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Reviews
El orfanato (2007)
A touching horror film
Seeing the trailers for the film I was expecting this to be a run of the mill scream a minute film, but the end result far exceeded expectations. OK there were a couple of slow parts in the film, but these were quickly overshadowed by the positives. Having your child kidnapped by the supernatural is a scary premise for a film and it really adds that uneasy feel to the movie. There are some beautifully touching moments in this film, and the desperation of the mother to find her son when nobody believes the ghost of the children have taken them makes compelling viewing.
This is rounded off by a beautiful ending, a happy / tragic compromise that admittedly did make me shed a tear.
8/10
Fifteen and Pregnant (1998)
not brilliant
I was very disappointed in this film. Not least because the acting was very wooden and there was not really much in the way of genuine shock at Kirsten Dunst's character being pregnant at 15 . .it seemed to be accepted pretty quickly both at home and at school. They really could have made this film good but in the end it fell well short of what I imagine the aim was. One part of the film I did quite like was the relationship between her and her sister, it certainly lifted the film and stopped it becoming a complete disaster.
I only paid about £3 for it so I wasn't expected anything amazing, but I was definitely expecting more than this.
The Woodsman (2004)
Disturbingly brilliant
I think the true magic of this film lies in it's subtlety, they way things are discussed but never shown, and how the dialogue is kept simple. I think what must be first applauded is Kevin Bacon's wonderful performance. It is probably no mean feat getting the character of a convicted child molester to become liked by the audience. In particular in the scenes where Mary Kay (Eve) has grassed him up to the rest of his co workers, and you sense a relapse in his improvement (especially as he follows Robin into the woods). Kyra Sedgwick's performance must also be commended and she does brilliantly well in the supporting role.
I think my only niggle about it would be the ending as I thought it could have been better, but I still highly recommend seeing The Woodsman.
Walk the Line (2005)
I hate country music . . .but WOW!!
I went to see this film last week with my Dad because we were bored basically, not much else. When I suggested we see Walk the line, he was a bit sceptical mainly because of the Country singing in it.
Whilst wating for the film to start the over 60's parade started piling in, and we felt a bit silly sitting there. However once the film got started, I soon forgot about what was happening around me.
It is a typical James Mangold film, showing not holding back on any of the characters intensity or passion for what they feel is right. It reminds me of Girl Interrupted (one of his previous films), in which he created such strong characters. He sets the picture of Johnny's life perfectly, and not knowing about Johnny Cash previously it was such a memorable experience. We are let in to Cash's heartbreak as his older brother and idol are taken from his life, and the rejection that he faces from his father. Phoenix is absolutely brilliant at the emotional scenes that would have sunk most other actors. He delivers an understated performance that is just so beautiful and pleasurable to watch.
Enter Reese Witherspoon as June Carter: What an incredible performance, and as Oscar worthy a performance, which I have ever seen. Whilst Phoenix's portrayal invites you in to share his life, Resse contrasts this beautifully, leaving Carters feelings relitavely private. The bonding of these two perceived opposites is incredible to watch, how people with different ideals and takes on life, can share such a mutual bond.
To top off an already incredible film, the live music scenes are quite simply astounding! The energy and Camera work used, really captivates you. Joaquin and Reeses voices are amazing, and it is hard to think that Reese once considered herself a bad singer.
Miss this film at your peril . . .It is absolutely fantastic . . one of the best that I have seen for a long time
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)
dreadful acting, dreadful plot, dreadful film
This is by far the most embarrassing installment of the harry potter films, not that I enjoyed any of the others. What really annoys me about this film, and I mean REALLY annoys me is the completely wooden performances by the lead characters, and how Daniel Radcliffe has become the UK's most valuable teenager is beyond me. Stirred up by the success of the books, these films are riding purely on the parental pester power from pre teens alone, and the release of these films is such an allegedly major event that parents feel they can't deny their kids. What is also obvious from watching this film, ( well when I say watching, i mean catching the film between me falling asleep in the cinema), is that the director is packing to much CGI and action into the film when it isn't needed. What happened to the directors of films such as Run Lola Run and Lord of the rings, who use their obvious talent as directors rather than just budget to create a great film.
Harry Potter is unimaginative, dull, boring and not worth even a fraction of the entrance charge. I won't be buying this on DVD!