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TheLester
Reviews
The Fountain (2006)
Three plots are one, the path to eternal life
+Cinematography 9/10 +Acting 8/10 +&- story & editing 6.5/10
I watched "The Fountain" at a free screening yesterday in the local theatre, so I almost feel the obligation to write something about it, and do my part.
Not spoiling the plot here is quite easy, as the film does, as is the intention of its authors, make you think, and experience--there is much to talk about. The plot itself is quite simple, but the message is complicated. I'll try to recap my thoughts on the film the way I thought about it when I left the theatre yesterday.
My first thought: truly beautiful cinematography. This film really had some wonderful scenes and compositions, great (absolutely great) lighting, good effects. These were luckily not too overdone, perhaps a bit towards the end, but the film did stay true to it's intention of separating itself from the bulk of Hollywood(esquire) films these days. This section gets a 9/10 from me, and should be enough for you to make a trip to the flea-pit.
Then, acting: surprisingly good. Surprising, as I haven't seen too many films starring Jackman and Weisz. These leads were very good, solid actors in this film and really drove the storyline ahead. Thank goodness Brad Pitt was not chosen for Jackman's role. Not that I am a Pitt-hater, however he would have stolen the show, and taken the focus away from what should be paramount: the film. Ellen Burstyn was an amazing supporting actress, and as far as I am concerned should get some award for that (I won't call Oscars, etc., but something should be in for her). 8/10 for acting
The story & editing: This is where it gets a bit iffy, and one rating for this section does not really do it justice, but I'll go for it anyway for the sake of simplicity. As the story is layered, it is always interesting to see how the director handles it, and how the authors push it forward. I would say that through roughly the first half of the film they were very successful in doing so, as this viewer is taken through a mildly-tempoed plot, where s/he really gets the feel for the actors and the cinematography. While the storyline does become clear quite fast, it is not intrusive. As this film has three plots (which are all one, see it to understand), it became rushed towards the end, as they are brought together. I am an advocate for making long films if the plot demands it to be so, and this one to me could have gone on for another hour easily without losing its viewers.
Due to the not so strong second half of the film, only 6.5/10 for this part.
The message of the film is an interesting one, and this is where I think the 'controversy' comes from. I personally do not think this is a 'love-or-hate' film, but you be the judge. I'll have to go see this one again to understand it fully, and before making up my mind on the final rating. For now "The Fountain" gets a
7/10
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006)
Hollywood money-making machine.
OK, seriously, who gives this movie a 10? What has happened to IMDb-users? I was dragged into this movie by my friend, but OK, I went in hoping for some good entertainment at least. While I got some of it, I was thoroughly disappointed. Not only with this, but with so many movies that have come out in the last few years. Since "The Matrix," Hollywood seems to think all you need is a bunch of special effects (not very good ones in this movie, mind you) with a cheap storyline combined into a movie that should have lasted 90, not 150 minutes, to sell to the masses. What scares me most, is that it actually works...
A horrifying ending, and you know that a "Part 3--The Daring Rescue of the Sparrow From the End of the World" (or something like that)is bound to come haunt us in the next 2-4 years. Geez, what has happened to movies that can be popular, mainstream, and incredibly well done at the same time?
Finisterre (2003)
Great soundtrack, interesting Picture
Being a fan of Saint Etienne and the City of London, I was very excited to see this movie on the list of the Vancouver International Film Festival. This movie has great shots, an absolutely excellent soundtrack and interesting insights into a 'not so well known' London.
The movie is held completely in 'dark' colours, which I personally don't like too much. Furthermore the narration was a little too British and the comments sometimes got a little flat. Other than that, there are some great comments by Londoners and excellent shots. FINISTERRE doesn't glorify London by showing all the great attractions of the city, but rather gives deep insights in what London is really like. From the East end to the vibrant centre with its music scene as well as the 'special little retreats' for Londoners.
All in all:
+Great Soundtrack +Nice shots +great insights
-Narration -Tiering to watch at times -Very dark picture
Worth watching! I give it a 7/10
AVP: Alien vs. Predator (2004)
Highly entertaining with a bad ending (some Spoilers)
AVP was a movie of which I had no high expectations when I went to the theatre. All I wanted was a good 'ol hack 'n slash movie with a bad plot and a bad ending. Well, my expectations were fulfilled! I was lucky to have an excellent crowd with me in the theatre, so we all had a good time watching the 'serpents' hunt their predators! I believe though that to truly appreciate the movie and get all the little jokes and hints you have to have seen the other Alien and Predator movies. Bishop, the sacrificial chamber, the goo hinting towards the aliens... Personally I was a little disappointed to see the aliens classified as stupid bloodthirsty savages, but that was to be expected. Anyway, I would definitely recommend watching this movie. Go with a good crowd, don't expect too much, have fun and forget about the ending.
7/10