Film round-up
Broken Arrow 6.5/10
Just watched. Another case of the great John Woo toshing out some ludicrous action to compliment a dumb story, and a very weird John Travolta! Lazy effort, but that's Asian Directors in Hollywood. Semi enjoyed it...wouldn't watch again.
Logans Run 7/10
Superbly crass and fairly shabby production. Jenny Agutter running round half naked kept my interest, and I'd oddly warmed to the film by then end. Peter Ustinov made for a memorable finale, but it's not a film I'd want to own
Last Man Standing 8.5/10
Reviewed this a couple weeks ago but just wanted to say how much I enjoyed it again! Want it on Blu-Ray!
The Abyss (one of the extended cuts) 9/10
Loved the atmosphere of this. Got really absorbed watching it with my partner. It's kind of a unique film in that it's like a eco Sci-Fi date movie! Something for kids and adults (so it's made on a level that Avatar never achieved!). Great use of visual effects technology from Cameron without letting it dominate the production. Like Aliens before it his use of daring back projection shots were done to perfection. Underwater photography, model shots, stop motion, CGI etc etc!! Ed Harris and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio were expertly cast and each gave a stunning performance, and Cameron clearly wanted to recreate the depth of character and the naturalistic acting with his crew as Ridley Scott did with the team on the Nostromo. The film definitely made me long for the production levels of the day, brilliant visuals and immersive(!) setting. You really do hold your breath watching at times. The Art director was rightly nominated for an Oscar, but losing to Anton Furst for Batman is no shame. Talking of visuals the CGI 'face' communication scene is iconic and imprinted in the minds of movie enthusiasts of the time. Lots to love about the film however the ending really didn't deliver. Something akin to 2001 and Close Encounters but less philosophical, more of an unsubtle sermon in fact. Thanks James...I think!
Scarface 9/10
Not really worth braking down too much as I'm sure you're all well aware of the film! I've never seen it all the way through. It's one hell of a iron balled but daft Greek tragedy disguised as a Gangster movie. Oliver Stone writing at his trashy best. As a Director I've always thought of him being able to construct a good scene, rather than a whole movie as such. Brian De Palma shows he is capable of solid Direction with a strong screenplay to work with, although it did drag somewhat. But lets face it, the ending was hardly going catch anyone out! Al Pachino is terrible and terribly good at the same time.
Walkabout 10/10
At face value, a provocative coming of age story with an underlying theme of segregation and cultural differences in Australia. But with themes of the brutality of man, the chain of life, death, returning to nature, the harshness of the wild, sexuality, desire, madness, social pressures of modern life and our detachment of our natural selves. Captivating and artful Direction and strong (if slightly unsettling) imagery. Classic.
Manhattan 10/10
Brilliantly witty, observant, classy and sumptuously shot. A real all time great. Only didn't like the final scene, but the film had to end at some point, I just felt Woody Allen's character came across as what I din't want him to feel like throughout the rest of the film. Still a perfect film for me though!
Any comments?
. Fincher's said it has no real substance. It's a cracking thriller though.
