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LilyRFox
Nope, that will never do...
Fave movies shows people etc.
Show: Buffy/ Derren Brown/ True Blood
Movie: Cuts somewhere between Shaun of the Dead, Borat and Run Lola Run... Strange mix right? Oh and Leon...and Amelie!
People: Johnny Depp (too many characters to name but loved them all), James McAvoy (the new boy that I spotted first, but no one believes me!), Derren Brown (because I cannot work it out!), J.M.( you know who you are!), Marlon Brando *beep* gorgeous), Pete Doc ( because he is a poet and wrote 'dont look back at the sun', even if he is just tragic), SMG (just because she made Buffy and I grew up watching it), Tim Burton (scissors for hands? Inspired!), finally Gervais (because no one ever made me laugh so much!).
Reviews
Jekyll (2007)
Stephen Moffat's Jekyll
A new, fresh take on the same old Jekyll/ Hyde theme which has so captured fans of literature and all other kinds of popular culture since its inception in the C19th.
Stephen Moffat is known well as the writer on Doctor Who (soon to replace Russell T. Davies) and as such one can see how he can make material like this work so well. The main theme of good vs evil - captured with genius by Stevenson in the original story as the dichotomy in one individual man - is a great, meaty topic to dig into and Moffat certainly does. There are brilliantly written moments of drama, comedy and sheer horror, all well constructed and the plotting is perfect. The way the series is shot too is quite stylish, capturing the darkness of Hyde, and accentuating the pacy tension-building story.
However, despite a great start, this series does not end quite as well as it begins. It turns from a tense, stomach churning thriller into a 'Run!' style action/horror story. That said, it does not detract from a brilliantly written and acted, fresh drama.
Perhaps the best thing about it is James Nesbitt in the dual role of Jackman and Hyde. He both perfectly captures the exasperated, desperate family man of Jackman and relishes the delectable evil of Hyde. This performance not only holds the whole story together, but brings it into spectacular Technicolour.
If you want to watch an exciting, well-written, and well-made drama, with a punchy script, fast pace and great performances, then this is for you.
The Mummy (1999)
A Great Fun Adventure Movie
'The Mummy' tells the story of a gaggle of differing characters in 1920's Egypt who, for varying reasons and each with their own agenda, travel to the ancient city of Hamunaptra. Once there, a series of events leads to the resurrection of an ancient high priest with astonishing powers.
This is most definitely an adventure movie in the same vein as that of 'Indiana Jones'. It has some great action sequences, some fantastic humour, the characters are engaging and the potting is spot on. It keeps attention throughout whilst never dragging out for too long. The real strength of this movie is the neatly placed comedy and that, despite its fairly self-aware OTT subject matter, it delivers some genuine moments of shock. Definitely a rollicking ride for all the family; it will keep you very entertained no matter what age.
Pushing Daisies (2007)
Life. Dead. Life again....
'Pushing Daisies' is the great new show by Bryan Fuller, the creator behind 'Wonderfalls' and 'Dead Like Me'. Well, since both of those shows are gone, one can't help but assume that the interesting concept of 'Pushing Daisies' isn't in some way inspired by it. Life, Dead, Life again... 'Pushing Daisies' is the story of pie-maker Ned who has the inexplicable ability to bring the dead back to life....with rules:
1. Touch a dead person once and they come back to life.
2. Touch them a second time and they go back to being dead, this time forever.
3. Keep any dead person alive again for more than one minute, and someone else must die in their place.
Bringing to the screen a quirky and eccentric tale of private investigators, the dead who don't stay dead, infatuated waitresses, lovers who can never touch and a whole lot of pie-making, Fuller enchants with a unique fairytale. The style is reminiscent of 'Amelie' and Burton's more colourful escapades. The humour is sarcastic, and the dialogue is dry and witty, echoing of Buffy-style banter.
Of course, the main crux of the show is the relationship between Ned and his formerly dead childhood-sweetheart Chuck who he can never touch lest she go back to being dead. The sweet nature of their relationship and the trouble they get into with other eccentric and wacky characters drives the story.
Cannot wait for the next Season!
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992)
Not Great; but the potential that inspired the TV show
The first Buffy movie is certainly not the highlight of Joss Whedon's extraordinary career, but it was the building block that led to the greatest TV show ever made so you have to it credit for that.
On one hand this movie has a great script, some truly witty dialogue that showcases what would go on to become Joss Whedon's trademark, a neat story and some catching emotional sub plots. Basically the movie is a watered down version of a Buffy episode; containing action, wit, humour, scary moments and some emotional baggage, it has everything it needs to keep you hooked; BUT one problem!
Simply, it has been let down by the producers; a dim heroine over played by the lead actress (in what I have no doubt was a style of performance she was forced to give by some suited and booted types) and a lack of budget make it corny from the word go. The pandering to the teenage market at the time is obvious thanks to the out-dated clothes that must have been horrendous even five years after it was made, and unfortunately have aged it considerably so that this movie's shelf life was never going to be long.
Although for the average movie-viewer this would deserve little more than 4 stars if that, for a Buffy fan this is priceless. Here we view the origin of the legend; a cool early show of Whedon's talent, a sneak peak into Buffy's past and a fantastic blast from the past of uber-kitsch - and you've got a fun night in for anyone.
Worth a watch for the average viewer, and definitely a must-see movie for Buffy fans.
Léon (1994)
A Fantastic Film with a Tremendous Cast
'Leon' is the story of a professional hit-man living in New York city who is faced, one day, with the prospect of helping a young girl escape a corrupt police cop who has hurt her family.
The story is very much focused around the relationship between Leon (Jean Reno) and his new charge Mathilda (Natalie Portman). The odd relationship between the loner hit-man and the 12 year old girl he harbours is the most intriguing aspect of the film; although riddled with the suggestion of a strange, oddly adult relationship between the pair the viewer never feels in any way repulsed by what turns out to be a touching coupling. Perhaps that is because of the character of Mathila, a strong commanding young role played fantastically by a young Natalie Portman. The balance in her strength and Leon's vulnerability despite his profession gives this film an emotional depth it could easily have lacked.
The second thing which makes this movie brilliant is the amazing Gary Oldman; his performance in 'Leon' will be remembered as one of his best, and is certainly his best to date in my opinion. Chilling as the cold, corrupted city cop, gun-happy and utterly irredeemable, Oldman presents a true psychopath.
And it is all, of course, shot with seemingly effortless style and a great tense atmosphere by the wonderful Luc Besson (Nikita, Angel A, The Fifth Element, Joan of Arc and The Big Blue).
'Leon' is something truly unique; an action film that has intensity, a genuinely thrilling villain, a touching hero and earnest emotional depth. This movie is not just for action fans, but ANYONE who enjoys a good movie. It will have you captured from the first vast city encompassing frame.
Le fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain (2001)
Amelie: a modern CLASSIC
2001 saw the release of the fantastic French film 'Amelie', and it instantly (and deservedly) became an international hit.
A fantastic modern fairytale, 'Amelie' follows the life and adventures of young and whimsical Amelie Poulain who embarks upon a life as a waitress in Paris. Audrey Tautou puts in a stunning performance as Amelie, capturing the magic of the old silent movie stars whilst creating a charisma all her own. Her elegant portrayal lights up the screen not dissimilarly to the wonderful Audrey Hepburn.
The style of the movie, wonderfully realised by director Jean Pierre Jeunet, captures the whimsy and fancy of Amelie herself. Pefectly placed shots, quick camera movements and a vivid colouring give this film it's own unique look. Although the way the movie portrays Paris as perfect - overlooking the gritty downsides all cities must face - received some criticism when it was first released, Jeunet's Paris is pristine and beautiful, reflecting the story itself.
This style has even gone on to create wonderful ripple effects in brilliant new TV shows like 'Pushing Daisies', and is similar to Tim Burton's more colourful stylistic flourishes (think 'Big Fish').
The story itself captures the imagination from the first frame, a story of eccentricity, friendship, love and finding your feet in the world, Amelie will make you laugh out loud, giggle amusedly, cry your heart out and last with you long after the final shot.
The fact that it is in French will make many viewers switch off instantly, but although it being French is a curse for those of us who cannot speak it, it is also its biggest charm. I was very cynical about watching this movie when I first saw it, because of the subtitling, but after five minutes of half-hearted viewing I was hooked forever.
If you see any movie this YEAR even, let it be this one.
Secret Window (2004)
One fatal flaw: wrong PR!
The interesting and psychologically tense 'Secret Window' suffers from the exact same problem which Shyamalan's taut, small-town drama 'The Village' suffered from: the wrong PR.
As per usual the Hollywood producers have put their small minds together to market a film as the usual shocks 'n' thrills horror flick when what they are actually dealing with is a multi-layered black comedy. 'Secret Window' has moments of pure hilarity, and a constant undertone of sardonic mockery and satire. Taking a look at the life of a divorced writer, desperately trying to write his latest book whilst succumbing to despondency and writer's block, the movie explores the notions of reality and the reality of the writer or creator.
It delivers the creepy dilemma of Shooter and his claims and has moments of psychological and thriller-style shocks, but essentially this is a dark comedy which needs a couple of viewings to be truly appreciated.
Derren Brown: Trick or Treat (2007)
Yay! Derren is back!
Same knife edge/edge of your seat type stuff that only Derren could do ;)
The chocolate roll thing (NOT saying what it is!) had me open mouthed! And there is always something to look out for behind the scenes, hidden away just out of view. As usual, loved it ;D But knowing Derren's shows you should really watch twice, there's always something that you missed, which I am sure is to his utter pleasure... If anyone has read the papers and seen what is to come, then absolutely everyone will be watching and holding their breath next week for his newest, no doubt controversial, trick.
And that is exactly what this is, controversial. Some people will watch thinking that this is very wrong and shocking and others will sit and see just how far Derren can push boundaries without going too far and supply us with some great, way way way above the average entertainment.
If you didn't see it this week then definitely watch it next, it looks like there are surprises to come... Can't wait.
Jane Eyre (2006)
Its a classic...
Jane Eyre is a classic. Jane was fantastic, so sweetly played by Ruth Wilson.
Rochester was sheer brilliance. A character defining performance from Toby Stephens.
This television production will go down with the likes of the BBC Pride and Prejudice and Toby Stephens is about to become the victim of generations of adoring teenage girl's affections just as Colin Firth did. Still, you can't exactly complain. If you get the chance to see this, watch it! You will love it and you will be witnessing the phenomenon that is the British public actually liking a television programme with brains!
A true classic is born.
The Grudge 2 (2006)
If you value the horror genre, your hard-earned cash or even your self-respect please do not pay to see this utter crap!
This movie does not even deserve a 'one' vote. It was absolute s***. Me and my mates went to see this on Hallowe'en night and, Christ, if there were a less scary horror flick ever made I would be dying (more horrifically than the makers of this s*** could even imagine) of pure and utter disbelief right this very second.
Firstly, too little Sarah M. G. who made the first watchable even if it lacked the scare factor. Second, the only sympathetic character in the entire movie was the American boy who I think, and all my mates agree, was the coolest kid ever and (oh, my Lord) how could they kill him? I think they could have had the makings of a traditional movie hero in that boy! When he heard noises from god knows what, he would just waltz in despite being scared to his f****** stomach. That is what good heroes do in movies! He had no self involvement. He was a great character and they just killed him!
Other than the invention of 'American boy', this movie is without redemption. The movie-makers should be grovelling on their knees before me begging for forgiveness for making me waste my money on tacky, second rate pieces of right-wing scares, consumer driven crap like this. And I saw this on 'cheap' night at the cinema! If I can do any good in this world it is to tell fellow IMDb folks that to see this crap is equivalent to paying someone to convince you to slit your wrists from boredom within two hours. Honestly, anyone who wants a decent old scare - just watch the original. Simple as that. I thank you!
Sweeney Todd (2006)
Sweeney Todd in reality not the fairytale that we grew up with...
I watched this when it first aired on BBC television and, coming from London and having grown up with the Sweeney story, I was quite excited at the prospect of this version. It seemed a good idea because Sweeney began as a Victorian comic book story anyway,so dramatising it for a modern audience is the logical next step.
When I saw it, I thought it was very good. It did not, however, recapture that youthful, dark fairytale quality that I loved (and all children love) but it did create very real characters. The story is actually disturbing in the sense that Sweeney, who is himself the murderer, is character you feel sympathy toward. This television production is as a previous reviewer said 'not for all tastes', but if you get caught in the story and put it into the context that a Victorian London was actually reading this amazing tale, then this film will get you snared in it web like Sweeney got his victims in the barber's chair. For fans of this programme: You'll probably remember that this was billed as a 15 or so certificate for BBC 1 when it aired, but an 18 certificate directors cut is on release and is supposedly very good so watch out for it!