DavidJT Reviews

Ray (I) (2004)

Disappointing......

[6/10 · 27 June 2005]

I watched this film last-night and found it extremely repetitive, there are a few moments when the film starts to head in a more unique direction, only to turn back on itself, but as the film is based on real events, i guess this is a good indication that life itself is indeed repetitive.

If you like Ray Charles or his music then this is worth seeing, just don't go out and buy the DVD- wait until you have seen it first, you may be disappointed.

If you are looking for something original in form and style then you probably wont be satisfied with this film, i would have turned it off after 30 minutes if i wasn't a fan of Ray Charles.

6/10

8 ½ Women (1999)

'8 1/2 Women' - Is it worth the patience?

[7/10 · 22 April 2005]

Greenaway's '8 1/2 Women' does indeed require patience, i recently watched the film with a friend who found '8 1/2...' tiresome towards the end, though it was an enjoyable experience for both us- we laughed at more than a few of the scenes, particularly a scene in the first half hour in which Storey and his father attend the funeral of their beloved mother/wife. The film is a big improvement on 'Prospero's Books', but none of the characters live up to the hilarious performance of Michael Gambon in 'The cook, the thief, his wife and her lover'. If you enjoy subtle, slow-paced narratives then you will find '8 1/2' worth watching, it is strikingly original and in some ways quite shocking- overall an enjoyable piece of work.