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The Matrix re-viewed

Posted : 2 weeks, 6 days ago on 14 June 2008 08:55 (A review of The Matrix)

Such was the popularity of The Matrix that is broke through the sci-fi niche audience and sprawled into the mainstream. It now pervades popular culture on a momentous scale, regardless of the relatively disappointing sequels and questionable games that tarnish the franchise.

It is, perhaps, one of the most visually impressive movies ever made. The Matrix was a cinematic benchmark upon its release, not only for science fiction films, but for all action-orientated movies. I don't think I've ever been as literally impressed with new film-making techniques as I was when I watched my VHS copy of this amazing film. I can't believe I missed this at the cinema, that would have been a truly mind-blowing experience. Dripping with cool in the form of dramatic costumes, revolutionary special-effects and an adrenaline-thumping soundtrack, The Matrix achieved cinematic eminence.

Keanu Reeves portrays Thomas Anderson, a computer programmer who leads a secret life of a hacker under the alias 'Neo'. He is consumed by an urge to uncover the answer to the question: "What is the Matrix?". His perseverance leads him to a mysterious group of rebels, led by Morpheus (Lawrence Fishburne), but not before a terrifying encounter with nefarious 'agents' decked in black suits and the arcane ability to alter Neo's reality. After agreeing to join Morpheus in order to discover the answer to his question, he is shown the shocking truth about the reality perceived by human beings. The Matrix is in fact a computer simulation of life that is broadcast for a human population of the future whose bodies have been harnessed for energy by a rampant self-aware army of machines. During his initiation, Neo is 'unplugged' from The Matrix and becomes aware of the shocking conditions that survivors of humanity actually thrive in deep underground, toward the centre of the Earth, living in constant fear of the machine overlords who span the Earth's surface.



Unplugged individuals are able to jack into the computer-simulated matrix, and their deeper understandings of the programme allow them to bend reality. It is here that the films special effects run riot as Neo learns countless abilities which range from jumping across impossible distances to learning scores of Martial arts disciplines in a matter of seconds. The Matrix is not without dangers however as the 'unplugged' are relentlessly pursued by sentient constructs - the agents - who seek to destroy all those who resist machine supremacy. A rivalry between Neo and a ruthless Agent escalates throughout this film, only to be resolved in a latter movie. The intense hatred between both characters borders on the brutal, and although I prefer viewing this film as a single entity, an idea of the sequels does put into great perspective, just how deadly Neo's foe actually is. Neo's adaptation to life in The Matrix culminates in unbelievable martial arts duels and superb gun fights as his abilities and confidence prosper, eventually leading to the acceptance that Neo is 'The One' - a much prophesied saviour of humanity.

The roles are cast with relatively unknown actors, but the performances are not the strong point of the film anyway. Notoriously wooden Reeves is adept at playing a perpetually confused and dumbfounded programmer who relies heavily on physical, rather than emotional displays of acting ability. He manages to convey a character who eventually gets our sympathies, and come the end of the film we are rooting for him as one of humanities last hopes. In a story filled with treachery, deceit and an extremely ponderous subject matter, our cerebellum is well and truly worked over by the philosophical nature of the plot and the raw, intense action sequences.

Ignore the two sequels and countless spoofs that this film generated, both of which are either either utterly subpar or chronically unfunny. This film is definitely a self-contained masterpiece that requires no further explanation or extrapolation. Perhaps one of the reasons the sequels were so disappointing was due to the fact that they were nowhere near as visually appealing or ground-breaking. I almost feel sorry for anybody new to the franchise, as their opinions may be tarnished by the universe of animation, comics, sequels and short stories that were generated by the success of The Matrix.




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Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl review

Posted : 3 weeks, 3 days ago on 10 June 2008 07:53 (A review of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl)

Every so often a film comes along that completely dominates at the box office, despite its relatively modest arrival on the scene. Pirates of the Caribbean is an example of such a film, which seemingly appeared out of the left field with very little fanfare, yet managed to spawn a multi-billion dollar franchise out of its success. Pirates is an epic sea-faring adventure which ticks all of the right action boxes and is coupled to a generous side portion of comedy that dissolves intense scenes and makes for enjoyable repeated viewing. Being a Disney movie, it's safe to say that the film is aimed at a relatively young audience, but such is its popularity and appeal, there is something for viewers of all ages.

The cast list these days reads as 'all-star', though back in 2003, it's probably safe to say that Keira Knightly was not a household name and I'd never heard of Geoffrey Rush, but this movie and its sequels have helped make international stars of the actors involved. Not only that, but it's contribution to pop-culture is massive. This film will be remembered as one of the most defining of the opening years of the twentieth century. There is no doubt that nowadays pirates are 'cool' in real life, almost to the point of lethargy, though before this movie, I can't remember a successful genre-defining film that ever focused on the much-romanticised plunderers of the open sea.

The story focuses on the exploits of an unlikely team up comprising of world-renowned pirate, Captain Jack Sparrow, and a noble pirate-hating blacksmith, Will Turner, who form an unholy alliance in order that Will might save his love interest and Jack might win back his eponymous ship The Black Pearl - which are both being held by Jack's treacherous former first mate, Hector Barbossa. After commandeering a ship from the bungling Royal Navy, Jack and Will recruit a crew and set off in search of Barbossa and his cursed pirate mob. In a classic tale involving pirate codes, disloyalties and mistrust on the high seas, sword fights, black magic, a brief love quadrangle and some wholly impressive special effects (all of which being coupled to an epic score), the protagonists form something of an uneasy yet deeply respectful bond with each other as they strive to achieve their goals and retrieve what is rightfully theirs.



Johnny Depp's portrayal of the charismatic and lovable Jack Sparrow is the true star of the show. He is the linchpin of the entire trilogy and there's no doubt in my mind that the success of the entire franchise is thanks to his tremendous acting. The appreciation that Johnny Depp receives from rabid fangirls these days, and the adulation of Jack Sparrow on the whole are all a result of this tremendous performance. Flamboyant and hilarious, Jack Sparrow - from his legendary entry into Port Royal to his courageous final escape - is a character that cannot be overlooked and has to receive every plaudit. I'm not the biggest fan of either Orlando Bloom or Keira Knightly, but their performances are dwarfed by Depp's acting and as a result, I still enjoyed the film. Hector Barbossa is a worthwhile opponent for Jack, as his evil is so uncomplex and simple that it complements the eccentric - yet inept captain to a tee.

Filled with quirky sidekicks and supporting characters throughout, there are recognisable actors that are more than able to keep the story ticking over during the slower moments of this deceptively long film. When all is said and done, Pirate's will be remembered as a film where memorable characters were seemingly interwoven with glorious special effects in beautiful locations on an adventure that could be enjoyed indiscriminately by family members of all ages.




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Edward Scissorhands review

Posted : 3 weeks, 5 days ago on 8 June 2008 07:38 (A review of Edward Scissorhands)

The character of Edward Scissorhands is permanently ingrained into popular culture as one of the most easily recognisable characters of the big screen. I tend to think that films like this really emphasise what film-making should be all about. In one of his earliest roles, Johnny Depp plays the titular character of Edward Scissorhands, a gentle being created by an ageing, yet brilliant, inventor. Although given the gift of life and being granted lessons in etiquette and manners by his creator, his physical being remains unfinished. Edward has been given frightening shears for hands as a temporary measure while his inventor and guardian applies the finishing touches to his human appendages. In a tragic scene, his new human hands are presented to Edward, though his patriarchal architect dies before he can apply them, eternally condemning the now confused and lonely Edward to a life with terrible knives as hands.

Edward lives alone for a number of years in a mansion so rich in gothic splendour, it could have been the villains house in any Disney fairytale. His lonely and unassuming life is interrupted one day by an intrepid avon saleswoman who ventures into his seemingly abandoned house and is granted an encounter with Edward. Despite initially being appalled by his deadly-looking hands, she eventually overlooks his flaws and adopts him into her home back in the superficial and materialistic village below.



Edward is soon talk of the town. Initially granted a warm reception, he is praised for overcoming the adversity of his disability by the neighbours. His settling in period is fraught with the comical difficulties that you'd expect from someone trying to integrate with deadly blades as hands. Getting dressed, eating and even trying to sleep are daily chores that he struggles with, though soon his dexterity and talents with his scissor hands earn him national acclaim. During the process of becoming a minor celebrity, Edward develops a relationship with the daughter of the avon lady with whom he is staying (Portrayed by Winona Ryder). Immediately captured by his innocence and inherent beauty behind his horrifying visage, the love story is realistic and believable, though it enrages her current boyfriend who vilifies Edward as an ignorant freak.

As Edward's novelty begins to wear off and the general public run out of ways to profit from his talents for their own selfish needs, he gradually turns into a scapegoat and is made a figure of hate amongst the ruthless townsfolk. The movie culminates in Edward being chased back to his mansion by the baying village lynchmob who are desperate for his blood, despite the fact that he is probably the most perfect specimen and greatest force for good in the entire town.

The story mixes fairytale and fantasy, intentional cliché and charm. The innocence of Edward is juxtaposed with all of the tragedy and negative emotion that he experiences in a manner that is often heart-breaking for the viewer. Even the scars on his face give an impression of just how difficult life has been for Edward - a character that deserves nothing but love and compassion. The entire set, mixed with the movie's soundtrack give the impression that all of this i occurring inside a giant snow globe and I think that adds to the romance and magic of the fairytale. It's fair to say that Tim Burton has created a masterpiece, a film that is, in my opinion, timeless. I would definitely disagree that it has lost the magic, I watched it only the other day and was still captured by the tragedy, maybe a lesser man would've even shed a tear! A brilliant story and some remarkable performances from the whole cast.



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Here come the pain!

Posted : 1 month ago on 4 June 2008 03:26 (A review of Carlito's Way)

Carlito's Way is a story that follows the exploits of a former drug runner and convicted criminal who is prematurely released from prison following the revelation that evidence used to incarcerate him was obtained illegally. Despite only serving six years of his thirty year sentence, Carlito (Al Pacino) is a reformed man, and declares to his lawyer and long time friend that from now on, he intends to go straight and lead a law abiding life. His revelation is met with laughter no matter who he tells throughout the film, giving an indication of just how bad his character was before his stint in prison.

It isn't long, however, before his past catches up with him and he is forced - both by his sense of loyalty and family ties - into indulging with nefarious activities once again. His cousin has found work as a drug runner himself and invites Carlito along as back up in a drug deal that quickly turns sour. In the ensuing deal, Carlito ends up firing his way out in a shoot out that leaves his cousin dead. He leaves with the drug money and quickly invests it into a nightclub, once again determined to live a lawful life and in doing so, saving every penny he earns so that he might escape from the streets to a tropical paradise.

His street loyalty keeps him faithful to his increasingly paranoid and self-destructive lawyer, who becomes more troubled, abusive and drug-dependant as the film progresses. Feeling that he owes his free life to the lawyer, he agrees to accompany him on a mission designed to spring a big time criminal out of a prison barge. Carlito ends the film in a desperate attempt to flee the city with his savings along with his long term girlfriend.

Another example of Al Pacino playing a fantastic character. Carlito is a man who instantly commands your respect and your sympathies thanks to his endearing charisma and constant humour. He is extremely convincing as a streetwise former-criminal and you feel that his skills are just an innate talent, simmering under the surface, waiting to bail him out of trouble at any moment - as witnessed in the films climax. The film itself is thoroughly entertaining from start to finish and with Pacino as the linchpin, it's difficult to fault in any way.

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Can't forgeddaboudit!

Posted : 1 month ago on 3 June 2008 06:14 (A review of Donnie Brasco)

The events portrayed in Donnie Brasco are loosely based around the true-story of Special Agent Joe Pistone and his six-year long undercover stint in one of the Mafia families of New York. The film documents the effects of the mission on Pistone's secret family life and his own personal psyche as he develops split loyalties between his FBI obligations and the new acquaintances he develops in the family.

Donnie Brasco - the undercover codename of Pistone, is played by Johnny Depp, who portrays an extremely confident and competent character. His accent and his mannerisms are both accurate and intricate, highlighting the extra depth Depp has added to his character. This is a good example of the power that Johnny Depp has to bring a character to life. However, his was not the best performance in the film. That honour instead must go to Al Pacino with his representation of Benjamin "Lefty Guns" Ruggiero, the ageing Mafioso who takes Donnie under his wing and vouches for his credibility to the family. Lefty is a spurned man who has seen his years of loyal service to the family result in nothing. He feels constantly overlooked and trains Brasco as his protege, turning him into a model 'wiseguy' with the hope that perhaps he can succeed where he himself has failed.

The chemistry between the two actors is superb, and you really feel that they are both good guys. You sympathise with Lefty and you root for both men to survive, knowing that the genuine friendship that has built between them will ultimately come to a destructive and treacherous end thanks to their occupations. It's nothing new for gangster film to accentuate the intense claustrophobia that comes with being a mafioso - the devaluation of human life and fragile loyalties make it seem like any false move will result in your death - but this film has you genuinely rooting for people on both sides of the coin. The charisma of both lead characters really wears off on you, though you are kept on your toes thanks to Donnie's undercover status. In all, Donnie Brasco is a fascinating film based on a remarkable story. It's not just another gangster film and it seems to be very underrated.

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Mis-steak!

Posted : 1 month ago on 29 May 2008 10:00 (A review of Delicatessen)

This film was a huge disappointment for me. I tend to go into every film with an open mind, but I approached this one almost certain that I'd enjoy it. However, there were numerous times throughout that I just felt like turning it straight off. I just couldn't wait for the film to end.

Vague and confusing throughout, I picked up most of the plot from the synopsis on the back of the DVD case. Set after an unspecified apocalyptic event, an isolated butcher's shop houses a handful of quirky tenants who are desperate for meat. The butcher appeases his building by regularly advertising for a handy man in the paper and then killing and cannibalising whatever unfortunate soul is unlucky enough to take up the job. This time, however, it's different, as a former circus performer accepts the job and starts an unconvincing love story with the butchers daughter. Billed as a comedy, most of the humorous moments in the film are generated by this character, who often finds himself carrying out daily chores in an unorthodox manner, or wowing the neighbours with uncouth displays of heroism. Its enough to raise a smirk in places, but nothing more.

There are two utterly pointless sequences in the film that seem to be included just to infuriate the viewer; one follows the butcher making love to his wife and the other shows the handyman fixing the bed. All very drab - they were the kind of scenes that an unqualified film student would come up with on his first day in the job, things that should definitely have been ironed out by professionals. In fact, I did start to wonder if the huge mistakes were being left in on purpose - such howlers such as light streaming in through the windows of the building when it was supposed to be night time were just one of many unprofessional flaws that left me feeling robbed of my time and money.

The inclusion of a bunch of useless idiots who live underground was just another excuse to clutch at some comic relief straws, and as such their point in the story is utterly non-existent. They become nuisance characters. The film springs to life towards the final scenes with an ending that is so hastily constructed that they might as well just have flashed "We didn't know how to finish it." on the screen. After each neighbour condemned the butchers ways and each considered leaving or not partaking in the cannibalistic practice, they all turn into a bunch of blood thirsty henchmen for the butcher as he desperately tries to capture the circus clown. At the end of the film, I didn't care who lived or who died, because not a single character had built a persona that I could even identify, let alone sympathise with. The film is then topped off with a finale that resolves absolutely nothing.

In all, a highly unspectacular film that I would find it difficult to recommend to anybody.

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He lives!

Posted : 1 month, 3 weeks ago on 11 May 2008 08:09 (A review of They Live)

They Live is another cult favourite from sci-fi supremo John Carpenter. Based on the short story Eight O’Clock in the Morning by Ray Nelson, They Live follows a homeless labourer who has drifted into Los Angeles in the search for work.

Set in a future where the divide between the rich and the poor is exacerbating at an extraordinary rate, unemployment and homelessness are common place. Finding temporary residence in a shanty town he soon stumbles on some seedy goings on in the local church who are scheming under the façade of a soup kitchen.

Before the protagonist has a chance to investigate, the church is raided by the brutal police force who soon turn their attentions to the rest of the shanty town settlement, bulldozing everything in their path.

It is not long before he finds out what all the fuss is about with a pair of sunglasses which have the extraordinary ability to reveal the chilling subliminal messages which litter every advertisement and packaging label in the city. More importantly, the sunglasses give the wearer the ability to witness a horrific alien race who have seemingly integrated secretly into human society.

It is not long before the previously calm and optimistic construction worker turns renegade in a bid to oust this vile scum from his planet! Cue some extremely memorable lines and a series of wild encounters with the totalitarian police force and various haphazard security forces and you have a thoroughly entertaining 80's action film that never fails to deliver.

John Carpenter, what a legend!

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Just the facts ma'am.

Posted : 2 months, 1 week ago on 25 April 2008 07:18 (A review of Dragnet)

A classic comedy and crime caper starring Tom Hanks and Dan Aykroyd as a pioneering dysfunctional cop partnership. Relatively unheard of as far as I'm aware, this film was brought to my attention by a friend of mine who had obviously only bought it because of the cast listing, but I'm glad he did.

The extremely articulate and precise Joe Friday is a cop who does everything by the book. Upon arriving at work one day he is unwittingly assigned to partner the increasingly unconventional Pep Streebeck, a wise-cracking ruffian who is perhaps the loosest cannon on the ship. together they are charged to break open a religious cult who are terrorising the city.

Obviously, the partnership is doomed to succeed comically, but fail professionally and they're the best type of partnership. Eventually the duo come to realise and respect each others faults and manage to blow the case right open. I thoroughly enjoyed this film, from its great soundtrack through the hilarious partnership and right down to the final scenes in which Joe Friday managed to pull over a commercial airliner using his standard issue LAPD harrier jump jet. Classic stuff.

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The Green Mile review

Posted : 2 months, 1 week ago on 25 April 2008 06:32 (A review of The Green Mile)

I'd always appreciated Tom Hanks as an actor, but this was the first film that I remember seeing that made me appreciate what a phenomenal talent he really is. It's a slow-burning story regarding the relationship between a group of prison guards and the inmates contained on death-row.

Based on a book of the same name by Stephen King, the film focuses on the arrival of a convicted 8ft tall African-American inmate at 'The Mile' who has been sentenced to death. Rather than fulfilling a ferocious stereotype, he instantly displays himself a gentle giant who is over-emotional and even afraid of the dark.

Hank's warden character builds an emotional rapport with the inmate, but is soon amazed by the otherworldly healing powers that he possesses. Coffee, played by Michael Clarke Duncan, seemingly has the ability to absorb ailments and illnesses out of a person, leaving them completely cured and during the film manages to bring a mouse back to life and cure Hanks of his Urinary Tract Infection. At one point, they smuggle the prisoner out of the jail at the expense of a sadistic new warden and take him to the terminally ill wife of their boss. Again he demonstrates his healing powers and cures her, before being transported back to jail to await execution. The final scenes in the prison are extremely emotional and Hanks conveys the kind of emotional range that highlights his superb abilities as an actor.

The story is told retroactively in the form of a flashback from Hank's character who, decades into the future, is still alive and well - an occurrence he attributes to the extraordinary healing powers of John Coffee that he encountered all those years ago. The film concludes with him proving the details of his story by producing the mouse that Coffee also bought back to life, before dwelling on the fact that although he has lived a healthy and long life, he has had to watch everyone around him die - something he describes as a 'punishment from God for killing one of his angels'. The ultimate conclusion reinforces this observation, when the woman he was telling the story to also passes. Totally tragic stuff, a real tear-jerker!

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Pulp Hits review

Posted : 2 months, 1 week ago on 25 April 2008 05:55 (A review of Pulp Hits)

This album will do nicely in anyone's collection. There was a lot of column inches dedicated to the banal rivalry between Blur and Oasis during the late 90's with their own brands of inane 'Brit-Pop', but for me, Pulp always had the edge with this genre. Sure, Oasis and Blur produced one-off albums that were filled with highly enjoyable pop-tracks, but Pulp had more of a longevity about them. You may also notice that they have since retired gracefully, rather than drag out their smidgeon of musical talent over an entire decade.

Furthermore, Pulp weren't relying on some media-orchestrated hate frenzy between one band and their rivals to sell records. Having said all of this, I only gave this album a generous 6 out of 10, which probably speaks volumes about what I think of the Brit-pop era in general.

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