Jun
23
07
Official Movie Website.
Internet Movie Database link.
There’s no easy way to say it, but it’s true: the magic of the first two movies is over. This film takes us back to the pre-X-men days of mediocre comic-book movies.
The worst is the mishandling of Peter’s fall into the “dark side”, caused in equal parts by his growing conceit and arrogance, and by a dark symbiote substance from space. Well, apparently, the most visible consequence of embracing darkness is a tendency to act like a complete moron on the streets. Rather underwhelming.
Avoid this film and cherish your memories about the first two instead.
Rating: Avoid.
Filed under Avoid, S, Action, Comics.
Apr
26
07
Official movie website.
Internet Movie Database link.
I almost gave this film a Good rating; however, I decided my general disappointment merited the lowest rating despite the film’s (few) redeeming qualities.
Three main reasons for my dissatisfaction: a) a glacial pace of development; b) unconvincing, uninspired acting by all involved; and c) a never-ending, boring, tired stream of clichés. This last point can hardly be overstated. I had never rolled my eyes so many times during a film before.
Redeeming qualities: beautiful locale, and some decent cinematography.
Rating: Avoid.
Filed under Avoid, G, Romance, Drama.
Dec
27
06
Official movie website.
Internet Movie Database link.
The creators of this film subscribe to the following views:
- Dialog is not necessary. It can be adequately substituted by long takes of the actors looking intently at each other.
- Moviegoers enjoy looking at static scenes of trees or rivers, so they should appear often and last for 20 to 30 seconds.
- A good film is not required to convey a sense of place, or time flow, or continuity. It is OK for the heroine to be taken hostage, only to join the hero again (many kilometers away) in the next scene.
- No film can ever be too long.
Rating: Avoid.
Filed under Avoid, N, Romance, Drama.
Oct
22
06
Internet Movie Database link.
Official movie site.
The setting is the near future, and a conflict between virus-infected, mutant vampire super-soldiers and the totalitarian human government is raging. Violet, a mutant, is set to save a child and, with it, her humanity.
This film’s true protagonist is Milla Jovovich’s bare midriff, with her lips and eyes as secondary characters. Besides that, there’s not much more on offer: a simplistic yet unintelligible script, remarkably bad acting, and special effects that are an embarrassment to the XXIst century. Some fight scenes are halfway decent, though I’m still wondering why futuristic soldiers would use glass armor.
Rating: Avoid.
Filed under Avoid, U, Science Fiction.
Aug
15
06
Internet Movie Database link.
Official movie website.
A big disappointment. I was all set for an entertaining two hours of crime, action, and chases. What I got for my money was a boring, predictable movie.
A good half of the film is devoted to Farrell and Gong making out. There’s never any real teamwork by Farrell and Foxx. The plot is unimaginative and predictable. It is too long by at least 20 minutes. Some scenes are too violent and gory, in stark (and disturbing) contrast with the tameness of the rest of the film — I overheard several people complain about this. It’s just not worth it.
Rating: Avoid.
Filed under Avoid, M, Action.
Nov
24
05
Internet Movie Data Base link.
Official movie website.
A story of life in a small village in the French countryside during World War II under the collaborationist regime, this movie is so stiff you won’t break it with a battleaxe.
Cate Blanchett makes an honest effort but her acting alone can’t save this wreck. The writing lacks any imagination and follows strictly predictable and conventional paths. What sinks this movie, though, is that it doesn’t take any risks, doesn’t really makes an effort to provoke any kind of feeling in the spectator. This movie comes straight from a first-year cinema school manual.
Rating: Avoid.
Filed under Avoid, C, Drama.
Nov
22
05
Internet Movie Data Base link.
Official movie website.
One of the worst handlings of pace and timing I’ve ever seen. Months and kilometers can go by without a hint.
The director being Indian hardly seems a reason to sprinkle the film with Indian references. A heavyweight anti-heroine in the novel, Becky Sharp is no more than a shallow character asking men to feed her. Boring, sparkless, unsatisfying.
Rating: Avoid.
Filed under Avoid, V, Drama.
