It's basically a recruitment film for Christianity.... lots of talk of praying etc. On top of that it's a poor script, terrible acting and stereotypes galore. And the golfing scenes that should be the centre of attention are terrible, not a half decent swing in sight. Just stay away and spend those 90 minutes on basically anything else and I guarantee it's better spent time.
Reviews
12 Reviews
A good family film
2 January 2009
LasseMajas detektivbyrå - Kameleontens hämnd is a good film for kids six and over, the smaller kids will probably find it too hard and long.
But it will be especially fun for those kids who have read the books and perhaps seen the Swedish advent calendar series on Swedish TV.
The cast is strong, not overplaying and do a good job at bringing the characters to life. The storyline is exciting and quite clever, and while the film is not a big "the moral of the story is" there is a message in there. Trust your friends and don't believe al that you read in the papers.
Go see it, you'll enjoy it.
But it will be especially fun for those kids who have read the books and perhaps seen the Swedish advent calendar series on Swedish TV.
The cast is strong, not overplaying and do a good job at bringing the characters to life. The storyline is exciting and quite clever, and while the film is not a big "the moral of the story is" there is a message in there. Trust your friends and don't believe al that you read in the papers.
Go see it, you'll enjoy it.
The Contender
(2000)
Absolutely fantastic
23 November 2006
See this film, see this film....you can almost not repeat that too many times. For the avid fan of political thrillers this is one of a few films you cannot afford to miss. The cast is great and the screenplay is top notch. You cannot help but get excited, furious and relieved at various times.
The very sober portrayal of Senator Laine Hanson by Joan Allen is tremendous (and I'm not usually a big fan of hers) while the Jeff Bridges take on the role of US President Jackson Evans is just amazing, and incredibly funny (for reasons that will become obvious to anyone that chooses to see this film).
One might wonder why this film failed to make an impact in the "Award stakes" and I cannot see a reason. If you enjoyed "The West Wing" on TV and films like "City Hall", "Kongakabale" (much underrated Danish film from 2004) or "All the president's men" then you really must see this (there, I said it a final time :-) ).
The very sober portrayal of Senator Laine Hanson by Joan Allen is tremendous (and I'm not usually a big fan of hers) while the Jeff Bridges take on the role of US President Jackson Evans is just amazing, and incredibly funny (for reasons that will become obvious to anyone that chooses to see this film).
One might wonder why this film failed to make an impact in the "Award stakes" and I cannot see a reason. If you enjoyed "The West Wing" on TV and films like "City Hall", "Kongakabale" (much underrated Danish film from 2004) or "All the president's men" then you really must see this (there, I said it a final time :-) ).
The Lives of Others
(2006)
Surely an Oscar for Germany for this somber "feel-good"story
23 November 2006
Germany has during the last few years produced a number of very worthwhile films that take stock of their somewhat chequered past. The incredible "Untergang" and the very funny "Good Bye Lenin" have to be the two most prominent ones. They have now been joined by the very classy "Das Leben der Anderen" (The Lives of Others). It is a must see film for everyone, and especially those with an interest in our near history. It is this incredible to think that less than 20 years ago such totalitarian regimes existed all over Europe. It is even more disturbing to realise that they still exist in places today.
Based around one surveillance case that offers many different takes on the same story "Das Leben der Anderen" brings home the totalitarian regime that was East Germany. It offers a great historical perspective while making you feel hope and joy. The acting is extremely good, it feels just as downplayed as I imagine life in the old DDR was. I don't imagine it will propel any of the actors to Hollowood greatness (many are already German acting veterans) but I really hope writer/director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck who also co-produced the film get his due credit.
It would be liberating (pardon the pun) to see this film claim top hon ours for best international film instead of the usual line up of Almodovar or Kaurismäki. Even if it doesn't, go see it.
Based around one surveillance case that offers many different takes on the same story "Das Leben der Anderen" brings home the totalitarian regime that was East Germany. It offers a great historical perspective while making you feel hope and joy. The acting is extremely good, it feels just as downplayed as I imagine life in the old DDR was. I don't imagine it will propel any of the actors to Hollowood greatness (many are already German acting veterans) but I really hope writer/director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck who also co-produced the film get his due credit.
It would be liberating (pardon the pun) to see this film claim top hon ours for best international film instead of the usual line up of Almodovar or Kaurismäki. Even if it doesn't, go see it.
Mystic River
(2003)
One of , if not the best from Clint Eastwood
6 November 2006
Clint Eastwood is truly a great director, and this is probably his best. It is a story of friendship, revenge, distress and suspicion in New York with some extremely strong acting performances from especially Sean Penn (at no time has an actor been more deserving of an Oscar), Kevin Bacon and Tim Robbins. But the supporting roles of Marcia Gay Harden and Laura Linney are very impressive as well.
This is a must see film that delivers a very emotionally charged storyline within the framework of a fantastic directorial effort from Clint Eastwood. It is hard to compare with other pictures but has the air of Mean Streets and Sleepers.
This is a must see film that delivers a very emotionally charged storyline within the framework of a fantastic directorial effort from Clint Eastwood. It is hard to compare with other pictures but has the air of Mean Streets and Sleepers.
När mörkret faller
(2006)
A disturbing yet very worthwhile movie - go and see it
29 October 2006
När mörkret faller (When darkness falls) is disturbing, indeed it made me cringe several times, but I must recommend it to everyone. The issues of domestic violence, "honour related violence" and indeed the distortion of justice are far more commonplace than any of us would like to admit. Therefore this film serves a purpose well beyond entertainment.
It is also a very well made film, offering some realistic and gripping characters, played to perfection by a very strong cast mixing old and new talent. But one must single out the young newcomer, Oldoz Javidi (Leyla), for special praise. She was great.
The writers and writer/director Anders Nilsson also manages to stay away from the most blatant of stereotypes, and this is one of the key reasons why this film manages to hit home the message that many people live in fear but for many different reasons. All credit also to the way the film so easily slips in and out of the three different story lines without loosing the viewers - even though it offers almost too much information. But it still lands on the right side of the fence so go see it.
It is also a very well made film, offering some realistic and gripping characters, played to perfection by a very strong cast mixing old and new talent. But one must single out the young newcomer, Oldoz Javidi (Leyla), for special praise. She was great.
The writers and writer/director Anders Nilsson also manages to stay away from the most blatant of stereotypes, and this is one of the key reasons why this film manages to hit home the message that many people live in fear but for many different reasons. All credit also to the way the film so easily slips in and out of the three different story lines without loosing the viewers - even though it offers almost too much information. But it still lands on the right side of the fence so go see it.
Keeping the Faith
(2000)
Religion and rom-com in a very workable mix
20 January 2006
As a fan of rom-coms I would have to put that right up there with When Harry Met Sally, Funny Girl or the underrated Sweet Home Alabama. But this film works because of a a great cast headed by solid performances from Norton, Stiller and Elfman but also thanks to the smaller roles played to perfection by such greats as Anne Bancroft and Milos Forman. There are lots of smart non offensive gags about religion and a quirky three-way love triangle.
But one of the main reasons to see this film is actually one particular scene played out in an Irish bar between Norton and the excellent Brian George. Balanced to perfection the two rather tanked up gentlemen offers us the ultimate bar talk, I love it.
But one of the main reasons to see this film is actually one particular scene played out in an Irish bar between Norton and the excellent Brian George. Balanced to perfection the two rather tanked up gentlemen offers us the ultimate bar talk, I love it.
Fatherland
(1994 TV Movie)
I always say "I never read books, it ruins the film" and never has it been more true than here
4 January 2006
Fatherland by Robert Harris is truly one of the best novels ever written and I did find myself thinking "this could be a great film one day" many times while reading it. I was therefore delighted to see it made but disappointed with the result.
Most of the actors work for me - this is a film that should be cast with Europeans - especially Rutger Hauer (ever growing in stature as an older statesman) as Xavier March. But one big flaw is the lack of chemistry with Richardsson.
But this is a book that deserved the big screen and a well known director. Lets hope for a re-make.
It must also be said that one of the most disappointing facts about the movie is how the film never really portrays the Berlin and Germany of a victorious Third Reich well enough. The monumental architecture that is so well described in Harris's book (taken from the historical facts of Hitler and Speer's plans) never really gets a fair showing. Just imagine what Industrial Light and Magic could do with this.
Most of the actors work for me - this is a film that should be cast with Europeans - especially Rutger Hauer (ever growing in stature as an older statesman) as Xavier March. But one big flaw is the lack of chemistry with Richardsson.
But this is a book that deserved the big screen and a well known director. Lets hope for a re-make.
It must also be said that one of the most disappointing facts about the movie is how the film never really portrays the Berlin and Germany of a victorious Third Reich well enough. The monumental architecture that is so well described in Harris's book (taken from the historical facts of Hitler and Speer's plans) never really gets a fair showing. Just imagine what Industrial Light and Magic could do with this.
Omen IV: The Awakening
(1991 TV Movie)
Just not up to the standard of the original three (or two) - avoid
2 January 2006
Its unfortunate that someone decided to spin off on the best horror movies of all time in my book. This poor copy steals lots of material from the first three films going as far as even copying how persons die and what will happen in the future to the key characters and it basically tries to cram in three films into one and fails. It fails even to create a good scary atmosphere for one (except with the odd exception where the impressive choral music brings back memories of the old films).
The only thing we can be thankful for is that there has not been an Omen V.
The only thing we can be thankful for is that there has not been an Omen V.
61*
(2001 TV Movie)
This is a great film even for the non baseball fan
2 January 2006
Even for the only occasional baseball fan in Europe (i.e. myself) this film gives you excitement about the game the game of baseball, feeling for some of its greatest stars and hits home just how big the sport is across the pond. And it really brings home how much director/producer Billy Crystal loves the game.
The strength, however, really rest in the performance of Billy Pepper and Thomas Jane who portray the friendship, rivalry and respect between two great players.
I was glued to the screen from moment one would suggest that this is one of the strongest sports films ever made.
The strength, however, really rest in the performance of Billy Pepper and Thomas Jane who portray the friendship, rivalry and respect between two great players.
I was glued to the screen from moment one would suggest that this is one of the strongest sports films ever made.
Dinner Rush
(2000)
Brilliant and charming, a bit like a fine restaurant
2 August 2005
This is really a hidden gem that should have had a major impact at the cinemas everywhere. It truly is a loss to anyone who misses it.
The characters are charming, obnoxious, familiar, unexpected and with a great many stereotypes this offers a fascinating mix played out at a weird and wonderful pace that switches easily between relaxed and frantic. The character gallery on its own is reason to see this film but the various tracks of the story offers added value not seen as comfortably intertwined in other films for many years. The stories are steered by an amazing screenplay based on non-stop dialogue that places you right at the centre of affairs, or indeed inside the restaurant where 90% of the film is set.
If you enjoy the witty repartee of Smoke or Clerks (although nowhere near as vulgar) then you must see this film.
Danny Aiello is brilliant, so are the majority of the not so well known cast and the supporting role of John Corbett offers a new perspective on an otherwise strong stereotype, almost worth the ticket price itself.
The characters are charming, obnoxious, familiar, unexpected and with a great many stereotypes this offers a fascinating mix played out at a weird and wonderful pace that switches easily between relaxed and frantic. The character gallery on its own is reason to see this film but the various tracks of the story offers added value not seen as comfortably intertwined in other films for many years. The stories are steered by an amazing screenplay based on non-stop dialogue that places you right at the centre of affairs, or indeed inside the restaurant where 90% of the film is set.
If you enjoy the witty repartee of Smoke or Clerks (although nowhere near as vulgar) then you must see this film.
Danny Aiello is brilliant, so are the majority of the not so well known cast and the supporting role of John Corbett offers a new perspective on an otherwise strong stereotype, almost worth the ticket price itself.
King's Game
(2004)
A real Danish player in the political thriller category
2 August 2005
As with most Danish films of the last ten years the visual images are brilliant, the intrigue is impressive and the actors are very good.
But best of all is that the imagery of Kongkabale fits in well with the shady nature of politics suggested by the filmmakers. As a political thriller its right up there with The Contender, City Hall or All the Presidents Men (although you can't really argue against the shadiness in the final one). But Kongakabale reaches the real heights because it doesn't overplay corruption or evil and shows that no matter which side you might play for you will face ethical dilemmas.
The one criticism that one might have about this film is that one or two of the characters are perhaps overtly cynical but then even these few exceptions are definitely needed to take the story home.
But best of all is that the imagery of Kongkabale fits in well with the shady nature of politics suggested by the filmmakers. As a political thriller its right up there with The Contender, City Hall or All the Presidents Men (although you can't really argue against the shadiness in the final one). But Kongakabale reaches the real heights because it doesn't overplay corruption or evil and shows that no matter which side you might play for you will face ethical dilemmas.
The one criticism that one might have about this film is that one or two of the characters are perhaps overtly cynical but then even these few exceptions are definitely needed to take the story home.
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