Reviews
From Dusk Till Dawn (1996)
A modern day classic
Some people may be shocked to think that this would be considered a modern day classic, but it is. This film is fantastic.
The premise sees Clooney and Tarantino as brothers in crime who escape jail and are trying to cross the boarder. When they stop at a bar to meet some friends.......
I will not give away the plot twist, the sayings or the ending that all make this film great. Let me just say that it contains some kick ass direction, is scripted to perfection and has some of the coolest fight sequences this side of The Rock (1996).
SEE IT NOW
Army of Darkness (1992)
Very Cool, I want some sugar baby!
This film is really more of a straight out comedy then the other two Evil Dead films, and it is the better for it.
The Director has managed to bring the trilogy round from horror to comedy very well, and this film contains some classic moments and quotes of outright weridness (My personal fave remains the "this...is...my...boomstick!!") Fans of the first two should enjoy this, and Bruce is very good in it, playing everything just right.
And now to the ending. I live in England so I have seen the international ending which is quite downbeat, and fits into the film nicely. However, the video release of the film contains the other shop ending at the end, which I have not seen. I have to say, I believe the more downbeat ending would be a fitting climax to Ash, considering the early events of last two films, but you shall have to see for yourself.
Watch it, but like Evil Dead two, a few drinks wouldn't hurt.
Fight Club (1999)
Violent, Funny, Sad, action packed, a great film!
Fight Club is an incredible film which, along with Se7en and The Game, propels David Fincher into my fave directors list.
This is a fantastic satire on modern life and living, which succeeds through great acting, a great script and, as already mentioned, good direction.
The movie flies along with twists and turns that keep the interest alive, while managing to ask questions about society, as it provides us with fight sequences to keep eye candy people (or yobs) happy. So everybody wins.
Watch it, it is excellent, without doubt one of the finest films of 1999.
Evil Dead II (1987)
A true Horror fan's film.
I recently re-visited the Evil Dead Trilogy over Christmas. This is a good movie if you are a horror fan. The Gore effects are cool and there are many "classic" sequences such as the famous scene involving a chainsaw and Ash's hand.
A remake of the original, this is one of those rare films that is able to be both a horror film and a dark comedy as well. Unlike Peter Jackson's excellent "Braindead" and "Bad taste" though, this film uses slightly more subtle methods to bring across its underlying themes.
All in all, this is good fun. Its not the classic that many horror fans would tell you it is, but have a few drinks and you'll love it.
The Rock (1996)
One of the greatest actions films ever made.
I won't say there is is just one word to describe this movie, there is several, and there are all positive. This is fantastic. The direction from Michael Bay is new and classy (although really MTV influenced) and the actors carry the film. Standout performances come from Michael Biehn and Ed Harris, but just about everyone who has a line in the film is cast perfectly. The action itself is excellent. It just hangs on the line between being stupid and exciting. Again, through the direction and pacing, the fight sequences are vastly improved.
If you have not seen this, you have not lived.
Night of the Living Dead (1968)
Watch it in the dark on your own....great.
I first saw this film about 3 or 4 years ago on channel 4 when I was channel hopping. This is great. Not really scary, due to some poor effects, but the central idea is good and the actors hold it together, along with some decent music.
Worth watching either on your own or with friends for a laugh. The ending is excellent, and is probably the only part of the film that has the power to shock. This film manages to take the zombie genre and use it to address (what was then) modern day issues such as racism and greed. Catch it if you can.
The One That Got Away (1996)
Worth Watching.
I really liked this drama production (or TV movie, whatever). This captured the feeling of the book while adding its own dramatic interpretations as to these events. A lot of people have the preconception that the SAS or any other of the armed forces are always right, but this really opened my eyes as to how mistakes are made.
In light of other remake of the Bravo Two Zero events, "Brave Two Zero" with Sean Bean, I believe this to be the better film. The music is really great, and manages to keep our attention when nothing really interesting is happening.
A good cast, watchable action sequences, and the always good Paul McGann earn this film a decent grade.
Curse of the Blair Witch (1999)
A real showcase for the uses of planned hype.
I was forced to tape this mock-documentary on Sky 1 and watch it later as it aired before the movie was released! I think that this is really best watched after "The Blair Witch Project", you need to see that film fresh.
The music is great, just the kind of thing we are given only at the very beginning and end of the film itself.
(WARNING SPOILER)
The "interviewees", who are actually actors, do well, not to mention the fact that they are so much more believable by the fact that the they, along with the three missing film students, are credited as real people.
(END SPOILER)
We are given an interesting insight into the story of the Blair Witch, complete with relating clips to the movie itself. While some might argue that this will destroy the power of your imagination making up the films background, I disagree. The directors write nothing in stone, and leave the door very much open for your own interpretation.
This program really is a testament to the hype machine of the blair witch project, and in the hands of the same directors, it manages to be almost as scary. Almost.
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993)
Not only the greatest portrayal of The Dark Knight, but one of the best films of all time.
There is no doubt in my mind that this film is how Batman should be. Other feature films may come and go, but this, along with the animated series, will always be the true essence of Gothams true crusader.
I simply cannot find fault with this film. It honestly manages to appeal to both adults and children by having great fight sequences, and genuine emotion pushing through by the best voice actors I have ever heard. Mark Hamill is incredible as the joker, and Kevin Conroy IS Batman, why he not in the live action films in beyond belief. The rest of the cast are very, very good and Shirley Walker's excellent score really boosts the film. We are also treated to some good CGI, so many classic sequences that I can't count (the rooftop fight/chase is amazing), a fantastic climax, and a plot that welcomes newcomers while still delivering everything the fans could hope for and more.
I implore you, I beg you, see this film.
The Blair Witch Project (1999)
Without a doubt, the most original film of the decade
I recently just went to see this film for the second time, and I was still shocked by it. The films greatest power is that it draws you in on a deep level, which cannot be avoided. The fist time I saw this, I was laughing through most of it, until the end, which is the most scary climax I think I have ever seen on film. This film is a gift to movie watchers everywhere, as it encourages you to use your imagination in a world filled with CGI filled eye candy. To put it simply, your enjoyment of this film will very much depend on your imagination. This film gives you the paper and brush, and you want to draw a picture.
GoldenEye (1995)
My favourite Bond film
From reading many other reviews, I have noticed how it is generally considered that this was a bad Bond movie, and certainly the worst of the Brosnan films. Having now seen the The World Is Not Enough, I feel the need to argue this point. This was the first Bond movie that I saw at the cinema, and I loved it. I consider myself a Bond fan, but when I first began to go to the movies by myself (between say 1990 and 1995), no Bond films came into the cinema and so I watched the TV movies. These would be shown in random order, so I never had one man as Bond imprinted in my mind. The reality is, Bond has to move with the times, and this film made him do that. Wheather the fans want it to or not, the series has to change, and I think this film does that job greatly, as well as giving us a terrific action film in the process. Watch this, and the excellant Tomorrow Never Dies, but be careful of The World is not enough.
Eyes Wide Shut (1999)
A worthly last Film for Stanley Kubrick
I saw this movie with my friend, on the 27th September 1999, several weeks after the premiere. It was fantastic. The acting, enhanced by Kubrick's usual tight direction is superb and the music, whilist very simplistic, does a wonderful job. My friend believes this to be the greatest film of the year so far. I would only go as far as second (Existanz) but I would empore any fan of movies to watch it and for Stanley Kubrick lovers this is a total must.