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wpeeters
Reviews
Midnight Caller (1988)
Excellent
I simply don't understand why this series has never been given a DVD release, unlike some of the contemporary crap that festers on our screens
X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
Don't believe the negative critics
Man, was I afraid, after reading a load of negative reviews, when I went to see X-Men 3 today (24th May, premiere day in Belgium). But I was needlessly worried...
I never thought Brett Rattner could pull off the high stakes that were set before him by Bryan Singer, but he actually managed to do so. Although the movie is too short to have each of the characters worked out in full, it's the cast as an ensemble that delivers the goods. X-Men 3 contains at least five memorable scenes that stay true the the earlier established character development, and add great momentum to some crucial scenes. Rattner definitely wanted to end the trilogy with a bang: the adagium that the heroes are invincible and the baddies are, in the worst case, a bit scratched after an encounter with the heroes, but nevertheless ready for another round in some possible next sequel, is simply not true here. Apart from this, several new characters or characters that only appeared as a brief cameo in the previous installments (Colossus and Shadowcat) are introduced, among which Beast, played by Kelsey Grammar, is the most charismatic advocate for mutant rights, while the only disappointment in the movie is the spineless performance of Vinnie Jones as Juggernaut. While Wolverine has settled in his new existence after the second installment of the movie, and now has developed in just another agent for professor X's secret army of X-Men, he seems for the first time contented in his new role. Magneto, on the other hand, still shows an almost racially inspired disdain for his fellow human who is not blessed with mutant powers, even when one of his closest friends is cured accidentally, his behaviour against his former co-worker is simply despicable.
SPOILERS AHEAD Of course, the comic book aficionados, who earlier on applauded when Bryan Singer gave an explanation for the white hair strand in Rogue's do, will be annoyed a bit by the developments in the movie, which quite differs from the comics. Particularly Jean Grey succumbing to the dark side of her personality, Mystique being a premature victim to the mutant cure, Rogues personal wish to be liberated from her powers that prevent any physical contact (which drives her nuts) are highly apocryphal, but I think the X-Men movie franchise has reached a point where it can be regarded as "grown up" as an independent entity.
There's, however, more spectacle to this movie. Wolverine's run-in with Juggernaut. The matured Storm who has obviously reached the peak of her abilities. The Danger Room simulator. And of course, Magneto's vicious attack on the facility where the "cure" is being guarded. SPOILERS END
To conclude: absolutely do stay until after the credits of the film, as a little surprise plot twist will have you knocked backed to your cinema seat. It has something to do with the ethical dilemma professor X taught his children earlier on in the film.
Windkracht 10 (1997)
Greatly appreciated
One of the better Flemish drama series, about the Search and Rescue unit of the Belgian army, based in coastal town of Koksijde, featuring all the great actresses and actors of the late nineties in Flanders. Although the action is mixed with some soap elements, the excellent acting of the likes of Warre Borgmans, Gène Bervoets and Ann Ceurvels, elevates this series, especially the first season, above average level. The series grew out to be one of the most eagerly viewed series of the Belgian public broadcast company in the last years.
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
A classic novel turned in to a classic movie!
What can I add that has not been said yet? The adaptation of Tolkien's work is very faithful, with even some lines of dialogue which are literally taken from the book, the choice for New Zealand as location must have been Jackson's smartest move. True enough, the characters lack depth, but this is a fantasy story, where the protagonists tend to be one-dimensional good or evil. But even then, actors like Elijah Wood manage to show their internal struggle, adding credibility to their performance. Ian McKellen is simply great as Gandalf, and should be seriously considered as an oscar candidate for best supporting role. Because the three movies have already been shot, we may reasonably expect the two sequels to be of equal quality; it was a big gamble for the studio's, but nevertheless I think this movie will be a classic for ages to come.