The tagline ‘You Know His Name’ sums it up: Jason Bourne is a stock-standard action flick made purely to sell tickets to loyal fans. It’s CIA versus the little guy, if the little guy is an aging yet buff Matt Damon on a nondescript quest for knowledge about his past. Vikander is impassive and collected,…
Tag: Film
Hunt for the Wilderpeople a Comic Gem- 100 Word Review
Waititi’s wacky adventure comedy has humour and heart. Faced with an unloving foster system, Ricky Baker choses instead to elope into the wilderness, accompanied by his foster-dad Hec. Their escapades are comic gold, exhibiting a distinctly NZ sense of humour. Wittily written and directed by Waititi. Dennison thrives as badass youth, and has great chemistry…
Sweeney Todd: Gore, Guts and Melody- 100 Word Review
Burton’s adaption of the eerie musical has more blood than guts, with an unsatisfying ending. Sweeney Todd spends his days slitting the throats of his customers to be baked by his pie-maker neighbour Sweeney Todd spends his days slitting the throats of his customers to be baked by his pie-maker neighbour Mrs Lovett. Depp satisfies…
The Thief Lord- 100 Word Review
The Thief Lord is a tale of two orphan brothers who escape to Venice and befriend a gang of street children. Based on the book by Cornelia Funke (author of Inkheart), the movie is a fun fantasy adventure about family, youth and magic. The young cast work well together, although let down by Scipio, a whiny…
Blood Diamond Reviewed in 100 Words
Zwick’s 2006 thriller is a compelling and jarring look at the illegal diamond trade within civil war Sierra Leone. A fisherman and a smuggler unite to recover a priceless diamond and escape war-torn Africa. The pace is tense as the pair often narrowly escape confrontation with military and rebel fighters, featuring explosive action scenes. The…
The BFG- a Sweet and Faithful Adaption
Spielberg’s take on Dahl’s childhood classic is a faithful adaption with magical special effects. Young orphan Sophie is snatched by the BFG and taken to giant-country, where they become friends and form a plan to defeat the evil man-eating giants. Barnhill’s Sophie is sweet and lively, while Rylance’s BFG perfectly captures the endearing tongue-tied hero…
Shakespeare in Love reviewed
Shakespeare in Love is a delightfully funny look into the Bard’s fictitious inspiration for his most famous love story. Bereft of ideas for his new play, Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate’s Daughter, Will (Fiennes) meets the beautiful theatre-loving Viola (Paltrow). Their love affair inspires the famous tragedy of the star-crossed lovers that we know today….
Shawshank Redeemed in 100 Words
Darabont’s celebrated adaption of King’s beloved story is rightfully hailed as one of the greatest films of all time. The heartfelt tale of an unlikely friendship forged in an unforgiving jail has both impeccable writing and profound performances. Like Cuckoo’s Nest, it highlights the power of friendship and the resilience of the oppressed individual. Robbin’s resourcefulness…
Robin Hood: Prince of Melodrama- 100 Word Review
Reynold’s take on the outlaw hero who defeats the tyrannous Sheriff of Nottingham is melodramatic, absurd and occasionally fun. The pompous, swashbuckling score failingly attempts to inject significance and heroism into Robin’s journey. The casting is patchy at best. Costner’s more Peter Pan than Robbin, Mastrantonio lacks Marion’s tenacity, Freeman’s Moor suffices and Rickman’s antagonist…
The Jungle Book: All Looks, No Substance
Disney’s latest live-action remake has impeccable visual effects, but lacks the charm of the classic story. Visually, the film is outstanding. The jungle and all the animals in it have been vividly rendered with stunning authenticity using advanced CGI techniques. Plot-wise, it lacks. Shere Khan, the tyrannous tiger, seeks vengeance on man for past wrongs…
Woman in Gold lacks Sparkle- 100 Word Review
Curtis’ film is a slow telling of a true story, with flashbacks more interesting than the central plot. Years after fleeing persecution in WWII, Jewish Maria (Mirren), attempts to reclaim family art that was stolen by the Nazis. Mirren is her usual tenacious self and Reynolds good as passionate young lawyer. Among numerous legal scenes…
Beyond Thunderdome balances Max’s Madness with eccentric storyline- 100 Word Review
Miller’s third post-apocalyptic outing has the craziness of its predecessor with a unexpectedly comprehensible plot. Road Warrior, Max (Gibson) is enlisted by Thunderdome’s ruler to kill a rival in a gladiator-style arena. A subsequent banishment introduces him to a gang of children dreaming of the mythical Tomorrow-Morrow land. When their expedition fails, only Max can save…
Scribbles of Stage and Screen 