What's On in Glasgow: Cinema
Film Reviews - Christina's Crits:
Christina Byrne (Jim's mother) - published poet, writer and film critique, puts her observational and writing talents to use reviewing films for the website. Looks like we are a dynasty!
Latest Crits
April, 2008
Vantage Point (12a)
The format is that an incident is seen from several viewpoints and initially the story is confusing with the same scene being re-enacted at least half a dozen times then stopping at one particular point, the cliff-hanger. What happens next?
The movie begins in the newsroom of a television studio where Sigourney Weaver is the controller, directing cameramen and reporters who are covering the American President's visit to the Spanish town of Salamanca. Dennis Quaid is Thomas Burns, a presidential bodyguard, newly returned to his job after taking a bullet for his boss in a previous assassination attempt. His nervousness makes him especially vigilant but he still fails to anticipate another attempt that sees the president being shot in the chest. William Hurt plays the president.
Other viewpoints include that of a tourist, a Spanish undercover policeman and the terrorists.
The action is fast-paced and dramatic culminating in an exciting car chase that finally provides all the answers and ties up the loose ends. What is especially frightening is that the movie illustrates how modern technology can be used in acts of terrorism.
Director Pete Travis' film keeps us guessing and lives up to the name of a thriller but none of the characters are sympathetic or have any depth so I didn't find myself becoming really involved.
One Missed Call (15)
The phone rings and the recipient of the call hears her own voice. She calls her friend to tell her what happened and shortly after drowns in her garden pond when a spooky hand reaches up from the depths and drags her into the water. This movie would be horrific if it weren't so funny and predictable. One by one her student friends expire, victims of bizarre accidents and guess what - each of them had got that mystery phone call.
Jack Andrews (Ed Burns) is the policeman investigating the case but he is also personally involved since his sister had died after receiving a similar call. Together with Beth (Shannyn Sossamon) his detective work leads him to a burned out hospital where a charred spectre awaits them.
Director Eric Valette's film has everything a horror story should have with drama and suspense aplenty but somehow it doesn't work. Instead of being held by the action we see cliche after cliche. Don't waste your money.
27 Dresses (12a)
'Three times a bridesmaid, never a bride' runs the old saying and Jane proves it when we see her wardrobe crammed to overflowing, not with three dresses but with twenty-seven. She fits the bridesmaid role so well she is now an expert and even manages to fit two weddings into the one day.
Her own heart has been given to her boss, George (Edward Burns) but of course he is oblivious to her soulful gazes, seeing her only as the perfect secretary. This she can cope with, nursing the thought that one day he will fall madly in love with her but things change when her sexy but scheming sister, Tess (Malin Akerman) appears on the scene and said boss sees her as the love of his life. Kevin is a journalist covering the wedding page of his paper and he meets Jane at a wedding. He is intrigued by the perennial bridesmaid, looking at the scenario as a good story, the kind that will take him from wedding features to the real news on the front page. However his article is cruel and mocking and Jane is not pleased. As in all good romantic comedies, the couple dislike each other and it seems unlikely that love will blossom but who knows?
Katherine Heigl is engaging as Jane and James Marsden is convincing as Kevin the cynical journalist but the one who excels is Tess, the manipulative sister who can be vulnerable under that glamorous exterior.
The film is directed by Anne Fletcher.
The Accidental Husband (12a)
How is it possible to acquire a husband without actually marrying one? Radio presenter Dr. Emma Lloyd (Uma Thurman) finds out, when she hands out advice over the air and destroys a romance. When the fiancee of Patrick, a New York fireman, phones for advice she tells her to dump him as he sounds far from reliable, and go for a man she can depend on.
Emma is set to marry her publisher Richard (Colin Firth) a stuffed shirt with money and a solid future but she is unaware of his hang-ups and insecurities that include indulging in secret comfort eating of chocolate bars.
Richard tries to get his revenge by getting his landlord's son (an expert hacker) to set up a marriage certificate online. When Emma and Richard go to 'put up the banns' they are told she is already married to Patrick.
There follows her attempt to get the marriage annulled, but of course the end result is that the two fall for each other.
The movie is cliche-ridden and predictable, exploiting every situation to its fullest but it does have its funny moments.
The director is Griffin Dunne
Eric Bana plays Henry V111, disillusioned with his wife who had failed to provide him with a son and heir. The father of the two Boleyn girls sees this as an opportunity to advance the family's social standing and arranges for the king to visit his household where daughter Anne (Natalie Portman) is to attract the king and become his mistress. The plot fails when Henry falls for the married daughter, Mary(Scarlett Johansson) She is reluctantly moved in to the royal household but eventually finds herself falling in love with him.
The plan is that she will be the one to provide him with a son. During her pregnancy the king's eyes stray towards Anne and she usurps her sister, despite knowing that Mary loves Henry.
Anne is shrewd enough to make the king divorce his wife and marry her before she shares his bed. She becomes pregnant and has a daughter but falls out of favour and the rest, as they say, is history.
However, along the way there are many liberties taken with the truth.
Director Justin Chadwick's film is not exactly riveting, with too many sub-plots and characters. The acting was anything but gripping, in fact the most impressive and enjoyable things about the movie were the fabulous costumes.
Bank Job (15)
The idea for the movie is based on the real life bank robbery carried out on Lloyds bank in London's Baker Street. At the time it made headlines but the Government slapped a 'D' notice on the news and it was quietly buried.
Terry (Jason Streatham) a small-time car dealer and part-time crook, is approached by former girlfriend Martine (Saffron Burrows.) She outlines a scheme to break in to the safe deposit vault of the bank where there is up to 3 million pounds worth of cash and jewellery. She doesn't tell him the real reason for the robbery is to recover incriminating photographs of a member of the royal family. If she is successful in getting the pictures she will not be prosecuted on a charge of smuggling drugs into the country.
All goes well until a ham radio operator picks up the conversation between the robbers and their lookout. It seems they will be caught but the police and MI6 are unable to pinpoint the site of the robbery.
There are sub-plots involving members of government frequenting a high-class brothel, a dodgy nightclub owner bribing senior policemen, and a sinister black activist. The story is intriguing and relatively light-hearted except for a few scenes near the end.
Directed by Roger Donaldson, the film is well worth seeing.
March, 2008
National Treasure: Book of Secrets (PG)
Ben Gates (Nicholas Cage) had always believed that his great, great grandfather was a hero so when a man called Wilkinson (Ed Harris) produces a fragment of paper that appears to prove otherwise he has to investigate. Gates believed his ancestor had warned of a plot to assassinate Abraham Lincoln whilst Wilkinson's evidence seemed to implicate him in the plot.
The search leads first of all to Paris then London where Ben uncovers a piece of wood that has part of what looks like a treasure map on it. The second piece is hidden away in a desk in the US president's office.
This is a 'boys own' adventure story with the obligatory trick entrances to deep caves at Mount Rushmore, massive stone doors that block the way out and various other traps destined to keep our hero from achieving his task. Gates is assisted in the quest by dad Patrick (Jon Voight) and mum (Helen Mirren) together with his girlfriend Abigail and pal Riley.
The action is almost thrill a minute as the intrepid adventurers deal with everything the script throws at them to emerge at the end of the film unscathed - except for the villain of course who appears to have a change of heart halfway through.
I'm sure you will enjoy director Jon Turteltaub's movie.
The Bucket List (12a)
Two men are dying of cancer and they meet up in a hospital ward. Not much material for comedy there but the movie proves that where's there's life, there's laughter.
Jack Nicholson is Edward Cole a man who spent all his life amassing a large fortune, four wives, and a daughter whom he never sees. Fellow sufferer, Carter Chambers (Morgan Freeman) has a loving wife and family and has worked all his days as a motor mechanic although when he was young he had aspirations to become a history professor. Life intervened when his wife fell pregnant and he gave up his studies to earn a living.
Although the patients seem to have nothing in common except the illness, they strike up a friendship. When Edward sees Carter compiling a list of thing to do before he dies (kicks the bucket) he mocks him for not being adventurous enough and talks him into including things such as skydiving and high-speed motor racing in addition to travelling the world.
Whilst not exactly laugh a minute there is plenty of humour with a bit of pathos where needed. It's not the best film of the year but is enjoyable with both stars turning in their usual good performances. Sean Hayes excels as Edward Cole's aide, a Mr Fixit who arranges their visits to places such as the Taj
Mahal and Everest, although they don't manage it to the summit.
The director is Rob Reiner.
Definitely Maybe (12a)
Ryan Reynolds plays Will Hayes, divorced, but in close contact with his young daughter Maya (Abigail Breslin.) Abigail asks him about the girlfriends he had before he married her mother so he settles down to tell her the stories of his previous romances. He changes all their names so she has to guess which of them he married.
First off, he leaves his small town sweetheart Emily, (Elizabeth Banks) and goes off to work in New York at the headquarters of the Clinton campaign, thinking that his skills in speechwriting will be appreciated. He finds himself fetching coffee and re-stocking the rest rooms with toilet rolls. When Emily visits he is set to propose but finds that she has slept with his best friend. End of romance.
Next in line is Summer (Rachel Weisz,) who is involved with an older man, a well- known writer (played by Kevin Kline) but again events works against Will and she is destined not to be his true love.
His third attempt to find happiness also fails when April, (Isla Fisher) appears to be in love with someone else. Isla had worked with him when he first arrived in New York but at the time the spark had not been there.
Although the film has its moments, it is a bit too long, drags in places and doesn't quite live up to its genre of romantic comedy. Director Adam Brooks could have cut half an hour off the running time without losing anything.
February, 2008
The Kite Runner (15)
Base on the best-selling novel by Khaled Hosseini the story follows the childhood of two boys growing up in Afghanistan. Amir is the son of a wealthy businessman; his friend is Hassan, whose father is a servant in the household. The boys take part in kite flying contests, with Hassan having the knack of finding the losing kites. After a contest which leaves Amir the winner, he witnesses Hassan being attacked and raped but does not help him and carries the guilt for the rest of his life. When the country is invaded by Soviet troops, Amir and his father leave for America and the boys never meet again.
Years later, a friend of Amir's father asks him to go back to Afghanistan, by this time under Taliban rule. He finds that Hassan and his wife are now dead and their son is being abused by a Taliban official. He sets out to rescue him. Having only recently read the novel I found the film stayed relatively close to the plot but wondered if the events would make much sense to someone who had not read it. The story spans years and seems disjointed in places, also it is distracting to be constantly reading the subtitles in order to understand the dialogue.
Despite that, director Marc Forster's movie is powerful and enjoyable.
No country for old men (12a)
Llewelyn Moss (Josh Brolin) is out hunting near the Mexican border when he comes across the scene of a brutal massacre with bodies sprawled next to a truck packed with drugs. Following a bloody trail, he discovers a dying man clutching a suitcase full of money. He takes it home but knowing that the drug smugglers will soon be after him he sends his wife Carla Jean (Kelly McDonald) to stay with her mother then plans to disappear for a time.
Thinking he has outwitted the people pursuing him he is surprised to find that psychopath Anton (Javier Bardem) is hot on his trail. Anton is a serial killer who uses an odd weapon powered by compressed air to kill his victims.
Chasing Anton is sheriff Tom Bell (Tommy Lee Jones.) Bell is on the verge of retirement but knows Anton from years back. He also knows that Moss is no match for the cold-blooded assassin and tries to stop him becoming another victim. Ethan and Joel Coen are the directors and apparently their adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's novel sticks closely to the original story line. Not having read the book, I found the movie difficult to follow and did not understand the ending. Judge it for yourself.
January, 2008.
PS I love you (12a)
Hilary Swank plays Holly in this tale of a young widow who has difficulty coming to terms with her husband's death. Gerard Butler is Gerry who dies before the film begins but keeps appearing in flashbacks.
Having read Cecelia A'Hearne's book I was looking forward to the movie but like most screenplays it was merely based on the novel and did not stick to the plot. Nevertheless, it was enjoyable.
Gerry dies from a brain tumour but leaves a legacy in the form of letters guiding his wife through the grieving process. Although the subject could be grim there is a lot of humour e.g. Holly insists on lugging the casket with Gerry's ashes with her when she goes clubbing.
Kathy Bates is Holly's mother, trying to force her daughter into facing up to her loss; comparing it with her own experience as an abandoned mum bringing up her daughters alone but Holly will have none of it and seems to wallow in her grief.
Director Richard LaGravenese has succeeded in giving us an emotional film that is entertaining but does not seriously tackle the process of bereavement. Whilst not strictly a weepie it is unashamedly a 'women's story.'
Charlie Wilson's War (15)
The film is set in the days of the Cold War when Russia had invaded Afghanistan, and America was undertaking covert operations to help the Mujahaddin try to regain control of the country. The story centres on Congressman Charlie Wilson who is drawn into the situation when he becomes involved with rich society fundraiser Joanne Herring (Julie Roberts.)
Initially his contribution is to authorise the doubling of a 5 million fund but Joanne persuades him to visit the country and see at first hand the destruction caused by Russian helicopters and tanks and the misery of the vast overcrowded refugee camps in Pakistan where many of the homeless Afghans had sought asylum.
Congressman Wilson gets a senior politician to go in person with the result that Sthe American Government pour money and arms into the country to help resist the Russian invasion. Based on the novel of the same name, the story is roughly true.
Tom Hanks makes a convincing Charlie Wilson - not the most moral of politicians but proving to have a conscience when it comes to helping the oppressed. Julie Roberts is resplendent in big hair and glamorous gowns, playing the wealthy socialite to perfection and Philip Seymour Hoffman is the unconventional CIA man, the Mr Fixit who knows everyone and everything and gets the job done.
Director Mike Nichols' movie is one not to be missed.
December, 2007
We own the night (PG)
Bobby (Joaquin Phoenix) is the manager of a bar where there are shady goings on but he has a big secret in his life, in that his brother Joseph (Mark Wahlberg) and his dad (Robert Duvall) are in the New York Police Department. Bobby is seen as the black sheep of the family. He has changed his name and there is little contact between him and his brother.
Because the bar where Bobby works is owned by a Russian fur importer and is awash with drugs, NYPD tries to enlist his help to catch a big time drug dealer connected to the Russian Mafia. Bobby is torn between betraying his friends and helping the police, and when Joseph is gunned down by the drug dealers the dilemma is made worse. Joseph survives and Bobby decides to work for the police, leading them to the source of the drugs. They capture the ringleader, a nephew of Bobby's employer.
However the story has many twists and turns before an exciting shoot out in the final scenes.
There is a bit too much going on at times making film seems like a series of cliches with situations that have all been seen before. Despite that, Director James Gray's movie is worth a look.
American Gangster (18)
Two stars for the price of one. Denzel Washington plays the American Gangster of the title with Russell Crowe pitching on the side of the law. There were shades of 'The Untouchables' with Richie Robert (Russell Crowe) gathering his own elite band of honest men to hunt down the villain who is supplying the Harlem district of New York with drugs. Robert's team had been set up because it was estimated that over half the New York Police force was corrupt, taking protection money and bribes from criminals.
Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington) sees himself as a businessman, supplying an existing market at a reasonable price, amassing an enormous fortune in the process. He controls the means of supply, sourcing his product directly from Thailand via soldiers fighting in Vietnam. Lucas presents a respectable front, dresses conservatively and even goes to the extent of attending church every Sunday. Like the Mafia, he employs his family in the business, but other big names in the drug trade are not happy with his trading strategies.
Director Ridley Scott's movie is gripping in parts as Crowe moves inch by inch to discover the man behind the epidemic of misery generated by the easy availability of heroin on the streets.
Although the film runs for well over two hours the action never flags and is all the more engrossing for being based on true events.
August Rush (PG)
Think Oliver Twist and you're there. Freddie Highmore is Evan aka August Rush, a child obsessed with music. He is brought up in an orphanage but runs away to look for his parents. Robin Williams plays a Fagin type character who tries to exploit Evan's talent to make money for himself.
Evan's father, Louis (Jonathan Rhys Meyer,) is an Irish rock musician who had met up with Lyla (Keri Russell) a cellist in an orchestra. They had fallen in love and spent the night together but Lyla's dad kept them apart, insisting she should concentrate on her career. She has an accident and when she recovers her father tells her the child did not survive.
Evan learns to compose music and is asked to conduct his own composition at a concert in Central Park. The two lovers are drawn to the place and are re-united. You know the rest.
AUGUST RUSH is a feel-good feast of sentimental fantasy that would bring a tear to the glassiest of eyes and is directed by Kirsten Sheridan
Fred Claus (PG)
How would you like to be the older brother of a goody goody child who grows up to be Santa Claus? Bet you would be sick of his saintly unselfishness, especially when he gives away your toys to needy children.
Vince Vaughn is Fred Claus, earning a crust by repossessing TV sets from folk who cannot pay their instalments. His parents and his brother Nicholas (also known as Santa) live and work at the North Pole where Santa has a toy workshop. Fred has had no contact with them for years until he finds himself in need of bail money and phones for help. The condition of the loan is that he takes a job with Santa Claus and his little helpers. Needless to say the arrangement doesn't work and the brothers fall out.
It is the familiar tale of sibling rivalry but the situation is complicated by the arrival of an efficiency expert (Kevin Spacey) who is out to oust Santa from his job of delivering Christmas gifts to children all over the world and cancel Christmas altogether.
November, 2007
Run Fat Boy Run (12a)
On their wedding day Dennis runs out on his pregnant girlfriend Libby (Thandie Newton) who is left to bring up their son on her own. He still loves her but she has made a new life for herself and the child, although he is still in contact with them. Five years on and a few stones heavier, Dennis decides to try to get her back but by this time she has an American boyfriend (Hank Azaria) who is everything he is not – rich, handsome and a successful banker. Dennis works as a security guard in a lingerie shop. When he discovers that the boyfriend is running in the London marathon he decides to do the same even though he is fat and unfit. Friend Gordon, (Dylan Moran) and landlord ? train him. Simon Pegg is convincing as the likeable but hapless and hopeless Dennis. Hank Azaria as the extremely obnoxious boyfriend provides a perfect contrast, leading the audience to root for Dennis in the race. Directed by David Schwimmer of ‘Friends’ fame, this is one romcom that does what it says on the can – send you out of the cinema with a big grin on your face.
Mr Brooks (18)
Kevin Costner stars as Earl Brooks in this tale of a serial murderer who wants to stop killing but cannot because he is addicted to the thrill. The other half of his schizophrenic personality, (played by William Hurt) knows how much gratification the killings bring and tries to persuade him not to stop. Detective Tracy Atwood (Demi Moore) is on the case. She is a very rich woman, going through a divorce and her rat of a husband is trying to get a large chunk of her fortune. When Brooks murders a young couple in their home he forgets to close the curtains in the bedroom and a man in the flat opposite photographs the killings. He makes contact and threatens to go to the police unless Brooks lets him help with the next murders. The plot involves another serial killer, several more people being done away with, and Brooks’ daughter who mysteriously arrives home from her college course the same week there is a murder in the college. All a bit too complicated. Although MR BROOKS has edge of seat drama at times, there are some events that seem just too much of a coincidence. It’s OK but definitely not one of Kevin Costner’s best movies. The director is Bruce Evans
October, 2007
Knocked up (18)
On a night out to celebrate her new job as television presenter, Alison (Katherine Heigl) has a one-night stand with Ben (Seth Rogan) a work-shy, internet geek who has managed to survived for nine years without getting a job. He lives off accident compensation money. With his other layabout flatmates, he spends the day watching videos and dreaming of getting rich by setting up a porn website.
When Alison finds herself pregnant she gets together with Ben to try and get some support but the pair appear to have nothing in common. Whilst she is hardworking and ambitious, he is laid back, spending his days sitting around smoking dope. In real life it would be hard to find a more unlikely couple.
Supposedly a romantic comedy, this is nothing more than a smutty movie, playing to the lowest level of filmgoers. It may have an attraction for folk who have yet to grow up but it certainly didn’t appeal to me. Billed as hilarious, I found it tasteless and not the least bit funny. It runs for over two hours and was two hours too long.
Of course, director Judd Apatow wasn’t aiming at a discerning audience so what did I expect. No doubt it will go on to be the biggest grossing movie of this year - with the emphasis on gross.
Atonement
Movie’s new golden boy James McAvoy stars as gardener, Robbie, in this story of how a spiteful lie can ruin a life. Thirteen-year-old Briony witnesses an incident between Robbie and her sister Cecelia (Kiera Knightley) and misinterprets it, leaving her convinced that Robbie is some kind of pervert. When her cousin is raped after a family party she accuses Robbie, resulting in him being convicted and spending four years in prison.
Robbie and Cecelia are in love but she is barred from seeing him. At the outbreak of the Second World War he is released from prison provided he joins the army. Cecelia becomes a nurse and the couple meet up again. By this time, Briony has realised her mistake and tries to make up for the lies but Robbie and Cecelia cannot forgive her.
Much of the story is told in flashback when Robbie is waiting to be rescued on the beach at Dunkirk and these scenes are very powerful.
Based on Ian McEwan’s novel, the tale is slow to unfold and at times I found it a bit tedious in parts. However at other times, director Joe Wright’s film is compelling to watch and has a surprising twist in the tail. Make sure you don’t miss it.
September, 2007
No Reservations (PG)
In this romantic comedy, Catherine Zeta-Jones stars as Kate, head chef at a high class New York restaurant. Her management method is to constantly crack the whip and snap at her staff. Having been ordered to undergo therapy by her boss because she insults customers who do not like her food, she attends a psychiatrist but bores him to tears. Cooking and food are all she talks and thinks about and she has no room for anything else, never mind a life or relationships.
When her sister is killed in a car accident, everything suddenly changes and she is left to look after young niece, Zoe. Whilst she is on leave from her kitchen, Nick (Aaron Eckhart) is brought in as a temporary replacement and she feels she is being usurped from her dominant position. Of course there is an attraction between them but sparks fly when she later discovers that he has been offered a permanent job as her assistant.
This is a family film. No sex, no violence and a certain blandness but engaging anyway with a sweet, feel good factor. Child star Abigail Bresling is excellent as Zoe and Eckhart plays good-natured Nick with just the right touch of humour. If you have nothing better to do, it is worth a look.
The director is Scott Hicks.
License to wed (12A)
Sadie (Mandy Moore) and Ben (John Krasinski) are about to tie the knot and go to book the date with Kate's local priest, the Rev. Frank (Robin Williams) but all is not plain sailing. He demands that they go through a 'voluntary' pre-marriage course to confirm that they really are committed and suitable for each other. Sadie is happy to do so but Ben at first refuses. He is finally persuaded when Frank says he will not marry them unless they do the course.
It sounds like a recipe for a fun movie but many of the situations are cliched, the jokes visible a mile off and most of the laughs fall flat.
Robin Williams is often a sympathetic character but there is something distasteful in his portrayal of the 'with it' priest who discusses the couple's sex life with Sadie and puts a bug in their apartment to check that they are not indulging in pre-marital sex. He also has an obnoxious sidekick in the form of a young boy who is supposed to be a trainee priest. There is a slightly unhealthy feeling about the whole thing so don't worry if you miss the film.
The director is Ken Kwapis but I think he has a dud here.
August, 2007
Evan Almighty (PG)
Evan Baxter (Steve Carrell) has been newly elected to congress and moves his family to a brand new, palatial mansion in Washingon. Congressman Long ( John Goodman) has set it up for him but in return, expects support for a bill to use green belt land for more housing.
Evan's pledge to his electors has been to change the world and he asks God (Morgan Freeman) to help him do so. Unfortunately God's ideas are somewhat different to Evans's and Congressman Long's, and the new politician is given the task of making an ark in preparation for a flood. He is even told the date and time of the expected deluge. His appearance also changes from a clean-shaven, smart-suited career man to a heavily bearded biblical figure.
His wife Joan (Lauren Graham) does not understand what is happening, thinks he has lost his marbles and decides to leave, taking the children with her. However, she relents and with the boys' help, the ark is duly completed in readiness for the flood and the massive horde of birds and animals that has been congregating round this modern day Noah.
The movie has been slated by some critics but it is a pleasantly innocuous film and children will enjoy the slapstick humour. Good choice for a family outing. The director is Tom Shadyac.
The Bourne Ultimatum (12A)
From the first to the final scene this is a fast-paced action movie but don't ask me if I understand the plot. Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) is again searching for his identity and finds a reference to himself in a London newspaper. The article exposes the dirty tricks of the CIA and mentions operation Blackbriar. Bourne arranges to meet Guardian reporter Simon Ross (Paddy Considine) and they end up in Waterloo Station but CIA bosses in Manhattan can somehow access the CCTV images and supremo Vosen (David Strathairn) tracks the two and orders that they be killed. Of course Bourne escapes.
In an attempt to find out more about operation Blackbriar, Bourne travels halfway round the world, pursued by assassins in the pay of the CIA. From car and motorbike chases to daring jumps from building to building and ultra violent close combat, Bourne is by turn the hunter and the hunted, all the time experiencing flashbacks from his past.
Although excitement and suspense keeps you glued to the seat, sometimes the chases go on the wee bit too long and become (dare I say it) slightly boring. Still, the film delivers what is expected and most critics are giving it five stars so director Paul Greengrass should be happy.
July Crits
Diehard 4 (15)
Just when you thought Bruce Willis had given up on dirty semmits and skin of his teeth adventures he pops up again, this time battling Thomas Gabriel (Timothy Oliphant) an evil ex-government systems designer who is out to take over America and the world. To do this Gabriel recruits a squad of geek hackers to break into the FBI computer network, blank it out and create chaos. His next move is to do away with the hackers but one manages to escape the bombs and bullets, and hard-bitten cop John McLane (Bruce Willis) is given the task of escorting him to Washington.
The usual round of explosions, high-speed car chases, plane and helicopter crashes ensues and McLane and his charge (played by Justin Long) end up in more tight corners than a Formula One racing driver. Meantime Gabriel infiltrates the traffic control system, causing mayhem in the city centre then takes out the electricity supply.
Through it all, our hero shows what a hard man he is, surviving everything the baddies throw at him and as you would expect good triumphs over evil. The movie has an abundance of fantastic stunts that keep the audience hooked right to the end so I reckon director Len Wiseman did a good job.
Harry Potter and the Order Of The Pheonix (12a)
Being the only person on the planet who has never read a Harry Potter book, I was at first perplexed by the plethora of characters that peopled the screen. It took a while before I figured out who was who and I'm still not sure which ones are the goodies.
However I found the story entertaining and really enjoyed the 'fashions' ranging from medieval robes to hand-knitted and crochet creations that made the actors look like refugees from a charity shop.
Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) gets into trouble for doing magic during the school holiday and is hauled up before the Court of the Ministry of Magic for an explanation. He tells them that he had been attacked by Dementors and also that the dreaded Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) has reappeared on the scene, but they do not believe him.
At the Court he also comes up against Dolores Umbridge (Imelda Staunton) who later appears at Hogwarts and takes over as headmistress, issuing edicts and new rules by the dozen. One daft example is that boys and girls must keep at least eight inches apart at all times.
Harry tries to convince everyone of the threat from Voldemort and sets up an army of students to fight the evil menace.
Fans of the fearless boy wizard will love the film and even folk like me who found themselves there by accident will probably enjoy it.The director is David Yates.
Oceans 13 (PG)
If you decide to see the latest in the series be prepared to concentrate or you will not have a clue what is happening or is about to happen.rnWhen Rueben (Elliott Gould) is conned into signing away his stake in a massive new hotel and casino in Las Vegas and subsequently has a heart attack, the crew get together to see justice done. Willie Bank (Al Pacino) is the villain who virtually stabs his partner in the back and forces him to hand over his interest.
Danny Ocean (George Clooney) rounds up his team from whatever corner of the world they are in and sets up his plan to sabotage the opening night of the hotel. Bank is set to get the prestigious 'Five Diamonds' rating but unfortunately the undercover inspector meets with a series of setbacks including being allocated a room infested with bed bugs.
To cover the cost of buying the massive machinery that drilled the Channel Tunnel (don't ask) Danny enlists the help of Terry Benedict (Andy Garcia.) It is all complicated and confusing but that doesn't make it a great film.
If you are a fan of Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon and the others, make sure you see OCEANS 13 otherwise don't waste your money on Steven Soderbergh's movie.
The Flying Scotsman (15)
It is a change to see a film made in Scotland about a Scot and if only for that reason I was prepared to like it. A lot of the interest is generated by glimpses of familiar locations which all adds to the fun of the thing.
The story concerns Graham Obree (Jonny Lee Miller,) the famous Scot who broke cycling records on a home made bike crafted from scrap metal and washing machine parts. His revolutionary design did conform to cycling standards but his unorthodox crouching position had the World Governing Body for cycling chopping and changing rules almost daily in an attempt to stop him breaking records. We first meet Obree as a youngster who sees his new bike as a means of escape from the school bullies who made his life a misery. Later he is shown as a failed businessman turned bike courier, making a living by delivering mail around the streets of Glasgow. When he meets up with Malky (Billy Boyd) he tells him he intends to try breaking the world record for the longest distance covered in one hour. Malky becomes his manager and succeeds in drumming up enough sponsorship to let him make the trip abroad.
He is also befriended by Baxter (Brian Cox,) a minister who helps him deal with his long-standing mental problems.
Apparently director Douglas Mckinnon and some of the actors have yet to be paid for the movie so hopefully it will be a commercial success. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can recommend it. Make sure you don't miss it.
More May Crits
28 Weeks Later (18)
In a sequel to the film 28 DAYS LATER, the deadly rage virus has returned to Britain and Don (Robert Carlyle) is holed up in a remote farmhouse with his wife and several other people. His son and daughter have been evacuated to a place of safety. When attackers who already have the virus break in to the farmhouse, Don flees to safety, abandoning wife Alice (Catherine McCormack.)
When it seems that all the victims of the virus are dead, the children are brought back and he is reunited with them. Don tells them that he saw their mother being killed but they go back to their home to find that she has survived the attack and appears to have immunity to the virus that turns people into savage zombies. Scientists keep her under observation to try and develop a cure but she infects Don and another epidemic starts.
American medic Scarlet (Rose Byrne) thinks that one of the children may also have immunity and the race is on to get them out of the country. It all sounds dramatic and enthralling but frankly I found the film to be complete rubbish. The most exciting thing about it was the soundtrack music that builds to a crescendo every time the 'action' escalates. If you like lots of blood, shooting, decapitation by helicopter blades and general sicko violence, go see director Juan Carlos Fresnadillo's movie. Otherwise leave it alone.
Wild Hogs(12a)
Four Harley enthusiasts try to recapture their youth by embarking on a 'Road' trip, ditching the mobile phones and cutting themselves off from their families. John Travolta is Woody whose model wife is about to divorce him. He is also stony broke.
Doug (Tim Allen) is a dentist, kept on a strict regime of low fat, low calorie food because it is good for him. Bobby the plumber (Martin Lawrence,) has taken a year off to year write the epic novel but his wife is getting fed up being the breadwinner. She leaves him lists of jobs to do and he has become the classic henpecked husband.
Dudley (William H Macy) is single but he would love to meet a soul-mate. The trouble is he is terrified of women.
When the friends set off on their adventure they are unused to the outdoor life but soon get the hang of it, even skinny-dipping in a remote pool. Only it is not so remote as they think and soon they are joined by a gay highway cop and a family out on a picnic.
Things go from bad to worse before the pals complete their journey, including a disastrous get together with some real bikers, an inferno and a one to one encounter with a raging bull.
Whilst not exactly laugh a minute, the movie has plenty of fun moments and is worth seeing.
WILD HOGS is directed by Walt Becker.
Christina's Latest Crits - May 2007
Fracture (15)
Anthony Hopkins stars as Ted Crawford, who shoots his wife because she is having an affair. Crawford admits the shooting but later retracts his confession, saying he made it under duress. In court he reveals that the arresting officer is his wife's lover, implying that he has been set up for the crime.
Prosecutor Willy Beechum (Ryan Gosling,) had agreed to take the case as his final one before moving to a prestigious private law firm. What appears to be the weapon used was found at the house, so he thinks it is an open and shut case. However the gun that police recovered had never been fired and there is no other evidence to convict Crawford so he goes free.
Because Beechum loses the case, his new job falls through so he finds himself out of work. He is convinced that Crawford is guilty and sets out to prove it.
The film is gripping from start to finish and Anthony Hopkins is excellent as Crawford, manipulating people and events with just the right degree of sly cleverness.
Ryan Gosling is less convincing, looking too wholesome to be the sharp-witted sophisticated lawyer he portrays.
FRACTURE is well worth seeing and will keep you guessing right to the end, with the question of 'what happened to the gun?'
A good film from director Gregory Hoblit.
Shooter (15)
Bob Lee Swagger (Mark Wahlberg) is an expert marksman who escaped death after being abandoned by his platoon commander during an incident. His companion was killed in the incident. Now back home, he lives in exile, in a remote cabin in the mountains with his dog.
Government agents led by ex-army man Colonel Isaac Jonson (Danny Glover,) seek him out and persuade him to help them foil an attempt on the president's life. With his knowledge of firearms, Swagger manages to pinpoint the exact location a rifleman would need to fire from to ensure the shot hits the target. On the day of the planned assassination, the shot misses the president and kills the archbishop of a small African nation. Swagger finds that he has been duped and is in the frame for the murder. He escapes and sets out to find the real reason he has been hired.
The plot is complex and intricate, the excitement mounting with every new twist. For the squeamish, there may be a few too many bodies and sometimes the action is a bit too graphic but the movie is still gripping.
Despite being over the top, director Antoine Fugua's film is worth seeing even if it's only for the 'home doctor' scene where the hero has bullets removed by amateur nurse Sara (Kate Mara) who plays the wife of his dead friend. Echoes of the Wild West and the old cowboy films.
Christina's Latest Crits - April, 2007
Amazing Grace (PG)
Naturally you would assume the movie was about the man who composed the hymn but in fact the main character is deeply religious William Wilberforce, who got the parliament to pass the anti-slavery laws in the early nineteenth century. Much of Britain's wealth at that time was involved with cotton and sugar, based on the trade with the Americas but the labourers who harvested the crops were black slaves brought from Africa. Slaves were bought and sold like cattle and their lives were virtually worth nothing. One example given in the parliamentary debate was of a ship that left Africa with 600 slaves on board and arrived in Britain with only 200 alive.
Wilberforce was a friend of Prime Minister William Pitt but even his help failed to get the bill passed and it was years after Pitt's death before Wilberforce was successful.
The struggle lasted thirty years, during which time Wilberforce suffered ill health and relied on laudanum to dull his pain. He was backed by his wife Barbara, (Romolo Carai) in his campaign and his mentor was reformed slave ship captain John Newton (Albert Finney) who wrote the 'Amazing Grace' of the title. Although Ioan Gruffud excelled as the dedicated Wilberforce and there were good performances from various other actors including Michael Gambon as politician Charles James Fox, I somehow couldn't warm to the film. I had expected more of a fast-moving eventful story but the action was slow and low key, and to tell you the truth was quite boring at times. Amazing, isn't it? The director is Michael Apted.
Premonition (12a)
Linda (Sandra Bullock) waves goodbye to her husband as he leaves for work but later is told that he has been killed in a road accident the previous day. Confusing? There is more. She finds a message on her answering machine referring to a conversation they had had but according to the policeman who had brought the news he was already dead before the message was left.
The film unfolds in a bewildering manner with events happening out of sequence. For example, when she wakes up the following day Jim (Julian McMahon) is still with her and she thinks the whole thing has been a dream. A few days later she is arranging his funeral.
Watching 'Premonition' takes a lot of concentration and even then you will remain perplexed, right up to the last few scenes when all is explained. Or is it? Judge for yourself.
Director Mennan Yapo has crafted a movie that doesn't know whether it is coming or going. Frankly I don't know if it is worth going for it.
Christina's Latest Crits - March, 2007
Blood Diamond (15)
This is a dramatic and savage tale set in Sierra Leone when the country was in the throes of civil war. Rebel forces wipe out villages, killing many but taking some of the adult males to work as slaves, forcing them to pan the river for the diamonds that will finance the war. The young boys and girls are taken to be trained as soldiers, fighting for the rebel army. Solomon (Djimon Honsou) is one of the slaves and his son is forced to be a boy soldier.
Leonardo di Caprio is Daniel Archer, an ex-soldier from Zimbabwe who makes a living smuggling the illegal diamonds across borders to be sold in London and Amsterdam. Jennifer Connolly plays a journalist trying to expose the real cost of mining and selling the precious stones.
When Solomon finds a huge pink diamond which he hides near the slave camp, Archer hears of it and promises to help Solomon find his family. In return Solomon will take him to where the diamond is hidden.
The film is blood-soaked and brutal but gives an insight into what was going on Sierra Leone in 1999. Well worth seeing.
The director is Ed Zwick
Music and lyrics (PG)
A has-been rock singer makes a living doing gigs in backwater towns in America. He is asked to write a new song for Cora Corman, a big name rock chick but although he can knock out a good tune he cannot write lyrics. His agent pairs him with a lyricist but they cannot come up with anything that will work. The girl who comes to his house to water the plants turns out to be able to string suitable words together and the partnership is born. Of course they don't only make music together.
Hugh Grant stars as Alex Fletcher but since he can only play Hugh Grant he performs the way he always does. Drew Barrymore is Sophie Fisher whose life seems to have ended when the tutor of her writing course dumped her. Director Marc Lawrence's film is not the greatest movie ever made but is fun in parts. If you are a Hugh Grant fan you will enjoy it.
Because I Said So (12A)
Diane Keaton is Daphne Wilder, mother to three girls. One of her precious daughters is unable to hold on to a man long enough to get him to the altar so mum decides she must step in. She advertises online for a suitable candidate but none of them measures up. A professional musician is performing in the bar where the interviews are being held and he approaches her but she distrust his 'type.' The final candidate is architect Jason, and he appears to be just what is needed so she sets up an 'accidental' meeting with Millie, her daughter. The two hit it off and all seems set to be rosy.
However Johnny, the musician, had picked up one of the cards advertising the daughter's business and he asks her out. Now the girl had two suitors, both of whom she likes. So who will get the girl?
There are laughs, but the story and the humour are predictable. Worth going to see if there is nothing on telly. Billed as a romantic comedy the film is a little short on both.
Mandy Moore plays Millie, Gabriel Macht is Johnny and Jason is Tom Everett Scott. The director is Michael Lehmann
Christina's Latest Crits - February 2007
Bobby (15)It is 6th June in 1968 America and the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles is gearing up for a very special visitor, Robert F Kennedy. The result of the California Primary election is imminent.
The movie follows staff and guests of the hotel in a fictionalized reconstruction of the fateful day when Kennedy met his death in the hotel kitchens. Stories include the hotel manager’s romantic liason with a switchboard operator and his wife’s reaction to his infidelity, the two Kennedy campaign workers who trip on LSD, the marriage of two young people for the sole purpose of preventing the man being sent to Vietnam (usually only single men were sent there,) and the break-up between an alcoholic nightclub singer and her husband. There are other tales too numerous to mention, in fact ‘Bobby’ has just too much happening for the audience to take the film seriously, although documentary footage of the campaign speeches tries to help.
Director Emilio Estevez has called on a host of his actor friends to form the cast. Big names include Anthony Hopkins, Sharon Stone, Demi Moore, Martin Sheen, Harry Belafonte, Elijah Wood, Helen Hunt and many others – plus the director himself.
Can't say I really enjoyed it.
The Last King of Scotland (15
Idi Amin (Forest Whitaker) has been elected as president of Uganda when Scottish doctor Nicolas Garrigan (James McAvoy) arrives at a charity camp on a mission of mercy. He sees himself as bringing healing and comfort to the poverty-stricken villagers who use the medics as a last resort, after first trying the local witch doctor. Newly qualified, Garrigan seeks adventure and the chance to sow as many wild oats as possible.
When Amin visits the camp the Scot is impressed by his fire and enthusiasm. Attending the dictator at a road accident, Garrigan is invited to become his personal doctor but finds that his predecessor had been dismissed to create the vacant post.
At first he is taken in by Amin's charm, but eventually recognizes that the president is a ruthless murderer, holding power by force and intrigue. Involvement with Amin's third wife sees him becoming one of Amin's victims. The film is based on Giles Foden's novel and of course much of it is fiction but the truth is that 300,000 Ugandans were killed when the dictator was in power. It is a powerful, gripping movie that will sicken you with its brutality but the acting performances are brilliant. Director Kevin McDonald's film is well worth seeing.
Christina's Latest Crits - December, 2006
The Holiday (12A)
Iris (Kate Winslet) thinks her heart is broken when her ex-boyfriend gets engaged, shattering her hopes of their getting back together again. It is coming up for Christmas and she sees the holiday ahead as a bleak time. Amanda (Cameron Diaz) turfs out her live-in lover when she discovers he has been unfaithful. She too, feels that Christmas this year will not be a happy time and decides she needs a holiday. Trawling the Internet she finds that Iris is advertising a house exchange so both girls swap for the holidays.
Arriving in Beverly Hills, Iris is delighted with Amanda's luxurious mansion but Amanda decides that the chilly cottage in the snow-laden English countryside is not for her and makes up her mind to go back home. Before she leaves, Iris' brother Graham (Jude Law) arrives on the scene and she falls for him. Meanwhile back in the States, Iris meets Arthur (Eli Wallach) a retired screenwriter and makes friends with him. She is also attracted to Miles (Jack Black) who is a work colleague of Amanda.
This being a romantic story there are various obstacles to overcome but it all ends happily.
Directed by Nancy Meyers, THE HOLIDAY is perhaps too sugar sweet for some but I liked it, finding it a change from the blood, guts and gore of some of the more recent screen offerings.
Rocket Post (12a)
Billed as 'this year's Billy Elliot,' the story takes place in the 1930's, a few years before the start of the Second World War and is loosely based on a true story. Gerhard, a German rocket scientist and his assistant are sent to a Scottish island to develop a rocket that will carry mail between the islands. At first the islanders are unfriendly but the men gradually become accepted.
Catherine (Shauna MacDonald) is an islander who falls for the scientist and they seem set to live happily ever after. However, when it looks as if war between Britain and Germany is inevitable, Gerhard (Ulrich Thornsen) is called back to Germany. He refuses but is finally forced to go because his mother and the rest of his family are threatened. Catherine is devastated but he promises he will come back to her.
The film is not high drama but provides an evening's gentle entertainment without being too taxing to the brain. There is a simple love story, humour and the wonderful scenery of the Outer Hebrides to feast your eyes on. What more could you want?
The director is Stephen Whittaker.
Christina's Latest Crits - November, 2006
Casino Royale (12a)
The black and white opening scenes have little to do with the main plot except to show James Bond as a new agent making his first kill with ruthless ferocity, so don’t expect the gadgets and gimmickry of the recent films in the series. The new Bond is tough and hard and there is little to laugh at in this movie. The story begins when a terrorist leader hands over millions of dollars to be invested, and threatens what will happen if his money is lost. By a series of events culminating in the failed attempt to blow up a new airliner, the investment fails.
The plot is convoluted and at times obscure but we eventually find ourselves with Bond at the poker tables, gambling ten million pounds from the Treasury. Bond’s opposite number is villain, le Shiffre, desperate to win back the money lost in the failed investment.
The spectacular finales usually seen in the Bond films, where whole islands blow up is toned down a little for this film but there is destruction of sorts when a Venetian villa crumbles into the canals.
Fans of actors who have previously played Bond will not be disappointed in Daniel Craig’s portrayal of their hero. He is excellent, as are co-stars Eva Green as accountant/lover Vesper Lynd and Danish actor Mads Mikkelson as evil le Shiffre.
The remade Casino Royale is directed by Martin Campbell. Welcome back, James Bond.
Red Road (18)
I usually look forward to films where Glasgow is the backdrop but Red Road would not get a recommendation from Visitscotland. Few tourists would want to come to the town after seeing this. Rundown streets; vandalism; walls plastered with graffiti; a general air of hopelessness. The setting matches perfectly the mood of the movie.
At first there appears to be an aimlessness, where Jackie(Kate Dickie) sits in front of a bank of screens day after day. Her job is to monitor the CCTV cameras that watch over the city, looking for crimes or incidents that may lead to crime. The ‘action’ is painfully slow and information about her life is drip fed until we find what her situation is.
Onscreen she sees someone from her past, a man who had been serving a prison sentence. She tracks his movements closely but after a few days her interest develops into an obsession and she begins to stalk him. Eventually she contrives a meeting and her plan for him is revealed.
Red Road is billed as a thriller and I suppose it falls into that category, but frankly I found myself sighing with boredom at the slow pace. I obviously got it all wrong since it has won all kinds of awards, but there you are.
Kate Dickie, Tony Curran and Martin Compston are the stars and the director is newcomer Andrea Arnold.
The Devil Wears Prada (PG)
Based on Lauren Weisberger's book about working on Vogue magazine, the film admits us to the world of high fashion with its bitchiness, wheeling and dealing and general shallowness.
Andy (Anne Hathaway) is a young journalist given the dream job of working for 'Runway' America's most prestigious fashion magazine. A rookie where the fashion industry is concerned, she is initiated into the world of couture frocks, losing her identity and emerging as a clone of all the other staff members.
Emily (Emily Blunt) is head assistant to dragon Miranda Priestley (Meryl Streep,) the tyrannical head of a magazine that demands twenty-four hours a day dedication. Anne gets the job of second assistant and soon finds that it becomes the focus of her life, putting everything else, including her relationship with her long-term boyfriend into second place. Within weeks she morphs into the brittle, clothes-obsessed model type she had previously despised. Her transformation is complete when she deviously betrays Emily by taking her place at the Paris fashion shows.
Director David Frankel has given us a fascinating insight into what goes on behind the scenes and the movie is well worth seeing. Meryl Streep portrays Miranda as a cold, hard career woman, sacrificing her marriage to success and Anne Hathaway is perfect in the role of the naïve newcomer who is seduced by the glamour of it all.
The Departed (18)
Matt Damon plays Colin Sullivan, an inside man in the State Police Department, working undercover for big time criminal Frank Costello. Leonardo di Caprio is Billy Costigan, his opposite number in Costello's team. The aim is to reveal the traitors in both camps. The plot twists in this thriller grip you from reel one to the shocking climax, with violent and bloody action that more than justifies its '18' certificate. Supporting actors in the drama are all stars in their own right and include Martin Sheen, Alec Baldwin and Ray Winstone, to name a few. The opening scenes are confusing but it is not long before the film hooks you and the edge of seat excitement continues right to the end. Vera Farminga, a trauma therapist working for the police becomes involved with both Sullivan and Costigan, bringing a further twist to the plot.
There are great performances from all the actors but for me Leonardo Di Caprio's portrayal of the tortured 'villain' was first rate. Of course Jack Nicholas was the real star as Frank Costello, evil, vindictive and outrageously funny in a movie that needed a few laughs to lighten the darkness.
Not surprisingly, director Martin Scorsese has scored another winner.
Christina's Latest Crits - October, 2006
The Queen (12a)
The story focuses on the week following the death of Princess Di. A few months earlier, Labour had won the election and Tony Blair had become prime minister. Fact and fiction combine to give us an interesting and intriguing film. The Queen is shown as someone almost detached from reality, cocooned away in her highland retreat and unable to understand the public's reaction to the death of her son's ex-wife. After all, she wasn't royalty.
Bla
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Amanda Wheeler | Tue Apr 22 2008