beccaj_ilh Reviews

Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002)

Better than I expected

[10/10 · 17 November 2004]

Before seeing Attack of the clones I had seen neither the original star wars nor episode I and I didn't have any particularly strong ambitions to see them, I am a big cult fan but star wars just never really appealed to me.

I happened to come across the episode II DVD going cheap while browsing in my local library and thought I might as well buy it. And to my slight amazement, I really loved it. Many fans complain that the new ones are nothing compared with the originals, having never seen the originals to compare it with I thought it was brilliant. The action, the adventure, the love story, the lightsabres, C-3PO. The chase through the city near the beginning was fast and furious and had great special effects, as did the scene when Obi-Wan first sees the clones. The arena scene is a particular favourite of mine as it flows so well passing from one piece of action to another with such ease. The fights were amazing (particularly Obi-Wan's and Jango's) and very well choreographed. The film made me laugh (which is something I almost always look for) just little lines like 'I retransmitted it to Coruscant, just as you'd requested, Master. Then we decided to come and rescue you.' [Obi-Wan looks at his handcuffed hands] 'Good job'. The whole thoroughness of it all just made me wonder about the sheer immensity of George Lucas's imagination and it made me realize why all those boys in my class used to make lightsabre noises.

I admit that some of the Anakin/Padme dialogue was sickly sweet but being a typical teenage girl when it comes to love, I'm fine with that. Also overall the acting was slightly wooden but I admit that this did suit the Jedi style characters. Overall, it was my ideal film, action, adventure, romance, comedy and some nice epic not too drawn out battles. If this is bad compared to the originals, then I really should get round to seeing those originals.

9/10

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)

Better than the first two

[10/10 · 8 August 2004]

Like almost half this planet I am a Harry Potter fan and yes I did queue up outside a cinema on the day of release to see this film (despite the fact I was on holiday in France and had to behave like a true fan and sit through the French dubbed version before I could see it in English, just so I could see it on the day it came out)

(Spoilers for non book readers)I found it much more enjoyable than the first two as although it did not stick as closely to the book as previously, it did flow much better and did not give the impression of random scenes from the book being placed in chronological order. Unlike, what it seems, most fans I did not object to the casting or to the fact that they gave away some of Ron's lines as I tried to see it from a film makers point of view. Although I did not agree with the changes they had made to Hermione's character as I found they had made her to socially adapt which was unnecessary. I found the moments that hinted a blossoming romance between two certain characters were well used as it seems that not all fans are picking up the book hints (don't ask me how).

The film was reasonably well acted and it seems that Daniel Radcliff's acting talents are improving (gradually). Michael Gambon was well recast as Dumbledore. Gary Oldman was also great, despite the fact that his looks do not correspond to how I pictured Sirius as you really felt him change the character from raving azkaban escapee to loving godfather.

Yes this film is darker than the other two, but then again the third book is darker than the first two so don't be surprised by that. I enjoyed it.

8/10

Edward Scissorhands (1990)

A beautifully crafted film

[1 August 2004]

Edward Scissorhands is a film I have been meaning to watch since being influenced by the fairytale storytelling of 'Big Fish'. Tim Burton has yet ceased to impress me (despite the fact that I have not seen many of his films) and I have always recognised Johnny Depp as being an actor who can make any character his own, so I was pleased when the viewing opportunity arose.

I have to say that I was not disappointed. The unique aspects of contrast between the bright town and its residents and the dark castle like place where Edward is created is wonderful. The script is well crafted, sometimes funny and very touching. Burton creates a misunderstood character, much like the famous Frankenstein monster. I believe it near impossible not to feel for Edward when he states lines such as "I'm not finished." Johnny Depp is superb and you cannot help responding to his naive, childlike smile.

Although when you read the full story aspects of it may seem slightly ridicules, the overall picture is a wonderful film that has now become a favourite of mine.

9.5/10

S Club Seeing Double (2003)

Terrible, it has no plot

[20 May 2004]

I did not particulary want to watch this film in the first place but after seeing it I really wish I hadn't. I was extreamly bored one day during the christmas holidays and sat down to watch this with my younger sister hoping I would at least get a few cheap laughs, how wrong was I. I don't even think my younger sister enjoyed it, because it was that bad. The plot had so many holes it was like a pair of fishnet tights, and was basic enough to have been compleated in 10 minutes, but instead it was dragged out over almost 2 hours. The acting was very very poor and the jokes (if you can call them jokes) were just strange.

Avoid at all costs

2/10

Just Married (2003)

bad, bad film

[2/10 · 16 May 2004]

Now I'm not usually very critical of films but I have to say that this is one of the worst I've seen all year. It was one of those few movies that I was unable to sit through. The film started off at the end which I think was meant to make you want to find out what happened to the couple, but I really did not care. The jokes were so bad that it was painful watching them (I don't understand how anyone can find Ashton Kutcher getting hit in the head by an ash tray funny) and the plot was just tedious. They seemed to spend a long time on pointless scenes but not very long on explaining anything important. I also didn't understand how the couple who didn't have enough money for a hotel managed to fly to Venice. The stunts were very over the top which suited the film but I just found them to be to unrealistic. I didn't even stay to see the end which is the first time I have ever done that with I film I payed money to see.

I have to say the only good thing about this film was the fact that Christian Kane was in it. I am a big Angel fan and this is the first film I've ever seem him in. I also have to admit than Ashton Kutcher and Brittany Murphy did have good chemistry together but I think that was purely because they were dating at the time this film was made.

I'd rather sit through double geography than see this film again. Save yourself the pain and rent something else instead. 2/10

Run Lola Run (1998)

Brilliant

[9/10 · 16 May 2004]

I don't usually watch foreign language films but my friend had been recommending Run Lola run as being brilliant so I thought I'd give it a try.

The plot is very good and you have to congratulate whoever came up with it. Its emotional, funny sometimes and full of action. It was paced very well and I especially loved the way that when Lola passed someone you saw quick snapshots of their future. The fact that every thing was so fast paced kept you wanting to carry on watching and see what outcome will occur this time. The opening scene quickly explained the whole point of the film and didn't leave any gaping plot holes.

The one thing I would complain about were the slow paced sections in-between Lola running when Lola and Manni were discussing their love life. These have me urging for them to get on with the rest of the story because it was getting a bit tedious. Other than that it was brilliant.

9/10

Van Helsing (2004)

great film, few flaws

[10/10 · 9 May 2004]

I saw this film yesterday and I have to say it was not as brilliant as I had expected but still very enjoyable film. The overall storyline and action was great but there was a few moments that let it down.

SPOILERS The script was good but i found there were a few bad or out of character lines. one of those was, towards the end, when dracula was backing away from van helsing/werewolf and saying something like "maybe we could be friends" i found this to be very cheesy and unlike the evil dracula from the rest of the film. Another thing i didn't like was the fact that a few things were not explained fully (although that may just have been me not paying attention). there were also a few cheesy bits like van helsing jumping off the carriage and firing two guns in slow mo.

but there were plenty of things i did like about the film. David Wenham was great as the comedy friar and had a lots of funny lines ("I don't know if you've looked in the mirror lately, but you kind of stick out in a crowd.") hugh jackman was good as the dark hero, although i'm not sure what accent he was ment to be doing and kate beckinsale was feisty and sometimes a little bit vulnerable so that van helsing got a chance to come and save her (but i still have no idea how she managed to run or fight in that corset). the opening black and white scene was brilliant and a great way to start the film. i also thought the way frankenstein was portrayed was good. the action scenes were great i loved hugh jackman jumping from horse to horse. the CGI baby vampires (and the CGI big vampires for that matter) looked scarily realistic although they sort of reminded me of the flying monkeys from the wizard of oz. it was not a particularly frightening film but there were a few bits that really made me jump like Mr hyde suddenly appearing from the top of the screen.

Over all i give it 8/10