**Rerun's Movie Reviews**

[MooseMom]

I agree, Chris. I can't understand why they are producing a new "True Grit". The original was a classic. I hear, though, Jeff Bridges is great in the new one.

Oh Galvo, the new one is brilliant.  The use of language is wonderful, and the actress who plays Maddie (Mattie?) is so much better than Kim Darby in the original one.  As a matter of fact, John Wayne really didn't like Kim Darby's performance at all.  Really, this version is truer to the spirit of the book...it is very good.  Not to take away anything from John Wayne's version...

[galvo]

Not released here yet. I'll have a look when it is.

[Chris]

Watched the A-Team and didn't think to highly of it. Storyline seemed jittery at points, so The Losers was a better film between the two with similar storyline backgrounds of being blamed for something they didn't do.
 
I have iRobot to watch next (never seen it)

[galvo]

I went to see "The Kings Speech" yesterday and was very impressed. An unusual, allegedly-true, beautiful story with great acting. And not a car chase in sight.

[Poppylicious]

We saw The Green Hornet today. I wasn't expecting to like it very much, but I thought it was brilliant and lovely and funny, all tied up together with a big (green) bow.  It was a good way to forget the trials and tribulations of the outside world for a couple of hours. And Kato was yummy eye-candy.

 

[Rerun]

Hachiko (2009)  4 stars  * * * *  tearjerker

When his master, Parker (Richard Gere), dies, a loyal pooch named Hachiko keeps a regular vigil -- for more than a decade -- at the train station where he once greeted the man every day in director Lasse Hallström's touching drama based on a true story. Hachiko's faithful routine teaches the station's patrons about true love and commitment. Joan Allen stars as Parker's wife; Sarah Roemer, Jason Alexander and Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa co-star.

[cariad]

I pretty much was done with Tim Burton around the time he "reimagined" Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.  I never actually saw his version, but I read an article where he was quoted as being "not a fan" of the original.  Then I heard he turned Willy Wonka into a pedophile.

 

Yes, Johnny Depp's Wonka was one of the few of his roles I truly disliked. Creepy with a capital C! I've not read the Roald Dahl original, but was told that Tim Burton's was truer to the book. Sorry, I'll keep the Gene Wilder version in my head, thanks!

OK, and I did come on here to actually review a few films as well. Rabbit-Proof Fence was amaaaazing. All except Kenneth Branaugh (sp?), who was OK, but his Australian was rather Englishy. I'm not a huge fan of his - guess I'm siding with Emma through the split. It's about a sad chapter in Australia's history in which A.O. Neville - some official or other, sorry, don't know my Down-Under history at all - was assigned the legal right and actually the duty to take Aboriginals away from their homes and 'civilize them' I guess Huck Finn would say. This is the true story of 3 young girls caught in that system. It's on instant-view via NetFlix. Watch it!

We rewatched The Curse of the Jade Scorpion because I was in the mood for something light and silly and while both Gwyn and I have seen it, we did not remember a single thing about it. Cute and clever, though it took us 3 nights to watch it because I kept falling asleep. (Not commentary on the film, we've been busy and I'm exhausted.) Anyhow, it's a Woody Allen and it involves an insurance security investigator (something like that), an efficiency specialist and a hypnotist. Not a laugh aloud hilarious pic, but entertaining.

[Rerun]

Snow Buddies (2008)  5 stars *****

Dylan Sprouse, Jim Belushi and Kris Kristofferson lend their voices to this family-friendly tale about a feisty pack of golden retriever puppies that embarks on an Alaskan adventure, braving snow and ice along the way. When they find themselves stranded in the northern wilderness, the canine offspring of famed sports star Air Bud team up with an experienced sled dog and a husky pup, who teach them the importance of working together.

Not sad.  Heart Warming.


Bandits (2001)  4 stars ****

Two bank robbers, charming Joseph (Bruce Willis) and neurotic Terry (Billy Bob Thornton), battle over the affections of Kate (Cate Blanchett), a housewife they kidnapped before one of their big heists in this quirky love triangle from director Barry Levinson. Gaining notoriety as the "Sleepover Bandits," the partners then force a reality TV show host to cover their 15 minutes of fame while they go on a crime spree -- Kate in tow.

[Poppylicious]

We saw Hereafter yesterday.  It was okay, nowt special.  The story lacked a certain something in some places, but it was 'nice' and I did love the little kid (although his acting wasn't particularly good.)  Matt Damon is growing on me (which is good because he seems to be in lots of upcoming films.)  The most surprising aspect of seeing the film was the eleven year old who stated in a very non-sarcastic and genuine way, 'I really liked that film!' as he got up.  It's not the sort of film I would have expected a youngster to like; it may have helped that I had to tell off his mate who kept talking - perhaps if he'd been allowed to chat he wouldn't have enjoyed it half as much.

 

[Rerun]

Living Proof (2008)  4 stars  ****

Based on a true story, this biopic follows medical researcher Dr. Dennis Slamon's (Harry Connick Jr.) tireless efforts to win FDA approval for Herceptin, now recognized as an important weapon against breast cancer. Convinced his experimental medication is the key to treating the deadly disease, he first must contend with skeptical backers, critically ill patients and the complicated trial process to prove the drug can save lives.

This shows how ridiculous drug companies are and how all they think about is money.  A real eye opener.   

[cariad]

Stranger then Fiction
Clever, but not a laugh aloud comedy. I enjoyed it as a story though. It's about a man (Will Ferrel) who wakes up to find that his life is being narrated by a voice that only he can hear. Anything more would spoil the plot.

Ghost Town
I enjoyed it, and I did actually giggle a time or two at that one. I loved the female doctor at the beginning because it was a fresh take on hospital scenes. She is barely in it though. I should think you would need to at least be able to tolerate Ricky Gervais in order to enjoy this film. The script does make the most of his ability to convincingly play a complete bastard.

[Chris]

Stranger then Fiction
Clever, but not a laugh aloud comedy. I enjoyed it as a story though. It's about a man (Will Ferrel) who wakes up to find that his life is being narrated by a voice that only he can hear. Anything more would spoil the plot.

Ghost Town
I enjoyed it, and I did actually giggle a time or two at that one. I loved the female doctor at the beginning because it was a fresh take on hospital scenes. She is barely in it though. I should think you would need to at least be able to tolerate Ricky Gervais in order to enjoy this film. The script does make the most of his ability to convincingly play a complete bastard.

Forgot about that Will Ferrell movie, never saw it. I kind of remember the proomos. I'll have to go to an actual video store to see if they have it.
 
Ghost Town, is that the one where Ricky plays a dentist who has to help people make closure, but has trouble with Greg Kinear?

[MooseMom]

I've seen several movies recently worth mentioning.

Skin is a true story about Sandra Lainge, a true story about a girl born in South Africa during apartheid.  She appears to be coloured while her parents are both white.  It is determined that this is the result of a genetic "throwback"; indeed, her older brother and her newly born younger brother both have similar coloured characteristics.  I knew the story but wanted to see how it was treated in the cinema, and while it was very moving and well done, it was too painful to watch and I didn't finish it.  I usually force myself through difficult things, and this is the first time I'd ever quit anything because it was just too hard.  It is well worth watching, though, if you can stomach the cruelty this girl had to live through.

Animal Kingdom is about a criminal family in Melbourne, led by a mother who is the surprise character of the film.  She is played by Jacki Weaver who I gather is an institution in Oz.  She was phenomenal, and I'd love to see her win Best Supporting Actress.  Also in the movie was Guy Pearce...I remember him from "Neighbours"!  I laugh whenever I see him (and Jesse Spencer, too, in "House").

If you liked Das Boot (which happens to be my favourite movie of all time), you might like Lebanon which is advertised as Das Boot with tanks.  It was written and directed by an Israeli solder who fought in Lebanon.  It doesn't have a plot, per se, but it is very good at depicting the terror of soldiers who really aren't made for war.

[Chris]

MooseMom,
Are you referring to the modern day version of Das Boot, or the original version? I think I prefer the original version compared to the Hollywood overblown one.

[MooseMom]

MooseMom,
Are you referring to the modern day version of Das Boot, or the original version? I think I prefer the original version compared to the Hollywood overblown one.

I didn't know there was a Hollywood version.  The first time I saw it, it must have been 1982 or thereabouts.  I saw it in the cinema, and I think it was a feature length film.  The next time I saw it, it was shown on the BBC in its entirely as a 6 hour miniseries for lack of a better term, but it was with the same cast, etc as the first version I saw.  Can you tell me more about the "Hollywood" version?  Is it with a different cast or something?  (I recall having a major crush on Jurgen Prochnow.)

[Chris]

I will look it up MooseMom, the original Das Boat I saw was in German and was in subtitles. If I remember correctly the newer version had Rutger Hauer or Hawward (can't remember last name spelling, just his face)

[MooseMom]

I will look it up MooseMom, the original Das Boat I saw was in German and was in subtitles. If I remember correctly the newer version had Rutger Hauer or Hawward (can't remember last name spelling, just his face)

Ewww...No, I haven't seen the one with Rutger Hauer; I've just seen the original.

[Poppylicious]

Ghost Town
I should think you would need to at least be able to tolerate Ricky Gervais in order to enjoy this film.

Oh, I don't know.  I can't stand the bloke and I managed to sit through - and quite enjoy - the entire film (which did surprise me.)

 

We saw Paul last week.  It was brilliant and funny and made me want to visit small-town, off the beaten tracks, non-touristy America.  Go see!

[Poppylicious]

Saw The Adjustment Bureau today.  Thoroughly enjoyable, but then I'm a big fan of the idea of fate.  The ending confused me (understandable; I'm often confuzzled) but it maybe just because I tend to think too much.

 

[kristina]

MooseMom,
Are you referring to the modern day version of Das Boot, or the original version? I think I prefer the original version compared to the Hollywood overblown one.

“The Boat” (Das Boot, with Juergen Prochnow) was written & directed by Wolfgang Petersen in 1981,
is an adaption of the 1973 novel “Das Boot” by Guenther Rohrbach,
& is meant to document a “journey to the end of the mind”, very claustrophobic and very scary.

 I did not know there was a modern-day-version of “Das Boot” ?

[MooseMom]

Yes, Kristina...that's the one I saw.

Poppy, you saw Paul?  I can't wait to see that!!  It won't be out here for another week or so, but we've been seeing adverts for it for a while.  Did you ever see Hot Fuzz?  And Shawn of the Dead?  I love those kinds of flicks.

Right now, we're watching Blood Diamond on Netflix.  I am not a fan of violence in film, but I understand it's place.  But this film is so brutal, and while it is a very good film, I can't say that I am enjoying it.  I usually FORCE myself watch such things (like United 93) because to be too much of a weenie not to watch it strikes me as somehow dishonorable.  If those people on that airplane were brave enough to do what they did, surely I can be brave enough to watch a movie about it.  But as I get older and closer to dialysis, I feel trauma more acutely, and I don't know if I will be able to finish this particular film.

[Poppylicious]

Poppy, you saw Paul?  I can't wait to see that!!  It won't be out here for another week or so, but we've been seeing adverts for it for a while.  Did you ever see Hot Fuzz?  And Shawn of the Dead?  I love those kinds of flicks.

Oh yes, gotta ♥ me some Brit-Flick-Com! < I am fully aware that doesn't make sense, and no, I have no idea what I was going for.   

Oooh, did we get Paul first?  How super!  Usually we're behind you fine folk across the pond.

[Rerun]

The Wool Cap (2004)   4 stars  ****

This television movie, a remake of the 1962 Jackie Gleason film Gigot, stars William H. Macy as Charles Gigot, the mute superintendent of a run-down apartment building who solemnly goes about his daily work. But his life changes when a woman leaves her daughter, Lou (Keke Palmer), with him, asking him to look after her. When it appears that Lou has been abandoned, Gigot reluctantly becomes her guardian and the two soon form an unusual bond.

[Poppylicious]

Last night we went and saw Battle: Los Angeles. 

Yikes!  It was just an amalgamation of every other sci-fi alien film/show that has ever been made.  It was far longer than it needed to be and I cared so little for the characters that I was cheering on the aliens and just wanted everyone to die quickly so that I could go home.  It was nearly as bad as Skyline (which would have been good if it weren't for the dire ending.)

Of course, somebody else might love it to pieces.  But I hope not.

 

[YLGuy]

oh man. I was going to take my kids to see it this weekend.