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The Shape of Water (2017)
Adorably whimsical kind of B movie themed film with dark humour and mad love story
I can't believe it has taken me so long to get to see this movie. I did not know much about the plot, so I was very surprised, amused and strangely moved by much of the bizarre romance which unfolded between the lonely heroine and the equally lonely amphibious man-creature.
This movie has been sadly misunderstood by many of the reviewers, who did not realize that it was actually meant to have moments of dark comedy. It is not meant to be a serious, realistic Sci Fi movie, but it is totally believable as a love story. If this lonely, thirty-something woman did meet a lonely man-fish creature of this kind, and they had a special sign language communication, it seems credible that they might fall in love. The merman looks alien but strangely attractive, with big, jewel-like eyes and beautiful lips. He has gills which make pretty fan shapes around his head and arms.
The good-guy characters in this movie are warm and fully developed, likeable people. The amphibious man is weird but also very likeable. The villain is so evil that you just have to laugh at his extremes of boorishness and sadism. Some of the violence is oddly slapstick and darkly hilarious.
If you are prepared to suspend disbelief and enjoy the whimsical madness, violent, slapstick laughs and bizarre yet adorable romance, you will soon see why The Shape of Water won so many awards. It has the most fabulous look of the early 1960's, from the scenery, cars and clothes, even down to a slightly yellowed took to the film's colour, as if it was actually filmed in the 60's. I also think that fans of graphic (cartoon) novels will love the oddball romance of this movie. Expect the unexpected, float away and enjoy the ride. Escapism is the order of the day.
Constantine (2005)
An Epic Fantasy Horror Movie with Stunning Visual Effects
I saw this movie in 2005, own the DVD and still get excited to see it again when it appears on TV.
Constantine is a fantasy roller coaster ride of epic proportions. Its two main protagonists, John and Angela, are both so beautiful that they are like cartoon characters; which further enhances the watchability of this very stylish movie.
From the very start, the storyline grabs you by the scruff of the neck and draws you in. There are angels, demons, bizarre otherworldly landscapes and just about everything you could possibly imagine in your wildest nightmares.
For me it's pure escapism; far superior to gory slasher movies, where the horror is often too much like what can actually happen in real life. In this world of violence and horrifying events in the news, Constantine offers a magic carpet ride to another dimension. This is the kind of movie worth going to the cinema for, instead of waiting for the DVD. See it and be amazed.
Rankin Presents: Collabor8te: 'Cold Comfort' & 'Liar' (2014)
An intriguing short film in a bleak, nightmarish landscape.
The misty, bleak urban landscape in this short film is as much of a star as its two main characters. Most of the action takes place in a bus stop that is almost like a small prison cell with a bench and a fine grid covering most of the window area, almost like the mesh on a cage. I have to confess I mainly watched it because my favourite actor, Nico Mirallegro, is in it. He was very natural in his role, as usual. But the main character's actress, Leila Mimmack, was also very watchable; as the writer said, she said a lot with her face even when silent. She had big frightened eyes and you could almost read her thoughts. It's a film that deserves to be watched several times, because it has a highly-original story and you keep noticing different things on seeing it again.
Spike Island (2012)
Feel-Good Movie for Summer 2013
Spike Island is the feel-good movie for the summer. Ideal nostalgic fun for anyone really, but especially those who love The Stone Roses, or anyone who loves the 90's, or anyone who used to be in a local rock band or is still in one.
The main protagonists of the story are five lads - Tits, Dodge, Little Gaz, Zippy and Penfold - who have formed a band; Shadowcaster. They have a big love for The Stone Roses and will do literally anything to get into the spectacular Spike Island gig, without actually having tickets to get in.
It's a very entertaining film with a story that is by turns funny, moving and heartwarming. At times it's a bit like Mission Impossible meets Quadrophenia, with a bit of Spinal Tap comedy thrown in; as the boys get more and more devious in their efforts to get into the high-security gig.
There's love, sex, violence, elation and sorrow; great acting, an uplifting summery atmosphere and an awesome musical score. At the centre of it all it's a very human, real story. I absolutely love this film.
Mama (2013)
Lyrically-beautiful, Genuinely Frightening Supernatural Horror Movie
I don't want to write too much about this movie's plot. I will say - don't watch a late showing... you won't want to go home in the dark after watching this one.
The movie MAMA proves why imaginatively-written supernatural horror movies are so much better than the "slasher" genre of movie. MAMA is creepy, dark and totally unpredictable. The special effects are incredible.
Pay close attention to everything that's going on in the foreground - and especially the background, in every moment of every scene of this film.
And don't watch it alone...
Pride & Prejudice (2005)
Enjoyed every minute... amusing, romantic and spirited...
I loved this movie. I did see the original BBC series too... this movie compares very well. Colin Firth's Darcy was intriguing and well-played in the old version, which originally gave me a fascination with the story, and compelled me to read the book. Matthew Macfayden's Darcy is also brilliant; he smoulders with hidden layers of passion and turmoil, with an engaging edge of vulnerability. He is able to convey a worried, haunted look in his eyes that speaks eloquently of his thoughts. This worked well in the BBC's Spooks spy series (when his character went off the rails)... he uses it to powerful effect in Pride & Prejudice too.
Kiera's Elizabeth is not as plain as the one described in the book, but it does not really matter, as Kiera completely inhabits her character, with a lively, spirited cheekiness that lights up the screen.
Judy Dench was magnificent in her role... formidable! At times even her (very tall)hair seemed to quiver with an air of imperious rage.
I would recommend this film to anyone who loves Jane Austen, costume dramas, satire and romantic comedies. And anyone who is a fan of any of the leading actors... they do not disappoint at all!
They (2002)
Excellent, riveting, disturbing horror...
I disagree with the last comment on this movie. I watched it last Sunday and was very pleasantly surprised - this is an intelligent, subtle story with some genuinely-startling scares!
One of the things that makes this film so effective is its subtlety, in particular the lack of "monster overkill". Unlike the Nightmare On Elm Street plethora of sequels (you get to see Freddie so many times that he loses his power to scare), you see the demonic creatures in breathtaking, fast-moving glimpses, never quite seeing the entire monster. Also you get the impression that these fiends are there in an infinite variety of monstrous forms, which are ever-changing. They can appear wherever darkness occurs, and they can blow the lights whenever they like.
WARNING: "They" is the kind of movie which is not for the nervous, or anyone who may suffer from recurring nightmares, sleep paralysis nightmares or night terrors. NEVER allow your children to watch this film....