tigerbaby_1984-1 Reviews

Young Adam (2003)

Truly beautiful

[10/10 · 1 December 2006]

I think others have already reviewed this film to a much higher standard than i ever could.

So i will only quote from something Ewan McGregor says on the DVD extras of "Young Adam":

He says he wanted to go back to his roots, back to "Trainspotting" and "Shallow Grave" and to make a low budget, but intensely well written, British, film which would be loved and hated for the very same reasons. He has done just that.

This film took 7 weeks to film. Most directors couldn't have produced something like this in 7 years.

The Island (2005)

Absolutely brilliant!!

[10/10 · 1 December 2006]

As a collector of Ewan McGregor's work, it seemed inevitable that one day i would get round to watching "The Island". However, i put it off for as long as possible because, having seen the disastrous write-ups, i didn't want to lower my opinion of one of our finest Scottish actors. I must say though, i was pleasantly surprised and may even go as far to say, i regret not watching this film earlier. It is, admittedly, a little slow starting, but this build up is essential in paving the way for the rest of the story. The high speed chases are brilliantly done and the love scenes delicately handled so they are tasteful. The characters are well rounded and Ewan McGregor playing 2 roles simultaneously is not only an amazing work of the blue screen but a fine performance displayed by the man himself. Scarlet Johassen also puts in an amazing performance as the lead lady. The cinematography of the final scenes is perhaps the best visuality of the 2 hours 10 minutes, but it's well worth the wait. An absolutely brilliant watch - ignore whatever you may have already read about this film! The only criticism i will make is with regards to Ewan's American accent. Stick to Scottish or English :)

Scenes of a Sexual Nature (2006)

A bloody good British film!!

[10/10 · 5 November 2006]

I went to see SOASN with some girlfriends last night and can honestly say, whatever i was expecting, it wasn't what i sat through. Having anticipated this film for a while - being a huge Ewan McGregor fan - i had read many reviews prior to seeing it for myself. I was expecting some Love Actually-esquire film. Instead, it was a unique, wholly British creation which is so beautifully moving, and exactly what the cinema needs. It has no gore, no violence, no real sex, but it doesn't need it. It doesn't use swearing for the sake of it, and it doesn't use Ewan McGregor (him being the big name) to sell the movie. It's quaint and i loved it. 10/10. I hope Ed Blum treats us to another gem soon!

Blackpool (2004)

Absolutely brilliant!!

[10/10 · 12 March 2006]

WOW!! I didn't watch this mini-series when it was originally broadcast on BBC 1, but i have recently bought the DVD and cannot even begin to describe the sheer excellence of it. The writing it wonderful - it can make you laugh like you've never laughed before and then make you cry with a flick of the tongue. It's funny, it's quick, it's light-hearted, it's emotional, it's dark, it's sinister, it's touching, it's heart-wrenching, it's sharp and it's modern. Everything a drama can be, and more. I should also comment on the acting, which is absolutely astounding! Throughout the drama, the characters frequently burst into song. Now i'm not a lover of anything which even touches on being a musical, but the way the music in this series works is phenomenal. The songs are used to tell the story, to keep the action flowing, to reveal more about the characters. The fact that none of the actors are singers only adds to the feeling of reality - this is not some overly glamorous musical stage show. David Morrissey plays "an absolute blinder" as the lead role, and Sarah Parish is truly amazing as his wife. David Tennant is also utterly incomparable as the dark, mysterious, and very, very sexy detective. If you ever get the chance, watch this series...i promise you'll not regret it. Oh, and have those tissues ready for the final episode.

Casanova (2005)

Absolutely amazing!!

[10/10 · 12 March 2006]

I cannot express how wonderful this drama is. I watched it when it was first on BBC 1, and then watched the re-run on BBC 3...i have now just bought the DVD and can watch it over and over again. This dramatic comedy was fantastically written by Russel.T.Davies (Doctor Who) and wonderfully produced and directed. The acting too is superb (and i'm not just saying that because i'm a HUGE David Tennant fan either!). Peter O'Toole as the older Casanova deserves the Oscar he never received, for this role alone! Such emotion, such tension, such comedy, such tragedy...a true British masterpiece. Which brings me on to my favourite subject...David Tennant...could a better Casanova have been cast?? He has the character traits of the legendary Casanova down to a tee, and injects that quick wit and hilarious comic timing like he was born for the role (although check him out as the Doctor!) 11/10 *BIG thumbs up*