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ShGills
Reviews
Freedom Writers (2007)
Brilliant
I loved this film. It may be like many other story lines that have been used in the past.. similar to that of Coach Carter, but without the basketball.
I still think its brilliant. I just watched it without knowing much about it (after buying it make up the third DVD of my 3 for £20 deal) and couldn't move away from the TV. I enjoyed it so much.
I am a male in my late teens and it almost reduced me to tears. There are some such moving parts, which really highlight the realisation of American life. Explaining how its not all middle class white people, living comfortably. As much as America advertises itself as a brilliant country to live in (the land of opportunity) this film really does bring things down to earth.
A must see for anyone who enjoys a good film. I also enjoyed that not every other word had to f**k or s**t which widens the possible audience and makes it more suitable for younger children (rated 12 in the UK).
Please ignore bad remarks about this film and watch it for yourself before making your judgement based on other peoples views.
The Black Dahlia (2006)
Simply Awful
When I first saw this film and read the blurb I expected a brilliant film, especially considering De Palmas previous achievements (Scarface, 1982 and The Untouchables, 1987). This film did not do it for me at all, it failed to keep me interested and I found myself asleep on my sofa after 40 minutes ish. I expected so much more form this film and was really disappointed.
I like Hilary Swank and Josh Hartnett which is what is more annoying. It was not the actors that made this film bad; it was the poorly constructed storyline, the complicatedness of the narrative and the poor decisions made by De Palma as a director. A real let down, do not buy this film, do not rent this, don't even bother downloaded it for free of the internet because it still won't be worth the wait or your time.
I assume he was going for the film noir style, but he just did not pull it off. Maybe he should watch L.A Confidential and get some ideas and a lesson in how to do it. If you haven't seen L.A Confidential it is the best of the best, and will be worth all your time and money.
Scarface (1983)
Brilliant Film, 9/10
All of you people slating this to be a bad film on the message boards i do not think could be more wrong. This film is top notch and one of my favourites of all time.
I have read the book and as always the film does not go into detail in certain areas and this is why it is a 9 out of 10. However, I do sympathise with directors and filmmakers and appreciate how difficult it is to pick the best most influential parts of a book. As it the film is well over 2 hours long so putting in many more scenes would make it to long in my opinion.
Brian De Palma has produced some fantastic films and some strange ones to. Carrie (1976) contains one of the freakiest scenes i have ever seen in a film and of course The Untouchables (1987) is a classic gangster movie. I recently read that The Untouchables: Capone Rising is due to be released this year and is currently in pre-production. Due to show Capone moving to Chicago and as the title suggests his rise to the top.
As for the film itself, it is in an excellent performance from all (especially Pacino) and even after watching it more than 5 times never fails to keep me gripped and entertained every time. I recommend this film to anyone who likes the gangster genre. It is full of killing, drinking, drug taking, drug buying and selling, money, nice cars, nice houses etc.
Watch this film and enjoy it. True brilliance.
Goodbye Charlie Bright (2001)
Worth Watching
One of Nick Love's earlier films (his second i think) and I enjoyed it a lot.
The main story revolves around two boys who live on a east London estate and basically shows them getting drawn into the life of crime and drugs and what this can do to you. A lot of the filming is done on a real estate in Bermondsey, South London. Which i feel adds to the reality of the film. It gives a somewhat alarming account and insight into what life is like living in this estates around south London.
It is not in the same league as the likes of Trainspotting or The Full Monty which are both classic British films and are international recognised. but is still definitely worth watching.
Overall a good, enjoyable film. Give it a go.