k-rolley Reviews

Fantastic Four (I) (2005)

The lameness of the acting overshadowed by plot-holes

[1/10 · 12 October 2005]

Being somewhat of a Jessica Alba fan from her 'Dark Angel' days, I was willing to see what sounded like a pretty lame comic book adaptation. However, my original suspicions proved to be correct, as this movie was possibly the lamest, stupid, plot-hole ridden crap fest that has ever been forced upon unsuspecting audiences by money-hungry soul-less Hollywood studios.

After the formal recognition of both 'Daredevil' and 'Catwoman' as incredibly crap movies, you would think that the corporations would finally get the idea and start introducing QUALITY to their movies rather than continuing with this kind of C-class vomit provocation.

What little story that was offered between the endless low-quality special effects was both boring and unbelievable (although I realise reality wasn't exactly the objective here). The acting was generic, wooden, special mention given to Chris Evans or 'Johnny Storm', for his incredibly bad acting. You have to give him credit for making the others all seem like potential Oscar winners as he stumbled his way through this 'film'.

No doubt, as it will make a profit from bored teenage boys and 40 year old virgins still living with their moms, a sequel will be released. This time I won't make the mistake of seeing it.

The Child (2005)

A grueling but honest cinematic experience

[7/10 · 11 September 2005]

I had the fortune to go see this at its Belgian premiere, which was attended by the main, and stunningly beautiful female actress, Déborah François. I found myself to be interested in the story from the start. The beginning of the film starts very simply, a young mother with a new-born baby searching on the street for what the audience presumes at the time, and is later verified to be the father of her child. The storyline then develops more as a sketch of the day-to-day living at the bottom of Belgian society. Though despite the fact a grim picture of the central couple's living situation is presented, the film-maker has not crossed the line and has interlaced many light-hearted moments into the movie.

The story develops as Bruno, the baby's father, is quickly shown to have no real interest in the baby or fatherhood, just in making money. He also is portrayed to have a genuine love for Sonya. In this sense the audience follows Brunos life, knowing not whether to cheer him or pray for his downfall, after he makes several questionable choices about the fate of his baby.

I recommend this film to anyone who enjoys a simple film without Hollywood special effects, planned cinematography or any sort of soundtrack. I can see its appeal, but personally I came away wondering what exactly the director was trying to prove by making this film. He did succeed,however, to provide a somewhat entertaining, if slightly heavy film. The cast are excellent.