office-147 Reviews

Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005)

"Wow!" Forget what the critics think!

[9/10 · 22 May 2005]

I've always had little faith in the talents of George Lucas, for I'm sure very few of you know that Star Wars is actually a stolen idea from a Japanese film by director Kurosawa known as "The Hidden Fortress" in the USA.

Watching Episode IV, V and VI, I really enjoyed myself, but couldn't help but think of the similarities to Kurosawa's version. Then came Episode I, a pile of trash with no narrative and the deceptiveness of (CGI) Computer Generated Images; and Episode II was not bad, just a little too romantic for my liking.

I had no high hopes for Episode III having seen its two predecessors, and having in mind the story of "The Hidden Fortress" but I was dead wrong! In this thrilling conclusion, it seems that Lucas has taken into consideration just how important the narrative is in a script, and has let his imagination run wild with brilliant new creatures and characters.

If there were any downfalls, it would have to be the ill-inclusion of the wookies and the cheesy dialogue which make villains sound like children's' cartoon villains and some of the industry's most talented actors sound like they are reading an autocue. Also, Yoda's reconstructed lines are extremely over-the-top and perhaps a little annoying.

However, it's a thumbs up for Episode III and everything ties up just superbly. I have seen it 6 times already, feeling very satisfied.

I, Robot (2004)

"...mind-blowing..!"

[9/10 · 17 December 2004]

Most people that I have been to see this with have been very unimpressed, however, I blame those horrible movies that have absolutely no storyline whatsoever and are just overflown with millions of dollars worth of action. "I, Robot" is a masterpiece of work and its fantastic CGI animation is never too little or too much. The fun of the movie is balanced out with a clever storyline, packed with emotion, jokes, mind-blowing equasions and much more. Will Smith is fantastic, as well as his fellow cast members.

I also noticed the movies very unusual soundtrack, which plays an enormous part in setting the scenes. Marco Beltrami has done a fantastic job with this distinctive movie soundtrack. This combines the best of action and the best of sci-fi, and I would strongly advise you to watch this. Not one moment of this movie is a waste of time.

Little Britain (2003–2006)

"...the sames jokes and phrases are extremely repetitive and you find yourself becoming very bored..."

[17 December 2004]

This is not exactly what I would call genius comedy, however, the first few episodes may have you holding your ribs in agony. It is a big risk relying your jokes on gruesomeness and funny accents, which leave the audience hysterical after a few times. There is a wide range of very funny characters in the first episode, feeding the population with great catch-phrases and jokes, but however, as the series moves on, the sames jokes and phrases are extremely repetitive and you find yourself becoming very bored. It is not always good to find that you already know what's going to happen next in a sketch, because it just becomes unfunny. If you want to like this, then I would advise you watch about three episodes - just a slight taste, because too much may spoil your appetite for this series. I myself like constructive and clever comedy, this is none of either, perhaps this is good for a more direct and younger audience?

Women Talking Dirty (1999)

"...the perfect quiet-night-in movie [...] Definitely two thumps up!"

[10/10 · 17 December 2004]

If you are looking for an action-packed, edge-of-your-seat movie then this is not for you. However, this is in fact the perfect "quiet-night-in movie". I always like a story every now and again that has no major suspense, but you still find yourself glued to the screen. If it lasted forever I can safely say I would have continued watching this.

Men, do not be drawn aback by the title - the story tells of two women, one a failed student and the other a shy cartoonist, who fall into an extremely unlikely friendship, and experience the ups and downs of becoming best friends. You are never bored during this, as it tells of how their love lives interfere with their friendship. The arguments pile on to you, and leave your mind thinking and taking in the movie's key messages, whilst the jokes leave you smiling and enjoying the fun of this film.

This is a well acted drama, perfectly casted and worth a watch for those interested in movies about companionship, love, hatred and much much more...Definitely two thumbs up!

Brown Paper Bag (2003)

"...A powerful message [...] ...the acting is absolutely spot on..! [...] ... a fifteen minutes well-worth seeing!"

[6/10 · 16 December 2004]

The first two minutes of this meaningful drama are rather disappointing to a hopeful viewer. The hallucinations of a female alcoholic seem to be more comical than what I imagine was supposed to be realistic, but as it slowly moves on, it definitely improves. A low-budget has definitely made a few spoilers, but a few shockingly good scenes also. To compensate a few let-downs, the acting is absolutely spot on and the motion is well-edited. This short film is definitely one that brings a powerful message to not just alcoholics, but those who consider drinking to excess, a great sport. I would urge victims of alcohol to watch this, but those who aren't also - it's a fifteen minutes well-worth seeing!

Gina and Stella (2002)

"...a pointless animation...definitely disappointing...I would not consider this worth watching..."

[4/10 · 16 December 2004]

From the moment I began watching this animated picture, I asked myself the question "...Where is this story going?", and still there was no real story. I only seem to remember it being set in a kitchen, with two arrogant Irish women, babbling and swearing on about the neighbour's horrible gates. I was dragged to one hundred percent boredom when one of the characters [Stella] seems to suddenly faint after holding two bags of sugar, and Gina begins to cough because of Stella's pottery [????]. Fortunately, the film ends, but not so fortunately with a cheesy theme tune.

The confusing plot of this pointless animation caused me to watch the film twice in a row, but still I could not uproot a strong story. The effort seems to have been put mostly into the animation, which is undoubtedly in my top-list - but this is definitely disappointing. Perhaps a children's' tale with a better script would be more spot-on. I would not consider this worth watching.