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Reviews
Kill List (2011)
The best original British film to emerge in years
I love British films, and was excited to see Kill List after reading many reviews on it. I don't think it can simply be classed as a horror film. Or a thriller. Or a hit-man film. It has so many elements to it which I think was part of its appeal. Certainly, the first part of the film is part family drama part hit-man thriller, and by the end it descends into more traditional horror territory, although the signs are there from early on in the film that this is where it will lead.
I thought the two leads worked well together, both being shown to be 'normal' family men but with a dark side, Jay in particular. There are title cards on screen for each of the jobs and I think this worked well within the film, as each job is for a reason, each of these people has been specifically chosen...
Kill List is one of those films that when its over you are left thinking. There are lots of things I missed on first viewing that are clues as to what is going on and where the film is going, and this is why I feel it is a greatly rewatchable film.
Without giving too much away, yes the ending is strange, it is a total switch from the earlier mood and feel of the film. And it will make you go 'whaaaaaat'. It seems to be one of the main reasons people do not like the film, and while it does require an open mind, there have been clues throughout the film (again though, I only noticed these on a repeat viewing) and it is a chilling end to the film, the final denouement being both tragic and shocking.
As for the violence, there is not a lot of it but when it comes, well its hard to watch. One scene in particular involving a hammer...I had to turn away a few times!!
I would recommend this film to anyone who loves dark, British thrillers with more to them than meets the eye. I bought this the day it came out on DVD...there is just so many things to enjoy in Kill List that I think I will be rewatching it regularly!
South West 9 (2001)
An overlooked film
I had never heard of South West 9 before, and bought it last week after I heard Stephen Lord was in it (one of my favorite actors, he has a small role but he's the best!) as it was only £1.80 from Amazon I was surprised to find a decent film - certainly better than many Hollywood and even British films released recently. I don't know why its such an unknown film. The plot is fairly straightforward, although some of the flashback sequences are rather annoying. The characters, although not likable are interesting and u still feel for them. There are a lot of drugs in the film, but not glamorised or shown judgmentally. I'd recommend this film to anyone - its entertaining and, I think rewatchable.
xx
Gladiator (2000)
Cant believe I never saw it before now!
Being honest, I was never intended to see Gladiator, thinking it just wasn't my type of film, more of a 'boys action movie'. How wrong was I! Being bored last night, it was on TV so I thought I might as well see what everyone was raving about. As with other epics like it (Braveheart, The Last Samurai), I was on the edge of my seat, eyes glued to the screen.
I thought the characters were well written - the complete opposites of the strength and courage of Maximus against Commodus's pathetic coward of an emporer. Some of the lines between them have to be amongst the best ever - the 'father to a murdered son...' and 'smile for me now brother' They bring a tear to my eye (and only braveheart and titanic have also done)
Commodus is such a self-indulgent coward, you just have to hate him, and Maximus is a real hero. Their climatic fight is brilliant, I didn't know which way it would go, considering commodus has just stabbed his opponent. The ending was sad, but I felt it was fitting with the film, and I was glad when I seen Commodus about to die, realising he never would win over the crowd.
I would recommend this film to everyone, its constantly interesting, has some amazing scenes and dialogue. And most of all, I think I will enjoy it even more on my second viewing. I'm going to buy the DVD very soon!
Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead (1995)
Entertaining
Things to do in Denver when you're dead is one of those movies you've probably not seen and only heard of briefly as it has a pretty unforgettable title. I watched it cos there was nothing else on and it sounded pretty good. And i was impressed, its one of the best films I've seen for a while. The story is easy to follow, well acted and has a good script and the characters are all different and interesting. Andy Garcia is pretty handsome in this movie (well i thought so) and you really begin to like his character. christopher walken as 'the man with the plan' and treat williams as critical bill are also brilliant. and you have to see steve buscemi as mr shhh overall i don't have any complaints about the film , and I've just went out and bought the DVD so id recommend hunting it out, this film deserves a much wider audience
Legends of the Fall (1994)
Beautiful
This is a beautiful movie. Every scene is amazing. The first thing that struck me after watching this film was how much i enjoyed it - it was the only thing on TV that night so I decided to watch it as I am a brad pitt fan. I assumed it would be slow and boring for me, but although the plot is pretty slow and not a lot happens at times, it manages to keep you interested due to the characters (the acting is very good by the whole cast) and their lives. There are some sad, tragic events in the movie, I was almost crying at a few scenes I must admit. The end is also good - I wasn't sure how it could end, but the way it does is original and kind of fitting. See this movie, if only for the scenery and acting - you cant help but marvel at it. I loved it and I'm not usually a fan of sprawling period dramas.
Day of the Woman (1978)
Better than I expected
Being a horror movie fan, I knew all about the past of I Spit On Your Grave and had read countless articles on the situation. However, although I wanted to see the movie, it was to see what all the fuss was about. I never actually expected it to be a quality, classic piece of film. Which it isn't. But its not that badly made. There is not much plot and the characters aren't given any depth, but basically, it does what its meant to: it shocks. I felt that this was one of the sickest movies I've ever seen, but the point is that the rapes and the violence show it how it is: cruel and unenjoyable. The movie at times is difficult to watch, I think the castration scene was the worst however. I wouldn't recommend this movie unless you are a fan of violent, cult horror/thrillers, but it is interesting, if disturbing viewing and, of all the video nasties, it probably is one of the most deserving of that title. Personally, I think I preferred Last House on the Left, which has similar themes or rape-revenge murder. Both need to be seen to be believed and I think they have stood the test of time well.
The Descent (2005)
Top Quality Brit Horror
I loved The Descent, its the best scary movie by far in the last year, except for perhaps The Devils Rejects and Wolf Creek. And its British. I went with my friends and we could see some of the audience literally hiding for the most part once the film got intense. The plot is fairly simple but the shocks are effective and the violence is graphic. The acting is fairly good and the effects are kept basic, but it works, as the amount is blood in the movie is a a lot. My one complaint was that I didn't really find the ending that satisfying, but thats a minor problem, as the basic outcome is clear anyone who likes a good scare should go see this movie.
Requiem for a Dream (2000)
Brilliant, shocking
I loved Requiem For A Dream I don't know why, but its a beautiful film that portrays drug addiction in a way that gets under your skin. I thought Jared Leto looked gorgeous and Ellen Burnstyn gave the performance of a lifetime. Yes, it would've been great to see more character development as the film does seem to be rather short, but the end result is still shocking. The last 10-15mins where the 4 leads finally pay for their addictions is probably the most gripping, intense finale I have ever seen. The music is amazing. Although I must admit I wasn't quite sure what happened in the last minute, I wasn't sure if I felt all the questions were resolved. Maybe thats just me.
You need to see this film to believe it, and you surely won't be disappointed.
The Others (2001)
The best spook-fest since What Lies Beneath
Most films these days are too busy with spending millions of pounds on special effects (Pearl Harbor, Mummy Returns?), and I don't thnik that any of them really make good films. Then we get The Others. It's an old fashioned ghost-story, which, although is rather slow, is beautifully made and has a few parts which are pretty spooky. Nicole Kidman is great, as are the 2 young children who play her children. There is no violence. I like gory horror films, but sometimes it's good to get just some good old chills. Just as good as last years psychological chiller, What Lies Beneath and with a twist ending that's definately going to be compared to The Sixth Sense.
The Shining (1980)
Great horror movie
I'd heard a lot about The Shining before I seen it, and knew a lot of what was going to happen in it, but it still didn't spoil this brilliant film. Mostly, I didn't find much of it scary, it was more unsettling and eerie, apart from the parts near the beginning when Danny sees the little girls standing in the hallway. The Shining has to be one of the best horror movies ever : the setting, performances (Jack Nicholson is just brilliant) and visuals. I haven't read the book, but I plan to (and apparently Stephen King hated the film because it's changed so much from his book). You won't be disappointed with The Shining. 9/10
Natural Born Killers (1994)
You've gotta see this one
I'd wanted to see Natural Born Killers for ages, but as it's not available in the UK at all, I haven't been able to. I watched it when it was on last night when it was shown on TV , with high expectations - and I loved it. Natural Born Killers is one of the most original, inspiring movies of the nineties. All the fuss made over it is unfair, OK it is quite violent, but I don't think Oliver Stone was glamorizing the violence, but instead trying to show what made Mickey & Mallory do it and how the media only encourages this, and turns them into icons. The acting was great too. If you haven't seen NBK, then you should try to see it soon, it really is something else. Brilliant - 10/10
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
One of the best movies ever
The Silence Of The Lambs is one of the best crime thrillers ever in my opinion. I'd heard a lot about it being great before I finally saw it last year (I had to search a lot to get a copy of it because, for some reason it's been deleted in the UK). The acting is brilliant and it's not too gory. A modern classic. Make sure you see it soon, I don't think it's possible to hate it!
Chocolat (2000)
Sweet
I wasn't really planning on going to see Chocolat but I was surprised to find that it was no too bad. Juliette Binoche is brilliant in her role as the travelling mum who cooks up all kinds of chocolate to help people.The supporting cast are good too, I liked Judi Dench especially. The film is quite sweet and easy to follow and I think most people should find it enjoyable. The chocolaterie looked to delicious to be real! My rating - 3/5
Rosemary's Baby (1968)
Creepy
I watched Rosemary's Baby for the first time last night. I was surprised to find that it surpassed my original expectations. The film is very creepy, emphasizing psychological fears, but not violent or gory at all. Mia Farrow looks so small and frail, almost deathly and I really felt sorry for Rosemary. I liked the ending, but I still wished we could have seen Rosemary's baby. Overall, this is one of my favorite horror movies, but The Exorcist remains my favorite Devil movie. 8.5/10
Sleepy Hollow (1999)
Original gothic horror
I was very impressed with Sleepy Hollow. It's very lavish design and effects are brilliant. There is a good mix of horror and comedy. Johnny Depp's Ichoabod Crane is quite comic. Sleepy Hollow looks really good and it is, although the ending was slightly disappointing overall it works really well and is very atmospheric and spooky. Rating - 9 out of 10
Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles (1994)
Totally excellent.
Interview With The Vampire has to be one of the best movies I have ever seen. It was a vampire movie but the vampires had real feelings, as Louis (Brad Pitt) showed. The movie keeps you entertained all the way through, though I found the beginning the best. I thought Tom Cruise was really good as Lestat, the vampire who seems to enjoy the killing of innocent people. Kirsten Dunst was really good as child vampire Claudia, her performance was strangely spooky though. If you have not seen this film, see it NOW, it is really excellent, entertaining and it has it's gory moments. Certainly the best vampire movie I have ever seen. I give it 10 out of 10
The Exorcist (1973)
Brilliant
I thought The Exorcist would be totally terrifying before watching it but afterwords felt it wasn't really all that scary or horrific as so many people and critics have made it out to be. I did enjoy the movie,it is really entertaining, especially during the actal exorcism. I would definately recomend The Exorcist but not to those with a nervous disposition.