Change Your Image
Hugh Janus
Reviews
Gladiator (2000)
Gladiator - good but flawed.
Plenty of other folks here have written good reviews about the acting/directing in this film, but I feel a need to whinge.
I went to see this film with high hopes and for the most part I was far from disappointed but. there were I feel, failures.
The much vaunted special effects were indeed impressive and there were scenes that are truly awesome. However for me the scenes that least required special effects i.e. the fight sequences were ruined by the addition of a bizarre blurring / juddering effect that rendered them unintelligible. Considering it is a film about gladiators you really would expect to be able to see what was going on, especially in the fights.
In a sci-fi the effects can be up-front, in a film about gladiators the special effects should be invisible.
There that's my whinging over. 7/10.
Kevin & Perry Go Large (2000)
Does exactly what it says on the tin
If you're a fan of Harry Enfield and Chums, and the collection of bizarre characters that he creates, then you will find this film to be a wonderful extension of his comedy series. If you've never heard of him you might still have a few laughs at the rye humour poked at club lifestyle in Ibiza in 1999.
If your not into Harry or clubbing I can only recommend that you go and view it with an open mind and low expectations. None of the humour is very high brow, the script is basic/workmanlike and the photographic style is barely above good TV standards.
But that's not what this film is about. Empty your mind of all the important things, set your memory back to your teenage years or simply look around the cinema at the spotty youths before you go in. This film captures those difficult teenage years perfectly. Toilet humour, club lifestyle, slapstick spot on.
My vote? 7/10
Three Kings (1999)
Americans win all wars - always. Hurrah.
If I were an American, I would doubtless have found this film a heart warming rendition of Gulf War drama/comedy. Outside of the States and it's own trumpet blowing, I can only look on in shocked amazement at the high score the film has achieved.
The director seems to have no idea what film he is trying to make - a comedy, a drama, a political commentary or simply a farce. The director's attempts at humour seem brief and sugar coated. Certainly George Clooney handles his one dimensional character in a suitably plank like fashion. He should take notes from Mark Warhlberg and one day attempt to portray an emotion, rather than simply continuing his slick ER role on the big screen.
The plot seemed filled with triviality when a moment of some gravitas was taking place. The story is simply not very plausible and the ending is so week I think only Sphere can match it for shere let down factor.
If you can think for yourself, you'll fall asleep. Go and see American Beauty to see what Hollywood can really do.