One common problem – Love …
I felt slightly out of place and several people in the queue looked weird at me.
And some asked me if I was sure I was in the right queue, was I really going to watch this film?
And I said yes.
Tag: movie
Venus – a review (9.5/10)
Venus
Peter O’Toole, the man is 75, and for me this is the man deserving the Oscar for best Actor this year. It’s really delightful that “older” (what is “older” anyway) actors are doing so well at the moment. Judi Dench, Meryl Streep, Hellen Mirren, Bill Nighy, Hugh Laurie all are in the picture, and now there is Peter O’Toole in Venus.
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Babel – review (10/10)
Babel (official site) Highly anticipated, surrounded with much Oscar buzz, just collected a Golden Globe for best Film and very much hyped. Most of the times that ends in disappointed when you finally get to see it in the cinema. But not this time.
This is film making from the heart, and if this film doesn’t touch you it’s time to have your heart checked.
Yes Brat Pitt is in it, and so is Cate Blanchett. She seems to be in everything at the moment and seems to get away with kissing both Bill Nighy (Notes on a Scandal), Brat Pitt (Babel) and George Clooney (The Good German) in the same year. Lucky girl. She was asked who the best kisser was in an interview, and the answer was, oh, lets not go there …
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The Last King of Scotland – review (10/10)
The Last King of Scotland (IMDB), is based on the novel by Giles Foden. It tells the story about young Scottish doctor Nicolas Garrigan (James McAvoy), who through a bizarre twist of fate becomes the personal doctor of dictator Idi Amin (a very scary Forest Whitaker) in Uganda.
The film follows Garrigans work as Amin’s doctor, and as enchanting as Amin seems to be in the beginning, Garrigan soon learns the truth about him. The film is gripping from the very first moment Garrigan lands in Africa. It is shocking, scary as hell, and there are some scenes where I simply had to look away. Both Forest Whitaker and James McAvoy deliver Oscar worthy performances, it is fantastic film. I couldn’t stand up from my chair until the very last credits were rolled off the screen. And it is probably the best film I have seen, that I will certainly never want to see again.
Miss Potter on the other hand was slow, boring, and Renee Zellweger’s British accent was annoying the hell out of me. (5/10) The only highlight here was Ewan McGregor, but he couldn’t save the film from drowning in one of those beautiful lakes in the Lake District. Do not waste your time on it.
Film, Film and B.., ehrm film
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer 8 out 10
Directed by Tom Tywker, whose Run, Lola, Run is still high on my favourite movies of all times list. It must have been a challenge to bring a film about scent to the screen, much can be done in film, but generating smell in a cinema is not yet one of them. But he did succeed in that very well if you ask me. The story is original, the idea of having a man who has never experienced love in his life creating a perfume that makes people want to make love nearly instantly is interesting. But, the ending was too much for me, and I don’t mean the massive scene with lots of action going on, but generally the end of the story. It made it just a tad too unbelievable. Fine performances from Ben Wishaw and Alan Rickman.
The Painted Veil (2006) 5 out 10
OK, I was in New York, it was my last day, it was raining, I didn’t have an umbrella, I had already checked out of my hotel and I had to wait hours and hours for my plane, so cinema it was. I first saw Notes on a Scandal for the second time. And I admit it, it wasn’t nice, but I sneaked into the next film after that without paying another ticket. And of course It wasn’t great. It has Edward Norton in it, but boy was this a depressing and long drawn film, that fitted my mood on that day perfectly.
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) 6 out of 10
Lot of Oscar buzz going on about this one, but I wasn’t impressed. The major problem for me was that I didn’t really like Will Smith’s character in this one. A supposed to be feelgood film that didn’t make me feel good so to speak. The little boy in this film is played by his son by the way.
The Good Shepherd (2006) 6 out of 10
With Matt Damon, directed by Robert the Niro, a story about the early days of the CIA and how people sacrificed their live and love for it. It didn’t make my heart beat any faster though. Long, and boring.
Notes on a Scandal (2006) 9 out of 10
What a cast, and what performances. Lovely to see Bill Nighy in a more dramatic and serious role, and Judi Dench is seriously in the race for an Oscar for this one if you ask me. Deliciously controversial and dark.
Blood Diamond (2006) 9 out of 10
Not too sure if Leonardo should have an Oscar for this, as there are probably better performances to choose from. But despite a lot of violence and blood, this is one hell of a film, I have no problems recommending.
The Holiday (2006) 7 out of 10
Casting Jack Black in a romantic comedy deserves some credit, and he does well. This is not on level with Notting Hill or Love Actually, but probably the closest you get to a christmas rom-com this year. Where is Richard Curtis when you need him?
If there is one film I can’t wait to see it’s Venus with Peter O’Toole. Directed by Roger Michell who directed Notting Hill (a classic), The Mother (interesting with Daniel Craig) and Enduring Love (also with Daniel Craig, and Bill Nighy). It’s scheduled for the end of January.
Stranger than fiction – review (9/10)
And then the Americans : Stranger than Fiction (imdb)
An otherwise average film year certainly is shaping up here in the last 2 months. It seems like they stuffed all the good films in the end of the year.
There is no way you get me into a cinema to watch a film like Talladega Nights. That kind of humour just isn’t me, and I thought Will Ferrell wasn’t really me either. But I admit to be absolutely positively surprised by Will Ferrell’s performance in Stranger than Fiction. What a great actor he is, when not playing a goofy character. He nearly reminded me, dare I say this, of Bill Nighy. His underplaying of the character, his laid back way of acting, his lanky body, he was fantastic.
The story is very original and interesting, it is funny, it is romantic, and it is entertaining until the end. It also has a well playing (as always) Emma Thompson and Dustin Hofman in it.
This might be the Christmas Rom Com you were waiting for, as I can’t see any other ones coming even close to this one this year.
Highly recommended.
London to Brighton – review (9/10)
First the Brits.
London To Brighton (imdb) has been called one of the best British films of this year, and that’s not completely undeserved. It’s a thriller and it will keep you on the edge of your seat from the first until the very last minute. This film really does show the darkest sites of London, and the dark sites of life. It is incredible well acted and it blew me away. Don’t expect any pink coloured happy endings here, you will be disappointed. Though there might be a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel, but only a little bit.
Very recommended, but not for the faint hearted.
[rating:4.5/5]
Flushed Away – review (9/10)
So yes it was a part of the NFT youth program, but they had the preview, and I couldn’t wait to see Flushed Away (imdb) longer than absolutely necessary. It will be released this weekend, and it is safe to say that this is a film suitable for the whole family. Children (and the young at heart) can enjoy the story about pet posh mouse Roddy St. James (Hugh Jackman) from Kensington being flushed into the sewers of London. And adults can enjoy all the jokes and references to other films that are thrown at you along the way. It’s Aardman, so the characters do resemble the likes of Wallace & Grommit, but they are done through CGI. If you loved W&G you are going to love this.
There is a highly enjoyable voice cast with Ian McKellen (as the Toad), and Bill Nighy and Andy Serkis (Gollum) (as his henchmen) as the absolute highlights. And you’ll never look at slugs the same way again after this film. The soundtrack is rocking, the story entertaining and original. Take your family and go see it, it’s fun.
For me the whole reason to mingle into this youth program was of course Whitey, the big, not too bright, albino rat, brain damaged by all the shampoo tests they have done on him. “When I went in I was grey” is one of his remarks about this testlab, which he luckily seemed to have escaped to now work for The Toad, a big fat green monster, ruling it all in downtown London. Whitey is supposed to be the tough guy, he is much bigger than the others and wears lots of bling bling (think stereotype mafia bodyguard type). But he surely has his softspots, embarrassing his mate Spike by wearing pink woolen gloves with red hearts on it (it’s all Love Actually). And ending the story with “Oh I love a happy ending”. Absolutely Billiant.
Let’s see if they can keep the Penguins from snapping the Oscar for Best Animation Film this year. Highly recommended.
If you don’t believe me, check out the slugs : Everybody Dance Now!
[rating:4.5/5]
Casino Royale – review (9/10)
Daniel Craig is Bond, James Bond in Casino Royale
Daniel Craig is soooo hot.
I didn’t write that. Did I just write that?
Scenes of a sexual nature – review (9/10)
The last review for now, I promise. But this film deserves all the support it can get.
Scenes of a sexual nature (checkout the trailer) (IMDB)
Sex and love. Some seek it, some need it, some spurn it and some pay for it, but we’re all involved in it.
I guess you could consider this Love Actually for grown ups, or Life Actually maybe. Here you have 7 stories about relationships, 7 conversations between 7 x 2 people who in some way have a relation with each other. And all that filmed on a sunny day on Hampstead Heath, which is, as you all know, a perfect place to indulge some chocolate to enjoy a view over beautiful London and to speculate about life a bit.
Apart from the chocolate, that’s exactly what those people do. You get a peek into 7 different types of relationships. 7 short stories bundled together in one feature film. Nothing much really happens in the film, but it is strangely intrigueing and addicting to watch and I could have watched hours and hours more. Thanks to a great script with a lot of wit, and of course an army of talented British actors, this is a film absolutely worth seeing.
Breaking and Entering – review (10/10)
Julliette Binoche and new talent Rafi Gavron in Breaking and Entering
OK: UK 1 – Denmark 1
Here is film number 3 entering the list of films with top ratings, one you simply have to see:
Breaking and Entering
[rating:5/5]
That was the short version.
If you want the longer version, including reading how it was to attend a Q&A with Anthony Minghella, director of this film and of films like Cold Mountain, The Talented Mr. Ripley and the fantastic The English Patient, how incredibly inspiring it was for me to hear him talk about his work, and why I loved this film so much – well you know the drill. Clicketyclick.
Oh just one funny coincidence, both After the Wedding (Denmark) and Breaking and Entering (UK) have Sigur Ros on their soundtrack. Both beautiful songs, and both suiting so well into the atmosphere of both films. Of course you all know that the magical song in The Girl In The Cafe is by Sigur Ros too. If not – go and do your homework. Tssk.
LFF : After the wedding – review (10/10)
Cast Mads Mikkelsen, Rolf Lassg?rd, Sidse Babett Knudsen
Director Susanne Bier
I have to admit – the best films still get made in Denmark. And I felt awkward to watch a Danish film in a London cinema. There was a short moment of longing back, to the Danish cinemas and Danish film, but it faded.
We are in the middle of the London Film Festival here, it’s heaven, about 2 weeks with everything a film fanatic could wish for. Danish films for example.
Efter brylluppet tells the story about a (Danish) manager of an orphanage in India who is sent to Copenhagen, where he discovers a life-altering family secret.
This is a very intense and heart breaking film. It explores human nature and moral, and there is a lot to cry and think about, but the ending is hopeful and beautiful and you leave the cinema with a good feeling, knowing you have just seen a brilliant film, with fantastic acting.
Catch it if you can : 10/10. Together with Snow Cake, the best film I have seen this year. Release date for the UK is the 9th of March 2007, for the Netherlands it’s 16th of November.
I fell for Rolf Lassg?rd in Under Solen a beautiful Swedish film which I highly recommend. And Mads Mikkelsen will soon make his big international breakthrough in Casino Royale, the new James Bond film where he plays the villain opposite Daniel Craig. Another reason for me to look forward to the new Bond film.
[rating:5/5]
Children of Men and The Departed – review
Tagline: In 2027, in a chaotic world in which humans can no longer procreate, a former activist agrees to help transport a miraculously pregnant woman to a sanctuary at sea, where her child’s birth may help scientists save the future of humankind. No children. No future. No hope.
Very nice use of colours, beautiful shots of London about 20 years from now (and it doesn’ t look good), but generally a very dark film. Interesting story, and even though I am not a big fan of Clive Owen, a film that is worth seeing. Julianne Moore is in it too. (And she will be in New York on stage playing opposite Bill Nighy in December). Uhm, an 8 for Children of Men. Worth seeing.
[rating:8/10]
Tagline: Two men from opposite sides of the law are undercover within the Boston State Police department and the Irish mafia, but violence and bloodshed boil when discoveries are made, and the moles are dispatched to find out their enemy’s identities. Directed by Martin Scorsese.
If you want my honest opinion about The Departed, which you probably don’t, but I am going to give it anyway : I don’t really know. You got 2 brilliant actors (Jack Nicolson is very scary as a gangster) and Leonardo Di Caprio is excellent as the mole infiltrating in his world. And there is Matt Damon too, playing the dirty cop. There are some very violent moments (a lot of blood and a lot of killing), but they are played in such a casual way that you nearly feel like this is daily routine for them. I think I have to say that the acting was excellent, but that the story maybe was less than that, even though they avoided the cliche ending. Hypes like this – I normally don’t get them, is it because Scorsese directed that everybody (the film reviewers) feels they should be jumping ? A 7.5 from me. There was a lot of shooting going on, but I wasn’t blown away.
[rating:7.5/10]
Stormbreaker review (8/10)
I admit it, I am not especially in the target audience for Stormbreaker (official site). This is a young version of James Bond and the newspapers love the idea of main character Alex competing with Harry Potter about who is going to be the most popular teenage idol.
Superman Returns (8.5/10) and Look both ways (8.5/10)
Very nice suit Kevin.
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest review
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest
Tagline: Capt. Jack Sparrow owes an unpaid debt to Davy Jones and his army of sea-phantoms…his soul. Now, he must find a way to save himself from becoming one of them, and suffering forever.
Hidden / Cache (5/10)
A lot was Cache/Hidden in this film. Including the whole point of it. Hidden well, because I couldn’t find it. After 1.5 hour I was wondering if there ever was going to be a point at all. And then the very unsatisfying ending, nah let’s not waste any more words on it, I didn’t like it.
There was one memorable moment for me in this film though, and it has nothing whatsoever to do with the film as such.
While watching a scene (the film’s location is France) where a car was driving on a road (where else should it drive, but you got the point), while we, as the viewers, were following this car I thought :
Hey, this car is driving on the wrong side of the road !
I am not making it up, my head really thought that. 4 months is obviously long enough for the brain to switch to the other side.
It’s going to be a warm and colourful weekend in London with Europride coming up.
Imagine Me & You (8.5/10)
I was in a very bad mood, went into the cinema, and came out with a very big smile on my face after seeing Imagine Me & You. This not so typical (but still) rom com turned out to be a real mood booster. No one makes better rom coms than the Brits.
And Anthony Head (I never saw Buffy, but did you see him in Dr. Who ?) has now definetely reserved a place on my dreamcast list. He has a delicious voice, can play a charming Brit as nearly no other, and he is very very funny.
United 93 (10/10)
If you would ask me how I felt after I saw United 93, I would say: I felt like if somebody had hit me very hard in my stomach. More than once. I had problems breathing and I couldn’t move the first 5 minutes after the film.
If you can handle that, you should see this film. Filmmaking doesn’t get any better than this.
Tagline: A real time account of the events on United Flight 93, one of the planes hijacked on 9/11 that crashed near Shanksville, Pennsylvania when passengers foiled the terrorist plot.
Directed by Paul Greengrass (a Brit, you might know him from Bloody Sunday or the Bourne Supremacy)
X-Men: The Last Stand (8/10)
I haven’t seen all X-Men films. I saw the first one when it came out, and wanted to see the last one, because of Ian McKellen. He is cool as the powerful carcrushing Magneto. And I happen to like slightly nerdish high tech films like these. It is not really the depth of the story it is about in X-Men, even though this 3rd one does have some moments of thought. No it’s the special effects, and they are very well done. Pure entertainment, and I haven’t looked at my watch at all during this film.
Tagline: When a cure is found to treat mutations, lines are drawn amongst the X-Men, led by Professor Charles Xavier (Stewart), and the Brotherhood, a band of powerful mutants organized under Xavier’s former ally, Magneto (McKellen).
Directed by Brett Ratner
Cast Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry, Ian McKellen, Patrick Stewart