 Saturday<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> </span></span><u style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Volcano</u> ( Mick Jackson 1997. 102 mins) 2 / 5<br /> [Movie Greats 1st viewing. Film #710<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><br /> </span>Typical run of the mill disaster film. Tommy Lee Jones appears to be the only person in all of Los Angeles to know what to do and to be able to make decisions. Whilst it is nothing special, the idea was good.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><br /> <br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> </span></span><u style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Red Badge of Courage</u> ( John Houston 1951. 69 mins) 3 / 5<br /> [TCM] 1st viewing. Film #709<br /> Great film involving Audie Murphy as a soldier who flees whilst his men are under attack, only to feel grief upon his return to his regiment. The wonderful thing about this film is the supporting cast - most actors appear for just a few moments but they are indelibly seared into your mind, especially John Dierkes as 'The Tall Soldier'. Audie Murphy as the fleeing soldier is wonderful. Short , sharp and great cinematography.</span><b><span style="font-style: italic;" lang="EN-AU"><br /> <br /> </span></b><span lang="EN-AU"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">18 Friday<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> </span></span><u style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Act of Violence</u> ( Fred Zimmerman 1952. 82 mins) 3 / 5<br /> [TCM] 1st viewing. Film #708<br /> Wonderful story of a disillusioned and bitter soldier, exacting revenge of his senior officer who betrayed his men whilst they were Prisoner of Wars. Robert Ryan is wonderful as the soldier out for revenge and Van Heflin holds his own of a man falling apart. Janet Leigh's performance is dramatic. The only downfall is the ending, which is abrupt . </span><b> <span style="font-style: italic;" lang="EN-AU"> <br /> <br /> </span></b><span lang="EN-AU"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">12 Saturday<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> </span></span><u style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">White Heat</u> ( Raoul Walsh 1949. 114 mins) 3 / 5<br /> [TCM] 1st viewing. Film #707<br /> James Cagney is scintillating as gangster Cody. A wonderful Gagster Fim Noir film, with a very famous ending 'Top of the World Ma!' . It's films like this, driven by an actor whose performance is mesmerising, that makes cinema wonderful.</span><b><span style="font-style: italic;" lang="EN-AU"><br /> <br /> </span></b><span lang="EN-AU"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">6 Sunday<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> </span></span><u style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Singin' In the Rain</u> ( Gene Kelly / Stanley Donen 1952. 102 mins) 3 / 5<br /> [TCM] 1st viewing. Film #706<br /> Enjoyable, bright, funny, witty, energetic film. Some slow points. Donald O'Connor is the standout , and his performance of 'Make Em Laugh' is surely one of cinema's great moments. </span><b> <span style="font-style: italic;" lang="EN-AU"> <br /> <br /> </span></b><span lang="EN-AU"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">2 Wednesday<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> </span></span><u style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Hitch</u><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> </span>( Andy Tennant 2004. 121 mins) 2 / 5<br /> [35mm Highpoint Cinema 6 7.00pm] 1st viewing. Film #705<br /> Badly written story. This film was 20-30 minutes too long. Whilst all the cast worked pretty well with each other, many characters in the film seemed inconsistent in their belief , mannerism and motivation.</span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-114940571889991210?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1149405069802417822006-06-04T17:07:00.000+10:002006-06-04T17:12:02.203+10:00<span style=";font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" > <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">27 Sunday<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> </span></span><u style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Hotel Rwanda</u><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> </span>( Terry George 2004. 121 mins) 3 / 5<br /> [35mm Jam Factory Cinema 14 1.15pm] 1st viewing. Film #704<br /> Striking film. Powerful acting by Don Cheadle, in particular in the last 30 minutes of the film. Some nice cameos- yet, I felt that some of these roles should have been played by non-recognisable actors. The appearances of Joaquin Phoenix / Nolte seemed to distract me often. Cheadle would have won the Oscar in most other years.<br /> <br /> <u style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">The Ox-Bow Incident</u><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> </span>( William Wellman 1943. 75 mins) 2.5 / 5<br /> [FOX Classics 8.30pm] 1st viewing. Film #703<br /> Tight and well paced film. Runs only 75minutes but manages to pose moral and ethical questions that are still relevant today. Whilst all the cast was good it was Frank Conroy who stands out as the stubborn ex-Confederate major, certain that he is right in his judgements. I found some dialogue difficult to follow at the start. <b> <span style="font-style: italic;" lang="EN-AU"><br /> <br /> </span></b><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">26 Saturday<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> </span></span><u style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">'M'</u><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> </span>( Fritz Lang 1931. 111 mins) 3.5 / 5<br /> [DVD Special Edition] Film #702<br /> Haunting, strong film. Peter Lorre portrays a child molester fighting his demons. Great acting by Lorre in what is essentially a supporting role. Wonderful clear transfer on the restored DVD version. Story moves along at a perfect pace, some lovely camera movements and striking lighting. Bravo for the scene with the balloon stuck in the telephone lines.<b><span style="font-style: italic;" lang="EN-AU"><br /> <br /> </span></b></span><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">12 Saturday<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> </span></span><u style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">The Aviator</u> ( Martin Scorsese 2004. 170 mins) 3.5 / 5<br /> [35mm Rivoli Cinema 1 1.45pm]<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> </span>Film #701<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><br /> </span>Enjoyable narrative and nice acting. Blanchett as Katherine Hepburn was the highlight of the film. Great use of film history and old film footage by Scorsese. DiCaprio was quite good- not sure how Alan Alda received a Supporting Oscar Nod. The film did not feel long, but was slow towards the end. Would have liked a postscript detailing what happened to the main characters.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><br /> <br /> 11 Friday</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> </span><u style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Les Diabolique</u> ( Henri-Georges Clouzot 1955. 107 mins) 3 / 5<br /> [VHS - Channel 2] Film #700<br /> Genuinely thrilling, suspenseful French film- with several heart-stopping moments. This film has a lovely twist at the end (which I partly saw coming), however, I feel that information after the twist is revealed was unnecessary. I would have rather the film end at the twist. Fine performances all round.<br /> <br /> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">6 Sunday</span><br /> <u style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Million Dollar Baby</u><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> </span>(Clint Eastwood 2004. 137 mins) 2.5 / 5<br /> [35mm Rivoli Cinema 6 1.15pm] Film #699<br /> Three quarters into this standard boxing film - the narrative turns to a more emotional, ethical storyline. Unfortunately, this came far too late in the film, and whilst impressive acting by Eastwood, the main points of the film seemed rushed.<br /> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><br /> 5 Saturday</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> </span><u style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">She Wore a Yellow Ribbon</u> (John Ford 1949. 103 mins) 1.5 / 5<br /> [ VHS - Channel 2.] Film #698<br /> Disappointing Western. Poor narrative that did not hold my interest. One or two nice shots. Chief Big Tree had the best part as Indian Chief. </span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-114940506980241782?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29236158.post-1149404221574195392006-06-04T16:49:00.000+10:002006-06-04T17:12:48.256+10:00<span style="font-family: lucida grande;font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;font-size:130%;" lang="EN-AU" > <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">25 Tuesday</span><br /><u><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Guns of Navarone</span> </span></u>(J. Lee Thompson 1961 157mins) 2/5<br />[DVD - Video Ezy ] 1st viewing. Film #697<br />Film appears dated, however nice performance by Gregory Peck, Anthony Quinn and David Niven. Certain scenes once on the island are quite suspenseful.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><br /><br />23 Sunday</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 51);"><u style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Ray</u> </span>(Taylor Hackford 2004 152mins) 2/5<br />[ Rivoli Cinema 8 6pm Advance Screening ] 1st viewing. Film #696<br />Too long. Some lip synch was off . Film ended in mid sixties with just a brief screen credit as to what happened for next 40 years.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> </span> Jamie Foxx was convincing, but the film did not grab as it should have.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><br /><br />22 Saturday</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"><u>M*A*S*H</u></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> </span>(Robert Altman 1970 116mins) 2/5<br />[ DVD – Video Ezy ] 1st viewing. Reissue 1973 111 minutes. Film #695<br />Nice ending and use of ongoing voice over joke. Not as much Army related storyline as expected with last quarter or film taken up by a Football match. All character were strong, in particular Donald Sutherland.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: lucida grande;font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><span lang="EN-AU">21 Friday</span></span><u><span lang="EN-AU"><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Kinsey</span></span></u><span lang="EN-AU"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> </span> (Bill Condon 2004) 2.5 / 5<br />[ 35mm Rivoli Cinema 5. 4.15pm ] 1st viewing. Film #694<br />Liam Neeson , Timothy Hutton and Peter Skargaand highlights of film. Film is too long, and required further information as to what happened to the characters.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><br /><br />20 Thursday</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"><u>Curse of the Cat People </u></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">(</span>Gunther Von Fritsche, Robert Wise 1944 70mins) 1.5/ 5<br />[ VHS, Channel 2 ] 1st viewing. Film #693<br />Weak film. Child actor's performance was unconvincing. Whilst the mood of the film was well created- the acting and in particular the story was weak.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><br /><br />16 Sunday</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 51);"><u><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Sideways</span> </u></span> (Alexander Payne 2004) 3/5<u><br /></u>[35mm Rivoli Cinema 7. 4.40pm] 1st viewing. Film #692<br />Nice slow moving film with several hilarious scenes. Not as great as everyone said, but still an impressive film.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><br /><br /></span><u style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 51);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Anastasia</span> </span> </u>(Anatole Livtak 1956 105mins) 3/5 <u><br /></u>[ FOX 8 Bill Collins ] 1st viewing. Film #691<br />Very enjoyable. Helen Hayes performance outstanding. Bergman and Brenner were a perfect match. Quality acting all round. Lovely ending.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> </span> The film that gave Bergman an Oscar.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><br /><br />14 Friday</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 51);"><u><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">LifeBoat</span> </u></span>(Alfred Hitchcock 1944 96mins) 2/5<u><br /></u>[ VHS- Video Ezy ] 1st viewing. Film #690<br />Better than I had ever hoped. Maintained my interest regardless of set restrictions. All cast were impressive.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><br /><br /></span></span><u style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"><span lang="EN-AU"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 51);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Lady from Shanghai</span></span></span></u><span lang="EN-AU"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"> </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">(</span>Orson Welles 1948 87mins) 2/5<u><br /></u>[ VHS- Video Ezy ] 1st viewing. Film #689<br />Nice cinematography and some interesting scenes. But the film felt muddled and lost its way.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 51);"><u style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Cat People</u> </span>(Jacques Tourner 1942 73mins) 2/5<u><br />[</u> VHS LP, Channel 2 ] 1st viewing. Film #688<br />Watched on advice of Martin Scorsese in his documentary 'A Century of Cinema'. B grade film creates nice moody atmosphere<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">. </span>Is famous amongst cine-philes for being the ultimate B Grade film<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><br /><br />11 Tuesday</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"><u>Odd Man Out </u></span>(Carol Reed 1947 115mins) 2/5<u><br /></u>[ VHS- Video Ezy ] 1st viewing Film #687<br />Some lovely philosophical lines. The character of the 'Artist' in particular was impressive. James Mason portrayal was honest and emotional. Carol Reed, famous for the 'Third Man' and 'Oliver' directed this film.</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><span lang="EN-AU"><br /><br />06 Thursday</span></span><u><span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span><span lang="EN-AU"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Ladder 49</span> </span></u> <span lang="EN-AU"> (Jay Russell 2004 135mins) </span> <span lang="EN-AU"> 2/5<br />[35mm Hoyts Cinema 8 Highpoint 2.00pm] 1st viewing. Film #686<br />Enjoyable film - better than expected. Both Travolta and Phoenix were believable thanks to some handy flashbacks.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> </span> Sentimental and predictable in places, but overall a genuinely good attempt.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><br /><br />05 Wednesday</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"><u>Finding Neverland</u></span> (Marc Forster 2004) 2/5 Film #685<br />[35mm Rivoli Cinema 2. 2.50pm] 1st viewing.<br />Not very strong –a lack of character information made Depp's character uninteresting. Film went for too long.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> </span> The story of J. R Barrie and how the ideas for Peter Pan came to fruition. Julie Christie was the highlight of this film.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><br /><br />03 Monday</span><br /></span><span lang="EN-AU"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 51);"><u style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Witness to Murder</u> </span>(Roy Roland 1954) 2/5<br />[ VHS LP – FOX Classics Bill Collins ] 1st viewing. #684</span></span><span style="font-family: lucida grande;font-family:Franklin Gothic Book;font-size:130%;" ><span lang="EN-AU"><br />Short sharp enjoyable film – made same year as Rear Window. George Sanders in particular was impressive. Barbara Stanwyck believe she witnesses a murder across from her apartment- but has difficult convincing anyone. I suggest watching this as a double with 'Rear Window' for comparison in direction and style.</span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/29236158-114940422157419539?l=rhettrospective.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04636780141037053119noreply@blogger.com0