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Reviews
Plunkett & Macleane (1999)
A light hearted enjoyable romp.
Anyone who has seen the trailer for this film would be forgiven for thinking this film is an out and out comedy. In actual fact it's a light-hearted, though not overly funny, romp about a couple of highwaymen.
There are numerous faults in the film. The script and plot are weak and the love aspect of the story is strangely dull. Yet despite all this it is quite enjoyable, thanks largely to the two leads Robert Carlyle and Jonny Lee Miller. These two fine actors, Carlyle in particular, are always good to watch and here there exists a good chemistry between them.
Director Jake Scott is the next generation of the family whose brothers, Ridley and Tony, have given us films such as Alien, Blade Runner, True Romance and more recently G.I. Jane and Enemy of The State. His debut is directed with energy and enthusiasm, which keeps the film fizzling along, although without the strong cast he assembled the results might not have worked as well.
In short if you're looking for an easy enjoyable film to pass an hour and a half then you could do a lot worse than Plunkett and Macleane. If on the other hand you fancy something subtle, historically accurate and thought provoking, go elsewhere. 7/10.
Your Friends and Neighbors (1998)
A shocking, uncomfortable but excellent film.
Once again Neil LaBute has a delivered a fine, yet unsettling film. Your Friends and Neighbors, examines human nature, and relationships in a group of six people. Basically a character study of the six leads, this is a film with a well written script and superb acting.
Although all six of the main characters deliver excellent performances the true stand out is Jason Patric. His performance is one of the finest I have seen in a very long time. One particular monologue, is one of the most memorable scenes I have seen in years.
Neil LaBute seems to have a fascination with dark, immoral characters. His scripts are realistic in portraying these characters without ever condoning their actions. His films make compulsive viewing, though the easily offended might want to stay away (there were several walk outs of the screening I was at). This is an excellent film with a great combination of a brilliant script coupled with outstanding acting. 9/10
The Adjuster (1991)
A disappointing and confused film
Being a huge Atom Egoyan fan, I had high hopes for this film. Unfortunately I came away thinking this film is mixed up and confused. The premise and some of the characters show a lot of potential but I feel that it is never realised.
The set up is a look at the life of an insurance adjuster, and the effect he has on others. His wife works as a censor for pornographic films, and sexuality is a theme that runs deep. The main problem is probably that the film tries to say too much, and so you end up feeling that it lacks focus and direction.
The film's saving grace is a great performance from Elias Koteas. It's unfortunate that it's not coupled with a better, more disiplined story and script. If you want to see how good Egoyan really is watch Exotica or The Sweet Hereafter, rather than this.
La cité des enfants perdus (1995)
Sheer creativity! A perfect film.
I have seen this film a number of times now, yesterday I was lucky enough to see it on the big screen. I think it is one of the most creative and underrated films I have ever seen.
The criticism I hear most often is that it tells an incomprehensible story and relies too heavily on its 'weird' visuals. Personally I think that the plot and characters are all consistent, and while not exactly straight forward certainly not ununderstandable. This is a film which takes place in another world. A strange world it is too, but accepting that all the characters and situations are consistent with the world they inhabit. It does require more thought than the average film, but not by an unreasonable amount.
The cast are perfect, stand outs are Ron Perlman, Dominique Pinon (in all his roles) and Judith Vittet as the sassy street thief Miette. The visuals are stunning and beautiful, the story and characters are more original than almost anything esle you'll ever have seen before.
The whole thing combines to make a perfect fairy tale for grown ups. Do yourself a favour and see this film. It's a magical way to spend a few hours!