tarlan Reviews

The Dark Side (1987)

A Film For David Hewlett Fans only

[4/10 · 18 April 2005]

On the whole, the film is not very good but it does have a few redeeming qualities, the best being the presence of the ever-talented actor, David Hewlett, as 'Chuckie'.

If I had to grade the film on David Hewlett's performance alone then it would have been given a 9 or 10. He made an extremely credible junkie, especially in his final scene.

However, the terrible overacting by other cast members made this film excruciating bad at times with much of the film failing to inspire any real horror or fear... except for the one scene where Russo (the lead) is captured by the two (over the top) bad guys, bound and threatened with rape.

As the previous comment stated... Blue Velvet? Not really... but if, like me, you are a fan of David Hewlett, then you'll be happy as long as you have a fast forward button for your VCR to get to his scenes.

The Art of War (2000)

An enjoyable flick that makes great use of visual imagery

[7/10 · 18 December 2000]

The plot is fairly predictable, the twists seen in many other films and yet I still enjoyed watching this. The imagery, especially with glass and mirrors, was used to good effect.

Snipes (Shaw) was good in his role, coming across as a self-assured professional suddenly finding himself floundering after a series of incidents leaves him without the protection he had become accustomed to.

Matiko (Julia) and Archer (Hooks) both slipped into the required persona with ease, making very believable but diametrically opposite characters, one naive, the other very worldly-wise.

For me, however, the film was stolen by Michael Biehn (Bly) whenever he appeared. He revealed far greater depth of character, from joker to professional, leaving Shaw often appearing two-dimensional in comparison.

The action was good, the end scene with Bly and Shaw in particular. However, the final ending was far too predictable and weakened the film. Would have been far better if the film had ended on a stronger note.

Tales of the Wild: Le sang du chasseur (1995) Season 1, Episode 5

Beautiful scenery, shame about the film

[6/10 · 16 November 2000]

This was a film with a lot of potential; great plot, wonderful location and the additional interest of dealing with both the Cree and Metis cultures. Such a shame that it came across as very stilted with most of the drama lost through too deliberate a presentation.

Michael Biehn showed his true professionalism, managing to smooth - and steal - any scene in which he appeared, giving his character a wonderful three-dimensional feel. Unfortunately, this made the rest of the cast appear even more wooden through the direct comparison.

This is definitely a film for only the Michael Biehn die-hards and those interested in seeing some great snow scenery.

Cherry Falls (1999)

Enjoyable slasher flick

[9/10 · 28 August 2000]

After all the hype concerning the 'cherry' aspects of this film I was expecting the worst, assuming it would be some awful teen slasher film.

What a pleasant surprise. Maybe I have become jaded over the years but this film relied more heavily on the audience using their own imagination than on visuals... You see and hear the weapon but don't necessarily watch it land. It meant I could watch the film without having to close my eyes on what might have been truly gruesome bits.

As to the cast... superb. Michael Biehn was excellent as the father and you could almost believe it was a true father/daughter on the screen in front of you. He brought just the right amount of realism to all aspects of his character; from Sheriff... to father... to man with a dark secret. It was a pleasure watching him in a role that showcased his incredible acting talent for a change rather than hiding him deep in the credits as token bad guy.

The cast of 'teens' was equally impressive. They all came across as real people - that may sound a strange comment but I've seen plenty of films where *I* could have acted the socks off the young cast - and believe me I am no actor <g>

All in all, a film that I enjoyed watching from beginning to end despite figuring out who the killer was fairly early on. I'd highly recommend it.

Susan's Plan (1998)

A comedy that tries hard - perhaps too hard

[7/10 · 10 July 2000]

With some wonderful names attached to this film you would expect to see some great acting... no disappointment there. All the main cast were superb in their roles.

So why am I not enthusing over this film. There seemed to be something just slightly off key with the humour. It had all the trappings of being exceptional but, perhaps it went a little too far overboard and became a little confusing - in the 'why did the Director want to do that?' sense of the word.

The highs: Michael Biehn as the inept, would-be-killer, Bill, stuck in the closet with panicking Billy Zane's Insurance salesman and Bill's 'flatulent' best buddy.

Dan Ackroyd in a wonderful deadpan role as 'Bob'.

The Lows: The script - it was a little too flat and I am amazed the actors did such a great job given some of the lines they had to work with.

Breach of Trust (1995)

An action packed film well worth a viewing

[8/10 · 2 June 2000]

Casey is a small time crook who's having trouble getting paid so takes matters into his own hands. The result is a fast paced, action-orientated film with the exceptionally talented but highly underated Michael Biehn playing Casey.

It's not all action though. There are some wonderfully humorous scenes as the two leads try to ditch each other at first.

Some of the other acting is not quite up to scratch but there is plenty onscreen to make up for that including a sizzling scene between the two leads.

Well worth renting out for some Saturday night entertainment.

The Rock (1996)

An exciting, action packed film with a difference.

[9/10 · 1 June 2000]

'The Rock' is an action film with a difference. There is emphasis on character, what makes each of them tick - and I'm not just referring to the characters at the top of the cast list. These little asides add a new, and welcome, dimension.

Each and every character is given depth, from Hummel, the General mounting the threat to San Fransisco, to the FBI agents who are supposed to be guarding Mason.

High points - Michael Biehn as the tough Navy SEAL Team Leader who refuses to stand down, crawling through the carnage as his team are being massacred, still firing.

Sean Connery and Nicolas Cage in that fantastic car chase.

Ed Harris as the General with a conscience who eventually pays for including unknown/untested men on his own team.

Every actor in this film put in a top-notch performance turning what could easily have been an unexceptional film into something well-worth adding to anyone's video collection.