Luxn Reviews

Permanent Record (1988)

Hit and Miss

[5/10 · 7 April 2007]

I did enjoy this movie I guess. I am a fan of Keanu's and read some of the good reports about this film, so tracked it down.

My major niggle is the story line. Maybe if I had seen it when it first came out, it wouldn't feel so hackneyed and cliché ridden now. There were no real surprises for me. All the characters acted exactly as I expected them to. Some of the characters (like Chris' girlfriend) confused the hell out of me. I didn't 'get' her at all, nor the way the actress portrayed her.

Having said that, the film has its moments. And the scene so many have mentioned where Chris breaks down in the father's arms IS heartbreaking and terribly sad. You find yourself thinking 'thats what the poor kid needed - a good cuddle'. Which I guess means I did invest emotionally in this film? This part was acted very well and perfectly timed (as it comes after a minor scare).

The corny use of the song throughout the last part of the film grated a little, I must confess - but then I am not a fan of music being used this way in movies. I love a good soundtrack and live performances etc but not this kind of schmaltz.

I came away from the movie satisfied in the end, if only because Keanu's breakdown scene confirmed my belief that he is an amazingly talented actor.

The Night Before (1988)

Great fun

[7/10 · 22 March 2007]

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. Cute beyond words. The scenes in the bar are nothing short of hysterical as this poor kid staggers around getting himself in more and more trouble...and the dance routine is soooo freaky/cool lol.

Most of the minor roles are really great and its easy to miss some of the one liners and characters peppered throughout this film.

I wouldn't recommend this as a typical brat packer movie - although on the surface, it could be mistaken for one.

On the negative side, it takes a little while to get the flow of the movie and Keanu's character but it is worth it. Once you have tuned in to the humour, its a very funny movie.

This film has an amazingly young (and cute) Keanu, plus some really side splitting moments. The awful fashion and great music makes this trip back into the late eighties great fun.

Constantine (2005)

Ignore the negative comments!

[10/10 · 5 January 2007]

This is an awesome film. Its not the best film ever made but its far, far from as bad as people are trying to make out.

If you watch expecting to see the typical brainless fare you find in most horror films, you will be disappointed. If you expect to be able to follow the story whilst loudly crunching your popcorn, you will be disappointed. If you are a fan of the comic and you want to see your hero recreated on screen, well...you will be disappointed.

But if you watch it purely as a piece of entertainment, you will enjoy it. The acting is fab, all the roles are well cast (although I don't understand people raving about Rachel - she was OK but not spectacular and barely convincing for me), the special effects are great, the costumes look fab and the music is excellent.

Its an interesting story, expertly brought to life. The calibre of the actors cast in this movie alone would be enough to stop it being boring to watch, but as I said, they almost all turn in stellar performances. Gavin seemed out of his depth but he was surrounded by an awful lot of talent.

I am a Keanu fan (but much, much more after seeing this film). I LOVED him in this role and have worked my way back through many of his old films and just don't get how people can say he is a bad actor. He IS Constantine - as far as this movie goes anyway. Totally convincing.

I don't know what more you guys want LOL - this was a very entertaining film!

The Prince of Pennsylvania (1988)

Sweet and funny

[8/10 · 4 January 2007]

Watched this for the first time today. Not sure how I managed to miss it all this time.

The film doesn't suffer from the passage of time. Rupert's dress sense is so way out that it doesn't date it. The others in the film dress pretty conservatively (befitting their lifestyles) so you really cant tell by looking that this is a mid-80's movie.

I found this film to be thoroughly enjoyable. VERY funny in some parts and poignant in others. Keanu is absolutely adorable (and gorgeous) and very convincing as the weird but charmingly brilliant misfit.

Fred Ward's performance also stands out.

This film will make you laugh out loud. The story is not too deep and I do worry it will make Keanu bashers think this is the only type of role he can play (as he does it so well). He has every right to be proud of this movie.

Great cast, great fun.