geoffgee Reviews

Sleeping Beauty (I) (2014)

A terrific story and fascinating characters whose fate I cared deeply about.

[10/10 · 3 October 2016]

I've recently watched this live action version of Sleeping Beauty (on DVD) and enjoyed it from the outset. The film's telling of the fairy tale is, I think, quite a distinct and imaginative variation on the way Sleeping Beauty is traditionally depicted. I quickly became interested in the journey of William (the commander of the king's army and played by Robert Amstler), the pretty elf Alondra (Gemma Donato) and the wizard Samrin (John J. Welsh) to rescue Aurora. I also enjoyed the choices of outdoor landscapes (e.g. snowy forests, mountain views, lake side action) and thought the fights were well choreographed. The actors and actresses are all attractive (even the villains) and they all put in acceptable performances. For me the film has what I enjoy in a movie (i.e. a terrific story and fascinating characters whose fate I care deeply about) so I'm giving it a personal rating of 10/10.

A Royal Night Out (2015)

An enjoyable film painstakingly and lovingly realised. Highly recommended.

[8/10 · 20 May 2015]

I'd been looking forward to A Royal Night Out's release since first seeing the trailer a few weeks ago. Now, after seeing the film, I'm happy to report that I wasn't disappointed. The action begins slowly, but once the royal sisters become enmeshed in London's VE night revelries I found myself being carried along by events in ways that were at times funny, at times exciting, at times emotionally moving - even at times with feelings of national pride - but always with interest and anticipation. One 'bonus' I hadn't expected was that the story would also feature elements of a very touching love story. This latter, for me, endowed the story with a certain 'fairy tale' quality. (But it is a film of fiction ... so, why not??) The three leads - Elisabeth, Margaret and Jack - are all excellent. Supporting actors and actresses of the cast provide additional variety and entertainment and play their parts with apparent enthusiasm. A lot of work obviously went into recreating the crowd, traffic and London scenes of 1945 and clothing styles seemed authentic to me. All in all a worthwhile undertaking painstakingly and lovingly realised. Go see this film. My bet is you'll be glad you did. Highly recommended. 8/10.

The Face of an Angel (2014)

I enjoyed the film so much I saw it a second time the next day.

[7/10 · 4 April 2015]

Having, previously to seeing the film, read all four of the user reviews on IMDb.com - all of which expressed some degree of negative criticism of the film - I went to see The Face of an Angel somewhat apprehensive about what to expect. What had peeked my interest was that I'd also heard that this was more a film about a filmmaker struggling to discover what he believed to be an underlying 'truth' about the main female characters involved in the murder, as opposed to the 'good girl' / 'bad girl' sensationalism which he saw the tabloid media as focusing on. This, to me, sounded to be of far more interest than a movie merely purporting to solve or throw further light on the crime would have been. And, happily for me, that's how it transpired. As I watched I was fascinated by how the main protagonist (Thomas) had to wrestle with decision making in aspects of his personal life as well as in finding some way of telling the murder trial story as he thought it should be told. I found the acting and directing to be more than adequate and that there was more than one 'face of an angel' to add to the film's appeal. I enjoyed the film so much I saw it a second time the next day. Recommended. 7/10.

Tinker Bell and the Legend of the NeverBeast (2014 Video)

Another perfect gem added to what is an already flawless series

[10/10 · 15 December 2014]

I have no reservations in describing Tinkerbell and the Legend of the Neverbeast as "another perfect gem added to what is an already flawless series". In this, the sixth of the series so far (and hopefully not the last), Tinkerbell takes a back seat, while animal fairy Fawn finds herself thrust into the spotlight due to her double penchants of firstly following her heart rather than her head, and secondly of steadfastly believing that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover. Shifting the focus away from Tink is fine by me because Pixie Hollow is simply bristling with interesting characters who I feel I want to know more about. In this story Fawn proves herself to be a character with many endearing qualities - inquisitiveness, intrepidity, persistence in the face of obstacles, a sense of humour and ... lovely long hair. (I came out of the cinema feeling more than a little 'smitten' by Fawn in a similar way to how I'd been smitten by Tink a few years earlier. Just saying.) She also has awesome high-flying skills it seems. As with the other Tinkerbell films there are three or four better than average songs (also the incidental music throughout is worth noticing), sumptuous artwork, an absorbing story and the usual comical shenanigans amongst the fairies. Give the kid in yourself a treat and go see this (maybe even take the kids with you? Boys will probably like this as much as girls will.) I'm hoping to see Neverbeast at least once more before it finishes its run at the cinema - after which I'll be looking forward to buying the bu-ray as soon as it's released (probably early summer next year?). Has to be a 10/10. Love it.

Hercules (I) (2014)

An excellent retelling of a mythological character's story

[10/10 · 30 July 2014]

I went into the cinema expecting this version of Hercules to be a somewhat lighthearted telling of the legend. I even wondered if I might be about to see another spoof movie! What I found however, was that what humour there was seemed to have been almost entirely selected for inclusion in the trailer. The actual film I found to be a much more serious and dramatically told story. For me that was a pleasant surprise. This is a story with considerable depth. It is also brilliantly filmed with much artistic beauty apparent in the sets. I saw it in 3D on an Imax screen and the whole spectacle was breathtaking. The acting throughout is excellent and I felt great empathy, especially towards Hercules and his diverse band of companions. This is another fine example of a modern retelling of the story of a character from mythology (I saw and reviewed The 'Legend of Hercules' back in April which I also loved). My recommendation is to go and see Hercules at least once at the cinema - then buy it on blu-ray or DVD when it comes out. That's what I'll be doing. Highly recommended 10/10.

The Legend of Hercules (2014)

An absorbing tale of love and adventure with added artistic merit. (Also much better than some reviewers say imo!)

[10/10 · 1 April 2014]

I saw The Legend of Hercules a few days ago and found it to be an exciting, moving, well directed, well acted, excellently scripted and, all in all, a thoroughly enjoyable film. (So much so that I am hoping to see the film again sometime during the next couple of days.)

The lead actor and actress are both very attractive. I enjoyed that there was a strong romantic element in the story. I was also highly impressed by many of the backdrops (settings/scenery) and found them to be quite artistic in conception. As such they added significantly to my enjoyment of the action and the unfolding drama.

Gaia Weiss and Roxanne McKee as Hebe and Queen Alcmene, when on screen, were always a delight to watch - not only because they are both exceedingly beautiful anyway and acted their parts well, but also because I happen to really like the Grecian styling of their clothes and hairstyles.

Kellan Lutz delivered a fine performance as Hercules. He is an actor who's future career I shall definitely be following with eager anticipation. Other supporting actors' and actresses' contributions were all well up to the same high standard as the main leads.

(As at least one other reviewer has said) I'm glad I didn't let the many negative reviews I'd read (on IMDb.com) put me off seeing this film. I'm awarding the film a 10, not only to offset the ridiculously low ratings it's been getting (as mentioned), but also because it's quite simply everything an action/historical/mythological/adventure film ought to be!

Highly recommended. 10/10.

The Pirate Fairy (2014 Video)

A little gem of a film that deserves more publicity than it seems to be getting.

[10/10 · 24 February 2014]

I'm sure anyone who is a dyed-in-the-wool follower of the Tinkerbell series of movies (like me) will be more than delighted with the latest instalment - Tinkerbell and the Pirate Fairy. A year ago, Tinkerbell and the Secret of the Wings totally blew me away. (So much so that I was extolling that film's praises for several months afterwards.) Well, I'm delighted to say that the same thing (extolling of praises) is pretty much certain to happen with me about this film too! Tinkerbell and the Pirate Fairy simply brims with delightful characters old and new. The plot is superb. Original, intelligent, witty and well constructed (ie there are no discrepancies in the narrative and all loose ends are satisfyingly tied up by the end of the movie). Zarina, the new fairy, is a wonderful addition to the cast. In many ways Zarina's particular 'talent' drives her to behave in ways we have become used to associating with Tinkerbell herself - ie she is inquisitive, takes risks and feels herself impelled to go beyond Pixie Hollow's previously established (and generally accepted) boundaries. I liked that there was plenty of good natured interaction this time among Tinkerbell's regular cohort of friends (Vidia, Iridessa, Silvermist and Rosetta) and many times something one or another of them said would cause me to chuckle with mirth. The action of the skirmishes between the fairies and the pirates is thrillingly animated. Finally, I thought the artwork throughout was top notch and the music, whether sung or instrumental, was both subtle and fitted well with the visuals. There is vastly more that I found enjoyable in this film (told you I'd be extolling the film's praises didn't I!) but I think you've probably heard enough from me by now. Whatever your age or gender (I'm a sixty something male), give yourself a treat ... go see Tinkerbell and the Pirate Fairy. My bet is you won't be disappointed. (Go with a little 'faith, trust and pixie dust' and you'll enjoy it even more!) 10/10.

Justin and the Knights of Valour (2013)

I feel confident in predicting that this is a film that will have lasting appeal to both young and old for many years to come.

[8/10 · 25 September 2013]

Justin and the Knights of Valour is very well executed and exciting adventure film. In costume and characterisation it has many similarities with 'Tangled', 'How to Train Your Dragon' and 'Brave'. All three last named are films I love by the way. For me Justin and the Knights of Valour is a worthy successor to them all. The artwork is very beautiful and imaginative, the script is intricate (for a children's film) and all the main characters are amusing and likable. They are also nicely voiced. I particularly liked Saoirse Ronan's Irish accented Talia. I'm in my late sixties (male) and saw the film on my own. I wasn't bored for a single second. On the contrary, I found the story to be totally absorbing. I'm also a bit of an unashamed romantic - so I was keen to discover how things would work out between Justin and his (two) young lady friends. There are also a couple of better than average songs I'd like to hear again. As best as I can recall the incidental music is fitting and well performed. (I intend to see the film again soon, so I will pay more attention to the musical score then.) I highly recommend this film and feel confident in predicting that it will have lasting appeal to both young and old for many years to come.

Diana (2013)

I found myself smiling for Diana when things were going well, heartbroken when they weren't. A lovely film about a lovely person.

[8/10 · 23 September 2013]

I went to see the film 'Diana' this afternoon and can honestly say I thoroughly enjoyed it. The film took me on a very convincing journey into what it must have been like for Diana as she struggled with coming to terms with her own inner conflicts (eg the feeling that she was destined always to be an 'outsider' to whatever family she aspired to belong to) while striving to rebuild a life for herself after separating from Prince Charles and to find the love she so desperately yearned for. The story is by turns happy and sad. I found myself smiling for Diana when things were going well, heartbroken when they weren't. Naomi Watts does an absolutely amazing job of portraying Diana. Her's is undoubtedly the weightiest role in the film and she puts her heart and soul into it with a wonderfully nuanced performance. Naveen Andrews playing the part of Dr Hasnat Khan also deserves much credit. Other actors and actresses played lesser roles, but all were well cast and contributed significantly as members of Diana's remaining 'entourage' (some also in roles as 'confidants'). Cinematography, location photography, interiors, sets, music and directing were all excellent. I've never been much of a 'royalty follower', but having seen this film I feel I know a lot more about Diana, her day to day life, and the last love of her all too short life. Don't be put off by low ratings (or negative reviews) - this is a moving and well made film. Highly recommended. 8/10.

The Great Gatsby (2013)

An absorbing and entertaining tour de force of artistry and film making that succeeds on many levels.

[10/10 · 23 May 2013]

For a while yesterday I'd been wondering whether or not to postpone going to see The Great Gatsby, tempted as I was by the significant amounts of blue sky and sunshine outside. Once the film started, and for the next two hours and twenty something minutes, my thoughts never once strayed to the weather outside. Within minutes of the start I, like Nick Carraway (the film's narrator), was being drawn into the sumptuously glamorous world of 1920's New York high society. The film making is simply astounding. At times the screen seemed filled from corner to corner with both elegance and frivolity. This is, however, a film that's most certainly not 'all visual spectacle' though. Several of the film's main characters were developed in sufficient detail to allow me to form meaningful opinions about them. Without wishing to give away too much, I found The Great Gatsby to have elements of a love story, a tragedy and (last but not least) a critique of a way of life having strong parallels with what is happening (in certain sections of society) in present times. Acting and cinematography are top notch. The 3D is cool. Some of my favourite actors and actresses are in it (DeCaprio, Isla Fisher) as well as some new ones I was impressed by (Elizabeth Debicki). Oh, and did I mention the music? I was the last person out of the auditorium. I simply had to stay and listen 'til the very end of the credits just to hear as much as possible of the amazing musical score. (Make sure you stay for Sia Furler singing Kill and Run at the very end of the credits.) OK. I think I've prattled on enough. I loved it and can't wait to see it again before it ends its run. Films don't come better than this (at least for me that is).

The Host (2013)

An excellent and well crafted sci-fi story, with touching romance, pathos and beautiful cinematography.

[8/10 · 3 April 2013]

'The Host' is an amazing movie. I went to see it today with my niece and she enjoyed it enormously too. We went not knowing what to expect. The reviews I'd read (all here on IMDb.com btw) seemed to be either full of praise or unsparingly critical. Also the novel is by Stephanie Meyer (of Twilight fame) - which, for me, being only Luke warm about any of the Twilight series, only added further to my feelings of trepidation. In the end I let the fact that I'm quite a fan of Saoirse Ronan (The Lovely Bones/City of Ember) tip the balance. Well, I'm happy to say that, after seeing this film, I'm now an even greater fan of Ms Ronan than ever, AND that my admiration for Stephanie Meyers' storytelling ability has risen exponentially! Apart from those two, everything else about the film is pretty awesome as well. Cinematography is beautiful. Most of the characters invoked a fair measure of empathy in me - even to the point of my having to hold back tears (of both sadness and joy) from welling up on more than one occasion. There is also quite a lot of romance (especially for a science fiction film) - in fact I'd go so far as to say this film possibly has some of the tenderest and most beautiful kissing scenes of any film (even non sci-fi) that I can recall. Acting, directing, music and (most importantly) the screenplay, are all first rate. A highly original and thought provoking story which, although set in the future, may also be seen as having a certain relevance to present humanity. A worthy 8/10.

Side Effects (I) (2013)

Cleverly conceived and brilliantly executed psychological suspense movie.

[8/10 · 20 March 2013]

Side Effects is a film that demands a fair measure of concentration from the viewer. Although it's apparently about treatment of depression and pill-taking, this film is really a very cleverly conceived psychological thriller. The 'side effects' referred to in the title aren't only pharmaceutical ones (related to a new drug), there are also (metaphorical?) side effects that permeate the relationships between the film's main characters. I missed the first ten minutes of the film by being late - but the film was so thought provoking, gripping, well acted and skillfully directed that I will almost certainly go to see it again. I'd say Side Effects is probably by no means a film for everyone, but if you have more than a passing interest in psychology, depression, insanity as a legal concept (or just enjoy a first rate suspense film) you will surely get a lot of satisfaction out of seeing this. An undoubted 8/10 for me.

Safe Haven (I) (2013)

A romance and an exciting thriller with a good and original story.

[7/10 · 15 March 2013]

Really enjoyed seeing Safe Haven today. The story is very good and includes a few refreshingly original ideas. The two leads (Josh Duhamel and Julianne Hough) are very attractive and the romance between them is developed at a pace that allows one to follow their experience in some depth and in differing circumstances. Many of the settings are also very scenic and it was a change to be watching a film in which most of the vehicles are boats rather than cars! I saw Julianne Hough in Rock of Ages and thought she acted that well. For me she did pretty darn well in this too. I haven't seen a lot of films with Josh Duhamel in, but I reckon he puts in a good effort here too. Finally, if it's excitement you want, yes, there's a little of that too. Definitely well worth seeing - especially if you like your romance flick(s) to have an exciting edge. 7/10.

Secret of the Wings (2012)

If you've never seen a Tinkerbell film please don't be put off by thinking they are only for kids or for girls

[10/10 · 22 December 2012]

Each of the Tinkerbell films is very different from all its siblings in many distinctive ways. The Secret of the Wings is no exception. The stories are always of the highest standard. This time the narrative is developed at a fairly gentle pace for almost half the film, allowing the viewer to acquire quite a thorough empathy for the bonding feelings between Tinkerbell and her newly discovered sister, Periwinkle. The second half of the film has plenty of excitement, action and suspense. Tinkerbell's inventiveness and powers of observation are brought to the fore in a race to save nothing less than the whole of Pixie Hollow. Interacting with the winter fairies introduces us to many new characters as well as showing us the icily beautiful wonderland that the winter fairies inhabit. The background music is also excellent and there are some lovely and well sung songs. This is the first Tinkerbell film I've seen on a cinema screen and I absolutely loved the experience. If you've never seen a Tinkerbell film please don't be put off by thinking they are only for kids or for girls. I'm a 68 year old male and I (and my son) love them! Can't wait to add Secret of the Wings to my Tinkerbell blue ray collection (but will hopefully see it again at the cinema before it ends its run).

So Undercover (2012)

A funny, exciting and romantic film that people of any age or gender should enjoy

[6/10 · 14 December 2012]

I think Miley Cyrus is well cast in the main role. She gives a convincing performance of someone who's work (undercover) requires them to stay calm under pressure and when faced with unexpected situations. I found the story to be quite complicated, but despite my getting a bit 'lost' now and then over what was happening, I nevertheless enjoyed the challenge of trying to follow the ins and outs of the plot. I thought the script was well enough written (I'm no expert) with several original sounding lines. In spite of having Miley Cyrus (formerly Hannah Montana) in the starring role (and a few somewhat excruciating "O .. M .. G"s!) I wouldn't say this is a particularly 'teenage girl' oriented film. All-in-all a funny, exciting and romantic film that most people (from, say, 12 to 70+) should find enjoyable. (I'm a 68 year old male btw.)

Love Bite (2012)

story line holds together remarkably well for a film about werewolves

[6/10 · 16 November 2012]

I thoroughly enjoyed this film. (So much so that I have now seen it twice.) True there is quite a lot of all the (crude) stuff that other reviewers have mentioned, but there is also a story line that holds together remarkably well for a film about werewolves. In the course of the film suspicion falls on various characters as to which one is actually becoming the werewolf at the time of the full moon. I felt at times I was watching a murder who-done-it. By the end of the film all the earlier 'loose ends' are tied up in a satisfying way that makes logical sense of the script. The film's characters are, to a greater or lesser extent, larger than life (if not downright quirky) - but no more so than might be reasonably expected in a film of comic fantasy. All in all I found this to be a very original story. It was well paced and kept me interested from start to finish. The seaside setting was also refreshing and occasionally provided a picturesque backdrop. In my opinion Love Bite is well worth seeing (at least once). 6/10.

Red Riding Hood (2011)

Highly recommended. Don't be put off by the negative reviews. Satisfying story on various levels.

[7/10 · 10 May 2011]

This is an awesome film. Some reviewers have criticised the sets but I thought they were superb. The story of the film bears very little resemblance to the original fairy tale. Or perhaps I should say that in this version the original has been very considerably 'fleshed out'.

In some ways I feel the narrative of Red Riding Hood is very much a story for our time. At times I felt I was seeing parallels with things currently of concern - especially to western societies. I'm thinking in particular about such things as religious zealotry (in certain individuals) and paranoia (in the general population) concerning external and internal enemies. (As for instance in the current 'war on terror').

There are elements of several genres - not just those of fantasy or supernatural. There is a love story, but it is a psychologically complex one, and it is brilliantly intertwined with an over-arching tragedy of (to me) almost Shakespearian proportions.

I'm not usually keen on films having supernatural or fantasy elements. In this film, however, the fantasy element (the werewolf) could arguably be considered as representing the embodiment of every individual's fear. In any case the depiction of this werewolf is far more 'real' than I believe the werewolves in the Twilight series of films to have been (though I've only seen one of those - which I can now barely recall).

Amanda Seyfried is well cast in the lead role. All the other actors and actresses play their parts with appropriate conviction.

If you enjoy a suspenseful film (and are prepared to have your disbelief suspended for an hour and a half) I feel sure you will not be disappointed by this film. I thoroughly recommend this - even if you normally shun werewolf films.

Sanctum (2011)

Well worth experiencing at least once at the cinema if you get the chance.

[8/10 · 17 February 2011]

This film is way, way better than some of the negative reviews here had led me to believe it would be. I'd heard the 3D was outstanding (even many of the negative reviews had conceded that much), so I went prepared to settle for at least having a good experience in the way of seeing some stereoscopic excellence in action. I certainly wasn't disappointed on that score. What I really hadn't expected however was how strongly I would come to feel for these characters. Not only to feel, but also to care deeply about what would become of them. Credit is therefore due to the excellence of the acting performances by each and every actor/actress for that. Considering the claustrophobic setting (which must by its nature impose a few limits) I found the dialogue to be intelligent and free from any of the more usual usual action-flic clichés. Several times during the film we are asked to question how far the norms of a (relatively benign) outside world still apply once humans find themselves transported into an environment which is so overwhelmingly hostile. At other times the question becomes 'How far can one be justified in involving others' lives in the fulfilment of one's own personal ambitions?' As undoubtedly harrowing as this film is, after I had left the cinema I found it had the effect of helping me to see the (everyday) world from a much better point of view. Some scenes are graphically quite disturbing, but in my opinion they are neither unnecessary nor included in any way gratuitously. I think it's a great pity that this film seems to be having such a short run at cinemas. It is definitely well worth experiencing at least once at the cinema if you get the chance!

The Runaways (2010)

An excellent biopic with good music and interesting characters

[7/10 · 21 September 2010]

Today was the second time I've seen this film within a week. Prior to seeing it I knew nothing about the 70's girl band called The Runaways (indeed I was initially expecting a fiction about girls who run away). I thought it very interesting to watch how the girls of the band came together. Their transformation from naive but determined adolescent girls into hardened rock stars is depicted in a very watchable mix of the shocking, the touching and the everyday. The acting of all the main actors and actresses is of a high enough standard to make the characters totally credible. Considering their ages I am certainly impressed by the acting of the two main female roles. They also look very attractive - especially in the many close-up shots. The direction is for the most part unobtrusive apart from on two or three occasions (I won't say when) at which times I thought it was very effectively used. I'd say this is definitely a better than average movie which will justify more than one (if not several) viewings.

Tamara Drewe (2010)

Will take you out of the city (if that's where you live) but you won't be bored

[8/10 · 16 September 2010]

I wasn't sure what to expect when I went in to see this film, but by half way through I had been thoroughly drawn in to the several story lines that were unfolding. There is certainly a reasonable amount of humour in the film, but there is also a surprising amount of perceptively observed detail on the confusing nature of human attraction and desire. There are plenty of original ideas in the script which held my interest and the dialogue is plentiful, well delivered and emotionally satisfying. I found the casting and acting to be very well balanced (meaning each actor/actress carried their appropriate weight for the narrative). All of the characters - in spite of their flaws in some instances - are nevertheless attractive and highly watchable. Don't be put off by some of the more negative reviews on here. This film will take you out of the city (if that's where you live) into the countryside, but you won't be bored for even a second. Highly recommended.

Space Chimps 2: Zartog Strikes Back (2010 Video)

Entertaining for young kids and for introducing them to the wonders of space.

[5/10 · 25 June 2010]

This is quite plainly aimed at a very young audience and as such I think succeeds reasonably well. The story is imaginative and, though somewhat improbable, does make logical sense and all loose ends are eventually tied up. A few scientifically accurate astronomical details are included which should (hopefully) encourage youngsters towards furthering their knowledge of such wonders. Dialogue is clearly voiced and the humour is, I think, capable of being understood by most typical six or seven year olds. There was a family with three or four very young children sitting two rows behind me and the film seemed to hold their interest throughout. I think this is a worthy sequel to Space Chimps 1 (which I also think was under-appreciated) and deserves a higher rating than it is getting so far. Ideal for entertaining young kids (and for introducing them to a bit of science) and sufficiently wittily scripted for accompanying adults who haven't completely lost contact with their inner child.

StreetDance 3D (2010)

Moving, enjoyable and satisfying film that challenges more traditional concepts of dance.

[8/10 · 24 May 2010]

From a storytelling point of view I went to see Street Dance curious as to what kind of narrative could possibly be made out of such an unlikely premise - ie the combining of two such dissimilar dance styles as street dance and ballet. The story that emerges here (out of the protagonists initial reluctance to co-operate with each other) I found to be original, had plenty of interesting dialogue and built up to a very satisfying and exhilarating finish. Several of the film's characters are portrayed in sufficient depth that I could feel significant empathy for them and their aspirations. The numerous conflicts, which arise at intervals right up to the film's closing minutes, (together with the manner of their resolution) kept my interest at a high level. All the actors and actresses give believable performances for their respective roles. It was also good to see a number of faces I hadn't seen before. The cinematography I thought was excellent. I also noticed effective use being made of quite shallow depth of field - in which the subject is in sharp focus while nearer or more distant objects weren't. Finally I think this film has some of the most natural (and therefore most satisfying) 3D effect I have seen - which is apparent as much in the ordinary interior and exterior scenes as in dancing parts. All in all I think this is a very enjoyable film that might very well give you a whole new perspective on what the basic concept of dance ought to be.

The Last Song (2010)

A moderately sad film with Ms Cyrus giving a surprisingly solid performance.

[7/10 · 3 May 2010]

I was really impressed with the acting quality of several of the actors and actresses in this film. The young boy who plays Jonah (Bobby Coleman) does a magnificent job of portraying a youngster fighting his own inner turmoil whilst bravely trying to maintain some kind of peace between his sister and their father. Greg Kinnear does a decent job of playing a man delicately balancing his desire to regain his daughter's affection against her determination to remain stubbornly distanced from him. Miley Cyrus also delivers a surprisingly mature performance; one that suggests to me that, if she keeps performances as good as this up, she will most certainly be able to ensure for herself a successful post Hannah Montana portfolio of roles. Other character parts are all adequately and believably played. The screenplay is well paced with plenty of interesting plot details and a there is a good selection of more or less likable characters with whom to empathise (or otherwise). Cinematography is unremarkable and unobtrusive - yet vibrant and colourful. The film also benefits from incorporating quite an interesting theme (one which the Ronnie character in particular has to come to terms with) as events unfold and difficult decisions have to be taken. Please don't be put off by the ridiculously low rating this film has on IMDb for some reason. I highly recommend this film to anyone who appreciates poignant drama, sensitive acting and gorgeous beach settings.

Agora (2009)

a beacon of hope that questioning, scientific reason will some day replace religious dogma and intolerance

[10/10 · 24 April 2010]

I saw this film yesterday and have hardly been able to stop thinking about it since. Hypatia's patient and reasoned approach to questioning Copernicus' belief that the circle was supremely perfect, is thrown throughout the film into stark contrast with the Christians' ever growing stranglehold on silencing anyone whose ideas conflict with their own by whatever convenient argument suits them. Several times throughout the drama Hypatia mentions the sacrifices her devotion to science has led her to make. How her two male suitors are constrained by this introduces elements of a compelling (and possibly unique) variation on the theme of a triangular love relationship. Rachel Weisz's performance gives Hypatia's character a distinctly endearing charm, from her excitement while seeking answers to the philosophical questions of the day to her dignified reaction to the rising tide of ignorance and religious intolerance. All other supporting character parts are equally well performed and the direction struck me as being sincere in its motives and honest in its portrayal of the issues.

My Last Five Girlfriends (2009)

Entertaining, interesting and well acted with some unusual features

[7/10 · 26 March 2010]

I had no knowledge of the novel by Alain de Botton on which this is based, but I had previously watched several of his TV programs. While I was watching the film something someone was saying would occasionally remind me of the writer's (Botton's) psychological (and philosophical) interests. There was, however, ample drama for me to be able to feel empathy for most of the characters, as well as enough unexpected plot 'surprises' to maintain my desire to find out what would happen next. Visually I tended to find there was rather more use of distorting lenses in the cinematography than I am used to (or, personally, comfortable with), but having said that I can also see why their use may be reasonably justified. Fairly understated but nonetheless enthusiastic performances from most of the actors and actresses. Definitely well worth the time spent watching.