godamndevil1977 Reviews

Devil's Bridge (2010)

I don't want no trouble..

[7/10 · 18 March 2012]

For the most part, this is a pretty good film.

It's quite apparent that the picture was made on a shoe-string but let us not worry, because the film crew use what little they have to keep you gripped.

Playing on many familiar strangers-in-a-strange-town themes, Devil's Bridge is menacing, gritty & dark. Just how you want it.

There were moments (especially the ending) I figured were not thought-out as well as can be, but it doesn't matter because for 90 minutes the 3 main actors plus villain do a fantastic job of cat n mouse. As the film rolled on, each actor seemed to grow more & more comfortable within their role, at times, too believable especially for the deranged, psychotic farmer.

No one-liners or Tarantino-style-rip-off speeches, just a pretty good parable painting a picture of very bad timing for three 30-something men with no respect for strangers.

I doubt you'd be disappointed.

Into the Wild (2007)

"Society have mercy on me"

[8/10 · 29 November 2007]

Into the Wild

I admit, I wouldn't have been aware of this film if it were not for the Soundtrack, which was appropriately penned by Eddie Vedder, who I am a longtime fan of.

There's nothing groundbreaking or deeply unique about 'Into The Wild', but that doesn't matter too much, because the film in itself is quite staggering, especially as it was based around a true story (and from what I've read), the film doesn't stray from the realness of what happened to Christopher McCandless -- our protagonist who is in search of himself and as he puts it to his friends & associates (I'm missing out family for a reason) his; "great Alaskan Adventure".

Apparently Director Sean Penn followed the footsteps and journey of McCandless before embarking on this artistic independent picture. In short, Christopher McCandless graduates his college education with excellent results, a promising future and selfishly throws all his parents help back at them (donates $24k of funds to oxfam), by quitting life -- literally and attempting to travel by whatever means; river, road, freeloading trains & foot, from one end of America to the next.

Along the way of course, he meets many characters who help colour the story and help illustrate McCandless determination to live his dream and at the same time breaks their hearts.

I wouldn't want to reveal everything about this film, but if you do check it out I can't imagine anyone not being impressed by the staggering cinematography, acting & old fashioned story telling that is neatly outlined by Eddie Vedder's bittersweet folk songs.

~Paul Browne.

The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)

"The toughest target that you have ever tracked"

[8/10 · 30 August 2007]

Like a lot of film fans, I was super impressed with the first two Bourne pictures. Most of us agree -- they were pretty original and definitely pushed the boundaries for the action-thriller genre. With all this in mind, I had my doubts on how the Bourne team could make a similar impact.

I'm glad to say, I think the Ultimatum is worthy. In its own right it is a great, very fast moving film with some brilliant photography (once you get past the jittery hand-held camera action), stunts & acting (besides Damon, all working solid working actors). As expected you get the panoramic city-scape views that Jason Bourne leads us thru, some brilliantly brutal "punch ups" in closer proximity, my favourite being the deadly scuffle with "Desh" a north African CIA Assassin.

Looking back at the Ultimatum, I do think the speed of the film left several short gaps, which is where I think fans may draw the Ultimatum as the weaker comparison, for instance; there is very little character development – there were opportunities to shed more light on Nicky & Pamela Landy, come to think of it, the lack of dialogue was largely replaced with facial sighs and physical exhaustion. I would've also liked to have seen Bourne use some downtime on the screen & possible preparations (ala early Bond) for his next skirmish.

With that said, it's not a fly in the ointment, especially as the story does tie up well and gives the viewer a sparkling ending.

~Paul Browne.

Blood Diamond (2006)

"How about 'Soldier of Fortune'... or is that too much of a cliché? "

[9/10 · 3 February 2007]

It's gotta be said, Leo Di Caprio has the best Agent in Hollywood right now. After a brilliant performance in The Departed, which was also a brilliant film, he keeps the pace with Blood Diamond.

The story is pretty basic -- two African men; Solomen Vandy (black poverity stricken pan handler) & Danny Archer (ex white soldier now diamond smuggler), from opposite ends of society are forced to help each other out, in search of a priceless diamond that was hidden by Solomen -- when the gang he worked for were caught up in the chaos of a civil war skirmish.

Some of this film is beyond gritty, it attempts to portray typical events that occurred in the late 90's Sierra Leone civil war. The angle and the camera shots, the colours, the shock-factor probably stretch further than City of God. If the director wanted the viewer to be gripped, he achieved this.

I'm glad to say for a big-budget, typically marketed movie, it rarely gives any flaws in the script, no cheese, no pointless feel-good humour that is sometimes peppered on a class films such as Ocean's 11, Three Kings, for example -- but maybe they're a bad comparison? The main cast were very believable, Leo's "South Africaaan" accent was spot on, he has become a man. It must have been The Departed that helped shed his boyish charm and allowed him to grow into the league of big players like Robert De Niro, and I'm not exaggerating -- his performance equals a good De Niro film.

The babe of the film -- Jennifer Connolley I think she served this story well. Looks a little like Courtney Cox but healthier, then there's the Solomen character, who we've never heard of; Djimon Hounsou. He was spot on too. The only thing I may have changed, would've been Archer's old mentor – the Colonel. I didn't feel that character was exploited enough. But whatever..

If you've not checked this film out yet, then you almost definitely should.

~Paul Browne.

Casino Royale (2006)

"I'm sorry, that last hand... nearly killed me"

[8/10 · 20 November 2006]

Casino Royale.

Was a bit hesistant about going to see a Bond film at the Cinema. If I was 12 years old again, I'd probably have snapped your hand off. That said, I'm glad I did. And while Casino Royale is seriously bathing in the limelight and hype right now, it is pretty damn good -- even if I have some reservations.

To the point -- Daniel Craig is a good Bond, probably the best since Connery. Nothing beats Connery tho. The thing that immediately bugged me about Craig, is he doesn't have a northern accent. We're not asking for a thick accent here, but if we're re-inventing Bond let's get him away from sounding like a politician. On the plus side, he looks the part, his character is crazy instead of suarve.

Casino Royale does share similarities to previous Bonds, and so it should. It also reflects todays big crime - terrorism and its sponsers. Rather than your typical Bond tho, where we have a larger than life evil villain, Casino is split over several bad characters, who non of which, are particularly ridiculous or "pet" lap cats. Shame.

For what it is, Casino is super-looking, intelligent, harder & more daring. It is a brilliant action thriller. It has probably the best on foot chase scene ever, great fights, nice women and probably my fave scene -- Bond being poisoned. What bugs me about all of this is (apart from him getting loved up), none of this "new era" Bond would have surfaced if it wasn't for the Bourne franchise (Bourne Identity & Supremacy). For me, Bourne is definitely the new leader,this is the reason why we're watching Daniel Craig pummel his enemies in the way he does. Is that a goodthing or bad thing..I'm not sure? I just think this new James-Bond-worship is yet to be earned.

-Paulo

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006)

Still rooting for you, mate!

[8/10 · 21 July 2006]

Pretty good.

Went into the Cinema expecting a bag of spanners but I'm pleasantly surprised.

Had read previously that Sparrow "overkills" the mood with silliness rather than his camp-wise-cracks that made the first film so damn good. For me, he didn't, in fact he was spot on for all his scenes, which happened to be very pacey, moving onto the next chapter after chapter, very quickly.

Dead Man's Chest is very Empire Strikes Back in its motive, effect on the viewer and trilogy.

The photography is fantastic, sometimes I felt they laid it on a little too much with the CGI but they got some interesting views and left scenes with great settings.

Liked how the story tied all the old crew -- bad guys and good guys --working together, to beat the Davey Jones gang. I also though it was a nice tip, to involve Elisabeth Swann into more of the action, this film basically made her a kick ass tom-boy-come-heroine, so to speak.

Nearly everyone from the first film, is in this one. It is quite cool in that respect, the minor parts were given bigger chances to shine, even the dog with the keys.

However, no one else really stands up to Jack Sparrow's effortlessly great persona and individuality.

I'm diggin'.

~Paul Browne.

Tsotsi (2005)

The Ashes of Apartheid

[8/10 · 30 March 2006]

Tsotsi won an Oscar for best foreign film award this year. Is that a sympathy vote? or a true testament to this Athol Fugard adaptation, I'm not quite sure?

I've read and heard many comparisons to the spectacular City of God, which I have to say is pretty unfair. Tsotsi (which means thug in South Africa) only similarity is the shanty town and ethnic setting.

In short, 4 gang members in the South African ghetto township earn their pittance, killing, mugging and stealing. The small, thin but vicious leader Tsotsi, whose real name is now forgotten, enters the story with no remorse. Without ruining the story, Tsotsi's new journey begins when he carjacks a wealthy woman's BMW one night, in the middle class town across the river and parallel with the lawless Township, home to Tsotsi.

After disarming the car owner with a bullet to the stomach, Tsotsi soon realises the car is still cradling the woman's newly born baby.

From this point, Tsotsi and his new mission to evade the South African police and keep the baby

well and alive, is the stories narrative ark.

Director Gavin Hood composes this film excellently, displaying some superb close up camera portraits, oppressive ghetto music and great little characters, subplots and flashbacks suggesting reasons why Tsotsi's life has been shaped into this dark mould.

Tsosti is a story of evil and redemption, it shows a transformation in the protagonist and sheds a light on ashes of apartheid. For a slow moving 96 minutes, it is gripping as it is completely emotional. I would definitely recommend this film, if only to see it at least once.

~Paul Browne.

The Apartment (1960)

"Some people take, some people get took."

[8/10 · 9 March 2006]

The Apartment is a pretty sweet film. I bought this on impulse purchase, after reading it was Vincent Gallo's favourite film.

To make it short – Insurance Clerk, Bud Baxter gets tied up in loaning out his modest NY apartment to sleazy Insurance executives, in return for favours that will boost his career. Seems simple, but the plot draws you in, playing around a theme of doing the right thing for the big company boss, and at the same time stripping Bud's chances with his unrequited love – Miss Kubelik (MacClaine). The whole thing ties up well and always leaves you rooting for Baxter's plight.

The Apartment is a great romance of its time, neatly directed, great dialogue and excellently delivered by a strong cast.

Shirley Maclaine does well to conjure that "something", us men find crazy about the girl-next-door types. Jack Lemmon is quite excellent too, in a manner that resembles a latter day Jim Carrey. He's a bit geeky, sometimes overly enthusiastic and has no coolness about him, only to be redeemed by his eventual purity.

~Paul Browne.

Thunderbolt and Lightfoot (1974)

"Stop you FREAK - I love you"

[10/10 · 8 March 2006]

Thunderbolt & Lightfoot might just be the second best film in both Eastwood & Bridge's career. For Eastwood, I can't see anything excelling The Good, the Bad & the Ugly. As for Bridges, I think his pinnacle was in The Big Lebowski. But whatever - today we're discussing Thunderbolt & Lightfoot and it is a great great film. Doherty (Eastwood), an ex con / bank robber is by fate, recklessly aided by Lightfoot (Bridges) helping Doherty make a sharp exit from his former criminal associates (played by G Kennedy & G Busey). All four characters are forced to overlook their pasts and differences, we see a transformation and are strung a long a brilliant story of classic-buddies-plotting-to-beat-the-impossible-odds. Michael Cimino (Director) immediately throws the story and the characters into quick pace. He litters the film with good looking sets, sweet colour and oddly placed obstacles - for instance, a deranged hick driving by with a boot full of white rabbits. Maybe it was unintentional, but I think Cimino created one of the first films to really stage what we know as black-humour. 2 hours of tragic events, lined up one after the other underlined by stupidity and smart wit, of course we can not forget George Kennedy & Gary Busey's super assistance in supporting roles. Jeff Bridges is a remarkable and funny actor in this film, his part reveals a warm and naïve handsome young fella, yet somehow edged with that wise-fool-20-something vision that provides infectious viewing, especially the line to Clint "I don't know want your money man. I want your friendship". Clint Eastwood, is as you expect - laidback, dry and completely handy. Nothing new, but nothing you'd want to take away from that screen presence or enigma he's carefully carved over the years. Thunderbolt & Lightfoot was overlooked back in the day, United Artists must have been insane not to push, or help sparkle such a strong piece of golden nugget that was laid amongst so many other rough pebbles. ~Paul Browne.

Walk the Line (2005)

"What makes you think they forgot?"

[9/10 · 5 February 2006]

Before I go into this little review of Walk the Line, it should be known that I have been a serious Johnny Cash fan for 5 years now.

I tried to go into this film unbiased, neutral, I was willing to see it from a film goer's point of view and not as Johnny Cash fan boy, but I couldn't, I was drawn right in and completely involved, like being at a Cash concert, and I think that is a good testament to Joaquin Phoenix, the rest of the cast and the writers and directors.

JC has had a well documented life, his success came early and even so, I guess he out lasted them all, not just living longer than his peers but his relevancy too, the late 90's and early millennium saw him win over the alternative generation of today, let us note – Dylan, Orbison, have not achieved that.

The tragedy of Cash's youth is covered somewhat, although I suspect there was a heap more misfortune in his early teens and up until his first record contract (with sun records, Elvis's label), the film gets the point across well. Robert Patrick who plays Cash's father has that depression-era father off to a tee. All through the film, I was glad to see further scenes with Ray Cash (Robert Patrick). I particularly enjoyed how the writers reveal that Ray Cash did eventually overcome his own personal alcoholic demons and regret his early fatherhood.

A neat and wonderful storyline, quickly brought into the picture is JC's first tour with Jerry Lee Lewis, June Carter and Elvis Presley. All actors are utterly convincing, and give intense performances in a time where amp-power and technology was not an option, and thus the performers had to give it their all, to make up for the volume and power they didn't have. Each group are thrown together on a sort of cheap and cramped tour across the southern states, the film unveils the beginning of Cash's rock stardom, worship, drugs, booze and escapism as well as the narrative ark – what will be long time romance with June Carter.

From here the story spirals into Cash's roller-coaster lifestyle, the rewards, the rejection and his strained marriage with Viv (Ginnifer Goodwin). Scene by scene, it is as if you are in a Cash concert, which is alright by me, my only hope is, the audience non familiar with Cash have got to be won over by Joaquin's and Reese's performances. I'm under the impression they used their own voices, which is a remarkable statement in itself.

I would have like to have seen scenes on Cash's relationship with Dylan but that is a small price to pay, and it is quite apparent, this is essentially a love story at heart.

If you are a fan of Cash, then you will love it, if you are music fan you will love it too, if you are a movie buff you would be crazy not to find this film enjoyable. It begs that age old hypothetical question of, if you were given the chance to revisit history, and given once chance to observe any moment – what would it be? Well I know for me, I would choose, 1968 Folsom Prison, amongst the crowd of 2000 entertainment-starved prisoners watching Cash in his career defining performance, bellowing out tales of desperation, solitude and regret.

~Paul Browne.

War of the Worlds (2005)

Lightening never strikes twice in the same place

[8/10 · 25 January 2006]

There is so many mixed reviews about War of the Worlds, and being a non sci-fi fan, I thought maybe I should give an outsiders point of view (no pun intended).

It's Ray's (played by Cruise) turn to look after his teenage kids for the weekend. His ex wife is off on a trip with her new husband, and Ray (Tom) by the looks of things isn't best pleased with his kids (mainly the boy), his job, his life..everything. This is a pleasant change, to see Tom Cruise play an average joe.

The film quickly speeds up into action, you have some seriously excellent effects of lightening and freaky weather right on the lap of Ray's town. From here, the story illustrates (in a truly state of the art fashion), how the unknown invaders begin to take over and Ray and his family have to evade, quick-sharp. Sounds typical but it isn't, for the best part of the film, Spielberg has the viewer on the edge of your seat, moment after moment, scene after scene.

While Ray and the kids don't move in the direction you might think is best logical, the story does provoke many questions, one would have to face in this highly unlikely situation.

Probably the most gripping of all the scenes, would be Ray and his daughter trapped in a house basement with Ogilvy (Tim Robbins). It is so edgy it will knock you firmly into your seat.

With all said, I'd like'd to have given War of the Worlds 9 or possibly 10, however, the ending is quite ridiculous and disappointing to say the least, apparently, the 50's original ended in the same way..

Oh well, I enjoyed it greatly, for the most part..

~Paul Browne.

Napoleon Dynamite (2004)

Heck yes! I'd vote for you

[8/10 · 24 January 2006]

Napolean Dynamite is the first film I've watched in a while, that made me want to watch it again, once the credits rolled up.

Napolean is a helpless geek, I've no idea who could come up with this role, the writers would've had to have based this character on a real life dork, it is too perfect. There isn't much of a plot either, but that isn't a problem for this film, the director allows the viewer to simply follow Napolean and his brother around their quaint and pretty basic Idaho town.

It's very unique, brilliantly written and resourceful.

I hope the whole cast go onto big things. This is a credit to everyone involved. Tina Majorino is a babe too!

~Paul Browne.

Amélie (2001)

We pass the time of day to forget how time passes.

[8/10 · 24 January 2006]

Is your Girlfriend or ol' lady bugging you to watch Amelie? Then don't be a fool and watch it.

I was a bit hesitant about watching Amelie, but I am very glad I did. The whole damn thing is super cool.

Colourful photography, neat little angles, very creative editing..All the actors convinced me in their roles.

After witnessing the effects on pulling someone else's strings, Amelie is on a mission to do the right thing, and help steer local friends and acquaintances into happiness..it's all very nice. A gentle film that really makes you root for the protagonist.

Amelie played by Audrey Tautou is just the absolute perfect girl-next-door, sweet as the sugar on strawberries.

~Paul Browne.

The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)

The bird of youth will fly away and never come back..

[8/10 · 1 January 2006]

Read the book a few years back and thought it was pretty good, and now i've just watched the film and thought it was actually more enjoyable.

In short, the direction and photography was very gritty and real...They could've opted for a much more stylistic approach (ala ridley scott) but instead panned on the hardships of the landscapes as opposed to the pure beauty...

..I honestly can't see how half of the cast were actually actors, for instance, the inca people..they were just too damn real..this is a real credit to the film.

Of course there'll be some exaggerations to Ernesto's character but it is hard to believe, after seeing some of the most touching and humanitarian effects revealed thru his journey, that he grew into a ruthless revolutionary, is that a good thing or bad, i am undecided...I know his causes for revolt were against injustice and depravation but so too was Ghandi's..

..but whatever a very good film, I recommend if you've not already seen it.

We Were Soldiers (2002)

We were sappy bastards

[3/10 · 14 December 2005]

I usually like Mel Gibson a lot, but why on earth he chose this film is just staggering? With quotes like "tell my wife I love her"..I mean who really says that, twice in a movie? The church scene was cring worthy.

Pure sap, cheese & bull.

Some action and fight scenes were good and that is why I gave it 3/10, I would've gave it 4 but Madeline Stowe (female lead), lowered the standards with her Hollywood-surgery-gone-wrong.

If you like Mel, check out Payback or Maverick, if you really wanna see Vietnam on DVD, get Apocalypse Now, Full Metal Jacket, Thin Red Line or Platoon.

~Paul Browne.

Kingdom of Heaven (2005)

What is Jerusalem worth?

[8/10 · 15 November 2005]

At first I was apprehensive about wasting 138 minutes on Kingdom Of Heaven. Looking at Orlando Bloom on the cover - I wasn't 100% he could fill that medi-warrior esq role, the likes of Russell Crowe & Mel Gibson pulled off very well.

But to the point, it is a superb film, as wacky as it sounds it is almost like Gladiator meets Braveheart.

Orlando as young as he is, does a convincing job, unlike Maximus in Gladiator he isn't just a pure killing machine. Ridley Scott plays on Orlando's youth and lesser macho physique, and the result is his character only scrapes thru his battles and fights instead of slaying them in a blink of an eye.

The photography, locations & other characters all tie up well..some neat ideas in the backdrops, there's also an excellent shipwreck scene which supports the opinion that Ridley Scott is one of the most creative mainstream directors out there.

Balian's (Bloom) journey seems pretty encompassing and complete, yet the point of the story (Europe vs The Middle East) doesn't really hit the film til the last quarter, this is the edge-of-your-seat stuff that really blows you away..

My only gripes are; some of Balian's speeches are a bit lousy, and Nathalie Cox and Liam Neeson's roles could have been expanded on..

Otherwise if you have not already seen this - do so!

The Harder They Fall (1956)

Get your money and get out of this rotten business

[7/10 · 4 November 2005]

Icon Humphrey Bogart plays Eddie Willis in what was his last ever role, in a ragged story about the hard lines of the Boxing world.

Although some argue Bogie's acting went from A to B he must have had "something" - like that certain edge only other actors tune into maybe once in their whole career, but for Bogie it was more or less his every film.

And with that said, Eddie Willis is like most of Bogie's other characters, well not entirely but still, he's torn between right and wrong, in a step by step mellow-drama build up to justifying what is who and who is what in a world of corrupt boxing fights, rip off promoters and heartless managers, the whole thing is very unrealistic but who cares...am I making sense yet..no? Well the bottom line is, I'd say there's not many flaws to this film, it is thoroughly watchable and the DVD is nicely brushed up. The dialogue is pretty cool but nothing on some of Bogie's other works..story is intriguing but not intense, check it out but don't expect anything outstanding..

~Paul Browne.

Feeling Minnesota (1996)

I'm feeling Minnesotta, an lookin California..

[8/10 · 30 September 2005]

Props to whoever titled the film, they took it from a great Soundgarden track called 'Outshined'..

So anyway, I felt obliged to write a few words, seeing as 'Feeling Minnesotta' has been unjustly slated on here, so far.

It is a pretty simple plot. Black sheep of the family returns to his hometown to attend his bro's wedding, the soon-to-be-wife immediately takes to the black sheep and lays him in a nearby bathroom, on the wedding day - how irreverent! They then proceed to get the hell out of no-wheres-ville, which strings a interesting and chaotic chain of events together.

There's some neat twists, a few edge-of-your-seat moments, nice story, good and funny (in a black comedy style) script, but what impressed me the most was that, this has to be Keanu Reeve's only convincing role in his lucky-as-hell career.

The whole cast performed way beyond my expectations, maybe this is the result of such a low budget and thus, without special effects and fancy dress, the likes of Cameron Diaz, Vincent D'Onofrio, Tuesday Weld, Dan Aykroyd and Delroy Lindo are truly forced to 'act'! ~Paul Browne

Collateral (2004)

I can't drive you around while you're killing folks. It ain't my job!

[7/10 · 21 September 2005]

Collateral is a nice enough film. If it was an indie film, it'd of had a different ending for sure. But who cares, Tom Cruise chooses a good part, and his dynamic, dry & hardened characters make good entertainment. It's nice to see him play immorale roles, maybe next time he could choose a less driven character, like a slacker for instance.

My only gripe is, I thought the cab driver was a little cliché, I think in the city of Angels most cabbies would've taken the money and shut up, instead of whining.

The film carries subtle truths of man's worth to the world, why we're here? How insignificant we really are, easy come easy go, you get the feeling the writer or director is driving this home to the viewer as Vincent does with Max, I thought that was a nice addition to the film.

Some pretty camera work, it gives a good feel of Los Angeles and the vast jungle it is.

I enjoyed it.

~Paul Browne

Open Water (2003)

"It was probably a barracuda seeing what you tasted like.."

[8/10 · 5 September 2005]

*SPOILERS*

I finally borrowed the DVD, didn't want to buy it, because:

a. I've heard many harsh reviews of it. b. It's only 77 minutes long.

Anyhow, it is basically a truly tragic way to die. They both kop for the sharks, and it is based on true events - eeeeek.

I think I enjoyed (as opposed to many other people) it because I wasn't expecting Jaws.

I dug the dialogue when they were left out in the water, I kept thinking "what would i say, what would i do?" and i think that was the point of the film, putting yourself in that situation.

The shark scenes were clever, no tricks, no effects, they really were in the water with reef sharks.

I hated how she (the female lead) gave up in the end, that bit where she frees her self of the oxygen tanks and disappears below the surface - where the shoal of sharks are waiting...frickin heavy man.

Secret Window (2004)

You got three days Pilgrim!

[7/10 · 2 August 2005]

What made me want to jot down my thoughts on this film was simple; for 1 hour an 15 minutes Secret Window is superb, fast moving and gripping. Depp playing Mort is as usual – excellent! Dry, sappy and utterly convincing! It is also brilliant to see John Turturro who plays a hick-maniac, getting good exposure to the masses.

Throw all this together with a solid story line, nice enough (if not hugely creative) photography and you have a Cape Fear of the 00's. There is however, one big but…the remaining 15 minutes of the film, the Director; David Koepp screws up the ending and we have a film much more reflective of Fight Club.

I was so irritated, I felt like slapping him around the face. With that said, do watch it, just prepared to sigh as the credits roll up...

~Paul Browne.

To Have and Have Not (1944)

Was you ever bit by a dead bee?

[10/10 · 22 May 2005]

To Have & Have Not is pretty much a sensational film. Like a lot of Bogie's flicks, it's not the story, it's not the effects (albeit they were minimal anyway - back in the day), it is an atmosphere and a vibe Humphrey Bogart & his supporting cast conjure up.

Steve (bogart), is asked to help the local ex patriot french citizens to illegally smuggle a a french fugitive onto the exotic hideaway island - Martineque. The job is simple but the effects complicate Bogart's remaining days on the island.

It would be unfair to compare it to 'Casablanca' and like a lot of folks mentioned, it is riding on some similarities, however 'To Have' hold it's own.

Between Bogart, Bacall, Hoagy, Marcel Dalio (to name but a few) you have an excellent array of lines, looks & intelligent performances. The location is great, brilliant studio / stage work, for instance the hotel café which the story is based around, works so well for the film. It is idyllic and real. Bacall & Hoagy's musical friendship is adorable.

Everything ties up well, Huston's story & direction is impeccable. A total romantic drama. If you want a film that stays with you, then watch this.

~Paul Browne.

The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)

"I know what gold does to men's souls."

[10/10 · 6 February 2005]

The Treasure of Sierra Madre, is not only a stunningly visual treat, but also a story and script of depth and magnitude, set in old time Mexico.

As a Bogart fan, I found it at first, difficult to get past Bogart playing such a ragged and gritty character, once I did I realised him and his co stars - Walter Huston & Tim Holt were such a tenacious force in this 2.5 hour epic.

Sierra Madre feels fresh and could stand up well against anything put out today. I have not seen a film in recent years, with outstanding lines, powerfully delivered by Huston or with the conviction and honesty Holt does..with Bogart, all three characters are very different yet essential.

Do yourself a favor and go buy or rent this. It carries great moral and truth, in a story of rags to almost riches.

~Paul Browne.

Key Largo (1948)

One of Bogart's, Bacall's & Robinson's best.

[10/10 · 5 February 2005]

Basically this film is almost like a play. The whole story is more or less (apart from the ending) shot in a rustic Florida hotel. A great location and setting, a real credit to John Huston.

In short, Frank McCloud (Bogart) an ex war hero and living at no-fixed-address, visits (by request) his dead war buddy's father (barrymore) & widow (Bacall). As he arrives, it doesn't take long for Frank to work out the Hotel is temporarily hostage to a big mob gangster - Rocco (robinson) and his cronies.

The film instantly grabs you, it looks beautiful, there is a lot of substance and well thought out scripts, nothing glamorous or smart, just very good story telling. A good side line to the story, are the Native American clan, who due to an approaching hurricane need to find shelter, their plight is placed nicely into the story. There is a scene in which Bacall introduces Bogart to the oldest member of the clan, a 100 and something year old Native woman which is just so genuine, I still don't believe this woman was an actress, Huston must have improvised this into the script.

Not only is Bogart superb in this, but also the whole cast. It goes without saying Edward G Robinson's performance was second to none as to was - his right hand man (Harry Lewis I think), Bacall & Rocco's girlfriend - Ziggy..pretty much the entire cast.

The whole thing ties up well, without Spoilers it does have a great ending. This is a must not just for Bogie fans but for anyone who can appreciate an intelligent film.

-Paul Browne.

Sirocco (1951)

A Bogart hidden treasure..

[9/10 · 27 December 2004]

I totally enjoyed this film. I wasn't expecting much from what I had previously read (on here) and if you can try and not think about some of Bogart's other triumphs, this is a quick moving, interesting enough film with underlining truths..

Basically Bogart has been presented with a choice of doing right or wrong in a war torn city in Syria, trying to mind his own business and continue to profit himself with supplying guns to rebel fighters, he is steered towards helping the French. Of course this would also help him get out of the city and onto better places..but the story unveils complications for him..

Bogart's role is similar to his other characters but not entirely, he's definitely got that "cynic on the outside, but heart pointing in the right direction on the inside" thing going on.

Also, the film does have other strong roles, in particular the very beautiful Märta Torén as Violette, she trys to resist Bogart's outlaw charm but in the end like the rest of us, cant get enough..she is also a good choice of casting, definitely an unusual beauty about her with a presence to match.

My only glitch about this film and I noticed it right away, was that the French / Foreign army officers and in particular Everett Sloane as Gen. LaSalle speak with American and British accents. Could they not even try and break out in a French accent? What was the director thinking (You will notice in the glorious 'Casablanca', every nationality was played with the utmost truth to where they had come from, even a line or two in their given language)? However, overlooking that, this is a great film and I can't see why any Bogie fan would not dig it.

~paul browne.